Here’s my I Don’t Do Clubs list of events plus a few extra sprinkled in for the weekend. As always, check back here since I may add more!

1. WALE
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
DC rapper Wale returns to Houston following the release of his new album “Shine” last month. He’s one of the first of many concerts happening this month. Tickets start at $30. Learn more here. 

2. JACK & ETTA’S SPEAK EASY
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Check out the first installment of the monthly Speak Easy event. People may recognize Etta’s Kitchen from the popular Sunday brunch at Bar 5015, and DJ Big Reeks will provide music along with Jack Freeman and his band. Ticket includes food and drinks. Learn more here. 

3. HOUSTON BCYCLE’S LOST LAKE LUAU 
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Join BCycle for a Luau to celebrate four new stations and their fifth birthday. Drinks are donated by Saint Arnold and light bites from Chipotle. First 50 guests will receive a complimentary Hawaiian lei and Houston BCycle koozie. Tropical attire encouraged. Learn more here. 

HOW TO RAISE STARTUP CAPITAL IN TEXAS
Thursday, May 11, 2017, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
After years of experience with dozens of startups, the team at Capital Factory has found that $500,000 is about the minimum amount of money needed for one year’s worth of runway. What will it take in terms of team, market, product and customer traction for a first-time entrepreneur to raise enough money to take a real run at it? Learn more here.

4. THE SCORE AT DEAN’S DOWNTOWN
Thursday, May 11, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Every Thursday DJs Flash Gordon Parks and Good Grief hold it down at Dean’s Downtown on Main. The drinks are great and you can watch classic movies and clips like Foxy Brown and Soul Train projected on the wall. Learn more here.

CONCERT: SPACE VILLAINS* (BOBBY IS BACK) AND THRILL
Thursday, May 11, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Right down the street from Dean’s so you can do both! Space Villains* will be joined by Thrill fresh off their epic House of Blues performance! Music starts at 9pm. Learn more here. 

5. FRIENDS OF HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy a huge selection of new and gently used books at bargain prices. Hardcovers are $2 and paperbacks are $1, and they even have comics, movies, and audio books available. My favorite way to build my library! Learn more here.

YALE DAY OF SERVICE: WIKIPEDIA EDIT-A-THON
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join me at the African American Library at The Gregory School to get free training on becoming a Wikipedia editor. Bring your laptop, power cord, and enthusiasm! We’ll be editing articles on Houston and whatever else you’re interested in! Taking 42 seconds (yes I timed it) to create a Wikipedia account before Saturday is recommended. Or just come and check out the library! Learn more here.

RAPPER GENESIS BLU IN-STORE PERFORMANCE
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Genesis Blu, Best Rapper of 2016 in Houston Press, is a native Houstonian who exemplifies the heart and soul from the Golden Era of Hip Hop. Genesis has been taking the hip hop scene by storm since winning the Matthew Knowles artists showcased in 2014. Genesis released her much-anticipated Bluming Season EP in April 2017. Learn more here. 

6. BROOKLYN ATHLETIC PRESENTS…B.A.C. IN THE DAY PARTY
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join Donnie Houston and special guests for this weekly day party at the Brooklyn Athletic Club. All month they’ve had several DJs featured with food, drinks, games, and complimentary valet for attendees. Learn more here.

7. EXHIBITION OPENING: INTO THE MIDST OF THINGS
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Into The Midst of Things brings together three artists, Regina Agu, Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze, and Wura-Natasha Ogunji. They are all truly invested in offering complex counterpoints to dominant cultural and historical narratives. Head there after work for free drinks and artist talks with these beautiful black woman artists at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here. 

8. SINGER EMILY KING AT WHITE OAK MUSIC HALL
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Emily King’s a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter from New York with excellent style and a beautiful voice. King has toured and played live with Maroon 5, John Legend, Emeli Sande, Alicia Keys, and many others. If your mom likes concerts, this might be a good Mother’s Day outing. Learn more here. 

9. ELECTRO BOUNCE
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Soul Control & Foundation Room Houston brings you 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. You’ll get a little bit of everything. This event is free with RSVP before 11:00 p.m. Learn more here. 

10. SMINO – SWANITA TOUR
Sunday, May 14, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Young St. Louis rapper Smino is touring on his debut album “Blk Swn.” He’s early in his career and worth checking out as one of the major up-and-coming Midwest artists gaining buzz. Tickets are only $17. Learn more here. 

FREE CONCERT: TRILLBLAZERS/ / PITTER PATTER // TEE VEE 
Sunday, May 14, 2017, 9:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Insomnia Video Game Culture is closing their Heights location but they’re going out with a killer lineup of local musicians and bringing it to you for free! At this point the shop will be totally cleared out except for the toilet paper! Party with spoken word, electronic music, and complimentary booze from Southern Star Brewery! Starts at 9PM sharp. After party at Big Star Bar. Learn more here.

As always, MerlexPicks.com for the full calendar. And tell your friends to subscribe to my newsletter to get these in their inboxes too!