Here are this week’s cultural, music, and startup events around Houston! Subscribe to my emails here to get these messages directly in your inbox. Hopefully you’re one of the subscribers who gets to see the new Denzel movie with me on Monday! You can always keep up with these events and more at MerlexPicks.com.

CONCERT: KELELA WITH LAFAWNDAH
Tuesday, November 18, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
With great anticipation, Kelela’s debut album emerges as an epic portrait of an artist spanning the past and future of R&B. 2016 and early 2017 saw Kelela grace a handful of crucial records as a feature vocalist — from longtime ally Solange’s majestic A Seat At The Table, to Danny Brown’s immense Atrocity Exhibition. Learn more HERE.

HUE MURAL FEST
Saturday, November 18, 2017 – Saturday, November 25, 2017
Houston First presents the city’s third annual Houston Urban Experience (HUE) Mural Festival, celebrating Houston’s diverse arts community. The festival will feature artists from around the world, transforming Houston’s cityscape from concrete to color. HUE attendees are encouraged to experience the art-in-progress through either daily guided or self-guided tours, utilizing the printed map or mural tours. Learn more HERE.

THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Thursday, November 23, 2017, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949, when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s. I have no idea why Santa was involved but that’s the story. The Parade is located in downtown Houston and is free for all. For those who would like to purchase general seating, there is an opportunity to do so as well. Learn more HERE.

THE COLLECTIVE’S ASHÉ HOLIDAY MARKET
Friday, November 24, 2017 – Saturday, November 25, 2017
The Collective brings a Holiday Market to our community. The market will be open starting the day after Thanksgiving on each weekend from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This is a collaboration featuring Black Heritage Gallery, Community Artists’ Collective, and Amaris Simone. Buy original, one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, fabrics and much more! Learn more HERE.

CHEAP DATE 4: A $20 ART SHOW & MARKET
Friday, November 24, 2017, 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
A night of really cheap original art from some of Houston’s finest artists! All art will be $20 or less and ready to take home the same night! All art will also be original pieces. The last installment had nearly 400 pieces by over 40 artists and they were moving fast! Make sure to get there on time! Entry is only $3. Learn more HERE.

GRITS & BISCUITS: A DIRTY SOUTH SET – HOUSTON EDITION
Friday, November 24, 2017, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Grits & Biscuits is coming to H-Tine and it’s bout to go dine! This is THE party for folks who grew up in The South, have kinfolk from The South, went to school in The South or just love Dirty South swag. There’ll be pelvis poppin’ and booty droppin’ all night! Learn more HERE.

#POSITIVESELFTALK: THE WINEDOWN
Saturday, November 25, 2017, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
At this event you’ll be toasting to new affirmations, reflecting through journaling, relaxing through meditation, and releasing through yoga. You’ll need to bring a yoga mat, towel, and a journal (if you have one). The yoga session will be led by Jill Minard of Yoga House Houston. Treat yourself! Learn more HERE.

YOUNG AFRICAN PROFESSIONALS HONORS BALL
Saturday, November 25, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Join this event for a night of elegance, fun and community building. YAP will honor leaders, champions and corporate elites in the Houston community and worldwide. Further, this event is about unity in our community, and to that end, will have leaders of several African organizations represented. Learn more HERE.

1800 STOP SNITCHIN’ – FOR THE HOMIES – OPEN AUX/OPEN MIC
Saturday, November 25, 2017, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
This is an open aux/open mic/open stage event! Bring your equipment and showcase some music, or just kick it and enjoy the sounds of talented local artists! So bring that 404, that MPC, that machine, or whatever you use to make noise, and rock with the folk. There’s no guidelines to what you can play, just have fun! Learn more HERE.

ELECTRO BOUNCE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Saturday, November 25, 2017, 9:00 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. Make sure you park at Popeyes down the street. $5 cover. Learn more HERE.

SUNDAY FUNDAY AT FOX HOLLOW
Sunday, November 26, 2017, 2:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
This long-standing day party is free all day with RSVP. The brunch starts at 2:00 p.m. but most people get there for the nighttime party beginning at 6:00 p.m. You can watch whichever game you like on the screens and enjoy the latest hip hop. Learn more HERE.

CONCERT: JHENÉ AIKO, WILLOW SMITH, KITTY KASH, AND ST. BEAUTY
Sunday, November 26, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Following a new album Trip, Jhené Aiko is now headlining with a strong full slate of openers. Willow Smith has been giving excellent performances lately and St. Beauty has been gaining popularity since being featured on the soundtrack for Issa Rae’s Insecure. Learn more HERE.