Live Music in Houston This August

August is one of the busiest months of the year. This month in Houston, most of your favorite shows are being held in large arenas, which means more air conditioning and better seating arrangements. I'm a huge fan of small shows, but it's always fun being able to enjoy live music with many other fans, which is why I'm excited about all the big shows coming up in August.

Aug. 1 -  Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor @ Toyota Center

Bonnie Raitt is a rock/blues legend. Although I wouldn't have thought to pair her with James Taylor, these two strong performers will likely complement each other and give a fairly soulful concert.

Aug. 4: Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey @ Toyota Center

One of the biggest concerts of the summer, Mariah Carey and Lionel Ritchie are singing all the hits on their appropriately named "All the Hits" Tour.

Aug. 4: 2 Chainz @ House of Blues

2 Chainz! A rapper known for putting on a huge party is playing at cool venue House of Blues this August!

Aug. 4: Jimmy Eat World @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Every college-aged kid remembers Jimmy Eat World from middle school. Time to scream-sing "The Middle" like your past self.

Aug. 5: Queen and Adam Lambert @ Toyota Center

Having seen this concert before, I can testify that this is a great show. Freddie Mercury is impossible to top, but Adam Lambert fits in great with the rest of Queen, and the costumes, lighting, and stage dynamics are fresh and young. Try to pick up some tickets!

Aug. 6: John Mayer @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

John Mayer is known for his hits like "Daughters," but what many people don't know is how good of a guitarist he is. He looks at classic rock/blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughn (another favorite of mine, RIP) for inspiration and is often recruited by classic rock bands to tour with them as a lead guitarist. Great music is sure to come out of this concert, even if there's a lot of guitar solos.

Aug. 6: Marcia Ball @ The Heights Theater

Marcia Ball is a blues singer born in Texas but raised in Louisiana. She specializes in New Orleans-style blues and jazz, and is known for her excellent piano skills. Fun if you like blues, rock, zydeco, jazz or great singing!

Aug. 11: Laidback Luke @ Stereo Live

Laidback Luke is a DJ/producer from The Netherlands. His act, which will allow for lots of jumping and dancing, will be great at Stereo Live, a cool venue with plenty of room to move around.

Aug. 11: The Blasters @ McGonigel's Mucky Duck

The Blasters are a rock band from the ’70s/’80s. They have come to Houston a few times, so if you haven't gone to see them yet, now is your chance!

Aug. 12: Lil Yachty @ Warehouse Live

Lil Yachty is one of music's new "it" boys, with hits like "Broccoli" and "iSpy." At only 19 years old, Lil Yachty is ahead of his time, calling his music "bubblegum trap." Although this show is technically sold out, you can find tickets through this link. 

Aug. 12: Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper @ Smart Financial Centre

Two classics; two different sounds. Rod Stewart is known for being a rock icon, but will likely put on a more pop-central show alongside Cyndi Lauper, known for her hit "Girls Just Want To Have Fun."

Aug. 18: J.Cole @ Toyota Center

J. Cole released an album last September and has been touring ever since. Besides being a rapper, J. Cole is involved with a lot of other projects, including multiple charity organizations, producing, and filmmaking. One of his most popular recent hits is "No Role Modelz."

Aug. 18: Alice Cooper and Deep Purple @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

"School's Out For Summer" and "Smoke on the Water" are two classic rock hits that will be sure to be heard at this concert. Expect great guitarmanship and a lot of fun coming out of this concert.

Aug. 19: Ed Sheeran and James Blunt @ Toyota Center

Ed Sheeran is this year's most controversial yet popular musician. With chart-topping hits like "Castle on the Hill" and "Shape of You," as well as cameos in Game of Thrones (oops, spoiler alert), Ed is very much talked about - so much so that he has deleted his Twitter! Catch him live in concert while he's riding on his popularity.

Aug. 19: Los Lonely Boys @ House of Blues

Los Lonely Boys are a group known for Chicano-rock music. Their most famous hit is "Heaven." They have worked with legends like Carlos Santana and Willie Nelson. House of Blues will provide a wonderful, intimate setting for this group that could probably be playing on much bigger stages.

Aug. 19: Cheap Trick and Foreigner @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

These two bands were huge in the ’70s and ’80s - Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me" and Foreigner's "Feels Like the First Time" are songs that have lasted through the years and even resurfaced in recent pop culture ("Feels Like the First Time" was featured in Pitch Perfect). Whether you were alive to see them the first time or are just now getting interested, this will be a fun show with tons of songs you didn't think you knew (but will!).

Aug. 23: Yes @ Smart Financial Centre

I saw Yes perform a few years ago in a much smaller venue, and they were great. Truly a great live band, with wonderful musicianship. With the comfy seats and great acoustics at Smart Financial, Yes will feel right at home.

Aug. 25: Coldplay @ NRG Arena

Coldplay is touring for their most recently released album, which features pop radio hit "Hymn for the Weekend." Don't be surprised if they play some of their older hits, and expect cool lighting and lots of stage presence from all band members.

Aug. 27: Lady Antebellum @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Last but not least, country group Lady Antebellum will be coming to Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Although the end of summer is sad, there's no better way to cap it off than with a great outdoor show where you can sing along to all the songs.