Joey Guerra

Houston

Music Critic and Pop Culture Writer at Houston Chronicle

Music Critic for the Houston Chronicle, one of the 10 largest U.S. dailies. Absolutely love it.

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Articles

Exclusive: These are the bands playing Meow Wolf Houston's summer concert series

2 days ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

Meow Wolf Houston will debut its first summer concert series next month, the Chronicle can report exclusively. The series runs June 6-July 25, spanning dance-rock, synth-pop, blues and Latin. Bands perform in a dedicated space with a stage within the immersive art museum. Article continues below this adThe Meow Wolf Houston concert series includes: Swimwear DepartmentThey're still singing exclusively about swimming pools and malls.
'Drag Race All Stars' has Houston queens Mistress Isabelle & Irene the Alien

5 days ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

Houston, we have an "All Star." Actually, make that two. "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" kicks off its tenth season with 18 returning queens, including two with local ties: Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Irene the Alien. The first two episodes are now streaming on Paramount+. Article continues below this adBoth queens competed on Season 15, though with very different outcomes. "All Stars" is a chance to redeem for one and for the other to complete her victory lap.
The War and Treaty talks genres, unlearning hate and being 'bridge builders'

1 week ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

Onstage and on record, something magical happens when Michael and Tanya Trotter sing together. You can feel it in the roof-raising crescendo of "Skyscraper" or the gorgeous build of "Love Light," both songs from "Plus One," the husband-and-wife duo's latest album as The War and Treaty. Article continues below this adChris Stapleton was so impressed with the duo that he took them on tour.
Katy Perry kicks off The Lifetimes Tour in Houston

1 week ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

Katy Perry is a superstar at a crossroads. She has been mocked mercilessly for an 11-minute flight on a Blue Origin spaceship that ended with her kissing the ground. Her album "143" received universally negative reviews and failed to secure a chart liftoff. The Lifetimes Tour kicked off last month in Mexico and clips of her dancing onstage went viral for all the wrong reasons.
Review: Rauw Alejandro's 'Cosa Nuestra' brings Broadway razzle dazzle to Houston

1 week ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

"A musical theatre experience," British spelling and all, is how Latin pop superstar Rauw Alejandro describes his Cosa Nuestra World Tour. That isn't just clever branding. The two-and-a-half hour show is a song-and-dance spectacle of the highest order. It's beautiful to look at and deliriously entertaining to experience.
Friendswood native Katie Rose Clarke to star as Dolly Parton in new musical

1 week ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

A Friendswood native will step into the rhinestoned and sequined life of a music icon. Katie Rose Clarke has been cast as Dolly Parton in the upcoming musical based on her life. The show will have its world premiere this summer in Nashville, with the intention of a Broadway run. Article continues below this adClarke grew up in Friendswood and graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.
Dave Matthews delivers rare solo performance at White Oak Music Hall in Houston

1 week ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

Dave Matthews Band is used to playing for huge crowds — particularly in the Houston area. Over the year, DMB has kicked off multiple tours at the Woodlands Pavilion, often drawing crowds of more than 16,000 people. At one point, the band sold more tickets and played more concerts there than any other performer. That's what made Friday night so extraordinary. Matthews performed solo for two hours for a crowd of around 850 — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Scott Gertner, Houston nightlife icon & owner of SkyBar & Rhythm Room, has died

1 week ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

Scott Gertner, whose name and presence were synonymous with live music in Houston, has died. The announcement was made Thursday night by his family through a publicist. "We are deeply saddened today to share the news of the unexpected passing of Houston entertainment icon Scott Gertner. Our family is heartbroken and still processing this sudden loss," it read. "We appreciate your expressions of love and kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time.
'The Wiz' brings Beyoncé-level choreography & gravity-defying voices to Houston

2 weeks ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

The current revival of "The Wiz" has kaleidoscopic sets, Beyoncé-caliber choreography and shade worthy of a "RuPaul's Drag Race" reading challenge. But the most wonderful thing about this "Wiz" is the cyclone of vocal energy that lifts it off the ground. Almost every song builds to a climactic power note. Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion harmonize as if they've been singing together for years. The show's trio of witches each get moments to shine.
JaQuel Knight: From Beyoncé to Megan Thee Stallion to 'The Wiz' in Houston

2 weeks ago | houstonchronicle.com | Joey Guerra

JaQuel Knight has created some of the most iconic dance moments in pop culture history. It's a dizzying list that includes Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and "Formation" music videos, along with her HBCU-inspired Coachella performance and Super Bowl halftime shows. Knight has also worked with Shakira, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez. During a recent Zoom call, he was between weekends with Megan Thee Stallion at Coachella.