Best Bets this Weekend

If you miss the Brian Jonestown Massacre tonight, then, well, you may miss the best that this weekend has to offer. Just kidding. Kinda.

Friday
Oneida / Ume / The Jonx @ Rudyard’s
For years, when I visited my family in Wisconsin, I tried to convince my cousins to go with me to the Oneida Casino just outside Green Bay. But when when they finally surrendered to my whim and we took to the faux-wood sided station wagon for a jaunt, it was just as disappointing as their corporate colors imply. Pooh. Oneida the band, on the other hand, has gotten generally positive reviews for their new record Wedding, and are bringing their adjective-inspiring though description-evading sounds to Houston this week.

Also on the bill is UME, which, you can claim, heralds from Houston as much as any city, and is touring in support of their excellent new LP Urgent Sea (be sure to give them a gentle ribbing for the un-attributed photos I took of them in the liner notes – UME OWES ME MERCH!). Among the most consistently impressive of all local acts, any show they play is recommended.

Especially when that show also includes The Jonx, whose upcoming record The Return of The Death of The Legacy Of The Revenge of The Jonx (seriously) is also a knife-packed firebolt straight to the inner ear (or at least the three tracks I have heard so far). Is Johnny Killed Rock’ n’ Roll a hit factory or what?
10pm / 21+ / cover charge unknown

Saturday
Give Up Art Opening @ Aerosol Warfare Gallery
So, you’ve probably seen the wheatpaste-poster art/vandalism (you make the call on that) that feature the phrase “Give Up.” Well, a collection of his/her work is going to be on display at Aerosol Warfare, with the opening this Saturday. If you go, go early and then come cheer us on at Starr Project.
6-10pm

Starr Project Show #2 @ The Proletariat
If you are looking for an opportunity to come heckle me in person, you’ve found your chance, as the yet un-named Star Project Round Two Band Three takes the stage to perform our unique blend of rushed-together country prog acid experirock. Will we be called Fire on Fire? Montrose Dolphins? Spider Hole? We really have no idea, and care even less, but we do hope you join us for the hilarity of seeing bands of strangers do a show after only a month of practice. There are supposed to be three other bands performing as well, but I don’t know how many of them actually got it together in time. They'll also be having a drawing for round three of the Starr Project saturday night as well.
10pm / $5 / 21+

Best Bets This Weekend

Hello Weekend. You shall prove to be to my satisfaction, I can already tell. There is plenty to do, so Do it, England.

Friday
As You Like it @ Miller Outdoor Theater
A favorite summertime ritual is packing up the picnic basket, chilling the flask and heading out the Miller Outdoor Theater for their summer Shakespeare productions. Camped out on the lil' grassy knoll, it's a free evening's entertainment that always entertains. This year, like in the past, they do two productions that are held on alternating nights. Friday Night's performance is As You Like It.

Miss Lily's Drunken Lodge Hall Revue @ The Axiom
Last week, I opined about the increased visibility of burlesque among night-time fare. One reader chimed in to mention that Houston has a home-grown troupe, performing a show at the Axiom every Friday night until September 2nd. You go-go girls.

Gravy Train!!!!, VIP, The Gaze @ Mary Jane's Fat Cat
I can't speak for the other bands, but if you missed The Gaze at the last Starr Project show, you should prolly go check them out (it was supposed to be a one time only performance). Also appearing Friday at Mary Jane's is Gravy Train!!!! and VIP.

Rusted Shut, Pterodactyl, Dakota Building, the Jonx @ The Bill Hicks Resurrection Laboratory
I've never been to this venue, and I've only seen The Jonx live. But my understanding is that this is the show you should go to if you are looking for alternate means to strip the plaque off your teeth.

Saturday
Hamlet @ Miller Outdoor Theater
One of the great things about the Summer Shakespeare productions is their tendency to be placed in non-Shakespearean settings. Isn't it about time we see Hamlet take place on the Battlestar Galactica? Sadly, that will have to wait for another year.

Glass Candy and Dead Roses @ The Proletariat
Yeah, I know. Just last week I was dissing on a Glass Candy 7" that I picked up in a bulk lot of records I bought from a friend. But damn, it's catchy. And locals Dead Roses never play out anymore, so don't skip on this chance to see their rock as rock performance if you haven't previously. The Dum Dum Crue will also be on hand to keep The Proletariat conversation-proof between sets.

Roman Candle Jousting @ Commerce Street Warehouse
More than one person has mentioned to me that they are going to this party, which apparently features people on bikes jousting with roman candles. Seriously. I don't know anything else about it, except that it is alleged to take place at the Commerce Street Warehouse.

That 80's Hair Band @ Mike's Ultimate Sports Bar
Ok, not really, but aren't you a little curious? Oh, man! That 80's Hair Band?!! What a name!