As expected, Folklore Films was a lot of fun but the real highlight of the week for me was the new exhibit at Art League Houston:  with/in: blurring the line between art and education. Any space that references Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed and also examines the alternative possibilities of urban spaces like Detroit’s vacant land or Chicago’s Cabrini Green homes immediately wins my heart. Oh! The Perseid Meteor Shower is this weekend both Thursday night and Friday night so keep an eye out if you’re awake and near a dark area late enough.

Thursday, August 11: The Secret Group’s Satellite Annex at Avant Garden brings you the comedy every week. Starting at 9pm you have cheap drinks, tacos, and a beautiful backyard area to help convince you. Local rap sensation Fat Tony is DJing at Arlo’s Ballroom and it’ll be lit as the kids say. The event kicks off at 10 and there’s also a food truck that I hear promising things about stationed there.

Friday, August 12: The Iron Yard’s Presentation Day, where graduates of the 12-week coding camp show off their new apps. It’s a great way to see what new skills the programmers have developed and they usually have Torchy’s Tacos starting at 11am. Hacking Gentrification will have community members discussing the multifaceted issue of gentrification in Houston and begins at 1:30pm. Mind Shrine is performing at Nightingale Room backed by Kelly Doyle beginning at 7pm. They’re another Houston group with a big-haired black woman backed by a band and I like their music. The Houston Astronomical Society will be at Raven Tower for Stargazing at 9pm with three professional telescopes and drink specials so check out the Perseid Meteor Shower!

Houston’s Ayanna Jolivet McCloud explaining her work at Art League Houston

Saturday, August 13: Social Justice Solutions Forum – Racial Justice at the University of Houston will have a panel discussion exploring police use of force upon communities of color opening at 9am. #HashtagLunchbag Houston is celebrating their two-year anniversary of providing lunches to Houston’s homeless. They’ve provided over 5,000 lunches since 2014. It’s a great way to get connected and have fun with black professionals for just $10. At 6pm the Texas Organizing Project is discussing Black Women Matter and the struggle to acknowledge the place of black women in the fight for racial justice. The American Creole Table Dinner Series at MATCH will feature Chef Reginald Martin in the first three-course meal in a series of four dinners.

Sunday, August 14: Check out the Sunday brunch at Bar 5015. Enjoy delicious brunch staples from Etta’s Little Kitchen like belgian waffles, chicken & biscuits, shrimp & grits, and of course mimosas! I’ve been told to arrive early for seating. The Waxaholics will also be on hand to provide the music. DJ duo Soul Control is coming to Alley Kat for Any Given Sunday where they’ll spin classic hip hop, house, future sounds, and more starting at 4pm.

Monday, August 15: ???

Tuesday, August 16: The Greater Houston Black Chamber is having their Women in Business Breakfast series for the early risers beginning at 7:30am at UHD. Nonmember Tickets are $20 for the event that features Dr. Audrey Gilbreath of Gilbreath Communications, Inc.

Wednesday, August 17: Lawndale likes to show off its artists in big bursts of short presentations for the aptly titled event “The Big Slide Show.” There’s a big list of creatives whose works will be shown so it’s a great way to learn about new artists, but get there right at 6pm if you don’t want to stand in the back. The seasonal weekly food and beer pairing event Sundown at The Grove continues in Discovery Green for $20. It ends this month and they have wine for the uninitiated if you’re on the fence.  Multi-cultural dance studio Dance Theater of Harlem is holding at 8:15pm a free performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre. If you want seats you’ll have to pick up free tickets in advance on the day of the show. Otherwise bring your best picnic gear!

Thursday, August 18: The college students who have been selected as Project Row Houses residents for Summer Studios 2016 will be discussing their installations before the official round opens for public view on Saturday, August 18. This 6pm artist talk and sneak peek is an excellent way to get introduced to new local talent. At 6pm the Houston SXSW Film Meet-up is at Aurora Picture Show for all those interested in the SXSW Film Festival. Eclectic Vibes & Wine is at the beautiful Library Coffee & Wine House where they’ll have a paint night with music and dancing. $5 regular admission and $20 for the paint night with wine and supplies! The new music venue by the previous owners of Fitzgerald’s, White Oak Music Hall, is having it’s free grand opening at 8pm with music upstairs. Come check out the space!

RSVP now: R&B phenomenon KING is finally coming to Houston October 28 now that they’ve dropped an album!

As always, MerlexPicks.com for the full calendar. And subscribe to my newsletter to get these in your inbox!