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    weekend events planner

    Here are the top 17 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jan 25, 2024 | 6:00 am
    ​Christine Heesun Hwang as Éponine in LesMisérables

    Christine Heesun Hwang as Éponine in LesMisérables.

    Photo by Matthew Murphy & EvanZimmerman for MurphyMade

    Catch CultureMap's weekend events segment with editor Steven Devadanam and ABC13'a Brittaney Wilmore live at 8:45 am Thursdays on ABC13's livestream and on ABC13 all weekend.

    -----

    This weekend is jam-packed with events for lovers of sights, sounds, stage, sea, and street. The Houston AutoBoative Show combines — yes — the Auto Show and Boat Show into one massive showcase at NRG Center for the sea and street crowd.

    Enjoy the sights at the Houston Art Fair, where more than 40 rising stars will be featured in a must-attend for art lovers and collectors.

    Houston Grand Opera and jazz superstar Joshua Redman provide plenty of choice sounds, while an all-male Golden Girls cast and Les Misérables at the Hobby Center stage a weekend of fun.

    Enjoy; here are you best bets for the weekend.

    Thursday, January 25

    Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

    Performed by an all-male cast, Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue brings Miami’s sassiest seniors to the stage for one more hurrah. Sophia is out on bail after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together with help from a new (much) younger, sex-crazed lover. This show allows audiences to relive the heartfelt hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends. 3 and 7:30 pm (3 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 and 8 pm Sunday).

    Taste of the Town

    Enjoy samples of cuisine in The Woodlands and surrounding areas during this annual event. Mouth-watering appetizers, entrees, and desserts at dozens from the area's finest establishments will be sure to have any foodie happy. Adults: $45 prepaid; $50 at the door. Includes two alcoholic drink tickets and unlimited samples, water, and soda. Children (ages 5-11): $25 prepaid; $30 at the door. Includes unlimited samples, water, and soda. Children 4 and under are free (no strollers). 5 pm.

    Ralphie and the RCs at Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge

    From slow sad songs to dizzying dance-floor dusters, Ralphie and the Reverse Cowboys chime in with the most carefully curated and crafted country cuts. Dust off your boots, grab your dance partner and head to the Mid Main Houston's Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge (3714 Main St.). Enjoy $5 Honky Tonk bangers and drinking ballads. Doors open at 8 pm.

    Ralphie and the Reverse CowboysRalphie and the Reverse Cowboys rock Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge.Photo by Emily Jaschke

    Friday, January 26

    Memorial Hermann Broadway at Hobby Center presents Les Misérables

    Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony-winning musical phenomenon Les Misérables. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the production tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption - a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. 7:30 pm (2 and 8 pm Friday and Saturday; 1:30 and 7 pm Sunday).

    Brazos Home & Garden Show

    The inaugural Brazos Home & Garden Show provides attendees with everything they need to solve their home and garden projects under one roof. Guests can browse the latest in kitchen, bath and flooring, speak face-to-face with home building professionals, sample the newest home technology, envision the outdoor oasis of their dreams, shop home essentials, save money with show-only discounts, have fun with activities for the whole family, and more during the one-weekend event. 2 pm (10 am Saturday & Sunday).

    Reeves Art + Design presents The Houston Art Fair

    Reeves Art + Design will be the destination for the Houston Art Fair, a three-day artistic extravaganza that kicks off on Friday with a collector preview night. One of the core tenets of the fair is inclusivity and accessibility, not just for artists, but for buyers as well. Recognizing that art collecting can often be an expensive endeavor, this fair aims to bridge the gap, offering pieces that cater to collectors of all price points. 6 pm (Noon Saturday and Sunday).

    The Houston Art Fair at Reeves Art + Design The Houston Art Fair showcases more than 40 rising stars. Photos courtesy of various artists shown.

    Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All Tour

    The hilariously dark-hearted comedian Anthony Jeselnik comes to Houston as part of his 2024 Bones and All Tour. He currently hosts The Jeselnik and Rosenthal Vanity Project, alongside co-host Gregg Rosenthal, for All Things Comedy. His most recent stand-up special, Fire in the Maternity Ward, premiered on Netflix. Jeselnik was also the creator, host and producer of the Comedy Central shows Good Talk and The Jeselnik Offensive. 7 pm.

    DACAMERA presents Joshua Redman Group’s Where Are We

    Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists on the scene today. Following DACAMERA appearances with his Still Dreaming Quartet and 3×3 Trio, Redman returns with a quintet featuring vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, pianist Paul Cornish, bassist Philip Norris, and drummer Nazir Ebo. He'll play his latest work, Where Are We, which he describes as both a celebration and critique of America. 8 pm.

    saxophonist Joshua RedmanSax superstar Joshua Redman jazzes up your weekend. Photo via of joshuaredman.com

    Saturday, January 27

    Ventures Endurance presents Hot Chocolate Run Houston

    Ventures Endurance presents the annual Hot Chocolate Run 5k, 10k, 15k, and 2-Mile Fun Walk. The race will be preceded by the Hot Chocolate Expo on Friday. Race participants can pick up their runner’s kit, indulge in chocolate, gear up on Hot Chocolate merchandise, and visit with vendors. Funds will be raised for critical Special Olympics programming while giving friends, families, and communities a chance to connect and have fun, encouraging others through the power of sports and programming in education, health, and leadership. 7:15 am.

    Holocaust Museum Houston presents International Holocaust Remembrance Day

    On January 27, 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by Soviet troops. In 2005, the UN General Assembly designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Every year on this day, admission at Holocaust Museum Houston is free, so that all may come and remember the six million Jews and other innocent victims of the Holocaust and honor the survivors’ legacy. 10 am.

    Rado Market Pop-Up Market

    The Rado Market, the eatery that’s located inside the iconic Eldorado Ballroom, will host a special Saturday pop-up market highlighting vendors around the Third Ward community. The market will focus on showing love to local businesses and will have a DJ, beer, and mimosas available. Vendors include Slate Skin, V’s Brownies, The Lady Painting, Madame Joli, I Love 3rd Ward, Sweetheart Stem, Bodine Clean, Ambrosia & Nectar Candles and more. Noon.

    Cedar Creek Bar & Grill presents 5th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off

    At the 5th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off, there will be live music, 22 gumbo teams, face painting, a mechanical bull, and food and drink deals all day long. There will also be special guest judges, 790 sports talk radio, and appearances from 94.5 the Buzz. Tickets include tastings from all of the gumbo teams and a chance to vote for the best. The event is a fundraiser for two local charities - Friends For Life and the 100 Club of Houston. 1 pm.

    Houston Toy Museum presents In the Lone Star Wars State

    In the Lone Star Wars State promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees. This documentary is a love letter to all the Star Wars fans we know and love. San Antonio filmmaker Alejandro Cabrera takes us on a fascinating journey, delving deep into the Star Wars fandom in Texas. This epic, inspiring story introduces us to several Texans, sharing their personal experiences and intimate stories of fandom. Cabrera will also be around for a post-screening Q&A. 6 pm.

    Sunday, January 28

    Houston AutoBoative Show Returns at NRG Center

    For the third year, the Houston Auto Show and the Houston Boat Show are bringing land and sea lovers together for the ultimate surf and turf event. Visitors can get revved up and float their boat with the latest vehicles, boats, and outdoor activities for just one ticket. Discover the latest in automotive and marine innovation with a vast array of vehicles and boats on display. The show has something for every enthusiast, from sleek electric cars to robust trucks and luxurious boats. Look for more than 200 outdoor-type vendors. All weekend. $20.

    Houston Auto ShowThe Houston Auto Show runs all weekend. Photo courtesy of Houston Auto Show

    Houston Grand Opera presents Katie: Strongest of the Strong

    Katie: Strongest of the Strong is the true story of Katie Sandwina, a circus strongwoman who defied cultural expectations of women and was instrumental in the U.S. suffrage movement in the 1900s. Featuring an all-female cast, the HGO original commission (which will be at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston) is an engaging way for students and families to learn about the importance of equal rights. 2 pm.

    Houston Chamber Choir presents 24th Annual Hear the Future Invitational Choral Festival

    The 24th Annual Hear the Future Invitational Choral Festival brings together 11 area school choirs over two days to sing and learn together. Three of the region’s finest choirs will be showcased: Bay Area Youth Singers, conducted by Nicole Daniel; Cook Middle School, conducted by True Hernandez; and Bridgeland High School, conducted by Christopher Fiorini. The public is invited to discover that the future has never sounded so good. 4 pm.

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    Movie review

    Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd chase their dreams in music-heavy Power Ballad

    Alex Bentley
    Jun 8, 2026 | 10:30 am
    Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd in Power Ballad
    Photo by David Cleary for Lionsgate
    Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd in Power Ballad.

    Writer/director John Carney is one of the great purveyors of movies featuring music (as opposed to musicals) in the 21st century. Starting with Once in 2007 (which was turned into a Broadway musical several years later), he has made music-themed stories like Begin Again, Sing Street, Flora and Son, and now Power Ballad.

    Rick Power (Paul Rudd) is a former wannabe rock star who is now the lead singer of “Ireland’s #1 Wedding Band,” The Bride & Grooves. While they mostly play smaller weddings, a gig at a country estate leads to an encounter with Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a former boy band member struggling to make it as a solo artist. Rick and Danny wind up bonding in a booze- and pot-filled jam session, sharing various song ideas.

    After returning to Los Angeles and desperate for a hit, Danny steals one of Rick’s songs, which miraculously turns into the No. 1 “How to Write a Song (Without You).” Rick, initially overjoyed that something he wrote has become big, is crushed when he finds out Danny didn’t give him credit. His quest to find a way to prove his worth sends him into a spiral, upending the ordinary life he had built.

    Co-written by Peter McDonald, the film is a nice exploration of two men trying to hold on to their music dreams. Their individual circumstances could not be more different, but each of them knows the ups and downs of the business as well as the other, as well as the ineffable magic of creating that one great song. While the music scenes are hit-and-miss because of a reliance on lip synching, the scene featuring Rick and Danny trading ideas is electric with creativity.

    Oddly, though, the film could have used a bit less music and more of a focus on the two men’s personal lives. Rick wound up living in Ireland after falling in love with his future wife, Rachel (Marcella Plunkett), while on tour with his former American band. He spends a decent amount of time with her and his daughter, Aja (Beth Fallon), but his story needed a few more family scenes to drive the point home. Danny’s personal life is all but nonexistent, giving his arc less impact than it could have had.

    Instead of loved ones, Carney and McDonald try to give Rick and Danny more depth through friends and business associates. Rick’s bandmate Sandy (McDonald) is a ride-or-die kind of guy for him, but his presence is only good for a few humorous distractions. Danny’s manager Mac (Jack Reynor) is difficult to parse, as he goes to bat for Danny on multiple occasions, but also seems to keep him at arm’s length.

    It’s long been joked that Rudd never ages, and that youthfulness serves him well in this role, in which his character is supposed to be much younger than his actual age of 57. His energy and enthusiasm make his character appealing throughout, even when Rick starts to go off the deep end. Jonas is decent in his role, selling the music side well, but there might be a reason his character doesn’t have many scenes requiring him to show emotions.

    While Power Ballad has all the hallmarks of another great Carney music movie, it’s missing a few pieces that could have put it over the top. It’s still a fun film with an insanely catchy song at its center, but it’s not quite as memorable as most of the filmmaker’s previous efforts.

    ---

    Power Ballad is now playing in theaters.

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