As most of the world knows, the Super Bowl is in Houston this weekend. I plan to hole up in my place, stay off the roads, and out of the crowds as much as possible. And as much as I think it would be cool to see some bands in a “festival” atmosphere, share a drink or story with Ice Cube, or throw an unopened beer can in Kid Rock’s face, I’ll have to take the old el paso on this one. For sanity’s sake. I think the roads will be in permanent gridlock and I honestly do not see how people will be able to get to the stadium or into any restaurant or bar. Plus, there’s the fact I really hate crowds.

But enough about me.

The City of Houston is hosting a downtown festival with four days and nights of music (beginning today). Each day, the party starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 1 a.m. A lot of local bands are represented (as well as some from other Texas cities), which is a good thing. Whether or not Houstonians venture forth to see the same band they can see next week in an unpacked club is something we’ll have to wait and see about.

A few of the out-of-town acts I am surprised to see, but am glad they’re going to be here. I wish they’d get together and play the Engine Room one night but oh well. There’s Rev. Horton Heat, Burden Brothers, Jerry Cantrell, and Palo Alto–these would be the ones I’d like to see. It’s nice to to see local favs Fondue Monks in the line-up twice this year. Playing after Sammy Hagar is a good spot, I guess.

The line-up is as follows:

Anyone who ventures forth, please let us know how it goes.

Now Playing in my iPOD: Guns’n’Roses — Appetite for Destruction