Indie Rock, Deshaun’s Homecoming, a Jerk Fest and Australian Pop: Houston’s Best Weekend Events — The Guru’s Picks

Editor’s Note: Houston’s weekends are packed full of events, but how many of them are truly worthy of your time? PaperCity’s Weekend Guru Matthew Ramirez cuts through the clutter to give you the best options in this weekly series.

Indie Rock Pioneers

Yo La Tengo is one of indie rock’s flagship bands. The critically adored group was founded in 1984 in New Jersey, but the band really didn’t rise to prominence until the ’90s, releasing its classic I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One in 1997. Since then, the trio has quietly pumped out a steady stream of excellent releases such as 2000’s And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out and 2009’s Popular Songs.

This year, they released the demo-like There’s a Riot Going On, which is about as far away in content and sound as the classic Sly and the Family Stone record. YLT continues to be an inscrutable, compelling institution, and Saturday’s show at White Oak Music Hall is a chance to see legends of the underground perform live.

Doors open at 8 pm; tickets start at $22.

Texans Come Home

Losing to the New England Patriots in Week One in Gillette Stadium was understandable. Losing to Blaine Gabbert and the Tennessee Titans in Week Two was inexcusable.

Week Three brings Eli Manning and the New York Giants for the Houston Texans‘ home opener at NRG Stadium. With star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. locked down to a long-term contract in the offseason, and college phenom running back Saquon Barkley drafted with the second overall pick, the Giants figured to be an offensive juggernaut. But at 0-2, and after a particularly ugly loss to the Dallas Cowboys in primetime, the Giants look like a team without a plan.

At least the Texans have Deshaun Watson, who is due to have a breakout game any time now, and against a mediocre defense he should light it up, to say nothing of the havoc the Texans’ front seven can wreck on the immobile Eli Manning.

My prediction: The Texans avoid 0-3. Sunday, 12 pm, at NRG Stadium. Tickets still available from $74.

Eat a Jerk

The Houston Jerk Fest unfortunately isn’t a festival dedicated to the brief phenomenon known as jerking, the epileptic circa-2009 dance craze that brought us New Boyz‘ “You’re a Jerk” and “Tie Me Down.” Instead, it is dedicated to a jerk cook-off competition — and projects to be one of the largest food festivals of its kind dedicated to the delicious barbecued meats of Jamaica, with contestants aiming for a $1,000 grand prize.

Furthermore, Wayne Wonder will be performing, meaning it’s finally your chance to hear “No Letting Go” live with your boo. Sunday, September 23, 2 pm through 7 pm, at India House. Tickets start at $20.

Australian Pop

Australian pop star Troye Sivan has been kicking around for a few years, but it wasn’t until this summer’s collaboration with Ariana Grande, the chic “Dance to This,” from August’s elegant and frequently gorgeous Bloom, that Sivan had his U.S. moment. His vulnerable, danceable pop is less Charlie Puth, more Blood Orange.

Sivan’s show was moved to Revention Music Center from Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Centre. He’ll hit the downtown venue Monday, September 24, with doors opening at 6:30 pm and opener Kim Petras taking the stage at 7:30 pm. Tickets cost $39.50.

Bonus Picks

– Read PaperCity‘s Annie Gallay’s preview of the much-anticipated Modern Home Tour, which kicks off Saturday.

– Mister McKinney, the thoughtful and dapper subject of PC arts editor Catherine D. Anspon’s compelling profile story, is offering free tours through the historic Heights neighborhood this weekend — Saturday and Sunday, and through next weekend as well. For more information, including how to sign up and pick a time for your free tour, click here. Seats will undoubtedly go fast.

– Lastly, Discovery Green  will host a free outdoor screening of one of my personal favorites, Pixar’s Wall-E, Saturday, September 22, at 8 pm. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, and let’s hope it isn’t a rainout.