1. Guitar Shorty tribute
David Kearney was born in Florida, died in California and spent the years between as a guitar god traveling the world as Guitar Shorty. Though Shorty’s career took off well after his childhood in Houston, he always considered Texas formative to his career. He fused rock and blues in a way that influenced Jimi Hendrix and other players. But Shorty’s own body of work was formidable. This weekend, a bunch of local and regional players — collaborators and admirers — including Larry Evans, William Hollis, John del Toro Tichardson and the Mighty Orq, will honor the guitar great at the Guitar Shorty Memorial Jam.
When: 2 p.m. June 12
Where: Big Easy, 5731 Kirby
Details: Donations welcome, 713-523-9999, thebigeasyblues.com
Andrew Dansby
2. ‘Cheer’ Live 2022
One of the TV documentary series that helped get us through the pandemic was “Cheer,” the Netflix chronicle of the serious rivalry between the cheerleading squads of two Texas schools, Navarro College and Trinity College. The collision of athleticism and heartbreak on the Texas prairie, and ultimately at the national finals in Florida, made for compulsively watchable TV. And now it’s a live, touring show featuring some of the athletes doing their routines. Bonus: love-her-or-loathe-her Navarro College coach Monica Aldama will also be on hand.
When: 7:30 p.m. June 10
Where: Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington, Sugar Land
Details: $29.95-$149.95; smartfinancialcentre.net
Cary Darling
3. Calexico
More than a quarter century after splitting off from the great southwestern band Giant Sand, Calexico continues to create a sound that hearkens its native Arizona, while also following an experimental bent that has long kept the duo of John Convertino and Joey Burns from becoming a novelty. Since releasing the lovely “Spoke” in 1996, the duo has put out more than 10 albums, with the new “El Mirador” released just a few weeks ago.
When: 7 p.m. June 14
Where: White Oak Music Hall, 2915 N. Main
Details: $30; 713-237-0370, whiteoakmusichall.com
Andrew Dansby
4. AsiaFest
Asia Society Texas Center celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Museum District building grand opening with a Lone Star State-size AsiaFest. On deck are eight performances, eight food vendors, dragon boat display and a lion dance by Lee’s Golden Dragon. Oh, and kids can get their “party passports” stamped as they explore four different regions of Asia.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 11
Where: Asia Society Texas, 1370 Southmore
Details: Free; asiasociety.org/texas/events/asiafest-2022
Amber Elliott
5. Pride Happy Hour with Pride Chorus Houston
For one afternoon only, Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University transforms into the hottest club in town. Happy hour jams by DJ GNDRBNDR bookend a special performance from Pride Chorus Houston. Expect to hear Pride anthems by LGBTQ+ beloved artists such as Elton John and Lady Gaga, plus Social Beer Garden’s complimentary cocktails and free access to “Baseera Khan: Weight on History,” too.
When: 5-7 p.m. June 11
Where: Moody Center for the Arts, Rice University, 6100 Main
Details: Free; moody.rice.edu
Amber Elliott
6. ‘From Plantation to Emancipation’
Get a head start on Juneteenth with Saturday tours of three historic houses designated by UNESCO as sites of memory for its “Slave Route Project.” These tours at the Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park grant access to “From Plantation to Emancipation,” and the complimentary program includes a red punch and tea cake reception plus a midday speaker series.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., June 11
Where: Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby
Details: $15; heritagesociety.org
Amber Elliott