Convenience Big Store: Pride in Houston, take 2: K. Michelle, David Archuleta and lots of heat

It's not a repeat. A Pride parade is Houston's top event again this weekend.

I debated writing about Pride again this week. But let's be honest. This weekend's Pride Houston parade and festival is the biggest thing happening in the city.

The entertainment lineup includes R&B/country singer K. Michelle and David Archuleta, who millions of people got to know as a contestant on "American Idol." His debut single, "Crush," sold more than 2 million copies and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's only recently that he understood what the song really meant.

"I felt a bit resentful. 'I can't relate to this.' I'd never had a crush. I didn't feel like it was OK to have any of those feelings at all," Archuleta told me in 2022. He came out publicly as queer in 2021 and has candidly discussed his "faith crisis" with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church. He eventually left the church.

"Now, singing ('Crush') years later, I appreciate what it means to people. And now I can relate to it. I had to be 30 years old to know what everyone goes through in high school and junior high."

Archuleta now seems more confident and at peace with himself. The happiness radiates from his frequent social media posts. And his performance should be the perfect cap to a month of Pride in Houston.

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

Megan Thee Stallion performs at The Toyota Center on Friday, June 14, 2024

Photo by: Jamaal Ellis, Contributor

Hotties, assemble!

Megan Thee Stallion's new album, "Megan," drops at 11 p.m. June 27. TONIGHT. This is the Houston native's third album and features Victoria Monét, GloRilla, Kyle Richh and Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba. Among the 18 tracks is also "Paper Together" featuring UGK. Yes, the Port Arthur duo of Bun B and the late Pimp C are among the guests. If you need me later tonight, I'll be listening.

That's that her espresso: Sabrina Carpenter has extended her Short n' Sweet Tour to 33 dates, including Oct. 27 at Toyota Center. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday through the venue site. Carpenter is currently atop the Billboard Hot 100 with the single "Please Please Please." Her other summer hit, "Espresso," is still in the top five.
Beyoncé watch: Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" album continues to open doors. Several country artists featured on the album have covered Bey's biggest hits for Apple Music Nashville Sessions. They include Tiera Kennedy, Tanner Adell and Brittney Spencer.

Fun family favs

Interactive, walk-through medical inflatables exhibit at Evelyn Park

Photo by: Courtesy

Body language

OK, I admit, these look a little scary. But the "Medical Inflatables" exhibit at Evelyn Park is meant to educate. It features interactive, walk-through models of the human anatomy as a way for kids to learn about the body and the risks, symptoms, nature and causes of various diseases. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 29 at Evelyn's Park Conservancy, 4400 Bellaire; free.

Ohana means family: The Disney film "Lilo & Stitch" comes to life at the Children's Museum of Houston during "Ohana Means Family!" Stitch himself with pose for photos, and there will also be crafts, airbrush tattoos and a Polynesian dance performance. To Elvis songs, of course. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 29 at 1500 Binz; $19.95 tickets online.

Houston on the cheap

Alana Delarosa sings along to a drag performer as her girlfriend, Nicole Pope, kisses her during a Pride event at Discovery Green on Friday, June 21, 2019, in Houston. 'It's being able to love whoever you want visibly and proudly,' Pope said of Pride festivities.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

Pride outside

The annual Rainbow on the Green celebration is a fun time for everyone and will feature Z'maji Glamouratti & the Lone Star Discoteq, a local act exploring all elements of dance music; nerd-pop duo Space Kiddettes; and Roxanne Collins, who has spent years honing her Tina Turner and Chaka Khan impersonations. 7-10 p.m. June 28 at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney; free.

4th Fest: 4th Fest in Pasadena is one of many celebrations next week and will feature amusement rides, vendors, live music, and food trucks. Ending, of course, with a fireworks display. This year's performers include Pasadena Idol winners and Grammy-nominated Tejano band La Fiebre. 4-9:30 p.m. July 4 at Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Pkwy; free.

Where to eat

Photo by: Courtesy

Rainbow recipe

I love "The Great British Baking Show" and come back to it every few months. It inspired me to try making a Swiss roll, and I have to say I surprised myself with the results. And rainbow, no less! There are various recipes online, and they're surprisingly easy to follow. Have you tried making anything from the show?

Orange you glad: Orange Taco is now open in a downtown storefront at the Houston Center, 1200 McKinney. They sell tacos, quesadillas, fried rice and other dishes combining Mexican and Asian flavors. Their signature Orange Taco is tender brisket tossed in a caramelized orange barbecue sauce topped with red pickled onions, avocado aioli and orange zest. I'm intrigued.

Everything else you need to know

Freebies: Star Sailor HTX hosts a Pride party featuring local vendors, live music, a DJ and more. Admission is free, but they'll be raising funds for multiple nonprofits, including Tony's Place and Montrose Center. Noon June 29 at 1710 W. 18th.
Entertainer to know: Sugar Joiko is originally from New Orleans but settled in Pearland after Hurricane Katrina. She's a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Her album "DJ Save My Life" just dropped, and it's an energetic collection of pop-dance tracks. Check out opening track "Beautiful."
Explore Houston: Check out our interactive Preview calendar, which has Houston's best concerts, comedy shows, arts events and more.