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Are you ready to Rodeo, Houston? We'll have the full lineup tonight.
With all due respect to Mariah Carey, "It's time" .... for RodeoHouston.
Can you believe we're here again? It seems like just yesterday the all-time attendance record was being broken by Los Tigres del Norte, only to be topped a few days later by the Jonas Brothers. The 2025 lineup will be revealed at 7 p.m. tonight, and I'll break it down as soon as it drops. (Come back to that link at 7 p.m.)
I made predictions about the lineup, from a "Cowboy Carter" extravaganza to a Selena tribute. I even put together a pure wish list that includes Dolly Parton, Megan Thee Stallion and Miley Cyrus.
And as we've seen in past years, anything can happen at RodeoHouston. We've seen everyone from Diana Ross to KISS to Cardi B on the rotating stage. I was lucky enough to be at all three of those and will never forget the sight of a barefoot Ross running across the dirt floor in a full ball gown.
I've reviewed hundreds of RodeoHouston performances and attended several as a fan. I remember seeing Tiffany — yes, the "I Think We're Alone Now" teen queen — with my cousins. I watched Destiny's Child go through multiple takes of the same song to get different angles for a TV special. I will forever treasure attending all three of Selena's iconic Rodeo performances and feeling the excitement quake through the aisles.
What are your favorite RodeoHouston memories? What concert do you remember? I'd love to know. Email me at joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com. I'll include them in next week's newsletter.
 | Joey Guerra, music reporter |
My music picks
Photo by: Courtesy
Houston music musts
January is a slow time for live shows. So check out my list of 2024's best albums from Houston artists. I'm not talking Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion. I mean the artists who are writing, performing and grinding every day in the city. Some of them have full-time jobs. Some of them are parents. All of them put heart and soul and hard-earned money into the music.
- Killer classical: Rapper Killer Mike is teaming up with the Houston Symphony. The Atlanta artist and his gospel choir, The Mighty Midnight Revival, will perform alongside the symphony under the direction of principal Pops conductor Steven Reineke. The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Jones Hall. Killer Mike won Grammys last year in three rap categories: performance, song and album.
- Beyoncé watch: Another day, another Beyoncé mystery. Just after her Christmas Day performance in Houston, she teased ... something on Instagram. A short video featured her atop a horse, waving an American flag, accompanied by dramatic music and the sound of galloping horses. It ends with a date: 1.14.25. A tour? Visuals? Beyoncé, stop playing with us.
Fun family favs
Photo by: Discovery Green
Bumper cars on ice
What's better than bumper cars? Bumper cars on ice! Discovery Green is offering rides and slides across the ice for a limited time. You must be at least 42 inches tall. License not required. They'll be in action through Jan. 19 at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney. Tickets are $20; more info at discoverygreen.com.
- Gotta draw 'em: The Sketch Em All art show celebrates all things Pokémon and Pikachu. Local artists have created pieces inspired by the pop-culture touchstone that will be on display. There will be free beer for the adults and ciders, too. Food trucks will be on site. 7-11 p.m. Jan. 10 at 902 Hardy; free; theinsomniagallery.com.
Houston on the cheap
Photo by: Scot Overholser
BowiElvis Fest
BowiElvis Fest has become a Houston institution. The 16th annual event will feature live music from Capt. Millsy at the Helm, DJs on the patio, burlesque performances and food. Themed cocktails will include Burning Love and Life on Mars. And of course, the famed Elvis and Bowie costume contest. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Dan Electro's, 1031 E. 24th; $20 and up; danelectrosheights.com.
- 'Book of Mormon': "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone crafted this story of two Mormon missionaries who try to bring the Good Word to a remote Ugandan village whose people are more concerned with, among other things, poverty, AIDS and a murderous warlord. Through Jan. 12 as part of Broadway at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby; houston.broadway.com.
Where to eat
Photo by: Mark Mulligan, Staff Photographer
Galveston Restaurant Week
Galveston Restaurant Week features prix-fixe two or three-course dinners priced at $20 to $60, two-course lunches at $10 to $30 and brunches at $10 to $40. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Galveston County Food Bank and St. Vincent's House. Through Feb. 2 at multiple Galveston venues; $10-$45; visitgalveston.com.
- Bagels for everyone: Orlando-based Jeff's Bagel Run is now open at 3849 Bellaire Blvd. It's the first Texas location for the chain, which has 11 other outposts in Florida, North Carolina and Georgia. The official grand opening is Friday and the first 100 customers will receive a limited-edition West U tote bag and bagel cards.
Everything else you need to know
- The Japan Junction Oshogatsu New Year's Celebration will feature live performances, traditional Japanese games, omikuji fortune telling and craft stations. 11 a.m. Jan. 11 at Levy Park, 3801 Eastside; levyparkhouston.org.
- Explore Houston: Check out our interactive Preview calendar, which has Houston's best concerts, comedy shows, arts events and more.
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