I’m starting off this week’s list with a few volunteer opportunities since the city is still getting back on its feet. I’ll be at St. John’s on Saturday morning with BLMHTX if you want to join me!

Harvey Volunteering Opportunities

Make sure you’re submitting your Harvey volunteer hours at reportyourhours.com so the city can use them to possibly get more FEMA funding.

Volunteer at NRG Stadium
Multiple 5-hr shifts daily
Volunteers will be needed to assist in running the BakerRipley shelter for Harvey evacuees at NRG Center in the next few weeks. If you are available , please sign up for a specific shift. Volunteers are needed for the following jobs: 1. Volunteer Check-in; 2. Guest Intake; 3. Greeters and Guides; 4. Dispensary/Donations; 5. Maintaining Living Quarters; 6. Food Service. Learn more here.

Harvey Relief Effort Clean Up at St. John’s Downtown
Saturday, September 9, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
To facilitate clean-up, please bring work gloves, masks, and any tools you may have available. We also recommend bringing snacks to maintain your energy. Water will be provided. Please wear comfortable pants, breathable shirts and closed-toe shoes that you do not mind getting dirty. Lunch will be provided. Learn more here.

1. Exhibition Opening Reception: Chun Hui Pak | Unfolded
Friday, September 8, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The series is a massive undertaking with subject matter representing the entire line of animals in the Chinese Zodiac, depicted skillfully and beautifully, as unfolded origami figures. Chun Hui Pak incorporates her thoughtful visual vocabulary and profound knowledge of Asian traditions with an immense aptitude in painting and printmaking. Learn more here.

2. Adult Swim Art Show
Friday, September 8, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Whether you’re a Brak fan from wayback, man, or Rick & Morty kinda cat, you probably have a favorite show on Cartoon Network’s legendary Adult Swim block. Over 30 artists showing their original fan art. There will be FREE booze kindly donated by show sponsor Eureka Heights Brew Co, music, food truck, and some fun stuff tba! Learn more here.

3. Concert: Carl Craig (Detroit Techno)
Friday, September 8, 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Carl Craig was a key player in Detroit techno’s second wave. He began recording at the turn of the 1990’s, using a number of aliases to release innovative ambient, techno, breakbeat and future jazz sounds. $29 in advance. Learn more here.

4. Midnight Madness: Purple Rain
Friday, September 8, 11:59 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Music star Prince stars as “The Kid” in this semi-autobiographical film, which follows the escapades of a tortured young musician trying to survive in a dysfunctional environment. He finds solace in the affections of a lovely young singer (Apollonia), but his first love is making his funky, unique brand of music, which he performs at an ultra-hip Minneapolis nightclub. The Kid must also contend with Morris (Morris Day), his nemesis both in music and romance. Learn more here.

5. Friends of Houston Public Library Children’s Book Sale
Saturday, September 9, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Activities will include books to purchase for the whole family, UHD Department of Urban Education’s Read-a-thon, International and Hurricane Harvey Relief Resources in the HPL Mobile Express, Handmade Book Art by Domestic Papers and more! Learn more here.

6. Houston AFRIFEST
Saturday, September 9, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
With representing countries from Egypt to South Africa, Senegal to Ethiopia, the HOUSTON AFRIFEST is always an amazing experience. Free for kids, students and seniors, $5 entry. See you there! Learn more here. 

7. Houston Forever: Backpack To School
Saturday, September 9, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
the Houston Forever team will also be conducting a “Beaumont Clean up” volunteer sign up at the event hosted at Raven’s Tower. Free with canned good or cash donation! Music from Dayta, 9th Sage, Atracta, and more! Learn more here.

8. Texas Artists Strong, a Pop-up Exhibition And Fundraiser
Saturday, September 9, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The one-day only exhibition will feature artwork for sale by artists from Houston and surrounding areas, with proceeds benefiting the Disaster Relief Fund for Texas Artists. All artwork is for sale and available to take home the same day. Cocktails and light bites from 2 to 7pm. This event is free and open to the public and held in conjunction with Spring Street Studio’s 2nd Saturday Open Studios event. Learn more here.

9. We Are Houston: Hurricane Harvey Relief Benefit Concert
Saturday, September 9, 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
#HoustonCreativesCare has teamed up with Warehouse Live and a myriad of amazing artists to bring you WE ARE HOUSTON: Hurricane Harvey Relief Benefit Concert. Some familiar names and fun performers are Jack Freeman, LeeLonn, Erva Carter, Flyger Woods, and DJ Big Reeks. $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door. All proceeds will go directly to the purchase of supplies. Learn more here.

10. Trump This! Art Car Exhibition Opening
Saturday, September 9, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
This annual, free and un-curated exhibition was open to the first 100 artists to register. The Open Call show is always highly anticipated and very well received. Trump THIS! promises to be a powerful, highly topical and thought provoking exhibition. Learn more here.

11. Toro Y Moi Night [George West Chillwave DJ Set]
Saturday, September 9, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
The Summer of Chillwave strikes back. George West will be spinning Toro y Moi the sweetest chillwave tracks of the late 2000s. For fans of: Toro y Moi, Shigeto, Teebs, Washed Out, Tycho, badbadnotgood, Beacon, Flying Lotus, Neon Indian. Good for dancing and vibing, especially if you’re near the East End. Learn more here.

12. Electro Bounce Saturdays
Saturday, September 9, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
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. These include, House, Electronic Remixes, Funk, Soul, Afro-Beat, Reggae/Dancehall, Twerk, New Orleans Bounce and more. The soundtrack for the night’s motivation provided by DJ Elevated & DJ Anarchy. Free RSVP before 11p. $5 at the door. Learn more here.

13. The Wine Down Vol. 3
Sunday, September 10, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Vol. 2 filled up immediately so Vol. 3 is in a bigger space. This event is an open mic conversation session about relationships based on the hit t.v. series “Insecure”, hosted by Rob Jay & Joy (of Joyous Vibez). After the featured poet, there will become a watch party for the season finale of the hit show “Insecure”. Free spiked Arnold Palmers and BYOB. $8 presale, $10 door. Learn more here.