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. Can’t let today pass without a quick AΦA shoutout so here’s a throwback pic of me. Also, it’s finally time for freshDark Fest!

 

Congratulations to the subscribers who won my giveaway to see Denzel Washington’s new movie Roman J. Israel, Esq, as well as my winners for the HMNS Catalysts Mixer and Kombucha class!

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FOUNDERS’ DAY AT PROSPECT PARK
Monday, December 4, 2017, 6:06 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Celebrate Founders’ Day with the oldest and the coldest. For 111 years Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been developing leaders while working to fulfill the aims of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. I’m sure Prospect Park has wing specials or something. Learn more HERE.

IMPACT HUB AND SKETCH CITY OPEN PROJECT NIGHT
Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
This is our second event in our Post Harvey Series and we are excited to continue to build upon the work from our townhall. Connect and collaborate with real, passionate people doing the work and innovating around regional problems in order to improve Houston post Harvey. Learn more HERE.

NAWMBA HOUSTON | CHAMPAGNE + CREPES HOLIDAY PARTY
Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Visit a new place and join your fellow NAWMBA members and guests. You will receive a fun gift at the party as well as some savory and sweet treats. Learn about Headquarters and hear how they are helping the Houston community to start more businesses. Learn more HERE.

INTRO TO RAPIER SWORD CLASS
Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
This class will teach you the fundamentals of fencing with a rapier, the weapon used by musketeers and Renaissance badasses! Bring workout clothes! This is a martial arts and fitness school that teaches medieval sword fighting with modern training exercises. Everyone 16+ is welcome! $10 online and $20 at the door. Learn more HERE.

HOUSTON NAACP: LET’S TALK EDUCATION
Thursday, December 7, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Every Quarter the NAACP Houston Branch gathers various community leaders, politicians, activists and/or leaders or expertise in their respective fields to discuss current events and social justice issues. During this dinner discussion, we will be examining equity, discipline, drop out rates, skilled teachers, CTE, and skilled graduates. We want our community members to leave this event fed, full, and reassured! $25 in advance. Learn more HERE.

PRODUCER NOSAJ THING WITH ANDROID GENIUS
Friday, December 8, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Nosaj Thing is a Korean producer who has produced tracks for Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi, and Chance the Rapper. Tickets are $20.  Learn more HERE.

WINTER OF ’94
Friday, December 8, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Kick it at Hardy and Nance studios, and enjoy a blast from the past with art, poetry, music, dance, and FREE DRINKS, all set to the freshest decade, the ’90s. No need to eat before , there will be a food truck present to keep the party going! Make sure you come dressed in your dopest ’90s outfit. Learn more HERE.

THE #UNDER100BUCKS POP UP ART MARKET
Friday, December 8, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
A multi-disciplinary, well-curated market that offers the community an opportunity to purchase unique works by local artists at affordable prices. Ceramics, prints, zines, textile arts, drawings, paintings, collages, tiny sculpture and vintage clothing all priced at $100 or less. Beer provided (free) by Saint Arnold. Sounds provided by hhheadyyy. Learn more HERE.

PRH COCKTAILS IN THE COURTYARD
Friday, December 8, 2017, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Project Row Houses is a Third Ward art institution founded in 1993 whose mission is to be the catalyst for transforming community through the celebration of art and African-American history and culture. Join artists, patrons, and community members to support this institution while enjoying cool music, adult hot chocolate, and holiday treats. Individual tickets are $50 but free for members! Learn more HERE.

SILENT DISCO HOLIDAY PARTY AT REVENTION MUSIC CENTER
Friday, December 8, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
3 DJ’s, 3 channels, 1 stage, simultaneously playing; you choose your sound. 21 Texas DJ’s performing; something for all to enjoy as one. Grab a pair of wireless headphones, pick your channel as DJs battle it out for your attention. As you switch between the channels, your headset will light up with a designated color to correspond to each DJ. $20. Learn more HERE.

HMAAC ARTIST TALK WITH DAVID MCGEE AND BENITO HUERTA
Saturday, December 9, 2017, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Two legendary artists will be diving into a conversation about McGee’s 20th-year survey of works on paper entitled, “The Telling and The Told.” . If you’ve never been to the Houston Museum of African American Culture, this is a great excuse to check it out! There are amazing Black artists being shown all over at Art League Houston, Deborah Colton Gallery, Rice University, and Nicole Longnecker Gallery. Learn more HERE.

HOLIDAY BREWS ON THE BAYOU
Saturday, December 9, 2017, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Add some hops to your holiday! Enjoy beer tastings from 12 breweries at Holiday Brews on the Bayou, located at beautiful Bayou Bend–recently reopened after Harvey! Houston’s own Grain Free Quartet provide jazz for the afternoon. Tickets are $35 and 100% of ticket proceeds go toward helping Bayou Bend! Learn more HERE.

FRESHDARK FEST
Saturday, December 9, 2017, 2:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
freshDark aims to create an imaginative and inspiring environment that seeks to expose and foster an appreciation for many emerging artists, ranging from Electronica, Funk, Acid Jazz, Broken Beat, Soul, Reggae, and Hip-Hop—future sounds generated in an organic fashion. If you’ve ever wanted Afropunk to come to Houston then bring your sage and incense while you listen to headliners Oshun and Iman Omari for only $30! I’ll definitely be there so please say hi! Learn more HERE.

COMEDIAN HARI KONDABOLU
Saturday, December 9, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hari Kondabolu is a Brooklyn-based comedian and writer who the NY Times has described as “one of the most exciting political comics in stand-up today.” Hari was a writer and correspondent on the Chris Rock produced Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell on the FX network. Tickets are $20 and he sold out his last show in Houston so buy early! Learn more HERE.

OPULENCE HOUSTON
Saturday, December 9, 2017, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Opulence Houston brings together young, but mature, “something” year-olds every winter to commemorate the year’s accomplishments in the ultimate celebration of life. They promote and highlight Houston’s culture and lifestyle of the young, sexy and successful while catering to guests with an all premium open bar and delicious cuisine. Tickets are $75. Learn more HERE.

MACGREGOR AREA CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES
Sunday, December 10, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For 56 years the Blue Triangle Garden Club has organized a tour of homes in the historically Black Riverside Terrace area in support of the Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Center. This historic Black institution is home to an iconic wall mural painted by John Biggers, which proceeds will go toward restoring. Tickets are only $16 and it’s a wonderful way to learn more about Houston’s history. Learn more HERE.

You can always keep up with these events and more at MerlexPicks.com.