Meet artists featured in the exhibition Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage as they lead conversations in the galleries. The four-part series begins this Saturday with Houston-based artist Lovie Olivia, who discusses her work and the landscape of contemporary Black collage.

https://hardyandnancestudios.com/event/the-black-white-art-show-8-0/

Hardy & Nance Studios is pleased to announce our Call for Entries for “The Black & White Art Show 8.0” that coincides with our Third Saturday Open Studios on April 20, 2024 from 5-9pm. This call for entries is open to all artists in Houston and surrounding areas working in 2D & 3D media.
THEME: Your artwork may be any subject and medium*. ALL art MUST be Black & White and shades of gray ONLY. No other color may be present in the artwork which includes signatures, frames, mats, etc.
Stay as neutral as possible and avoid a grayscale that is too cool (towards blue/purple) or too warm (towards brown/sepia).
Please do not use silver, gold, metallic, opalescent, iridescent, holographic or other colored mediums. Graphite is acceptable. Black, white, gray & clear are acceptable for all mediums including glass, beads, wire, etc.
If artwork is on wood, please make sure the natural wood color is not seen and is painted black, white, or gray. If artwork is framed, the frames and mats must also be black, white and/or gray only. Please no silver, gold, natural wood, or other colored frames and mats.
*Please no loose glitter or confetti. If using these two mediums, they must be completely adhered and sealed to the substrate so that they will not fall off. We do test this at drop off.
SIZE RESTRICTIONS: 2D/Wall Hanging artwork can be no larger than 36” any side. Standalone 3D/sculptural work must fit through a standard door way.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Artists can submit images and information for up to four (4) pieces no later than April 3, 2024 at 11:59pm. This is a curated show, so some pieces may not be chosen.
ENTRY FEE: The entry fee for this show is $15 cash per accepted piece, due at drop off. There is no fee to submit images for consideration.
There is NO commission fee involved and therefore artists are required to handle all sales transactions.
More Details & Submission Form: https://form.jotform.com/HardyandNanceStudios/BWArtShow8

April 21, 2024
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, invites you to this free community celebration of spring and new beginnings. In the spirit of resilience and renewal, the MFAH also honors its 100th anniversary of opening in 1924, and ushers in the next 100 years.

Explore the Museum inside and out—find favorite works of art in the galleries, and try your hand at making art with local artists on campus. 

Like the city of Houston, the Museum has experienced dynamic growth through the years and is now a destination that champions diversity and international art. The Spring Festival celebrates that fusion of cultures through music and dance performances, art-making activities, and food from vendors across Houston.

Pick up a map to guide you on a hunt inside the MFAH for works of art that represent resilience, all acquired during the past 100 years. The map also takes you along a path that starts at the Brown Foundation, Inc. Plaza and winds its way to the original Museum entrance on the south side of the Law Building.

Plan Your Visit | Free Admission

• Admission is free all day to both the Museum and the Spring Festival activities, thanks to the generosity of H-E-B.
• The festival takes place on the Brown Foundation, Inc. Plaza and in the Cullen Sculpture Garden.
• Parking Information | Museum Hours | MFAH Campus Map
• Free tickets are needed to enter the Museum. Tickets are not needed for outdoor activities. To expedite entry, book your free ticket in advance.
  Get Free Tickets

Taste & Savor
Enjoy international cuisine from vendors including Antojitos BoriNic, Bismillah Restaurant and Cafe, Blood Bros. BBQ, Un Caffè Roastery, ChopnBlok, Popston, and Sweets by Belen.

Create & Discover

• Musical performances: Mariachi Orgullo de Houston; Riyaaz Qawwali with the Jones Family Singers.
• Art-making projects led by area artists: “Transparent Layers of Art” with Melissa Aytenfisu; “Recycled Garden Quilts” with Naomi Kuo; “Mindful and Meditative Ink Drawing” with Leslie Cuenca; “Photography, Portraits & Postcards” with Tyler Allen; “Transportation + Art” with Ursula Andreeff.
• Activity tables with community partners: Houston Community College fashion design program; Houston Public Library; Islamic Arts Society; Madres del Parque; MECA Houston.

Purchase Tickets: https://performingartshouston.org/events/andres-cepeda-the-tengo-ganas-tour-2024-2024-04-22-800-pm/seats/802/

Renowned Colombian producer, singer and composer Andrés Cepeda will bring his brand of Latin pop and rock mixed with a dose of bolero.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Cepeda is a three-time Latin Grammy winner and 13-time nominee with multiple diamond, platinum and gold records to his name. He has collaborated with great artists such as Juan Luis Guerra, Jessi & Joy, Cali & Dandee, Morat, Joss Favela, Leo Dan, Fonseca, Ricardo Montaner, Kany García and Tommy Torres, among many others. His career spans over 20 years, making him one of the most important pop artists in Latin America.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/april-2024-young-adult-book-club-for-adults-april-23-7pm

The bookclub meeting will take place on April 23, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the Kindred Stories' Reading Garden. Be sure to show up with the book read (or partially read). You are always welcome to just come and take up space. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Brown Sisters trilogy, comes a laugh-out-loud story about a quirky content creator and a clean-cut athlete testing their abilities to survive the great outdoors—and each other.

Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He’s a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . . except the ones he shares with his ex-best friend, Celine.
 
Celine Bangura is conspiracy-theory-obsessed. Social media followers eat up her takes on everything from UFOs to holiday overconsumption—yet, she’s still not cool enough for the popular kids’ table. Which is why Brad abandoned her for the in-crowd years ago. (At least, that’s how Celine sees it.)

These days, there’s nothing between them other than petty insults and academic rivalry. So when Celine signs up for a survival course in the woods, she’s surprised to find Brad right beside her.

Forced to work as a team for the chance to win a grand prize, these two teens must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. And as this adventure brings them closer together, they begin to remember the good bits of their history. But has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?

https://2024hmaacfilms.eventive.org/schedule/65c39fbbb6ddb40056443660

Mami Wata

In the oceanside village of Iyi, the revered Mama Efe acts as an intermediary between the people and the all-powerful water deity Mami Wata. But when a young boy is lost to a virus, Efe’s devoted but rebellious daughter Zinwe and skeptical protégé Prisca warn Efe about unrest among the villagers. With the sudden arrival of a mysterious rebel deserter named Jasper, a conflict erupts, leading to a violent clash of ideologies and a crisis of faith for the people of Iyi.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C48WzjFufNr/

The Houston Museum of African American Culture(HMAAC) Presents: Mami Wata Afrofuturism: 500 Years Back to the [Afro][F]uture, curated by HMAAC’s Chief Curator Christopher Blay. Opening Reception is Friday, April 12, 6 - 8PM and the show will be on view through June 29. The exhibition envisions the future through the lens of the past and focuses on works by artists of the African diaspora who consider the transatlantic and trans-Mississippi delta journeys of black people across waters, carrying with them histories, mythologies, and cultures towards new futures.

The exhibition includes paintings, photography, video, and sculpture from the following artists: Arnold J. Browne, Carla Jay Harris, Lewinale Havette, Miatta Kawinzi, Abi Salami, Lakea Shepard, and Raymond Thompson.

A conversation with the artists, moderated by Chief Curator Blay, will be on Saturday, April 13, at 2PM at HMAAC.
There will also be a Wednesday, April 24, 7PM screening of the movie Mami Wata by director C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi. The public is invited to register for free tickets for the film by clicking the link below or link in bio.

Over 30 of Houston’s hottest restaurants and food trucks will compete for the coveted title of Top Taco, including awards for Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco, and Top Creative Tequila Cocktail (Judge’s Choice& People’s Choice). 
Southwest Parking Lot

https://posthtx.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=33f0ee6086bb4caffcf7176f5&id=a11d60f2c9&e=00641faae4

https://hbg.org/event/bayou-blues-festival/

The annual Music in the Garden Concert Series provides a family-friendly outdoor cultural experience combining the sound of live music with the relaxing acoustics and visual beauty of nature.

New for 2024, join us near the banks of Sims Bayou for an afternoon of soulful, roots music at the Bayou Blues Festival, curated by Houston’s own Annika Chambers.

Festival Lineup:

• 1:45-3 p.m. – The Mighty Orq
• 3:15-4:30 p.m. – Trudy Lynn
• 5-7 p.m. – Chambers DesLauriers Band, with Jonn Del Toro Richardson & Leonard ‘ Lowdown’ Brown

Like other Music in the Garden Concert Series performances, lawn seating for the Bayou Blues Festival is included in the cost of general admission. Ticket prices on Saturdays are $15 for adults and $10 for students (with current ID) and children age 3 and older.

*Members can use the general admission(s) benefit associated with their level of membership toward the cost of a concert ticket(s).

Concessions, including adult beverages, will be available for purchase; outside food and drink are prohibited.

Special thanks to festival sponsor Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

NOTE: Bring your own lawn/camp chair(s) with General Admission.

In this lecture, Edward Cooke presents a new approach to examining historical objects. Instead of categorizing objects by geography or time, scholars can analyze raw materials and consider the objects’ functionality and origins. Cooke also talks about teaching material literacy so more people are engaged with object-driven histories.

https://www.mfah.org/calendar/global-objects-and-material-literacy/202404271330

https://www.discoverygreen.com/event/uhd-thursday-night-concerts-4/
 

Jam out to free outdoor concerts under the night sky.

Headliner: Grupo Fantasma

Grupo Fantasma has been praised as one of the most important independent acts in the Latin genre and has continually defied expectations to create one of the most unique musical voices to come out of the United States in the 21st century. The nine-piece collective formed in 2000 in Austin and consists of Jose Galeano (timbales, vocals), Kino Esparza (vocals, hand percussion), Beto Martinez (guitar), Greg Gonzalez (bass), John Speice (drums), Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes (congas), Gilbert Elorreaga (trumpet), Josh Levy (baritone saxophone) and Mark “Speedy” Gonzales (trombone).

https://www.grupofantasma.com

Opener: Grupo Vadenagi

Grupo Vadenagi has been performing and serving the community since 2013. This group was founded by their musical director/ father Carlos Zambrano and consists of Mayra Zambrano (wife), Daisy Zambrano (daughter), Nallely Zambrano (daughter), Giselle Zambrano (daughter), Camila Zambrano (daughter), and Martin Lucatero (family friend). Grupo Vadenagi is recognized as one of the few female dominated norteño groups in the regional Mexican genre. Grupo Vadenagi perfosrms both in the U.S and Mexico and has opened for norteño icons such as Ramon Ayala and Los Cachorros de Juan Villarreal. Grupo Vadenagi’s mission is to empower women, promote family wellness and keep norteño music traditions alive!

https://www.instagram.com/grupovadenagi/?hl=en

https://bipocbookfest.com/
 

A festival that celebrates books and literary works by BIPOC authors.

The annual BIPOC Book Fest is a celebration centered on underrepresented voices through a showcase of literary works that feature Black, Indigenous, People of Color and other creatives of marginalized communities. Curated with diversity in mind, the festival combines the nostalgia of the book fairs we knew and loved as children with unique programming, panels, readings, vendors, book-related memorabilia, poetry performances and more!

https://www.facebook.com/events/643361201251813/

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo weekend at the East End Street Fest.

The 2024 East End Street Fest, set in East End Houston during Cinco de Mayo week, is a FREE, vibrant celebration of Mexican and Chicano arts, music, and heritage. From 12pm to 6pm, visitors can enjoy diverse performances, with dance showcases from Mexico at Plaza de Piñata and Plaza de Luchas, and a dedicated kids’ area at Plaza de los Niños. Car and art enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Show & Shine exhibit on Chicano Boulevard. It’s a day of cultural immersion, fun, and community spirit for friends and families alike.
The EESF is organized by The East End Improvement Corporation (501c3) and the East End Houston Cultural District.

https://www.discoverygreen.com/event/uhd-thursday-night-concerts/
 

Jam out to free outdoor concerts under the night sky.

Theo Lawrence
Theo Lawrence is a young, independent French-Canadian songwriter, musician & singer based out of Bordeaux, France, and more recently, Austin, Texas. His music is rooted in the country music songs of the 1950’s and 1960’s, borrowing elements from Soul, Pop, and Rock ’n’ Roll of the same era. His is a mix of styles & sounds, done with a deep love for tradition, while bearing the mark of modern times.
https://linktr.ee/tomikarecords

Kalu & The Electric Joint
Kalu and the Electric Joint blend the powers of psychedelic soul music with the driving beat of rock and roll and the ancient rhythms of Africa. Born in Nigeria, Kalu at age 18 first moved to New York before relocating to Austin, Texas, where he & JT Holt (Guitarist, Producer/Engineer) put together a stellar ensemble of players who graciously fuel and follow his deep well of eclectic influences.
https://www.kaluandtheelectricjoint.com

Billboard describes their sound as “blending both West African and American brands of funk with bluesy grit and psychedelic ambience, along with a chin-out attitude”.

This musical chemistry comes from the bond forged by frontman Kalu James, and guitarist Jonathan “JT” Holt, who adds a touch of American soul to Kalu’s West African heritage.

The Creeps
The Creeps are a 4-piece Hard Rock band that brings a raw, power-driven sound to any stage they set foot on. The Houston based group began performing in the fall of 2020 and have not slowed down since then. They are the winners of the 2023 Discover Houston Music Showcase at Discovery Green. They’ve performed at city staples including White Oak Music Hall and The Houston Rodeo. Drawing inspirations from Grunge, Rock, and Heavy Metal artist, they blend these sounds to create an energetic thunderous sound through their music and performances.
https://linktr.ee/TheCreeps

https://sugarlandjazzfestival.com/

https://www.visitsugarlandtx.com/events/sugar-land-jazz-fest/

In Sugar Land, live music seamlessly intertwines with our daily life, and soon, it'll be time to turn up the jazz vibes! Mark your calendars for the all-new Sugar Land Jazz Fest, gearing up to take over Crown Festival Park on Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12, 2024. Get ready for a weekend with friends brimming with music and culture!

Jazz Fest Music Lineup
Sugar Land Jazz Fest attendees will enjoy performances from six artists with serious chops. Each day of the festival will feature one headliner and two supporting acts.

The Saturday headliner will be Boney James, a Grammy-nominated saxophonist who has collaborated with artists like George Duke, Faith Evans, and the Isley Brothers. California-based funk band Tower of Power and contemporary jazz instrumentalist and vocalist Vincent Ingala, will join him on Saturday's bill.

Sunday's show will feature Robert Glasper, a multi-Grammy-winning and Emmy-winning jazz pianist. Other acts to enjoy on Sunday include saxophonist Gerald Albright performing a tribute to James Brown and R&B and soul singer/producer Terrace Martin.

Ticket Info
Sugar Land Jazz Fest is an adult-only event. Secure your tickets online in advance for the weekend festival. Single-day general admission tickets with entry to the venue and the shows go for $49. Weekend passes for both Saturday and Sunday cost $79. For pre-selected seats, you can buy single-day premium tickets for $59 or premium weekend passes for $109. The VIP experience, which includes entry for both days, VIP seating at the front of the stage, and free parking, is available for $179. If you have GA tickets or a weekend pass, parking is available for $10 per day.

In addition to concert access, all tickets will allow attendees the chance to mix and mingle throughout the grounds and purchase and enjoy food and beverage concessions from local vendors. VIP guests can order drinks from a private bar.

If you’d like to attend this music festival free of charge, check out our giveaways to enter for your chance to win tickets. You can also enter by following us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Keep an eye out for the giveaway alert, fill out the submission form, and share the post to boost your chances of winning.

Play & Stay in Sugar Land
Sugar Land Jazz Fest enjoys an ideal host location at Crown Festival Park, a stunning 52-acre green space just minutes away from the town’s finest dining, entertainment, and lodging.

Unwind with a glass of wine and an artisanal cheese plate while enjoying smooth sounds at Vino & Vinyl, nosh on quirky pies and sweet and savory waffles at Jupiter Pizza & Waffles Co., or settle in for a top-notch sushi spread at UMAMI Japanese.

Shopping lovers will delight in the nearby options, ranging from the upscale Sugar Land Town Square to the First Colony Mall. As for evening activities, a trip to Baker Street Pub & Grill might treat you to a lively live music performance, a spirited trivia game, or even a karaoke battle, depending on the night!

For a stylish and comfortable overnight stay in Sugar Land, consider hotels like Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, or Hyatt Place, all conveniently located.

Come for the Sugar Land Jazz Fest and stay for everything else there is to do here!

artbikehouston.com

Houston Parks Board, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, and Houston Independent School District are proud to present the Third Annual Art Bike Parade and Festival on Saturday, May 11th from 10 AM to 1 PM at MacGregor Park (5225 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77021). The arts and culture celebration is an invitation to explore your personal creativity, support healthy lifestyles, and celebrate the artist in everyone! In honor of Mother's Day, we've also got some special activations for mom this year!

Bringing together community members and youth programs from across Houston, the 2024 Art Bike Festival and Parade will feature art bikes from schools in and beyond HISD, live music, interactive art activities, plenty of selfie moments, free food, and more! Free parking is available on-site, but we encourage you to bike, walk, stroll, or roll using the Brays Bayou Greenway!

All are invited to decorate an art bike and be a part of the parade! Register below to be a partner, participant, or just to let us know you're coming to enjoy the show! Registration deadline for bikes to formally enter the parade is May 1, 2024.

Additional Questions? Please email info@houstonparksboard.org.

https://www.facebook.com/events/212162895307428/
 

🎉 Join us for the ultimate neighborhood celebration at the Third Annual 3rd Ward on Tap Festival: Tre Edition (3WOT)! 🎊
📅 Date: Saturday, May 11th
🕙 Time: 10 am - 2 pm
📍 Location: Cuney Homes on the Columbia Tap Trail (3260 Truxillo)
Get ready for the largest block party on the Tap, featuring:
🍔 Delicious food
🎶 Live music
🚴‍♂️ Bike rides
🚲 Bicycle giveaways
🎈 Kids zone activities
🌱 Gardening and urban farming demonstrations
But that's not all! Explore over 45 exhibitors showcasing the best of our community. 🏘️ Plus, be a part of history as we cut the ribbon on Houston's newest pocket park! 🎀
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for a day of fun, laughter, and community spirit! Let's make memories together at 3WOT: Tre Edition. See you there!

https://www.crawfishandbrews.com/tickets

We're happy to announce Crawfish and Brews is officially back and our biggest yet! Join us Saturday, May 11th as we celebrate our 10th year of bringing the community together for music, crawfish and fun. This year we have the honor of partnering with Project Row Houses, an organization that has been a champion for Houston art + culture.

We can't wait to share what we have in store this year!

Artist (Delita Martin) Meet and Greet Thursday May 16 from 6-8pm

*This lecture is free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No RSVP required.

https://www.mfah.org/calendar/artist-talk-maria-magdalena-campos-pons

Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons explores topics of migration, diaspora, and memory through photography, water color, installation and video works. Indeed, her work is deeply autobiographical and examines the global histories of enslavement, indentured labor, motherhood. In doing so, she makes personal history universally relevant. Campos-Pons is a descendant of Hispanic, Nigerian and Chinese immigrants to Cuba. Using herself and her Afro-Cuban relatives as subjects, Campos-Pons creates historical narratives that illuminate the spirits of people and places, present and past. Although her practice is multidisciplinary, Campos-Pons is most known for her large-format Polaroid photographs which she began exploring in the 1990s.

https://www.discoverygreen.com/event/uhd-thursday-night-concerts-2/
 

Vortxz
Vortxz is an Indie/Alternative rock band based in Houston Texas. The group was founded by lead singer/song writer, Isaias “Rambo” Rodarte. On lead guitar is Noe Rodriguez who also produces all of Vortxz’ tracks. Luar Quintanilla is the bass player and Jonathan Lopez is on drums. The Vortxz sound varies from new-age indie to alternative rock. The band’s goal is to make music that helps people escape from the world we are currently living in and be submerged into hope, freedom, and expression.

https://linktr.ee/vortxz

Astragal
Named after the 1965 semi-autobiographic novel by Albertine Sarrazin which is cited as one of Patti Smith’s favorite books, Houston-based trio Astragal formed in 2016 by way of serendipity in a Craigslist posting. Featuring Jimmy Bent on guitar and vocals, David Sosa on bass and Sam Enkelmann on drums, their instant fusion of friendship and creativity proved undeniable as they set forth to write music for the sake of writing music. The three-piece mixes elements of post-punk and indie-rock with plenty of pedal soaked sounds for an entirely immersive experience. Always consistent is their highly dynamic live show, exuding a vibrant magnetism that’s visible between the members as well as to their audience while onstage. Releasing their first two EPs in September 2016 and March 2019 respectively, Astragal has since played Austin’s psychedelic Levitation Festival and Houston’s In Bloom Festival as well as shared lineups with the likes of alexalone, Why Bonnie, B-Boys, Ringo Deathstarr and Deeper.

https://linktr.ee/Astragal

Blossom Aloe
Blossom Aloe is an indie rock quintet from Houston, TX. The band incorporates elements of bedroom-pop, psychedelia, and alternative rock into their sound, with no two songs sounding alike. Summer Days Heavy Rain is the band’s latest album featuring tracks Getaway and You’re Telling Me. Now, Blossom Aloe continues to write/record new music and play shows across Texas.

https://linktr.ee/blossomaloeband