In terms of Texas, Houston is barely considered a music city. Perhaps unfairly, although when comparing with neighbouring city Austin it’s hard to think of music in Texas without first mentioning the live music capital of the world.
But Houston still embodies much of what makes American music cities great. That is a depth of musical history, great music venues, quality record stores and being able to produce artists that the world remembers.
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While the most famous artists to come from Houston is slightly at odds with the city’s history it does represent a trend that the biggest city in Texas is becoming more eclectic in its musical tastes as each years passes.
Destiny’s Child, one of the biggest pop groups of the early noughties were all born and raised in Houston. Which of course means that yes the current Queen of pop, Beyonce, made her start in this city.
However Houston’s long musical history is rooted in blues much in thanks to the likes of Sam John Hopkins and Don Robey to name just a few. Check a decent summary of the city’s musical history here.
But as our list of the ten best things to do in Houston below demonstrates the city is no longer just defined by Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams or just one or two genres.
We’ve included some of the best venues, record stores and festivals below that you can’t miss while you’re in town.
Catch A Band Or Two At The Iconic Fitzgerald’s
2706 White Oak Dr
As one of Houston’s most loved live music venues it’s no surprise to hear that the likes of James Brown, Tina Turner, R.E.M. and The Ramones has helped make these grounds hallowed. However just as important is the fact that many local bands have played their first gigs here too. With two floors and live music held here regularly Fitzgerald’s is a great place to see your first live gig in Houston.
Find Something Wicked To Do For Halloween
What better way is there to celebrate the spooky festive holiday than dancing the weekend away to the some of the world’s best DJs? You can find the answer and get back to us, but for now get excited over the 2014 lineup that graced the Sam Houston Race Park in 2014. Bassnectar, Kaskade, Dillon Francis, Martin Garrix and A-Trak amongst many others made this year’s event unforgettable.
Shop Up At One Of The City’s Finest Record Store’s In Cactus Music
2110 Portsmouth
For over thirty years Cactus has been Houston’s go to independent record store and with its collection of quality records it’s no wonder why. Acting both as an eclectic vinyl store and an art gallery Cactus hosts in-store performances form time to time. Just follow this link to see who’s performing when you’re next in Houston.
Dance All Night Long At Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar
1031 E 24th St
Dimly lit on the inside, tropical in the backyard this music venue books the best rock, roots, blues, funk and soul acts to get you toe-tappin’ all night long. With a rich selection of local and international acts Dan’s has been a consistently great venue since the late 80s. They even have their own festival, South By Due East, which hosts over 60 bands to counter SXSW.
Record Collectors You Can’t Miss Vinal Edge
239 W. 19th, 281-537-2575
Having been in operation since 1985, the people behind Vinal Edge know a thing or to about music it sells. They offer new and used CDs and records along with posters, books, equipment and comedy releases. Just as a bonus the store also ships globally if you don’t think you’ll find yourself in Houston anytime soon.
Get Your Honky Tonk On At Firehouse Saloon
5930 Southwest Fwy
It doesn’t get any more Texan than this: Owned and run by firefighters this barn-like music venue hosts up and coming and well-known country musicians to locals looking to dance the night away. As one of the oldest honky tonk bars in the city Firehouse will give you a true taste of Houston.
Sort All Your Vinyl Needs In The Two-Story House That Is Sound Exchange
1846 Richmond, 713-666-5555
A two-story house may not sound like the most conventional place for a record store but you can be certain that Sound Exchange has the space for its quality selection. You’ll find everything here from rarities to bins’ worth of cheap vinyl that are ripe for digging.
Catch The Biggest And Best At Warehouse Live
813 St Emanuel St
This 1920s warehouse may have once been a conventional space, but with the current LED chandeliers that hang from the ceiling and a list of acts such as Adele, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Imogen Heap having graced the stage this venue is one of the city’s best places to catch the biggest names in music.
Find Everything And More At Sig’s Lagoon
3622-E Main, 713-533-9525
Named by Houston Press as the city’s best record store in 2014 Sig’s stocks your usual assortment of vinyl from a number of genres. But what separates Sig’s from the rest is its selection of toys, tiki mugs and a number of different oddments. There’s also some pretty sweet music art that decorates the walls that’s worth checking out too.
Catch A Local Gig At Walters Downtown
1120 Naylor St
Having moved from its original location on Washington to downtown Walters may not look like much from the outside, but it’s the sound system and bands that you can experience within that counts. And boy does this venue deliver. You can see some of the best local and national acts here
