I had a busy week and didn’t get around to creating an event post, but this weekend is PACKED. In fact, because this weekend is so busy I’ll even put asterisks next to the events I’m most likely to attend. However, there’s always the chance I decide to nap instead so don’t text me if I don’t show up.

Congratulations to Blair Dottin-Haley who won the Dreamgirls giveaway with MerlexPicks.com! You can still win two tickets to see the Gladiator exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science by entering here!

Finally, you should check out the Counter Current Festival schedule (I want to see the refugee thing at MATCH) and support Houston Black Restaurant Week! I had breakfast at This Is It this morning and I’ll probably make my way to Cafeza which has gotten rave reviews.

Friday

*Jason Moran: Da Camera JAM at Discovery Green
6:30pm – 8:30pm at Discovery Green
Houston native pianist Jason Moran joins bass player Chris Walker (Ornette Coleman, Al Jarreau) and drummer Denardo Coleman, the son of the legendary Ornette Coleman. The HSPVA Jazz Ensembles go on first at 6:30 and you want to see them. Learn more here.

*The HUE & Sundance Cinemas present: High Fidelity Fridays
8pm – 11:30pm at Sundance Cinemas at Bayou Place
Houston supergroup The HUE hopes to bridge the gap between #HUEston’s incredible Theatre District and its established hip-hop scene. Join them and bring a #HUEman or two as all are invited. Learn more here.

Saturday

*Compassion Fest Houston 2017
10am – 4pm at Levy Park Conservatory
Meet representatives from more than 50 local organizations that do compassionate work, enjoy performances, walk the labyrinth, learn to meditate, practice yoga, and discover what you can do to make our city a more compassionate place. Hosted by the amazing Lisa Harris! Learn more here. 

*Be The Solution: Empowerment Film & Summit
10:30am – 1pm at TSU College of Education
Check out the launch of Council Member Amanda Edwards’ Community Empowerment Signature Series. Following a screening of The Strange Demise of Jim Crow, participate in a dialogue with the Youth & Young Adult Panel as well as the Community Leaders Panel to unpack how strategies from the Civil Rights Era may be used to solve modern-day community issues. I’ve been meaning to see this film for years. Learn more here.

*HMAAC Spring Lecture Series: Luvvie Ajayi
2pm – 4pm at The Shrine of the Black Madonna
Join HMAAC and welcome blogger, NYT best-selling author, and digital strategist Luuvie Ajayi as the keynote speaker for their Spring Lecture Series. They’ll have copies of her bestselling book available as well. $20. Learn more here.

*26th Annual KTRU Outdoor Show
2pm – 9pm at Rice University
Head to Rice University’s Central Quad on April 22, 2017 from 2pm to 9pm. They’ll have food trucks, student and local art installations, and of course, a beer garden. It might rain but the show goes on and it’ll be worth it! Jamila Woods and Saba from Chicago are headlining. Learn more here. 

*Q&A Sessions with Ann Johnson and Desira Garcia
2pm – 4pm at Hooks-Epstein Galleries
Houston writer, Garry Reece, will be conducting a Q&A Session with Hooks-Epstein Galleries artist, Ann Johnson. Ann Johnson, in turn, will be conducting a Q&A Session with Desira Garcia. Mingle and champagne beginning at 2:00pm. Ann Johnson’s You Can’t See is a body of work that examines race, gender, and politics. Learn more here. 

SoundBites: Black-Owned Food Truck Fest
2pm – 8pm at The Block
Houston’s FIRST Black Owned food truck fest. Come experience the Fun, Food trucks and Live Music by some of Houston’s hottest DJs. Over 10 Different food trucks will be present serving everything from juicy wings to delicious tacos. Tell your friends and get ready to take part! $10. Learn more here.

Spring Biannual Art Stroll & Sale at Sawyer Yards
5pm – 10pm at Sawyer Yards
Art aficionados, don’t miss your chance to view and shop thousands of art pieces from nearly 300 Houston artists at the Spring Biannual Art Stroll & Sale hosted by the Artists at Sawyer Yards. If you’ve never checked out this enormous collection of artist studios you should stop by. Learn more here.

*Edu-innovation Happy Hour
5pm – 8pm at 100% Taquito
If you have an interest in educational innovation or entrepreneurship and want to discuss your ideas with others– and maybe get support to get them off the ground, join Houston A Plus and 4.0 Schools for an enlightening evening of conversation and opportunities! Feel free to stay the whole time or just stop by! Learn more here. 

The Ensemble Theatre’s Act One Young Professionals Annual Poetry Showcase DRAMA + POETRY = DRAMATRY
8pm – 9:30pm at The Ensemble Theatre
Act One, The Ensemble Theatre’s new community of young professionals, is kicking off their 6th annual poetry event with Host Joe P, DJ and a fantastic line up of 4 poets keeping the drama on stage. Featuring: Pace Poetry, Non Conformity, The Bird Walker, and Slap J! $20. Learn more here.

*Houston Neo Soul Sessions
9pm – 2am at KHON’s wine.darts.coffee
Hosted by Philippe Edison with a live fusion & neo soul band and open Jam (shed) session. Free! Learn more here.

*Electro Bounce – Movement-based healing with Soul Control
10pm – 2am at House of Blues Foundation Room
The monthly movement based healing dance experience Electro Bounce. Electro Bounce fuses a multitude of genres with the sole purpose of making you free your mind through dance, self expression and energetic music genres. Free with RSVP, $5 at the door. Learn more here. 

Sunday

Rockin’ Rollin’ Prints 2017: A Print Odyssey
10am – 5pm at St. Arnold’s Brewery
Show up to buy some prints (the art kind) and drink beer. Check the link for details. Learn more here. 

Manhood, Mental Health & Culture
5pm – 7pm at Shape Community Center
Join a discussion about the intersections between state violence and intercommunity violence, current and historical trauma, hip hop, love, education, and manhood. Learn more here.

*Milky Wayv Stratus EP Release Party
6pm – 9:30pm at Lilly & Bloom Downtown
Clear your calendar – Take part in a stylish, sensual and intoxicating night with Eros and special guests. The new Stratus EP was just released Wednesday! Tasteful drinks, polished ambiance and alluring music are guaranteed. Learn more here. 

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