We're meeting to discuss The Exes by Leodora Darlington!

BOOK CLUB MEETING DEETS

When: Tuesday, March 24 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know you plan to attend! Support the Mystery/Thriller Book Club by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

ABOUT THE EXES

Who hasn’t wanted to murder an ex—figuratively, at least? In this explosive debut thriller, a woman’s seemingly perfect romantic life is on the verge of collapse as she uncovers a hidden history surfacing dark secrets that have deadly consequences.

Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.

Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.

But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do . . . leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.

What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/march-2026-mystery-thriller-book-club-march-24-7pm

We're meeting to discuss Homemade Love by J. California Cooper!

BOOK CLUB MEETING DEETS

When: Thursday, March 26 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know you plan to attend! Support the Fiction Book Club by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

ABOUT HOMEMADE LOVE

In one of the best-loved volumes of her work, J. California Cooper tells exuberant tales full of wonder at the mystery of life and the hardness of fate. Awed, bedeviled, bemused, all of Cooper's characters are borne up by the sheer power of life itself.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/march-2026-fiction-book-club-march-26-7pm

Author and Activist Dr. Ibram X. Kendi speaks about his new book, Chain of Ideas in conversation with ACLU Texas director Oni K. Blair

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-dr-ibram-x-kendi-tickets-1983893975285

JOIN US AT: Third Ward Multi Service Center
& Blackshear Elementary School

A unique opportunity to help two gardens at the same time. Third Ward Multi Service Center and Blackshear Elementary.

Growing Food. Growing Community. Honoring Legacy.

Join Harlem River Farms & EriRene Farms for a special Black History Month Garden Crawl along Ennis Avenue as we activate and uplift two vital community spaces side-by-side:

• Third Ward Multi-Service Center
• Blackshear Elementary School

This hands-on crawl brings neighbors, volunteers, students, and families together to honor the deep roots of Black agricultural history while doing real, meaningful work in our community gardens.

MORE INFO & RESERVATIONS HERE

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we welcome award-winning author of Black romance, Chencia Higgins, for an exclusive visit! 

Get a sneak peek at her new book, A Little Kissing Between Friends.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious about her work, this event is perfect for book lovers! 

Kindred Stories will be on site selling books.

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO HERE

Celebrate the release of The World Before Racism: An Art Story with Lisa Farrington! This special author talk is sponsored by Houston Museum of African American Culture.

RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat or RSVP WITH BOOK to support the author and our store programming.


REGISTRATION & MORE INFO HERE

*Please note outside copies of The World Before Racism will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

he World Before Racism: An Art Story is a gripping history of anti-black racism, told through works of art as truth-sayers. Utilizing empirical evidence that is difficult, if not impossible to refute, (western art and literature from ancient Greece to the 21st century; and Darwin's original writings) this research conclusively answers the questions: Who invented racism? When? And why?

The Black Woman Project is a nonprofit organization, rooted, and creating safe healing spaces for black women. The black women project offers free group therapy sessions, morning meditations, and opportunities for fellowship. The black women project is a sister organization with The Black Man Project. Please follow us on Instagram for more information.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-black-woman-project-group-therapy-session-tickets-1633199486629

No Name is a Black-owned worker cooperative connecting community members both inside and outside carceral facilities with radical books. Each month, No Name uplifts two books written by Black, indigenous, and other people of color. No Name believes building community through political education is crucial for our liberation and should be accessible to everyone—which is why all programming is free. 

MEETING DEETS

When: Sunday, March 29 @ 1 PM

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP to let us know you're coming! Support the No Name Book Club by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

ABOUT I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS

Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Her life story is told in the documentary film And Still I Rise, as seen on PBS’s American Masters.

Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide.

Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.

Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.”—James Baldwin

 https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/march-2026-no-name-book-club-march-29-1-pm-cst

Every spring, three Houston parks team up to celebrate the Houston musicians who keep the tradition of jazz alive. The immensely popular series, Jazzy Sundays in the Parks, brings free jazz concerts to Discovery Green in March and the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park in April.  

Traditionally, the series opens at Emancipation Park, but due to the construction of a state-of-the-art performance stage and other park improvements, the series will be at Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou Park. The series will return to Emancipation Park next year.  

Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase. A pop-up market will be on site at each park with locally crafted items, food and wearables. All concerts are free and family friendly. 

MORE INFO HERE

Celebrate the release of Mayhem and the Mortal with Shanora Williams!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dungeons & Dragons meets The Wizard of Oz in this darkly hilarious romantasy adventure in which a young woman who will do anything to rescue her sister from an evil sorcerer's curse hires a ruthless assassin. They embark on a quest with a band of misfits, one of whom harbors a devastating secret that could ruin her fairy-tale ending.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her versatile voice, diverse characters, and high-stakes stories. Whether grounded in reality, set in a world of magic, or immersed in suspense, her books explore connection, chaos, and emotions that linger long after the last page.

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO HERE

A joyful celebration of Black queer voices, stories, and creativity. This all-ages, community-centered event welcomes LGBTQIA+ community members, allies, and authors to gather in affirmation and connection. Attendees can explore books that uplift queer narratives and challenge censorship, and enjoy music honoring Black cultural heritage. Books will be available for purchase from Kindred Stories, along with exclusive The Mahogany Project Pride merchandise to kick off the pride season. Guests may register for raffle prizes; winners must be present at the time of the drawing to claim a prize. By attending this event, you consent to photography and videography. Any images or recordings that include your likeness become the property of The Mahogany Project and may be used for programming, storytelling, fundraising, and promotional purposes across all platforms. Attendance signifies agreement to this use without expectation of review, approval, or compensation.
 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-black-queer-book-fair-day-party-tickets-1982157568646

Every spring, three Houston parks team up to celebrate the Houston musicians who keep the tradition of jazz alive. The immensely popular series, Jazzy Sundays in the Parks, brings free jazz concerts to Discovery Green in March and the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park in April.  

Traditionally, the series opens at Emancipation Park, but due to the construction of a state-of-the-art performance stage and other park improvements, the series will be at Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou Park. The series will return to Emancipation Park next year.  

Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase. A pop-up market will be on site at each park with locally crafted items, food and wearables. All concerts are free and family friendly. 

MORE INFO HERE

Register for our 2026 John P. McGovern Endowed Lecture series in collaboration with Afircan American Studies will feature world renown psychologist, author and professor, Dr. Thema Bryant. During this lecture Dr. Bryant will be discussing how our mental health and wellbeing are not just individual aspects; our relationships, families and friends are core to emotional wellbeing. A short reception will follow the lecture.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bryant’s influence extends far and wide. Her role as the former president of the American Psychological Association in 2023 underscores her commitment to advancing the field of psychology and advocating for mental health equity. Dr. Bryant has reported with CNN, made guest appearances on Oprah Winfrey's podcast, the Dr. Phil Show, and present multiple TedTalks.

Pre-registration is required.

On April 7, 2026, Dr. Thema Bryant will be discussing & signing her new book, Matters of the Heart. The discussion will take place in the SW building room 101. Appetizers will be provided at no cost. Doors will open at 5:30 pm and the event will start promptly at 6:00 pm. Paid parking is available in the Welcome Center Garage (4348 MLK Blvd.). Please complete this short form by March 25th, to help us prepare for our guests. Thank you 

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=vboLF_CikEytSw6PDwxCWUQi7sCbfBZPpuzON7tOoC5UNlFERTc0TEc3RUtNMU85TDMxRzc0VzZZVC4u

Join us for an interdisciplinary conversation with exhibiting artist Joan Fontcuberta. Internationally celebrated for his sharp, playful critiques of photography and authorship in the digital age, Fontcuberta has been awarded the Hasselblad Award, Spain’s National Photography Prize, and the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal and has been exhibited at Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern, the Centre Pompidou, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, among others. 

The hour-long conversation will be followed by a reception. 

MORE INFO HERE

Please join the Mitchell Center and Visiting Artist Lillian-Yvonne Bertram for a public reading and discussion hosted at Kindred Stories Bookstore, April 7th, 7-9pm.

Lillian-Yvonne Bertram is an Associate Professor of English, Africana Studies, and Art & Design at Northeastern University. Previously they directed the MFA in Creative Writing at UMASS Boston. They are the author of the forthcoming poetry collection Negative Money (Soft Skull, 2023), and the poetry collections Travesty Generator (Noemi Press, 2019), winner of the 2018 Noemi Press Poetry Prize and finalist for the National Poetry Series. Travesty Generator received the 2020 Poetry Society of America Anna Rabinowitz Prize for interdisciplinary and venturesome work." 
 
https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/irl-poetry-reading-lillian-yvonne-bertram-april-7-7-pm-cst

This Food Festival will be held at TSU in Houston, TX. This awesome festival will be hosting minority owned businesses and Food Trucks.

The 2nd Annual HBCU Enlighten Tours Food Festival is here. We are bringing our exciting food festival to Texas Southern University as our first stop of our HBCU tour. We are partnering with the American Marketing Association Chapter at Texas Southern University. This festival will have minority owned businesses throughout the Houston area on campus selling their products and food. This Food Festival will also focus on celebrating HBCU Tradition and encourage the path to entrepreneurship. Proceeds from this food festival will be given in scholarship form to future and current students. Download our Black Enlightenment App to learn more.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-enlighten-tours-food-festival-hbcu-edition-tickets-1983418412865

Celebrate the release of In A World of Sunrises with Cleo Wade!

RSVP WITH BOOK to support the author and our store programming.

*Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO HERE

ABOUT THE BOOK

An entirely new collection of poetry, prose, and inspiring quotes designed to uplift and comfort readers over 365 days, from the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Cleo Wade.

Bestselling author of Heart Talk Cleo Wade returns with In a World of Sunrises, offering 365 ideas you will want to savor, mantras that motivate you to hold on to hope, and quotes from authors who inspire.

The entries remind us that change is always possible, not only within ourselves but also in the world around us. This book is about feeling good, and feeling like wherever you are in your life is okay and wherever you want to go is possible. It’s about smiling through our tears; it’s about miracles and joy. Befriending one another and ourselves, lightening up, and giving ourselves (and everyone else) grace because life rains its challenges on all of us.

Finally, as with all of Cleo’s books, it’s a hug. A friend who is always happy to see you.

While more and more people are looking to log off social media to find calm and encouragement, In a World of Sunrises is designed to fit simply into daily life. The pages are filled with loving, wise, and warm ways to start, end, or find pause. Life is so complicated—inspiration at its best and most helpful feels simple and full of ease. In a World of Sunrises gives readers that gift every day.

Experience New York–based choreographers Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Riener’s Open Machine, a cutting-edge project that imagines artificial intelligence through the lens of experimental dance. Technically precise dancers wearing sensory devices follow algorithmic rules that are simultaneously reflected on large LED screens in the Moody’s Lois Chiles Studio Theater. The performance is set to a score by electronic-music composer Mas Ysa and vocalist Charmaine Lee.

Open Machine will be performed on Friday, April 10, 6 – 7:30 pm, and Saturday, April 11, 6 – 7:30 pm

Tickets are free, but seating is limited. Registration is appreciated. 

MORE INFO HERE

Coltrane 100: Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh, Jeff “Tain” Watts
Both Directions at Once

2026 marks the centennial of iconic saxophonist John Coltrane’s birth. An all-star lineup — saxophonists Joe Lovano and Melissa Aldana; pianist Ndudzo Makhathini, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts — pays tribute to the jazz giant, whose creativity and spirituality has influenced generations of musicians.

Coltrane once explained his musical aspirations to fellow saxophonist Wayne Shorter as, “starting a sentence in the middle, and then going to the beginning and the end of it at the same time… both directions at once.” The Coltrane 100 band looks Both Directions at Once with modern interpretations of classic Coltrane repertoire from throughout his career, plus originals inspired by his legacy.

TICKETS & MORE INFO HERE

Celebrate the release of While We're Here with Anne Wynter!

RSVP ONLY to let us know you're coming or RSVP WITH BOOK to secure your copy of While We're Here.

Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories. 

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO HERE

ABOUT THE BOOK

Award-winning creators Anne Wynter and Micha Archer share a mother-daughter tale about delighting in small pleasures throughout the city. Perfect for fans of Oge Mora and Sophie Blackall. 

Anne Wynter perfectly captures the hurry and hustle of a busy day. But when plans change and a girl and her mother slow down to savor small pleasures, the real celebration begins. 

Dazzling, kaleidoscopic cut paper artwork from Caldecott Honor artist Micha Archer highlights each special moment in this sweet tribute to time spent together.

Since 1986, the Rothko Chapel has honored courageous grassroots advocacy through the Óscar Romero Award, named for Saint Óscar Romero and his enduring legacy of justice. The 2026 Award centers on health justice, recognizing organizations and leaders building ecosystems of physical and spiritual wellbeing amid economic and political pressure. The program features an awards ceremony followed by a moderated conversation with the honorees led by Rothko Chapel President Imam Abdullah Antepli.

Pay What You Can $5-20 | In-Person & Livestream Event 

MORE INFO HERE

Experience New York–based choreographers Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Riener’s Open Machine, a cutting-edge project that imagines artificial intelligence through the lens of experimental dance. Technically precise dancers wearing sensory devices follow algorithmic rules that are simultaneously reflected on large LED screens in the Moody’s Lois Chiles Studio Theater. The performance is set to a score by electronic-music composer Mas Ysa and vocalist Charmaine Lee.

Open Machine will be performed on Friday, April 10, 6 – 7:30 pm, and Saturday, April 11, 6 – 7:30 pm

Tickets are free, but seating is limited. Registration is appreciated. 

MORE INFO HERE

Every spring, three Houston parks team up to celebrate the Houston musicians who keep the tradition of jazz alive. The immensely popular series, Jazzy Sundays in the Parks, brings free jazz concerts to Discovery Green in March and the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park in April.  

Traditionally, the series opens at Emancipation Park, but due to the construction of a state-of-the-art performance stage and other park improvements, the series will be at Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou Park. The series will return to Emancipation Park next year.  

Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase. A pop-up market will be on site at each park with locally crafted items, food and wearables. All concerts are free and family friendly. 

MORE INFO HERE

We're meeting to discuss A Love Worth Forever by BriAnn Danae!

BOOK CLUB MEETING DEETS

When: Tuesday, APRIL 14 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know you plan to attend! Support the Romance Book Club by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

*If the book is sold out on our website feel free to email us so we can order a copy for you.*

ABOUT A LOVE WORTH FOREVER

Grieving and starting over, a marketing research manager finds herself drawn to the one man she shouldn’t want in this soul-stirring, unconventional romance by BriAnn Danae.

Shyriq Hendrix is no stranger to success. As the heir to a legacy distillery and a man with wealth, status, and discipline, he’s built a life most would envy. But in the quiet moments when he’s not managing his multimillion-dollar empire, he’s aware that something is missing.

Then Nhuri Coleman steps into his life . . .

Nhuri has her reasons for keeping a low profile after relocating to Kansas City for a reset. After a chance encounter with Shyriq—the reserved but undeniably attractive owner of Great Hendrix Distillery—she accepts a job she hadn’t been pursuing, offered by a man who sees her worth before she’s ready to believe in it herself. She only expects a steady check and quiet routine, but instead, she experiences undeniable soul-stirring chemistry.

Their early exchanges are strictly professional. But how he watches, listens, and shows up without expectation catches her off guard. Just as their connection begins to deepen, the sudden appearance of her ex-boyfriend pulls Nhuri back into the past. Shyriq, not one to chase, finds himself wanting more than just her time—he wants her trust. And he learns quickly that loving someone who’s learned to survive alone isn’t about fixing them. It’s about staying when everything else says leave.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/april-2026-romance-book-club-april-14-7pm-copy

If you love food and drink, you won't want to miss this sell-out event featuring Houston's top culinary talent.

The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate Houston's top restaurant and bar talent for 2026. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Houston a world-class culinary destination.

Join us April 16 at Silver Street Studios for our annual tasting event and awards ceremony. We’ll celebrate all of the nominees and unveil this year’s winners, and you’ll enjoy chef-prepared bites and specialty drinks all night.

Get to know the nominees in our special editorial series, then join us April 16 as we toast the Tastemakers.

This is a sell-out event. First Dibs and Early Bird tickets are available in limited quantities for a limited time. Get yours now before they're gone!

General Admission Tickets include bites by nominated restaurants and complimentary premium beverages.

• First Dibs: $65
• Early Bird: $75
• Full Price: $85

VIP Tickets include early admission (6 pm) for first access to bites by nominated restaurants and a dedicated VIP bar.

• First Dibs: $99 (SOLD OUT)
• Early Bird: $110
• Full Price: $135

Participating Restaurants: Delicious details coming soon!

Beneficiary: Southern Smoke Foundation

Sponsors:

The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards program is brought to you by Maker's Mark, Culinary Kahncepts, Shutto, NXT LVL EVENT, and more to be announced.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, email sales@culturemap.com.

Questions: Email events@culturemap.com

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-tastemaker-awards-culturemap-houston-tickets-1980726848323

Celebrate the release of Nasty Work with Ericka Hart!

RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat or RSVP WITH BOOK to support the author and our store programming.

Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO HERE

ABOUT THE BOOK

When you think about sex ed, your mind likely goes back to those uncomfortable school desks and the stifled laughs of your teenage years. But what we’ve been socialized to believe about sexuality actually hinders our own pleasure well into adulthood. Whether we know it or not, even the most progressive among us are often using 400-year-old inherited thoughts and belief systems in the twenty-first century. Why are we still carrying forth these ancient values that have never served the vast majority? 

As a Black, queer, non-binary, disabled femme, Ericka Hart believes that sex ed done right can actually be a tool for liberation. In Nasty Work, she breaks down the ways that social implications keep us from experiencing pleasure, particularly for marginalized communities across race, gender, sexuality, and ability, and how we can dismantle these oppressive myths. From examining what guides our attraction to others to the history of consent, Ericka Hart takes the blinders off and reveals a more empowering view of sex and sexuality.

Nasty Work blends eye-opening research with powerful, poignant personal narrative that disrupts everything you thought you knew about sex and society; offering a liberatory framework that makes pleasure accessible for all.

Celebrate the release of The Art of Loving You with Natasha Bishop!

EVENT DEETS

When: Friday, April 17 @ 7PM

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St. Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP WITH BOOK to support the author and our store programming.

*Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the buzzy, viral sensation Only For The Week, comes the next book in Natasha Bishop’s The Forever Falling series, featuring an intimate bucket list road trip, sexy banter, and a sweet and spicy second chance romance.

If you’re reading this, I’m dead.

Dani Jenkins is a boss. A model turned influencer, she doesn’t have time for taking a risk on romance. She prefers to keep things casual, but when her mentor Tanya dies, she is brought face-to-face with the man who broke her heart.

Dani and Micah had their chance at love...

Artist Micah Wright is a protector who loves fiercely. He’s known as the man everyone can count on, but he’s never forgiven himself for letting down the woman he loves. With Tanya’s dying wish forcing Dani and Micah back together to complete a scavenger hunt road trip, Micah sees a second chance for them to get things right.

Does time heal all wounds?

Tensions are high as their undeniable connection reignites, but Dani refuses to let her guard down. As they continue their journey, Micah is determined to prove to Dani that love is worth fighting for, but can she release her fears and relearn the art of loving?

Tropes: Friends to lovers / He falls first / Second chance romance / Black joy /Forced proximity / Right person, wrong time / Fling to forever

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natasha Bishop is a contemporary romance author living in Baltimore, Maryland, with her family and fur baby. She likes to write about sweet and badass women and the men who love them down. When she′s not writing, she′s usually reading, playing with her adorable dog, or hunting down delicious gluten-free snacks.

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER

Alexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.

When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home. 

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/irl-author-talk-the-art-of-loving-you-with-natasha-bishop-april-17-7-pm

Families are invited to a playful, hands-on art experience at Rothko Chapel, where a time-traveling Wassily Kandinsky leads an imaginative abstract art class for kids and adults alike. The afternoon also features live Islamic calligraphy and ebru (paper marbling) demonstrations with opportunities to create and learn. Part of Neighborhood Community Day, this free celebration brings together art, music, poetry, and family activities with cultural partners from across Houston.

1-2pm | “Art Class for Families with Wassily Kandinsky” by Express Children's Theatre (Chapel Sanctuary) 
2-4pm | Calligraphy & Ebru Demonstrations by Islamic Arts Society (Welcome House / Board Room) 
Pay What You Can Tickets $5 - 25 | General admission bench seating  

MORE INFO HERE (Registrations forthcoming)

Hear original scores inspired by works featured in Imaging After Photography. Composed and performed live in the galleries by students from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, the series combines visual and aural innovation, offering new perspectives on the exhibition. Please join us after the concert for a reception including light bites and beverages. 

Please note that the performance runs from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

MORE INFO HERE

Join the Ice Cold Brothers of the Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for the 17th Annual Ice Cold SpringFest, one of Houston’s most anticipated spring events and an important fundraiser supporting our work and impact in the community.

We will be at the Bayou City Event Center Pavilion on Saturday, April 18 from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

This is an event you don’t want to hear about after the fact — you want to be there when it happens. It features great food, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere.

Most importantly this event is FREE to attend. We only ask that you support our fundraising efforts by purchasing meals of your choice.

Note: Springfest is designed primarily for adults. While children attend each year, parents are encouraged to use discretion as there are no designated children’s activities

Vendor Opportunities: Springfest attracts over 1,000 attendees each year, providing a great opportunity for businesses to showcase their products. Vendor space is limited and businesses will be selected to help ensure a strong mix of offerings for attendees.

Businesses interested in becoming a vendor must complete the vendor interest form below and a member of our team will follow up with additional details.

Vendor Interest Form:
https://forms.gle/uJvsH9HGa4a6MgJk9

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alpha-ice-cold-springfest-2026-tickets-1983177302698

Celebrate the release of Revive Me with J.L. Seegars!

Grab your ticket to support the author and our store programming. You can also grab a special book bundle for the first two books in the series, which includes Restore Me and Revive Me (Book 1).

Please note outside copies of Revive Me will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO HERE

ABOUT THE BOOK

The next book in the New Haven series, interconnected standalones featuring second chances, fiery passion, and Black heroines who get their happily ever afters. This is part one of a trilogy.

Plant-based food, music, games, and community vibes for an outdoor, family-friendly experience for vegans and non-vegans alike.

This outdoor vegan experience is all about great food, great music, and real community. Designed to welcome both vegans and non-vegans, the event creates a relaxed, family-friendly space where culture, connection, and flavor come together.

Guests can enjoy a curated selection of local vegan food trucks and vendors, live DJ sets, interactive games for all ages. The atmosphere is casual, inclusive, and intentionally designed to feel like a neighborhood gathering with spaces to eat, play, and vibe, not a pop-up you rush through.

More than just an event, this experience is the beginning of a signature monthly series with a long-term growth vision. Each month highlights local vegan chefs, community-led small businesses, and culturally rooted brands, welcoming the whole city while building a consistent space for community, creativity, and culture in Houston.

Come hungry. Stay for the vibes. Everyone is welcome. Bring the family (children under age 6 enter free).

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vegan-eats-beats-tickets-1983731212457

Every spring, three Houston parks team up to celebrate the Houston musicians who keep the tradition of jazz alive. The immensely popular series, Jazzy Sundays in the Parks, brings free jazz concerts to Discovery Green in March and the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park in April.  

Traditionally, the series opens at Emancipation Park, but due to the construction of a state-of-the-art performance stage and other park improvements, the series will be at Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou Park. The series will return to Emancipation Park next year.  

Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase. A pop-up market will be on site at each park with locally crafted items, food and wearables. All concerts are free and family friendly. 

MORE INFO HERE

Celebrate the release of Big Girl Blitz with Danielle Allen!

EVENT DEETS

When: Monday, April 20 @ 7PM

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP WITH BOOK to support the author and our store programming

*Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Because life’s too short, and mean girls ain’t sh…
Jazmyn Payne fled her hometown―and the fatphobes who made her life hell– the minute she graduated high school. Growing up, her haven was her Aunt Addison, and when her health takes a drastic turn, she insists that Jazz should spice up her life. Emphasis on spice.

But dating is the last thing Jazz had on her mind.

Until Lamar Anderson sits next to her at the local sports bar. He is sexy, fun, and refreshingly drama free. With him she's able to pretend that everything is alright. But as real life intrudes, Jazz has to decide if she can leave the past where it belongs… for a love that she deserves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Danielle Allen is the USA Today bestseller of Curvy Girl Summer, in additon to being an educator, and life coach. Living authentically has been the key to her living her best life. With a background in social sciences, helping people better understand themselves so they can become the best version of themselves is one of her passions. Writing contemporary romance novels that aims to change the status quo of the genre is another.

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNERS

Alexandra Warren

Alexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.

When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.

Monica Walters

Romance author, Monica Walters, is best known as the queen of country hood love stories. As an Amazon best-selling author, Monica has always had a passion for creating different worlds with words. The first country hood love story, 8 Seconds to Love, led to a string of novels highlighting country living, from rodeos to ranches, but with the characters maintaining the urban dialect that readers love from her.
Monica has several awards under her belt, cementing her place in the romance genre, one of those being the 2023 AAMBC Romance Author of the Year. She was also awarded Best Series from Girlfriends Unfiltered in 2023 for The Berotte Family Series, earning her respect from her peers as a prominent series writer.

Monica was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, but she now resides in Nome, Texas where most of her country stories take place. Besides being a wife and mother, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities.
 
 https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/irl-author-talk-big-girl-blitz-with-danielle-allen-april-20-7-pm

Program
SCHUBERT: from Moments Musicaux, Op. 94, D 780–No. 2 in A-flat major
FELDMAN: Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello


Musicians
SARAH ROTHENBERG, piano; GENEVA LEWIS, violin; KYLE ARMBRUST, viola; JAY CAMPBELL, cello

DACAMERA celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of influential American composer Morton Feldman, whose music uniquely suspends time. Feldman broke new ground in musical expression in the 1970’s with his experimental works that strove for the stillness of paintings.
In a rare performance of Morton Feldman’s poignant final work, with his signature exquisite harmonies and sensitive instrumentation, Feldman champion Sarah Rothenberg is joined by a remarkable ensemble of standouts of the younger generation of chamber musicians. The program opens with a salute to Feldman’s love for the music of Franz Schubert. Leave behind the rhythms of daily life and be transported to an extraordinary world of celestial contemplation.

TICKETS & MORE INFO HERE

We're meeting to discuss The Will To Change by Bell Hooks!

BOOK CLUB MEETING DEETS

When: Tuesday, April 21 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know you plan to attend! Support the Non-Fiction Book Club by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

ABOUT THE WILL TO CHANGE

Everyone needs to love and be loved - even men. But to know love, men must be able to look at the ways that patriarchal culture keeps them from knowing themselves, from being in touch with their feelings, from loving.

In The Will to Change, bell hooks gets to the heart of the matter and shows men how to express the emotions that are a fundamental part of who they are—whatever their age, marital status, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. But toxic masculinity punishes those fundamental emotions, and it’s so deeply ingrained in our society that it’s hard for men to not comply—but hooks wants to help change that.

With trademark candor and fierce intelligence, hooks addresses the most common concerns of men, such as fear of intimacy and loss of their patriarchal place in society, in new and challenging ways. She believes men can find the way to spiritual unity by getting back in touch with the emotionally open part of themselves—and lay claim to the rich and rewarding inner lives that have historically been the exclusive province of women. A brave and astonishing work, The Will to Change is designed to help men reclaim the best part of themselves.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/april-2026-non-fiction-book-club-april-21-7pm

Please join the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts and the Houston Cinema Society for a special evening with filmmaker Boots Riley at the UH Student Center Theater.
 Boots Riley is a director, activist, screenwriter, producer, poet, rapper, and speaker. His directorial debut “Sorry to Bother You” premiered to strong critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. He is also is the founding member and lead vocalist of The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club featuring Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine on guitar.
A dedicated community based activist, Boots was deeply involved with the Occupy Oakland movement and was one of the leaders of the activist group The Young Comrades. He is the author of the critically acclaimed collection of essays “Tell Homeland Security-We Are the Bomb” (Haymarket Books)."  
 
https://www.uh.edu/calendar/#event-details/a88190f1-73d5-45a9-8bd5-ae2074f4cc35

Rothko Chapel hosts a timely conversation exploring Indigenous-led “rights of nature” movements that reimagine ecosystems as rights-bearing entities, challenging extractive legal frameworks that treat nature as a resource. Co-curated with environmental justice strategist Bryan Parras, the program centers frontline wisdom, environmental justice, and transformative approaches to protecting land and life.

Pay What You Can $5-25, general admission chair seating

REGISTER & MORE INFO HERE