Convenience Big Store: Happy Birthday, Dolly Parton. Houston is celebrating you this weekend.

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Celebrating Dolly Parton and remembering the time I met her backstage

Can you believe Dolly Parton is turning 78 years old this week?

She's more vibrant than ever these days. The "Rockstar" album paired her with Houston's Lizzo, goddaughter Miley Cyrus and even Steve Perry for a barrage of rock covers. I never knew I needed her versions of "Purple Rain" or "Freebird," but I'm glad they're here.

I only interviewed Dolly once, when she was promoting the "9 to 5" stage musical. She was gracious and sweet and larger than life. I'm pretty sure I told her I was nervous.

"Hey, it's just me," she said. "You must have seen me for 100 years."

I was able to meet Dolly before her 2016 show at NRG Arena. I think I'm still in shock over how it unfolded. Basically, I was friends with someone at the show who was friends with her publicist, who knew me from my writing. Right place, right time.

We were ushered out of our seats and into a backstage area with a few other people. A large tour bus was parked inside. A police officer whisked by with a bomb-sniffing dog. Suddenly, someone unlocked the bus door, and Dolly stepped out. Her red and silver outfit sparkled. But the glow was coming from her. She looked like an angel. A blonde-haired, nail-strumming, world-changing angel.

The photos were a quick process. But she took time for a quick word with each person. I don't remember what either of us said. But it made me love her even more.

On Jan. 19, I'll be celebrating Dolly. So will Houston. There are some fun events around town, and I've included them below. Now if we can only get her back to RodeoHouston.

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

Renée Elise Goldsberry as Wickie in 'GIRLS5EVA'.

Photo by: Peacock/Heidi Gutman/Peacock

'Hamilton' star onstage

Renée Elise Goldsberry grew up in Houston, where she honed her theater chops before going on to win a Tony for her role as Angelica Schuyler in "Hamilton." She comes home this weekend for a solo show featuring Broadway tunes, classic covers and original material. Real ones know her as Evangeline Williamson, attorney at law, on "One Life to Live." 8 p.m. Jan. 20 at Hobby Center, Sarofim Hall, 800 Bagby; $44 and up; thehobbycenter.org.

Are you ready to Rodeo, Houston? Rodeo tickets went on sale this week. How did you do? First-timers include Oliver Anthony, Ivan Cornejo, 50 Cent and Nickelback. There are just two women on the lineup: Carly Pearce and Lainey Wilson. The full season includes 20 acts. Based on social media chatter, people are excited about Jelly Roll, Nickelback, Major Lazer, Jonas Brothers and Wilson. Luke Bryan is always a big draw, too.
Beyoncé watch: Jay-Z is rumored to be addressing his superstar wife on "I Love You Forever," a song from the film "The Book of Clarence." He raps, "Quit playin' girl, you know I'm crazy 'bout you/You know that week you ran back to your momma house/Ask my friends, they can vouch." Paging Miss Tina!

Fun family favs

Photo by: Courtesy Photo

Art for kids

The Children's Texas Art Festival celebrates art created by and for children with a Lone Star twist. There will be interactive activity from Archaeology Now Houston, painting and woodworking demonstrations, a performance by the HSPVA String Quartet and more. 1-5 p.m. Jan. 21 at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial; free.

Dolly Parton all day: All ages are invited to Dolly Day at Truck Yard Houston. Get into your cowboy gear for Dolly Parton-themed drinks, music and a meet-and-greet with a Dolly impersonator. There will also be a Dolly lookalike contest. And if you bring a book to donate, you'll get somethin' special in return. 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at 2119 Dallas; free admission.

Houston on the cheap

Photo by: Cirque Italia

'Aquatic Spectacular'

Cirque Italia's "Aquatic Spectacular" showcases a custom stage with a 35,000 gallon water display. Acts swing from ropes, flip over trapezes and zoom around on BMX bikes and roller skates. But do I need a raincoat? Jan. 18-28 at Katy Mills Mall. Tickets start at $15 at cirqueitalia.com.

Go 'Stros: For just a dollar, you can get into the Astros FanFest, meet your favorite players and take selfies with the 2017 and 2022 World Series trophies. You must purchase a $1 voucher online for entry. Proceeds benefit the Astros Foundation. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Minute Maid Park, 510 Crawford.

Where to eat

Union Kitchen is hosting a Dolly Parton-themed brunch at its five locations.

Photo by: Courtesy

Dolly does pancakes

You can order a 9 to 5 Special or a Jolene at Union Kitchen's Dolly Parton-themed brunch. Pop in from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 20 at any of the five locations, including Memorial, Oak Forest, Cypress, Katy and Kingwood for Parton-themed food and music. In honor of her Imagination Library literacy program, bring a new children's book that will be donated to Houston nonprofit Casa de Esperanza.

Free chicken fingers for a year: Layne's Chicken Fingers arrives in the Inner Loop this weekend with a Montrose location. There's just something about good chicken tenders, y'all. The Jan. 20 grand opening at 2359 S. Shepherd, formerly a KFC, will be a party. The first ten customers in line and the first ten cars waiting at the drive-thru will receive a free meal for every month in 2024.

Everything else you need to know

Explore Houston: Check out our interactive Preview calendar, which has Houston's best concerts, comedy shows, arts events and more.
Freebies: Discovery Green's "Cinema Luminaire" celebrates the films of Georges Méliès, a French director who paved the way for modern cinema. His 1902 film "A Trip to the Moon," considered an early landmark in science-fiction, will be screened alongside several other shorts. There will also be live music from French violinist Kami Ghavi Helm. 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at 1500 McKinney.
Entertainer to know: Congratulations to Houston's Abdiel Urcullu, who won a Creative Arts Emmy for work on the HBO drag makeover series "We're Here." His award was for outstanding hairstyling for a variety, nonfiction or reality program. Urcullu owns Wigs & Grace, who has created and styled wigs for some of the country's most popular drag entertainers.