ONE OF THE BEST
MIRANDA LAMBERT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST MUSICIANS TO EVER COME FROM TEXAS. DON’T AGREE? TURN A FEW PAGES AND YOU’LL SEE HER ON OUR LIST OF GREAT TEXANS, WITH SOME CONTEXTUAL EVIDENCE. SHE’S IN THE AREA WITH LITTLE BIG TOWN. DON’T MISS OUT. When: 7 p.m. Friday
• Where: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins, The Woodlands
• Details: $25-$84.75; 281-364-3010, woodlandscenter.org
1. Strange magic
Electric Light Orchestra is closing in on 50 years, doing pretty much what the band did in the ’70s, which is all captured in its name: making the grandest, spaceiest orchestral pop and rock in the cosmos. Ringleader Jeff Lynne is taking ELO out for its first tour in over 30 years. I can’t find record of a Houston show in an even longer spell. Expect grandiose pop hits, lots of lights and visuals likely to include UFO motifs.
When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Toyota Center, 1510 Polk Details: $49.50-$149.50; 866446-8849, houstontoyota center.com Andrew Dansby
2. Back to Bakersfield
Dwight Yoakam sounded otherworldly when he showed up in the early 1980s, and while his songwriting and aching whine account for a lot of the attention, much of his trademark sound — a mix of Bakersfield country, rockabilly, Brill Building pop and more — can be attributed to Pete Anderson, the masterful guitarist and producer who helped Yoakam create that world of sound. Anderson and Yoakam parted ways 15 years ago, and Anderson has applied his instrumental virtuosity and Motor City sound to his own music since. His latest is “Live at the Moose,” which offers some insight into what his solo show is about. When: 9:30 p.m. Friday Where: McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk Details: $20-$22; 713-5285999, mcgonigels.com Andrew Dansby
3. Arty block party
Some of Houston’s best-known artists got their start at Project Row Houses. The latest emerging newbies, who were mentored this summer by Regina Agu and Eyakem Gulilat, unveil their installations of the houses during an evening opening party that also features a community market. When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday Where: Project Row Houses, 2521 Holman
Details: Free; 713-526-7662, projectrowhouses.org Molly Glentzer
4. Selena on the big screen
It’s round two of the Chronicle’s Top Texas Films series at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and we’re bringing back “Selena,” the Jenifer Lopez-led biopic about the legendary singer, which landed at No. 23 on our list. Chronicle pop-music critic Joey Guerra, who knows more about Selena than most people on this planet, will introduce the film and bring along a Selena tribute singer.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday Where: MFAH, 1001 Bissonett Details: $7-$9; 713-639-7300, mfah.org Robert Morast
5. Rap role model?
J. Cole’s a polarizing figure in hip-hop. The North Carolina native can sell out arenas, so he’s clearly popular. Meanwhile, his critics disregard his work with counters of simplistic ideas and artifice. Who’s right? Does it matter? The guy throws a good party vibe, which he did at JMBLYA earlier this year. Sometimes, that’s all that matters. This party includes appearances by Young Thug and Jaden Smith. When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Toyota Center, 1510 Polk Details: $49.50-$149.50; 713-758-7200, houston toyotacenter.com Robert Morast