One of the Year’s Buzziest Bands, a Super Hyped Louisiana Fave and a True American Master

Houston’s concert scene brings plenty of action, but we want you to know about the under-the-radar shows as well as the monster acts. PaperCity’s Matthew Ramirez cuts through the noise to find the best things to see around town.

CHRIS SMITHER, SUNDAY, JUNE 5 @ McGONIGEL’S MUCKY DUCK

A dazzling mix of country, blues and folk, Chris Smither, a 50-year veteran, brings his unique voice and songwriter’s pen (a dizzying blend of Americana) to the chic stage of the Duck. The Associated Press has said, “Smither is an American original — a product of the musical melting pot and one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world.”

GIVERS, TUESDAY, JUNE 7 @ RAVEN TOWER

Exploding out of Lafayette in 2008, Givers rode a wave of hype similar to acts like Dirty Projectors, Real Estate, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Their 2015 record New Kingdom expanded their sound a bit past ’00s cred milemarkers, and the band hits cool new venue Raven Tower for a spirited performance. Brass Bed opens.

THE HOTELIER, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 @ WALTER’S DOWNTOWN

One of the buzziest bands of 2016, whose latest album, Goodness, has received rave reviews, post-emo band The Hotelier drop by Walter’s behind their newest record, which has garnered them the most attention they’ve ever received. For fans of ’00s emo and beyond, The Hotelier (complete with their album’s controversial cover) have nonetheless managed to grab the attention of all kinds of music fans this year.