Houston concerts to check out this semester

By Arman Saxena     9/3/24 11:03pm

This semester’s concert lineup is packed with an eclectic mix of genres and artists that promise to light up the city’s music scene. Whether you’re eager to see alternative hip-hop innovators like Bladee and Joey Valence & Brae, rock legends like Weezer or pop icons like Usher and Mariah Carey, Houston’s stages are set to host unforgettable performances. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience live music at its finest.

Hip-Hop

From alternative hip-hop artists like Bladee and Joey Valence & Brae to Reggaeton superstar Jhay Cortez this semester’s concert selection has much to offer in the world of hip-hop. Bladee’s “Cold Visions” and Joey Valence & Brae’s “NO HANDS” are some of the most underrated hip-hop albums of the year and are less expensive shows than many more mainstream concerts. If you want something with more pop vibes, The Kid LAROI and Jhay Cortez are sure to satisfy your craving.

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Artists to check out: the Kid LAROI (Sept. 8), Joey Valence & Brae (Sept. 11 and 29), Rapsody (Oct. 8)  Bladee (Oct. 26), Jhay Cortez (Nov. 13).

Rock

Many like to say it, but rock is not dead. And if you want proof of that fact, show up to King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s concert at White Oak Music Hall on Nov. 16. King Gizzard is a band that knows how to rock out and their very improvisational concert sets are a wonder to behold. Alternative rock giant Weezer is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut breakout project “Blue Album” on Sept. 28. If you’ve always wanted to see iconic tracks like “Say It Ain’t So”, “Buddy Holly,” or “Only in Dreams” live, this concert is for you.

Artists to check out: Twenty One Pilots (Sept. 4), The Black Keys (Sept. 21), Weezer (Sept. 28),  King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (Nov. 16).

Country 

Country darling Kacey Musgraves came out with her best album since 2018’s “Golden Hour” earlier this year with “Deeper Well.” Get ready for a beautiful experience with guitar work that will likely tug on your own heartstrings. Though his concert will incorporate all of his hits, Post Malone’s most recent project was a country album so I am going to include him here. You won’t want to miss one of today’s biggest hit makers bringing a set list that will likely feature a discography that brings together country, rap, folk, pop and R&B.

Artists to check out: Orville Peck (Oct. 8), Meghan Trainor (Oct. 13), Post Malone (Oct. 22 & 23), Kacey Musgraves (Nov. 21).

Pop 

Just a few months after his Super Bowl gig, Usher is bringing his Past, Present, Future tour to Houston’s Toyota Center. if you were a fan of his gameday performance, this show is a must-see. Some of other heavy hitters like Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake and Marc Anthony will also be performing massive shows this semester, performing the hits that made them household names.

Artists to check out: Zedd (Sept. 28), Becky G (Nov. 1),  Marc Anthony (Nov. 3), Mariah Carey (Nov. 18), Usher (Nov. 27, 29, & 30), Justin Timberlake (Dec. 4).

R&B

Tinashe’s “Nasty” was undeniably one of the songs of the summer and her Match My Freak tour will bring more of that same energy. With opener Raveena, who also came out with a fantastic album this summer, be prepared for lush tracks from two of the best R&B artists today. Whenever Houston-born artist Keshi returns to H-Town, it’s always a night to remember. As a result, his Oct. 27 concert at the Smart Financial Center is definitely something to look forward to.

Artists to check out: Omar Apollo (Sept. 19), Kehlani (Oct. 8), Remi Wolf (Oct. 10), Tinashe (Oct. 24), Keshi (Oct. 27).

Alternative/Indie

From Andre 3000’s flute album, to indie darlings like Mitski, Hozier and Clairo, there is so much to be excited for in this semester’s lineup of alternative and indie concerts. Mitski, Hozier, and Clairo are responsible for some of the most popular indie albums of the last twelve months and are sure to be emotional and memorable concert experiences (read: you might cry). 

Artists to check out: Mitski (Sept. 10),   Peter Hook and the Light (Sept. 13), Cigarettes After Sex (Sept. 18), Gracie Abrams (Sept. 19 and 20), Hozier (Sept. 25), André 3000 (Sept. 25), Clairo (Sept. 28), Wave to Earth (Oct. 8)

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