Meta4 returns to DACAMERA with a dynamic program of vivid musical contrasts: Kaija Saariaho’s second quartet, Terra Memoria; composed “for those departed”; Shostakovich’s riveting Quartet No. 4 and Ravel’s colorful quartet– eagerly embraced by listeners since its first performance in 1904.

https://www.dacamera.com/2024-2025-season-concerts/meta4-quartet/

Get ready for an unforgettable night of powerful poetry and electrifying performances at the Earth Day Poetry Fest, curated by the one and only Outspoken Bean in collaboration with Writers in the Schools (WITS).



Experience the raw talent of Meta4 Houston, the dynamic voice of Houston’s youth poetry slam scene, alongside other phenomenal local poets. Through rhythm, rhyme, and raw emotion, these artists will ignite your passion for the planet and inspire change—one verse at a time.

Don't miss this soul-stirring, thought-provoking night where poetry meets purpose. Come feel the energy, celebrate our Earth, and be moved by the power of words.

Rothko Chapel

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/community-programming/products/irl-event-reading-party-april-24-at-6pm

Let's kick off the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth with our first Reading Party! 

EVENT DEETS

When: Thursday, April 24 at 6 PM

Where: Off The Record (416 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002)

How: RSVP to reserve your spot.  

ABOUT THE EVENT

Sponsored by the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

Enjoy Juneteenth-inspired cocktails, lite bites from ChòpnBlọk, florals by Design + Revive, and a special listening session of selected tracks from Robert Hodge's Two & 1/2 Years album released on June 19, 2016.

Free entry and open bar! Mark your calendars, RSVP, and bring your favorite book.

Join Mitchell Center Scholar in Residence Bradley Atuba and University of Houston Theatre & Dance students for an interdisciplinary exhibition featuring dance, music, visual art, theatrical performance, film, and education on the history of House music. Find Your Way Back centers the drum—an African cultural practice and tradition that plays a vital role in the physical and spiritual life of many West African cultures. This unifying rhythm connects us all through ritual, and evolves into House music’s iconic four-on-the-floor beat. The exhibition highlights three pivotal movements in the development of House music: the Black Power, Queer Liberation, and Feminist movements. It celebrates community and serves as a love letter to all those who came together, seeking connection and release under the twinkling disco ball lights, years ago.
https://giving.uh.edu/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.eventbrite.com%2fe%2ffind-your-way-back-exhibition-tickets-1299847401569%3faff%3doddtdtcreator&srcid=31176&srctid=1&erid=20ca468e-2640-42dc-a9a7-d5a3d0da3476&trid=20ca468e-2640-42dc-a9a7-d5a3d0da3476

https://improvtx.com/houston/comic/jess+hilarious/

Prepare for laughter galore with Jess Hilarious, the comedian with a gift for hilarious one-liners and an irresistible sense of humor. You've seen her on hit shows like "Rel," "Wild 'N Out," and networks such BET, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and HBO's All Def Comedy, where she left a lasting impression with her unique comedic style. Jess's versatility as a comedian and actress is evident in her various projects listed on IMDb. Beyond her TV appearances, she also delights her fans with a multitude of original series produced on her YouTube channel. Jess keeps it real, infusing her comedy with relatable stories from her Baltimore upbringing. With over 5.5 million followers on Instagram, Jess invites her fans to join her on a hilarious journey. Catch her in action at sold-out shows across the country, where her fascinating stage presence and captivating storytelling leave audiences in stitches. In February 2023, Jess joined THE BREAKFAST CLUB as a co-host. The Breakfast Club airs every morning in over 100 Radio Markets across the nation.

Wagner’s Tannhäuser receives a highly anticipated new staging from internationally acclaimed director Francesca Zambello—and Houston audiences will be the first to experience her strikingly beautiful production. Lust and love, diametrically opposed forces in the opera’s universe, do battle within the title character’s psyche as the story unfolds. At curtain’s open, Tannhäuser has abandoned his life as a poet who sings of courtly love in favor of the carnal delights of the goddess Venus, spending a rapture-filled year on her magic mountain in the sky. Seeking something more, he renounces her, hoping to find redemption—and a union back home in Germany with his spiritual love Elisabeth. But his epic journey to salvation has been cursed
https://houstonfirsttheaters.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=653b0b2c54d33365cac8b6a43&id=66b643ce8c&e=18cab73aa9

https://improvtx.com/houston/comic/jess+hilarious/

Prepare for laughter galore with Jess Hilarious, the comedian with a gift for hilarious one-liners and an irresistible sense of humor. You've seen her on hit shows like "Rel," "Wild 'N Out," and networks such BET, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and HBO's All Def Comedy, where she left a lasting impression with her unique comedic style. Jess's versatility as a comedian and actress is evident in her various projects listed on IMDb. Beyond her TV appearances, she also delights her fans with a multitude of original series produced on her YouTube channel. Jess keeps it real, infusing her comedy with relatable stories from her Baltimore upbringing. With over 5.5 million followers on Instagram, Jess invites her fans to join her on a hilarious journey. Catch her in action at sold-out shows across the country, where her fascinating stage presence and captivating storytelling leave audiences in stitches. In February 2023, Jess joined THE BREAKFAST CLUB as a co-host. The Breakfast Club airs every morning in over 100 Radio Markets across the nation.

Let’s go to the circus! See Jones Hall transform into a magical circus wonderland is this family-friendly show designed especially for kids aged 3–8 (but parents will love it too!). The breathtaking artists of Cirque de la Symphonie perform dazzling feats, synced to live performances of classic rock and pop songs by Cyndi Lauper, Journey, and more. Plus, enjoy an Instrument Petting Zoo and kid-friendly crafts.
https://houstonfirsttheaters.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=653b0b2c54d33365cac8b6a43&id=4627064e5f&e=18cab73aa9

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-sculpture-saturday-tickets-1308561325149

Join Project Row Houses (PRH) for a vibrant day of creativity, community, and connection at Social Sculpture Saturdays, a new family-friendly, monthly event in Third Ward. Become immersed in live music and participate in a wide range of activities:

• Attend a panel discussion with artists from Round 58: Free Someone
• Visit our Community Gallery and view the Texas Southern University Student Showcase
• Show off your spray skills at our new Public Art Park
• Learn about ways to support our mission and how to become a volunteer

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor simply looking to enjoy a day of fun and creativity, there's something for everyone. Bring friends, family, an art project in progress and a curious mind as we celebrate the arts and culture in Houston! Don't miss out on this inspiring experience! This is a free event; registration is encouraged but not required. There is free parking on site.

-

Project Row Houses is a community platform in Houston’s Historic Third Ward, one of the city’s oldest African-American neighborhoods. PRH enriches lives through art with an emphasis on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape.

The annual Academy Spring Showcase showcases the remarkable talent of young artists from the Houston Ballet Academy at every level of training. Whether they are performing pieces from the company's repertoire or works created specifically for them, these dancers display a multitude of skills and artistry. It's a must-see event to witness the incredible young dancers who represent the future of ballet.
https://houstonfirsttheaters.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=653b0b2c54d33365cac8b6a43&id=cf5cbf1acf&e=18cab73aa9

https://improvtx.com/houston/comic/jess+hilarious/

Prepare for laughter galore with Jess Hilarious, the comedian with a gift for hilarious one-liners and an irresistible sense of humor. You've seen her on hit shows like "Rel," "Wild 'N Out," and networks such BET, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and HBO's All Def Comedy, where she left a lasting impression with her unique comedic style. Jess's versatility as a comedian and actress is evident in her various projects listed on IMDb. Beyond her TV appearances, she also delights her fans with a multitude of original series produced on her YouTube channel. Jess keeps it real, infusing her comedy with relatable stories from her Baltimore upbringing. With over 5.5 million followers on Instagram, Jess invites her fans to join her on a hilarious journey. Catch her in action at sold-out shows across the country, where her fascinating stage presence and captivating storytelling leave audiences in stitches. In February 2023, Jess joined THE BREAKFAST CLUB as a co-host. The Breakfast Club airs every morning in over 100 Radio Markets across the nation.

This homecoming for the homies event will feature a lineup of old-school artist collectives from the historic 1990s hip-hop community, collaborating with new-school voices and creatives, combined with a future-forward mashup of traditional educational vibes. Expect music, performers, spoken word, a breakdance workshop, live art, vendors, food trucks, and a car culture community. More to be announced!

This free and family-friendly event is hosted by Artist @gonzo247, with special Co-Hosts @stillfresh_bbc and @outspokenbean and a long list of community collaborators!
Instagram

https://improvtx.com/houston/event/chinedu+ogu/13721814/

CHINEDU is a stand up comedian, content creator, and host from Houston, TX. He is best known for his hilarious viral videos about Houston and Texas culture, along with his work in sports and stand up comedy. He has hosted several events across the country including rodeos, galas, and award shows. His comedic style is family friendly that is suitable for all ages and walks of life. Along with his stand up comedy tours, he also produces content for companies such as Pepsi, Whataburger, Blue Bell Ice Cream, MLS, NBA, NFL, and CBS Sports. CHINEDU is currently on his 7th comedy tour while preparing to produce and film his upcoming 5th stand up special.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/irl-author-talk-briefly-perfectly-human-with-alua-arthur-april-29-7pm

Celebrate the paperwork release of Death Doula, Alua Arthur's book, Briefly Perfectly Human! 

EVENT DEETS

When: Tuesday, April 29 @ 7PM

Where: Kindred Stories (2304 Stuart Street, HTX, 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat or RSVP WITH BOOK to reserve your copy of Briefly Perfectly Human. If you already have a hardcover copy of Briefly Perfectly Human and you would like to get your book signed, please use the RSVP WITH SIGNING option. 

Note: There are limited RSVP ONLY tickets. Please be sure that you can attend before checking out. Additionally, paperback copies of Briefly Perfectly Human will not be allowed in the venue. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 For her clients and everyone who has been inspired by her humanity, Alua Arthur is a friend at the end of the world. As our country’s leading death doula, she’s spreading a transformative message: thinking about your death—whether imminent or not—will breathe wild, new potential into your life.

Warm, generous, and funny AF, Alua supports and helps manage end-of-life care on many levels. The business matters, medical directives, memorial planning; but also honoring the quiet moments, when monitors are beeping and loved ones have stepped out to get some air—or maybe not shown up at all—and her clients become deeply contemplative and want to talk. Aching, unfinished business often emerges. Alua has been present for thousands of these sacred moments—when regrets, fears, secret joys, hidden affairs, and dim realities are finally said aloud. When this happens, Alua focuses her attention at the pulsing center of her clients’ anguish and creates space for them, and sometimes their loved ones, to find peace.

This has had a profound effect on Alua, who was already no stranger to death’s periphery. Her family fled a murderous coup d’état in Ghana in the 1980s. She has suffered major, debilitating depressions. And her dear friend and brother-in-law died of lymphoma. Advocating for him in his final months is what led Alua to her life’s calling. She knows firsthand the power of bearing witness and telling the truth about life’s painful complexities, because they do not disappear when you look the other way. They wait for you.

Briefly Perfectly Human is a life-changing, soul-gathering debut, by a writer whose empathy, tenderness, and wisdom shimmers on the page. Alua Arthur combines intimate storytelling with a passionate appeal for loving, courageous end-of-life care—what she calls “death embrace.” Hers is a powerful testament to getting in touch with something deeper in our lives, by embracing the fact of our own mortality. “Hold that truth in your mind,” Alua says, “and wondrous things will begin to grow around it."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

New York Times bestselling author Alua Arthur is the most visible and active death doula working in America today. She is a recovering attorney and the founder of Going with Grace, a death doula training and end-of-life planning organization. Her TED Talk titled, “Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life,” went online in July 2023 and has already received 1.5 million views. A frequent guest on TV and radio, Arthur has been featured on CBS’s The Doctors and in Disney's Limitless docu-series with Chris Hemsworth, as well as in national print media outlets, such as Vogue, InStyle, the Los Angeles Times, The Cut, The New Yorker, and the New York Times. International newspaper features on Arthur include Brazil’s Estadão and Norway’s Årets Avis. She has appeared on dozens of podcasts, and a Refinery29 video feature on Arthur and her work received ten million views across social platforms. She travels the country and world as a keynote speaker, addressing audiences of several hundred to several thousand people at medical and end-of-life conferences, universities, seminaries, senior citizens’ communities, and more.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/irl-author-talk-boy-maybe-with-w-j-lofton-april-30-7pm

Celebrate W. J. Lofton's debut poetry collection, boy maybe! 

EVENT DEETS

When: Wednesday, April 20 @ 7 PM

Where: Kindred Stories (2304 Stuart Street, HTX, 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know to expect you or RSVP WITH BOOK to secure your copy of boy maybe: poems!

ABOUT THE BOOK

51 achingly eloquent poems from a young Cave Canem fellow: W. J. Lofton's verses explore Black queer Southern identity, grief, love, and intimacy while enduring and witnessing unfreedom in America

W. J. Lofton writes vivid, accessible poems that channel the energy, urgency, ambitions, joys, and sorrows of a young Black queer artist. They are about love and flirtation, sweet tea and hot sauce, God and family, life and death, police brutality and extrajudicial killings. His verses honor some of the young lives extinguished by these killings—Breonna Taylor, Kendrick Johnson, Ahmaud Arbery. He also pays tribute to some of the towering figures of Black culture who have come before him—Richard Pryor, Assata Shakur. His style is endlessly propulsive, informed by some of the Harlem Renaissance greats—Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks—but also transforming that rich tradition for the present day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

W.J. Lofton has earned fellowships from Cave Canem and Emory University. His work has been featured or is forthcoming in TIME, wildness, Obsidian, Scalawag, Academy of American Poets’ Poem-A-Day, American Poets Magazine, Prose to the People, No Justice, No Peace: From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter, and film festivals nationwide. 

Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Houston Palestine Film Festival, taking place on May 2, 3, and 4 at Rice University. Experience a compelling selection of films that will resonate in your memory and heart. From feature films to documentaries and short films, each tells the story of a land and a people still striving to make their voices heard for justice.

Stay updated at https://www.hpff.org

Rice Cinema
Sewall Hall, room 301

https://blafferartmuseum.org/events/opening-2025-student-exhibition/

Join us at Blaffer Art Museum for the opening reception of the UH School of Art Annual Student Exhibition. In conjunction with the opening reception, the UH School of Art will host Open Studios from 7:00pm–9:00pm giving visitors a chance to explore the Fine Arts building and its many art and design studios.

Every spring this popular exhibition introduces the University of Houston campus and Houston audiences to the work of School of Art undergraduate seniors and first- and second-year graduate students. The show features works selected by School of Art faculty in consultation with student artists. More than 100 UH artists will present works during this exhibition. The exhibition has long served as a way to introduce rising artists to local patrons and provides students with the experience of presenting works in a professional museum. Visit this exhibition at the Blaffer April 12—28, 2024, admission is always free!

Learn more: blafferartmuseum.org/2025-student-show

Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Houston Palestine Film Festival, taking place on May 2, 3, and 4 at Rice University. Experience a compelling selection of films that will resonate in your memory and heart. From feature films to documentaries and short films, each tells the story of a land and a people still striving to make their voices heard for justice.

Stay updated at https://www.hpff.org

Rice Cinema
Sewall Hall, room 301

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/irl-storytime-see-marcus-grow-with-marcus-bridgewater-may-3-11-am

Celebrate Marcus Bridgewater aka Garden Marcus' debut picture book, See Marcus Grow! 

EVENT DEETS

When: Saturday, May 3 @ 11 AM

Where: Kindred Stories (2304 Stuart Street, HTX, 77004) 

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know you're coming or RSVP WITH BOOK to secure your copy of See Marcus Grow. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Marcus Bridgewater, also known as the social media sensation Garden Marcus, shows kids the lessons he learned in his grandma's garden when he was growing up.

Grandma's favorite place is her garden. It seems like she could stay there forever! Marcus wants to know why--so they set about exploring it together. From shells protecting seeds (like Marcus's helmet protects his head!) to a small seed eventually growing into something big (also just like Marcus!), there are so many amazing connections to be made in this wonderful place. Day after day, Marcus delights in realizing how much he has in common with the plants--he drinks water every day, too, and he gets haircuts just like the plants get pruned. As his grandma says, there's a whole world to explore in a garden, and Marcus likes thinking about it as a playground for all the snails, birds, bugs, and worms. And one of its many beauties is the bounty they are rewarded with after all the love and care they pour into it!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marcus Bridgewater, known on social media as Garden Marcus, is also the author of How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself. Media outlets that have featured his work include Vogue, Dwell, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and The Drew Barrymore Show. A creator, educator, motivational speaker, and plant enthusiast, he is also the founder and CEO of Choice Forward, a company that offers life coaching, seminars, and workshops. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and a thousand plants.

Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Houston Palestine Film Festival, taking place on May 2, 3, and 4 at Rice University. Experience a compelling selection of films that will resonate in your memory and heart. From feature films to documentaries and short films, each tells the story of a land and a people still striving to make their voices heard for justice.

Stay updated at https://www.hpff.org

Rice Cinema
Sewall Hall, room 301

https://www.dacamera.com/free-event/a-little-day-music-young-artists-choice-2/

This A Little Day Music concert is Young Artists Choice.

A Little Day Music is a series of free concerts presented at noon on the first Wednesday of the month in the Grand Foyer of the Wortham Center. Each concert is designed to deliver DACAMERA’s signature programming to an audience including senior citizens, downtown professionals and students. The series features a variety of chamber music and jazz, presented in an accessible, one-hour concert format. Audiences are invited to enjoy their lunch while listening to the music.

https://www.prekindle.com/event/97588-emily-king-houston

4 time Grammy nominated songwriter and singer Emily King was born and raised in New York City’s lower east side. She began her career playing venues in Greenwich village and was soon after discovered by Clive Davis who signed her to his J Records label at the age of 21.

King has toured extensively most recently headlining her European tour as well as performing alongside Norah Jones on her Visions tour and Jacob Collier on his North American Djesse Vol. 4 Tour. King is a cross genre artist collaborating with an array of acclaimed contemporaries such as Robert Glasper, Sara Bareilles, Brittany Howard, Lukas Nelson and Jon Batiste to name a few. King’s unmistakable silky lush vocal and joyous magnetic stage presence continue to lure audiences around the world.

A songwriter’s songwriter, King has written and released several critically acclaimed albums including “Seven” and “The Switch” her most recent album “Special Occasion” received a Grammy nominated for Best R&B album.

King is currently working on her latest release with Making Music Records from her home in the Catskill mountains.

Join current resident artist Nela Garzón to learn the fundamentals of latch hooking and create a small, custom wall hanging. Learn more.

Written by MELDA BEATY
Directed by EILEEN J. MORRIS

For some, there’s nothing better than retirement, but when Eddie Lee’s wife, Iris, joins him in retirement, the truth about his “ladies man” ways resurface. To avoid her, Eddie retreats to the sanctuary of McDonald’s where coffee refills are free and the rest of his retired friends, with marital problems of their own, wait faithfully for him. When a mystery woman moves in the abandoned house down the street, with her Creole’ wiles, melt in your mouth coconut cake, and medicine cabinet secrets, Eddie is not the only one who pays her a visit; a visit that threatens to change all their lives forever.

MAY 9 - JUN 1, 2025
Previews MAY 3, 4, 7 & 8, 2025
PG-13 DRAMATIC COMEDY

For More Information & To Buy Tickets

Through an inimitable voice that The New York Times touts as “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright’s singing is a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America.

https://www.dacamera.com/2024-2025-season-concerts/lizz-wright/

https://www.livenation.com/event/G5dIZb0zFZMZ6/jeff-shelley

Award-winning power couple Tamela and David Mann are bringing faith, family, and phenomenal music together like never before with The Live Breathe Fight Tour – a must-see event uniting some of gospel’s most powerful voices. 
Grammy® Award-winning singer Tamela Mann—renowned for her chart-topping hits like Working For Me from her latest Live Breathe Fight album and Take Me to the King—will take center stage alongside her husband, actor, and comedian David Mann, who will infuse the evening with his signature humor and uplifting messages.
Joining them are:
● Erica Campbell – One-half of the legendary Mary Mary, Grammy® and Stellar Award-winning gospel powerhouse.
● Tye Tribbett – A dynamic, high-energy worship leader known for hits like Victory and Work It Out.
● Karen Clark-Sheard – Legendary member of The Clark Sisters, bringing her unmatched vocal prowess.
● Kierra Sheard – Multi-talented singer, actress, and songwriter carrying on the family’s gospel legacy.

The Live Breathe Fight Tour | Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land, TX. United States.