My weekly event list to accompany my list on I Don’t Do Clubs. I’ve spent this week volunteering with Houston ISD (join us!), but NRG Stadium is still housing displaced Houstonians and can also use your help. As always, see more events on MerlexPicks.com and tell your friends to subscribe to my newsletter!

1. VOLUNTEER AT NRG CENTER IN HOUSTON
Monday, September 11, 2017 – Sunday, September 17, 2017
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 five-hour shift. Volunteers are needed for the following jobs: volunteer check-in; guest intake; greeters and guides; dispensary/donations; maintaining living quarters; food service. Learn more here.

EXHIBITION OPENING: The Unfolding Story of POLUNOT
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Environmental artist Gail Mebane will introduce a product she has developed for artists. “The Unfolding Story of POLUNOT” marks the beginning of a plan to engage the city in a major environmental initiative. POLUTNOT® is an art surface made from recycled plastic grocery bags that can be used instead of canvas and paper. Learn more here.

WAXAHOLICS THURSDAYS
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Your favorite 2000s hits will be played non-stop at this long-running, all-vinyl event led by local DJ collective, The Waxaholics. It gets a bit crowded but I wouldn’t recommend showing up before 11:00 p.m. Three DJs simultaneously with an incredibly fun house music section upstairs. Go ahead and take a nap if you have to work on Fridays. Learn more here.

3. GOLDLINK – AT WHAT COST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
DMV native GoldLink returns to Houston with EarthGang after the release of his latest album “At What Cost” in March. By merging the essence of go-go with the African diaspora, he’s done what hip-hop has done from its inception: repurpose what’s available into something magical. Guaranteed to be a fun show with him performing hits like “Crew” and “Fall in Love.” Learn more here.

4. FREE RESTORATIVE YOGA CLASS
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Black-owned yoga studio The Woman’s Earth is holding free various free classes at St. John’s Downtown throughout the month. Activities include restorative yoga on Mondays and Thursdays, capoeira on Tuesdays, afro beats on Wednesday, and various classes for pregnant women and mothers on Saturdays. Of course you can always take a quick shower and head to Alley Kat for Waxaholics Thursdays afterward. Learn more here.

5. COMEDIAN JOHN WITHERSPOON AT HOUSTON IMPROV
Friday, September 15, 2017 – Sunday, September 17, 2017
You probably remember John Witherspoon as Ice Cube’s (Craig’s) outrageously funny, dog-catching dad in Friday, or as “Pops” on the long-running syndicated sitcom “The Wayans Brothers,” or as “Spoon” on NBC’s “The Tracy Morgan Show.” Witherspoon is doing five shows at the Improv. Learn more here.

6. ALL ACCESS ART SHOW 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY + HARVEY RELIEF BENEFIT
Friday, September 15, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Since 2016, The All Access Art Show’s goal has been to connect art lovers city-wide with local emerging talent. The team promotes one of Houston’s leading art events that shines light on over 25+ local creatives. Artist are encouraged to showcase and sell their products in a creative community based environment for all to see. Learn more here.

7. MELANIN & MENTAL HEALTH PRESENTS: MELANATED SEXUAL HEALTH–A BOURBON TALEZ WITH YOUSEELOGIC
Friday, September 15, 2017, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
How can we continue to promote the well-being of our communities? By continuing to have tough conversations. Other than mental health, sexual health is another taboo topic that often gets avoided. Melanin & Mental Health is proud to present the phenomenal Dr. Uchenna Ossai, aka YouSeeLogic, who will be discussing sexual health in minority communities and the importance of sex education. Learn more here.

The TRUTH Project presents Strength: After The Rain
Friday, September 15, 2017, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Utilizing Spoken Word, Dance, Visual Art and Vocals this ensemble of artist will lift the room and claim restoration answering the question, What happens when you choose to place one foot in front of the next? 100% of the funds raised will go towards survivors of Hurricane Harvey. Learn more here. 

8. THE LAST DRAGON MOVIE PARTY WITH TAIMAK LIVE!
Friday, September 15, 2017, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Yes it’s in Katy, but this is a special screening of a classic black film, which features a live Q&A with star Taimak (Leroy Green)! After achieving the final level of martial arts mastery, Bruce Leroy is tasked to journey out into the scummy world of New York City to embark upon his final quest to become The Last Dragon and achieve the ever elusive glow to earn him the title of the greatest martial arts master to have ever lived. Learn more here.

BLMHTX: Harvey Relief Effort Clean Up
Saturday, September 16, 2017, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
BLMHTX will deploy mucking and clean-up teams as well as distribution and community canvassing teams to specific black and brown communities in need of assistance. To facilitate clean-up, please bring work gloves, masks, box cutters, brooms, and any tools you may have available. We also recommend bringing snacks to maintain your energy. Water will be provided. Learn more here. 

9. ELECTRO BOUNCE SATURDAYS
Saturday, September 16, 2017, 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, afrobeat, 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. Bonus: Cardi B is right next door at Engine Room! Learn more here.

10. 8th Wonder Comedy Hour at The Secret Group
Sunday, September 17, 2017, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The 8th Wonder Comedy Hour with Bob Biggerstaff is every Sunday featuring Houston’s best comics for $5! $8 gets you 8th Wonder beer along with an exclusive signature branded pint glass. Learn more here.

Buy now:

Discounted tickets to Halsey with Partynextdoor and Charli XCX here.