To get a sense of where the Houston music scene is at, look to the smaller venues.
For every large- to mid-sized Bayou City performance space like the Toyota Center, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 713 Music Hall, and White Oak Music Hall that hosts thousands of attendees, there are numerous other performance spaces that spotlight a variety of musical genres reflecting the varied tastes of the city.
The extreme costs of big concert tickets mean it’s the perfect time to rediscover what’s happening at local establishments that feature plenty of homegrown talent and touring acts trying to make a name for themselves. Neighborhoods across the metro area are home to vibrant and welcoming spaces for musicians to ply their trade. Operated by those with a true passion for putting on shows, these places are an authentic way to experience the latest sounds.
While not a complete list, these are some of the venues that are worth your attention if you’re a diehard local music fan or you're simply looking for a fun, affordable night out.
Axelrad Beer Garden
The long-standing Axelrad has been a popular Midtown hangout spot for years, and for good reason, beloved for its wide-open outdoor space with plenty of places to lounge, a huge selection of craft beer, and rotating food trucks. It has also been a champion of live music, evidenced by its socially distanced rooftop concerts during the pandemic. Touring acts and DJs are booked regularly, every Tuesday offers an open mic night in its upstairs space, Wednesdays feature live jazz, Fridays bring Cumbia and Tejano nights, and honky-tonk nights are about to kick off every third Saturday in July. 1517 Alabama Street.
"Axelrad has strived to bring community together, and that sentiment expanded into a fully curated free music program since it opening its doors," Wonky Power co-founder Mario Rodriguez tells CultureMap. "Axelrad's collaboration with our production company has bloomed into a diverse music series that has remained free for all concert lovers that like to relax on a hammock or dance all night. From nurturing local talent and spotlighting hidden gems across the region, we're dedicated to amplifying voices that deserve more recognition."
Dan Electro’s
A Heights institution, Dan Electro’s has been going five decades strong with a schedule that rotates honky-tonk, blues, rock, Tejano, and folk music. Tuesday nights feature a weekly, no cover jam with Shawn Allen that dates to the early days of the club. Now run by the team behind Houston-based Splice Records, they are injecting new life into a beloved space. 1031 E 24th Street.
“We just want to come in and match its ambition and preserve the magic Dan’s has provided in the past by keeping some of the old traditions alive while creating some new ones,” Shaun Brennan, manager and talent buyer tells CultureMap. “I think it’s important to blend the old and new Dan’s on the monthly calendar. Our goal is to make the stage and the club home base for local and regional acts looking to perform on a stage that has withstood the times.”
Dosey Doe - The Big Barn
As Texas as it gets, The Big Barn at Dosey Doe, located in north Houston is one of the more unusual live music experiences in the city. Dinner is often part of the price of a ticket, and it is also home to strong concert bills featuring local acts and national touring bands. Upcoming shows include Austin singer-songwriter Bob Schneider, country artist Cody Joe Hodges, and the Houston Jazz Orchestra. 25911 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX.
Echoes
Don’t let its location on the second floor above a car wash fool you. The chic Montrose venue Echoes explores all types of music from around the world, rock and soul, R&B to jazz, funk, and disco. Throughout the week, they have different types of live jazz, followed by a DJ that complements that night’s theme. There's plenty of natural lighting and a large, covered patio with accordion windows open to make it a relaxed open-air venue. 900 Richmond Avenue, Ste A.
“We are dedicated to exploring all types of music to provide an eclectic music program which is curated by friends in our local community, featuring many talented local musicians and DJs,” says Georgeos Kazilas, owner, manager, and curator of Echoes. “Not only do we strive to provide good music celebrating cultures from around the world, but we also serve quality drinks and food from our family run bar and restaurant, which features drinks and dishes inspired by our Greek and Mexican heritage.”
Eighteen Ten Ojeman
Located in Spring Branch, Eighteen Ten Ojeman is an artist-led venue opened in 2017 that plays host to a smorgasbord of bands, including alternative, metal, punk, rock, jazz, and more. The club got its start by root artists Saskia Stephens and Alex Erhardt, and their eclecticism shows in their programming, including regular open mic nights. May 31 sees an album release party by Static Slums alongside Los Kalaveras, Post Street, and Something Else. 1810 Ojeman Road.
Goode Company Armadillo Palace
As its website sites, it’s “where Houston heads for longnecks and two steps.” Goode Company Armadillo Palace is designed for the urban cowboy that loves barbecue and honky-tonk music, an authentic Texas dance hall in the heart of the city. The West University hot spot features three stages, grilled meats, and cold beer – in other words, it's a cowpoke heaven. Tyler Haverson, Dale Watson, and Rich O’Toole are on the upcoming concert schedule. 5015 Kirby Drive.
Home Run Dugout
The family-friendly Katy entertainment destination Home Run Dugout – think of a baseball-oriented TopGolf – also doubles as a concert venue and has previously hosted acts such as Slim Thug, Eli Young Band, and That Mexican OT. It has a pleasantly surprising summer slate ahead, including country group The Marshall Tucker Band, country singer Wade Bowen, and an emo-rock night with Hawthorne Heights and Thursday. 1220 Grand W Boulevard, Katy.
Last Concert Amphitheater
The long-running venue located in the Warehouse District, Last Concert Amphitheater hosts a mix of shows, not regulated to a particular sound. It’s known for its laid-back party vibes, nestled in a historical site, having been around for 75 years. It hosts rock, folk, pop, roots, soul, and country artists with YouTuber TX2, K-Pop act NSB, Strawberry Guy, and GSoul are on tap for upcoming dates. 1403 Nance Street.
Lightnin’s Good Times
Agricole Hospitality is mostly known for its delicious food and bar concepts (Coltivare, Eight Row Flint, EZ's Liquor Lounge), but they’ve delved into music programming with Lightnin’s Good Times in EaDo, featuring sets by country, Americana, blues and singer-songwriter acts from Tuesday through Thursday and DJs on the weekend, booked by local musician Avery Davis. 1201 St Emanuel Street.
“It’s got a great nostalgic vibe with classic dive/honky-tonk decor, pinball, pool tables, a photo booth, darts, and a great bar where you can even order bites from next door at Vinny’s,” Davis says.
McGonigel’s Mucky Duck
From good eats to great singer-songwriter shows, McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Upper Kirby is a favorite among musicians for its intimate setting. It’s a required stop for any Texas musician making the circuit, but it’s made even better by its pub grub. Upcoming shows include The Voice semi-finalist and HSVPA grad, Sarah Grace, local blues artist Hamilton Loomis, and Mississippi songwriter Charlie Mars. 2425 Norfolk Street.
Notsuoh
Dive/art bar Notsuoh – Houston spelled backwards – has been around since 1996 and is a vital part of the downtown Main Street scene that has seen a post-pandemic resurgence. Its unique interior hides many miscellaneous curiosities, which makes a trip worth it, regardless of who’s playing. But for those who like the avant garde and underground sounds, Notsuoh is the place to be. 314 Main Street.
The Bronze Peacock
While the downtown House of Blues is one of the more successful venues in town, its sister bar The Bronze Peacock features bands not quite ready for the big stage, but well on their way. For instance, lucky fans got to see buzzy Canadian rock act Beaches last year, and now they are selling out large-scale amphitheaters back home. Pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and burlesque are on the concert menu at the gorgeously designed space, with Charlotte Day Wilson, Concrete Boys, and Cults coming up. 1204 Caroline Street.
The Continental Club and Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge
An anchor of the Mid Main block, The Continental and its sister venue, Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge, weathered numerous changes around its Main Street location over the years, but its history in the local scene makes it a Houston landmark. In fact, at 24-years-old, it’s one of the city’s oldest independent live music spots, featuring rock, soul, country, blues, funk, punk, zydeco, psych-rock, and dance music. It’s featured a who’s-who of acts, including John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr., Los Straitjackets, Southern Culture on the Skids, Son Volt, and many more. 3714 Main Street
“The Continental Club Houston showcases authentic talent, legends, and exciting young up and coming bands,” said Allen Hill, talent booker with the venue. “The musical diversity, crowds, and excellent drinks create a uniquely Houston experience enjoyed by all music fans looking for fun nights full of dancing, camaraderie, and great bands!”
The Flat
The Flat is one of the hippest, if-you-know-you-know hangouts in Houston — one of the best places to dance in the city with some of the best local DJs spinning a wide mix of genres. Owned by DJ Sun and Jasmine Richardson, The Flat’s mid-century modern motif and large patio make it an inviting spot for friends to gather. Late nights on the dance floor can get packed and sweaty. Themed nights are the norm, but it often plays host to after-parties when bigger acts are in town. 1701 Commonwealth Street.
“At The Flat, we pride ourselves on catering to the underground music scene with the objective of keeping people engaged and dancing,” says DJ Sun. “We ensure that the DJs are curated to fit that aesthetic.”
The Heights Theater
The classic, intimate venue in the heart of the Heights might have the best, continuously curated music lineup in the city, with well-known singer-songwriters, rock, pop, and blues artists making appearances on its stage. Every month features acts that surprise and delight, allowing fans to get up close and personal with local and touring groups. For instance, scheduled shows over the next month include the critically acclaimed Alejandro Escovedo and Steve Earle as well as fantastic local bands Say Girl Say and Swimwear Department. 339 W 19th Street.
The Secret Group
While known for comedy, The Secret Group in EaDo is sneaky good at bringing in bands that should be playing at larger venues. They booked U.K. Grammy-award winners Wet Leg just as they were blowing up, and ‘90s alternative legends Helmet just performed there. Additionally, they host karaoke parties, as well as regularly scheduled emo indie punk nights, Nothing Matters, and the DIAL UP: 90's Y2k Night. 2101 Polk Street.
Photo by Karo Cantu
