Convenience Big Store: Mariachi memories and the Alley Theatre play that sparked them

My mariachi memories, and the play that sparked them at the Alley Theatre.

I felt an emotional pull the moment I heard the Alley Theatre was doing a show called "American Mariachi." The musical play is about a group of women who defy machismo norms to form a mariachi band in the '70s. Like so many other Mexican-Americans in Houston, mariachi music for me is more than Cinco de Mayo at a Tex-Mex restaurant. It's a part of my upbringing, a sound fused with memories of weddings and quinceañeras and birthdays. Even as pop music infiltrated my everyday life, something different stirs inside me when I heard Selena or Luis Miguel or Thalia belt rancheras -- there's nothing like it.

My mom loved mariachis. I think it was less about the music and more about the sentiment behind it. She loved the celebration, the pomp and circumstance. It meant someone thought you were special, worthy of spending the money and setting up the surprise. She always wanted a mariachi to serenade her on a special occasion. With "Amor Eterno," she would say, the achingly beautiful song by Juan Gabriel about losing a loved one.

We were planning an anniversary party for my parents when my mom died in January. She never got her mariachi. I still feel guilty about it. I still can't really listen to "Amor Eterno." But every time I hear a marachi, I think of her.

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

Depeche Mode returns to Texas for a night at Moody Center ATX on Sept. 29.

Photo by: Jason Armond/Getty Images

One concert to see

Depeche Mode brings its first tour in five years to Houston for an Oct. 4 show at Toyota Center. They're pushing their new album 'Memento Mori.' But let's be honest... Most of us will be there for the oldies like "Just Can't Get Enough," and "Personal Jesus." Now where's my black T-shirt?

One Houston song to know: I put "Groove With You" by Sherez on my Renaissance World Tour pre-show playlist, and I've had it on repeat ever since. Imagine Prince, filtered through a disco-house lens. So good. But tell me, who are your favorite Houston artists? Who should I be listening to? Tag me on social media or email me: joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com.
Beyoncé watch: Megan Thee Stallion is all of us. The "Htown Hottie" broke down in tears after performing with Beyoncé in Houston. "My whole life, I was like, 'You know what? I wanna be the rap Beyoncé'," Megan said. "The woman that is the woman of all the womens? I was up there with Beyoncé!" We feel you, Meg. How emotional have you gotten over a celebrity? Let me know!

Fun family favs

Photo by: Lynn Lane

Spread your wings

"Flutter: The Monarch Butterfly Project" celebrates the insect's southern migration with immersive performances by the Open Dance Project. Patrons will follow the butterfly-creatures" on mini-migrations through the Houston Botanic Garden. 4-7 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Get tickets at hbg.org.

Pop-up and pizza: Old Town Harrisburg in the East End is hosting a pop-up market and more in its renovated location. An outdoor screen will show movies, and you can get a pizza and two sodas for $10. 5-9 p.m. Sept. 29 at 6632 Harrisburg.
Windows down, if you dare: The Haunted Drive opens this weekend in Cleveland and promises scares for all ages. The 1.5 mile drive has an eight-person limit, and there are multiple attractions on the grounds, including haunted hay rides, mazes and a Michael Myers Challenge. (Yeah, no thanks.) It's located about an hour from downtown Houston. Online reservations are strongly recommended.

Houston on the cheap

Photo by: Woodlands Margarita Festival

Gimme one margarita

The Woodlands Margarita Festival features live music, food and 15 margarita flavors, including Bourbon St. Hurricane and Pumpkin Spice. I'm a traditional guy myself and always go with lime. Tickets start at $23 and include multiple drinks and a commemorative cup. 2-8:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands.

You got (video) game? PacMan Fever Friday at Joystix sounds fun even if you're not a serious gamer. You'll have access to more than 200 classic and new arcade games. Grab drinks at the adjoining Eighteen Twenty Lounge. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sept. 29 at 1820 Franklin. $15 a person, 21 and older only.
Mall music: New Orleans soul band J & The Causeways takes to The Lawn at Memorial City for a free show. You can also enjoy frosé from Common Bond and light bites from Hotel ZaZa. 5-8 p.m. Sept. 29 at 971 Bunker Hill.

Where to eat

The Pumpkin Spice Margarita is made with tequila, pumpkin spice puree and Grand Marnier at The Original Ninfa's two Houston locations.

Photo by: Becca Wright

Pumpkin spice fever

"Pumpkin spice margarita? Why not?" asks Greg Morago, the Chronicle's food editor. It's made with pumpkin spice puree ($15). There's also a Spicy Ninfa's Spritz ($15) that includes tequila, chipotle piloncillo syrup, pomegranate juice and chocolate bitters topped with Topo Chico). Who's willing to split one with me?

Mariachi al lado: La Taquiza, located in Understory Food Hall downtown, might be my fave new brunch place. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes chilaquiles, suadero, sopes, churros, and I am so hungry now. Mariachi Alma Mexicana performs weekly. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at 800 Capitol.

Everything else you need to know

Freebies: Karbachtoberfest continues all weekend with chicken dance competitions, weiner dog races and, best of all, a performance by The Suffers. Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Karbach Biergarten, 2032 Karbach.
Entertainer to know: Mariachi Imperial de America has been making Houston proud for decades under the leadership of Jose Longoria. He's currently working as mariachi director for the Alley Theatre's production of "American Mariachi," running through Oct. 22