Willie Nelson looks to have a grand time in Galveston.: AP
Galveston remembers Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson has been in a nostalgic place of late, having made an atmospheric album of early country classics in 2010 with “Country Music;” a collection of his favorite old country hits last year with “Remember Me, Vol. 1;” and this year’s “Heroes,” which recast some of his own tunes. His voice is still a thing of creaky wonder, and he has thousands of great tunes at his calloused fingertips. He’ll be joined by son Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. When: 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; Where: The Grand, 2020 Postoffice, Galveston; Tickets: $39 and up; 800-821-1894 or thegrand.com.
Wiz kid
Wiz Khalifa has charted an odd course through the music business, which sort of reflects his own youth as an Army brat who was born in North Dakota. Khalifa’s family moved regularly, including time in Japan, before settling in Pittsburgh, which was been his base of operations as an up-and-coming rapper. Khalifa found his voice fusing rapping with a melodic sing-songy approach that tiptoed close to pop. The hybrid style fits nicely with his lyrics, which often speak to the enjoyment of high times. With Juicy J, Chevy Woods, Lola Monroe, Berner and Tuki Carter. When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; Where: Reliant Arena, 1 Reliant Park; Tickets: $29.50-$39.50.
Time to go to class
Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins, the classical-crossover duo, will probably work several warm, fuzzy moments into this show. Jenkins, runner-up earlier this year on “Dancing With the Stars,” is plugging a new Christmas album. Also on the bill are the Houston Symphony and Chorus and soprano Maria Aleida. When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; Where: Toyota Center, 1510 Polk; Tickets: $75-$375.
Thursday 11.22
63rd annual Holiday Parade: More than 400,00 people are expected to line the streets of downtown and welcome the holidays, hoping for a glimpse of Santa Claus himself. The parade starts at Texas and Crawford streets and ends at Walker and Caroline streets. It will be broadcast live on KHOU Channel 11. This year’s theme is Celebrate! Holidays Around the World, and Disney star Kenton Duty (“Shake it Up,” “Lost”) will add some star power. When: 9 a.m. Thursday; Where: Downtown Houston; Tickets: Free, but seating is available for $19-$150.
Young Mammals: Young Mammals is a group that knows its way around a dynamic Pixies chorus without resorting to aping. They’ve been busy this year, playing the CMJ Music Festival, SXSW, the Noise Pop Festival and smaller venues across the country. Once you’re stuffed with turkey and pumpkin pie, wash it down with some noisy indie-rock. With Caddywhompus and Mikey & the Drags. When: 9 p.m. Thursday; Where: Fitzgerald’s, 2706 White Oak; Tickets: $10.
Saturday 11.24
Bill O’Reilly & Dennis Miller: Bolder and Fresher: Most of the jokes at this conservative double-punch will likely be centered around President Barack Obama’s recent re-election. We’d expect nothing less from the Fox News star and former “Saturday Night Live” funny man. When: 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; Where: Hobby Center, Sarofim Hall, 800 Bagby; Tickets: $65-$450.
Conspiracy Club: Dallas troupe Ruby Revue celebrates the history of burlesque with nods to the past and a wink-nudge to the future. The lineup includes Burlesque Hall of Famer Tammi True along with Queens of Burlesque 2012 Angi B. Lovely and 2011 Ginger Valentine. Expect lots of fringe and sequins. When: 9 p.m. Saturday; Where: House of Blues, Bronze Peacock Room, 1204 Caroline; Tickets: $20-$22.
Trae Tha Truth will likely have some surprise guests with him.: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle
ABN Reunion: Local rap heavyweights Trae Tha Truth and Z-Ro head up this reconvening of the ABN collective, which has morphed in recent years to include charity work. But the music will be front and center at this show, which promises plenty of surprise guests. When: 9 p.m. Saturday; Where: House of Blues, 1204 Caroline; Tickets: $25-$40.
Wednesday 11.28
Steve Winwood: The Rock Hall of Famer was a member of the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith and Go before striking solo gold with ’80s hits “Higher Love,” “Back in the High Life Again” and “Roll With It.” He toured with Eric Clapton (and hit Houston in 2009) and became an unlikely dance act thanks to “Call on Me.” The anthemic track, from Swedish DJ/producer Eric Prydz, sampled Winwood’s 1992 hit “Valerie.” Winwood was so impressed that he re-recorded the vocals, and it went on to become a worldwide hit. When: 8 p.m. Wednesday; Where: Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas; Tickets: $27.50-$77.50.
Bettye LaVette: Soul stirrer Bettye Lavette resurrected her stalled career with 2005’s “I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise” and has since continued to put out stellar work, including this year’s “Thankful N’ Thoughtful.” She’s celebrating five decades of a unique career that has brought unexpected accolades in its later acts. When: 8 p.m. Wednesday; Where: Dosey Doe, 25911 Interstate 45 N., The Woodlands; Tickets: $88-$128.