Top Concerts in Houston This Week | Entertainment

Most music writers (and music followers, for that matter) have bitched mightily in regards to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Why isn’t Warren Zevon in? Or Gram Parsons? And don’t get me began on Little Feat. But, a lot to my amazement, there's a corridor of fame that has missed the mark extra occasions that the Rock Hall. And I’m speaking right here in regards to the National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York.

Each yr since 1998, the Toy Hall has inducted between two and 12 toys, primarily based on the suggestions of an advisory committee and votes from toy lovers world wide. Much just like the Rock Hall, the general public vote actually doesn’t maintain a substantial amount of sway, proportionally, in comparability to the collective knowledge (sic) of the committee.

So why do I've the crimson ass? Partly due to definitions. A board recreation shouldn't be a toy. It’s a recreation. And buying and selling playing cards – be they baseball or Pokemon – usually are not toys both. But there they're in the Toy Hall. For each richly deserving inductee, say, Lincoln Logs (which, by the best way, have been invented by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son John in 1924), there are questionable decisions comparable to, properly, the cardboard field. Yes, actually. Oh, and the stick.

Among this yr’s finalists, which have been simply introduced just a few days in the past, I'm rooting for Transformers, the trampoline (which, curiously sufficient, was not trademarked till 1945), and radio-controlled automobiles. You can solid your vote here, however it's worthwhile to hurry, as voting ends at this time. And one other factor – the place’s Gumby, dammit?

Ticket Alert

The presales (and there are a number of totally different varieties) are up for Metallica at NRG Stadium on Saturday, June 14. Evidently subscribing to the saying, “Go big or go home,” Metallica is pulling out all of the stops for this tour, bringing alongside Pantera (such because the band is, with Dimebag and Vinnie Paul out of the image) and Suicidal Tendencies to open. The present will make the most of an “in the round” configuration, so examine the seating chart fastidiously if you purchase tickets. The basic sale will begin on Friday.

Tickets are on sale now for Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets on Wednesday, December 11, on the Heights Theater. Lowe has loved success as a solo act (“Cruel to Be Kind), a songwriter (“What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding?” for Elvis Costello) and a producer (John Hiatt, the Mavericks). Los Straitjackets, known for their onstage look of black suits, gold Aztec medallions and lucha libre masks, have been keeping the instrumental guitar tradition alive for over 30 years. It’s an unlikely however potent combo.

Weird Al Yankovic is gearing up for a serious tour (“Bigger and Weirder”) subsequent yr, one which guarantees hits like “Amish Paradise” and “Eat It” together with deep cuts which have by no means been carried out reside. The Houston present can be on the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Friday, August 1, with presales up now and the overall ticket sale on Friday.

Concerts This Week

Hozier’s present on the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion again in May was postponed because of extreme climate, however he'll make up that gig tonight. The Irish singer-songwriter has skilled a busy yr, along with his music “Too Sweet” from the EP Unheard hitting no 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Russell, who appeared on Unheard, will open tonight’s present.

It has been 30 years since Weezer launched its self-titled debut (aka the Blue Album, that includes the music “Buddy Holly”), so which means it’s time for an anniversary tour, with (natch) the album being carried out in its entirety. The band will play on Saturday at Toyota Center, with fellow ‘90s favorites Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr. opening, providing more bang for the concert buck.

Sum 41 has demonstrated a fondness for puns, tagging previous tours with names like “Tour of the Rising Sum,” “Sum Like It Loud” and “Don’t Call It a Sum-Back Tour.” When the band launched its newest (and, they are saying, final) album, Heaven :x: Hell, it was introduced that Sum 41 would disband after the following tour, which has been christened (prepare) “Tour of the Setting Sum.” Check out the final go-round on Sunday on the 713 Music Hall.

There was one thing in the water of Manchester in the early ‘80s, with bands like New Order, Barclay James Harvest and even Kajagoogoo generating interest in the music scene surrounding the city north of London. But the longest shadow was cast by the Smiths, led by vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. That massively influential band disbanded in 1987, with Morrissey going on to solo success and Marr working with the Pretenders, Oasis and Modest Mouse. While Smiths fans continue to hope for a reunion, the two principals are both on the road separately, with Marr performing on Tuesday at the Bayou Music Center and Morrissey scheduled to play the 713 Music Hall on Thursday, October 31.

Rodney Crowell’s web site says that he's a “native Texan.” True sufficient, I suppose, however come on now, Rodney. Yes, you might be from Texas, however, in level of reality, you might be from Houston. The east facet, to be fairly particular. Represent, dude! Nevertheless, we'll graciously welcome Crowell for a two-night stand at Main Street Crossing on Tuesday, October 1, and Wednesday, October 2.