Here are 5 recommended live events for next week.
Austin’s Black Pumas have a unique mix of psychedelic rock and soul music that’s great on record and explosive in concert, earning them a huge following. The band’s two principals met six years ago. Singer-songwriter Eric Burton traveled to Austin from California, where he met up with Grupo Fantasma’s Grammy-winning guitarist and producer Adrian Quesada. Their debut album “Black Pumas” caused a bit of buzz in 2019. Earlier this year, he released an album with more lively and experimental elements, “Chronicles of a Diamond.” They will be headlining two shows in Houston.
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A young drummer from London’s vibrant jazz scene, Youssef Days made a strong impression as a bandleader and composer with his album Black Classical Music earlier this year. Days’ music finds a way to shrink the world. He mixes jazz, funk, soul, electronic music, Afrobeats and Caribbean music into his unique sound. The effect is widespread and concentrated through deep grooves.
when: December 13th 8pm
where: Rise Rooftop, 2600 Travis
detail: $25. 832-767-0513, riserooftop.com
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It’s been a quarter of a century since Macy Gray rose to fame with her hit single “I Try.” Those who haven’t paid attention to her breakthrough are missing out on some of the most glamorous, bold and funky soul created in the 21st century. In 2016, she tried her hand at a jazzy recording with “Stripped,” and it was a success. And most recently, she released her kaleidoscopic progressive soul record ‘Ruby’. But that was five years ago, so maybe Gray will screw something new into a set full of old favorites.
queens of the stone age
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Queens of the Stone Age, who have released eight albums over the past 25 years, have become a brand of stoner rock in a different way than Josh Homme’s short-lived predecessor, Kyuss. During that time, QOTSA became a catalog band, releasing “In Times New Roman…” this year. The band’s shows here take on a grand opening. Spiritualized doesn’t come to Houston very often. I can’t find any mention of the area show since it aired on Meridian 15 years ago. The band is known for its epic, melancholic psychedelic rock, and has recently appeared on two Vonnegut-titled albums (2022’s Everything Was Beautiful and 2018’s And Nothing Hurt).
when: December 9th 7pm
where: 713 Music Hall, 401 Franklin
detail: From $59 to $89. 832-204-6920, livenation.com
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
The Houston Symphony Orchestra has enjoyed great success drawing audiences by screening popular movies and performing their music live. In time for the holiday season, this symphony dives into Danny Elfman’s darkly playful score to coincide with Tim Burton’s beloved stop-motion animated film The Nightmare Before Christmas, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Masu.
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when: December 9th 7:30pm, December 10th 2:30pm
where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana
detail: Prices range from $43 to $185. 713-224-7575, HoustonSymphony.org