PREVIEW PICKS
1. Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown
The East Texas music great enjoyed renewed attention and renown between the 1980s and his death in 2005. But the bright music from his early years has always been a little more difficult to find. The new “Rocks” anthology collects 29 songs from Brown’s beginnings, covering 1947-1960, when he cut sides for the Aladdin and Peacock labels. The latter capture a brilliant run when Brown could be heard all over Houston-made recordings for Don Robey’s labels. Late Gate is always available, but this material has always required a little more hunting until now.
Where: Available through music retail.
Andrew Dansby
2. Evelyn Rubio
Evelyn Rubio performances can feel like concerts from multiple star talents. She’s capable of growling out a soulful vocal and then tearing through a saxophone solo, doing the work of two showcase performers, all in the span of a few moments. She got her start with a big band in Mexico City, then relocated to Houston, where she was tutored by the late, great trumpeter and bandleader Calvin Owens. Over the years, Rubio has found a sound all her own, rooted in blues, R&B and jazz, presented with a dynamic soulfulness.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk
Details: $120 for a table of four (show is also streaming on YouTube); 713-528-5999, mcgonigels.com
Andrew Dansby
3. ‘The Wilds’
A plane crash leaves eight teenage girls stranded on a beach with minimal tools, lots of troubles and no hint as to whether or not rescue is imminent. Sarah Streicher’s series touches on “Lost” and “Lord of the Flies,” and unfolds slowly and carefully with a dark conspiratorial undercurrent. Streicher brilliantly reveals facets of her characters over time: Some are maddening upon introduction but relatable as more about their difficult pasts are revealed. The cast is brilliant, top to bottom, but particularly notable is Helena Howard, who exhibits a masterful command of her complicated character.
Where: Streaming on Amazon Prime
Andrew Dansby
4. The Weeknd
Canadian superstar The Weeknd gets 13 minutes to dazzle the world when he takes the stage at the Super Bowl halftime show. He has to bring the hits. But he also has to showcase artistry and, if he’s smart, give us a taste of something new that we can immediately download. Last year’s Jennifer Lopez/Shakira spectacular will be tough to beat. Maybe Bad Bunny is available again.
Where: 7:30 p.m. Sunday on CBS (approximately)Joey Guerra
5. CNCO
Boy band CNCO pays homage to its influences on “Déjà Vu,” a collection of Spanish-language pop covers. The tracklist includes huge songs by Enrique Iglesias, Chayanne and Luis Fonsi. (No, not “Despacito.”) The first two videos take the tributes further, re-creating scenes from New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys.
Where: Streaming on digital platforms
Joey Guerra