Live Music Calendar

We found a Whitman’s Sampler of live music in town this week. Here are a few Houstonist recommends:

Today
Grammy winner Renee Fleming brings her soprano voice to the Houston Grand Opera tonight. We know, opera isn’t for everyone, but take a chance and you may be surprised. She’s likely to belt out her rendition of “Ave Maria” for the holiday season. 7:30 p.m. at the Wortham Center | tickets and info

Wednesday
If you are a fan of Good Charlotte and My Chemical Romance, you’ll feel right at home catching Senses Fail and Saves the Day at Numbers. File under alternative/emo/punk. Early November and Emanuel open. 7 p.m. at Numbers | tickets and info

Thursday
In the early '90s, Toad the Wet Sprocket ruled college radio. By the mid-'90s, they were a staple on Alternative and (egad!) Top 40. Glen Phillips, the voice and songwriter behind the band, brings his crafty solo work to town in support of his superb Winter Pays for Summer album. We're sure he’ll throw in some TWS in there, too. 8 p.m. at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck | info

Friday
To quote the Houston Chronicle, Ruthie Foster is "equally comfortable singing gutsy gospel, folk or don't mess-with-Mama R&B". Houstonist caught her live last year at the Austin City Limits Musical Festival, and we agree. 8 p.m. at Songbird Sanctuary | info

Saturday
There’s been rumors that the Austin-based band American Analog Set may be breaking up (which they deny). However, they don’t deny the fact that this may be their last tour. The rhetoric sounds like Cher, but the music doesn’t. AmAnSet is hard to categorize, a softer, atmospheric alternative sound (if there is such a thing). 9 p.m. at Walter’s on Washington | info