Music

The Must List

Inside Houston’s Cactus Music Listening Parties—with Free Beer and Pizza

Whether you’re an impassioned fan of the featured performers or looking for new music to discover, these events are perfect for celebrating music and making friends.

07/31/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Bayougraphy

Artist Marty Bennett Lives an Imaginative Life of Play and Curiosity

The former NFL player is now a visual artist, musician, actor, and writer who devotes himself to chasing down all the interesting and beautiful things in the world.

06/24/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Jamming

Our Favorite Albums for a Long Road Trip

Top music recommendations to belt out, windows down on cruise control.

06/11/2025 By Emma Balter, Uvie Bikomo, Sofia Gonzalez, and Meredith Nudo

The Must List

A Night for Guy Continues to Celebrate Folk Legend’s Legacy

Fifty years after Guy Clark’s debut album, and nine years after his passing, Texas musicians still gather to sing his songs and make sure his gifts are never forgotten.

05/15/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Listen Closely

What Sounds Define Such an Eclectic City as Houston?

From zydeco to metal to chopped and screwed, the city’s sound is as sprawling and unexpected as the city itself.

04/18/2025 By Chris Becker

Let's Get Physical

Build Your Vinyl Collection at These Houston Record Shops

With physical media's popularity on the rise, these shops are here to help you pick out the best new and used records.

04/08/2025 By Amarie Gipson

Raise the Curtain

Theater District Open House Returns to Celebrate a Houston Treasure

After a five-year hiatus, the free event is back to show Houstonians everything that makes downtown’s Theater District special.

03/07/2025 By Holly Beretto

On the Record

Physical Music Is More Popular Than Ever in Houston

Even in the digital age, independent record stores like Cactus Music and Vinal Edge are thriving thanks to music fans wanting to support their favorite artists.

02/28/2025 By Meredith Nudo

La Reina

A Look Back on Selena’s Iconic Rodeo Performance 30 Years Later

The queen of Tejano might be gone, but we’ll never forget the impact she left on us.

02/26/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Vitamin M

Texas Medical Center Orchestra Prescribes Music for the Heart and Mind

Houston is both a medical city and a music city, and since 2000 this organization has proven that it’s possible to hold both careers simultaneously.

02/07/2025 By Jef Rouner

The Must List

ReelAbilities Houston Returns to Elevate Artists with Disabilities

The annual event, now in its 12th year, will fill the city with disability-centered art, music, film, education, and advocacy for three weeks in February.

01/31/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Kick Out the Jams

Two Years After Busking Was Legalized, Performers Still Face Hurdles

Even without the fear of getting ticketed, Houston’s street performers say we need to make changes before busking fully integrates into our day-to-day city life.

01/24/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Sip and sing

Hopera Performance Group Uses Beer to Prove Opera Is for Everyone

This squad is merging hops with opera at local breweries, introducing a new audience to the art.

11/13/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Willkommen, Bienvenue

Houston’s Cabarets Are an Affordable Alternative to Broadway

Musical theater can be cost-prohibitive and, yes, a little intimidating. Our local cabaret scene allows fans to enjoy shows in a more intimate environment.

10/30/2024 By Holly Beretto

Breaking Band

This One Band Shows How Interconnected Houston's Music Scene Is

Five separate bands can be formed by reshuffling the members of Ancient Cat Society.

08/16/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Meet the Queens

Alexye’us Paris Is Just Getting Started

After 25 years in the drag spotlight, this diva is still as captivating as ever.

04/24/2023 By Zach McKenzie

Meet the Queens

The Bearded Beauty of Texas

Self-described as "hairy, hilarious, and high fashion," Blackberri just wants to make people laugh.

04/10/2023 By Zach McKenzie

Countdown

The 15 Biggest Moments in Music of 2022—Texas Edition

We count down the year's top 15 moments in Texas music.

12/30/2022 By Sama’an Ashrawi

On The Town

Reflections on Astroworld, 1 Year After the Catastrophe

One year later, the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy still doesn't make sense.

11/01/2022 By Amarie Gipson

On The Town

Clutch City Clubs: 11 of Houston's Greatest Nightclubs

Houston’s crop of nightlife hotspots pumps up the energy for all types of clubgoers.

10/03/2022 By Amarie Gipson With Shelby Stewart and Daniel Renfrow