Getting to know the real Chris Perez
Everyone thinks they know Chris Perez.
The guitarist and husband of the late Selena grew up in the spotlight, first as part of a fast-rising Tejano band and then in the wake of unthinkable tragedy. For years, media portrayed him as the beleaguered widower in the shadow of an immortal icon. The perennially sad guy.
But that's not the Chris I know. I've interviewed him several times over the last few years and even had the honor of premiering the first music video featuring him on lead vocals. It feels crazy to type that. The teenage Joey who saw Selena y Los Dinos onstage at least a dozen times across Houston would never believe it.
The Chris I know can be quiet, yes. But he's also funny and cool and sweet. And he's happy.
"It's crazy, right? Fifty-something years old, and I still feel like I'm growing for the better," he told me ahead of a show this week at Warehouse Live.
He's learned to say yes to things: working with other artists, his line of Perez Pepper Sauce, partnering with Pizza Patron.
"I was talking to somebody the other day, and they're like, 'Man, you're doing good. How are you feeling?' I'm like, 'I'm tired!'" he says with a laugh.
When he says, "I'm tired," it's like deja vu. Jon Seda did it exactly the same way in the Selena movie.
 | Joey Guerra, music reporter |
My music picks
Photo by: Matt Sayles, AP
One concert to see
I'm pressed-dot-com that Tamar Braxton isn't bringing her full "Love and War" tenth anniversary tour to Houston. But she will give us a taste at Majic Under the Stars, a multi-act event featuring Tyrese, Tamia, Mary Mary and Tanya Nolan. I'm a day-one Tamartian, y'all. 5 p.m. Saturday at the Woodlands Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins; $39 and up.
- One Houston song to know: Kemo for Emo's "The Stranger" is a blast of pop-punk nostaglia from the band's newly released "3.5 Inch Floppy" EP. It's also a celebration of Kemo's 20th anniversary, a huge accomplishment in any city. Congrats, boys. What Houston acts should I be listening to? Tag me on social media or email me: joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com.
- Beyoncé watch: Look, the final Ivy Park rollout was a mess. The Beyoncé/Adidas collab enraged the BeyHive when it dropped. Or didn't drop. Despite being touted as available, you had to search specific terms to find it on the site. The Moto Tour Jacket was gone in seconds, and the leather jersey that was seen in ads was never for sale on the U.S. site. Was anyone able to find it. Asking for myself.
Fun family favs
Photo by: Buffalo Bayou Partnership
A day just for kids
KBR Kids Day, hosted by Buffalo Bayou Partnership, offers the best kind of family fun: the FREE kind. There will be scavenger hunts, rock climbing, pumpkin painting and the popular birds of prey show. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21 at Tony Marron Park, 808 N. York. Free parking and shuttle service to and from the event at MoonStruck Drive-In, 100 Bringhurst.
- Pasadena pumpkins: The H-Town Pumpkin Patch Fest is a free event that will feature pumpkin carving, face painting and a photo booth, among other treats. There will also be multiple food vendors. Now through Halloween at two locations: 306 Llano in Pasadena and 8722 Eastex Fwy.
- 'Remember me': Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown opens its doors to kids with a screening of "Coco," the beautiful 2017 animated film about Miguel, who travels to the Land of the Dead after learning of his family's ban on music. 1 p.m. Sunday at BLVD Place, 1700 Post Oak. Tickets start at $12.50.
Houston on the cheap
Photo by: Leslie Plaza Johnson, Contributor
Sweet remembrance
MECA hosts "Noche de Ofrendas," 7 p.m. Friday at 1900 Kane, to kick off Day of the Dead festivities. Altars created for deceased loved ones will be blessed with incense and holy water, followed by prayers at the free event. There will be hot chocolate and pan de muerto from El Bolillo Bakery. Visitors are encouraged to bring photographs of loved ones to add to the community altar.
- Filipino pride: The Houston Filipino Street Festival celebrates a unique culture with music, art and food, noon-7 p.m. Saturday at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. A portion of the proceeds will go toward a scholarship for "empowering the next generation of Filipino leaders through education." $20 at the gate.
Where to eat
Photo by: Dylan McEwan
Ballpark bites
Chronicle restaurant columnist Bao Ong has come up with a list of the best dining options near Minute Maid Park during the Astros-Rangers ALCS series. Among them is Bravery Chef Hall, which has a patio with its own bar. There's also sushi, martinis, pho, oysters, spaghetti and more. Efficient but still feels like you've sat down to a proper meal," Ong says. 409 Travis.
- Witches brew: Ninja Ramen at 4219 Washington becomes The Haunted Cauldron, now through Halloween, with specialty cocktails, decor, fortune tellers and more. It's open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. daily through Oct. 31. The themed drinks include Bruja's Brew, a shared cocktail made with reposado tequila, crème de cacao, macadamia nut, coconut milk, chocolate and vanilla. Order me one.
Everything else you need to know
- Freebies: The fifth annual Woodlands Pride Festival runs 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Town Green Park in The Woodlands. The lineup includes drag queens Adriana LaRue, Angelina DM Trailz and Dessie Love Blake, among others, along with the Houston Pride Band. There will also be vendors, food and other activities.
- Entertainer to know: Blackberri, Houston's favorite bearded queen, will join a new group of "uglies" for "Dragula" Season 5. The reality competition challenges contestants on four tentpoles: drag, filth, horror and glamour. It premieres on Halloween on Shudder and AMC+.
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