Everyone always asks me about the events I attend (because Houston is awesome), so I’ve been thinking about writing some type of event newsletter. This is going to be the first of hopefully many regular posts about local events. Focusing mainly on music this time because we have some great concerts coming up. But before I get started, early voting is underway through Friday for the runoff election so please vote at your nearest location!

If you’re seeing this the day I post it (Thursday, May 19) you’ll have just enough time to catch JMSN with opener Tiffany Gouche at Walter’s Downtown. If you’re anything like most of my friends you’ve probably never even heard of Walter’s, but it’s a solid venue with cheap tickets, good sound, bad parking, and no pretense. JMSN was a vocalist on Kendrick Lamar’s debut and he just came out with a new album It is. My personal favorite is Bout It from his debut. I saw Los Angeleno Tiffany Gouche at Afropunk ATL and anyone who is familiar with GOAT web series That Guy will recognize her track Fantasy. Tickets are $17 and doors open at 8pm. You can also catch a free show beginning at 7pm by rapper Bun B (do I really need to explain who he is?) at Discovery Green before rushing over to Walter’s.

Friday we have two local artists I know and appreciate collaborating at Alabama Song for Rotten Peaches. They’ll be exploring classic theatrical texts and reimagining them within the contexts of issues like race and sexuality. They’ll be doing two performances: one on Friday at 8pm and another on Saturday at 1pm. Both will include discussions following the performances as well.

Saturday we have crooner Mayer Hawthorne at Numbers with Gabriel Garzon Montano on as an opener. I haven’t been to Numbers in YEARS but I’ll be right in front for this show. I’ve been meaning to check GGM out live since I heard his 6 8 song sampled by Drake. I saw Mayer Hawthorne a few years ago at Fitzgerald’s and loved the show so I’m excited to see him again. The ticket price even includes a download of his new album Man About Town! Tickets are about $27 and doors open at 8pm.

On Sunday, May 22 I’ll be at Raven Tower for Black Swan Yoga. I’m brand new to yoga but the combination of the beautiful outdoor space and peaceful music helps me get focused for the week. That starts at 10am and come even if you just haven’t yet been to Raven Tower. Btw it’s also free, just bring a yoga mat. Early that evening upright bassist Christian McBride and his trio are performing at Wortham Theater starting at 4pm.

Monday, May 23: I’m going to try to make the 7pm games of Werewolf and Secret Hitler taking place at new-ish startup hub Station Houston. I played Werewolf at the Houston Hackathon and had a lot of fun! It’s essentially the card game Mafia many of us played as kids.

Tuesday: Runoff Election Day!

Wednesday, May 25: The good people of monthly Straight No Chaser are featuring the one and only Meshell Ndegeocello for their monthly album listening starting at 8pm at Alley Kat. I love Meshell (Devil’s Halo is her best idc idc idc) and anyone who’s also excited about her music is in good standing with me. If only she’ll come back to perform in Houston but alas. DJ Flash Gordon Parks will be spinning as he does every Wednesday and you can listen to his Meshell mix here.

Thursday, May 26: AlunaGeorge and Kiiara, two rising acts in the electronic pop scene are at Warehouse Live for what’s sure to be a fun show. It’s in the Studio which means it’ll actually be a fun show! $25 with doors at 7pm. The Motown Revue at Miller Outdoor Theatre also kicks off on this day. This event runs all weekend. It’s free, outdoors and always packed starting at 8pm. Also that night is the launch of the new crowdfunding platform NextSeed. They’re promising bites, drinks, and music all for free starting at 6:30 and RSVP is required.

Lots of stuff coming up. And you should get your tickets for freshDark Fest June 18-19 (Juneteenth!!) featuring J*Davey if you haven’t already. It’s our local taste of Afropunk. If you find this useful or if there are people/events that I’m missing let me know! Also, for a comprehensive list of all the events that I and friends think are interesting, check out the merlexpicks.com calendar.