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. Congratulations to the subscribers who were able to join me at the Xavier Omar show on Monday! It was an excellent show!

Day for Night Fest begins today! Check out my post on the festival lineup here.

Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart Advance Screening
Friday, December 15, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
FREE Houston sneak peak screening of our documentary before it airs on PBS/AMERICAN MASTERS. See the first feature documentary about Lorraine Hansberry. Learn more HERE.

All Access Art Show Winter ’17 Edition
Friday, December 15, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Since 2016, The All Access Art Show’s goal has been to connect art lovers city-wide with local emerging talent. Our 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.

BAD IDEA: A Free Comedy Show hosted by Zahid Dewji + Free Pizza!
Friday, December 15, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
This month’s show features top notch comics from NYC, Austin, Dallas & Houston.
FREE PIZZA from Pi Pizza HTX. Grab your FREE RSVP tickets fast for guaranteed seating, this show always sells out! Learn more HERE.

Black Santa is Back!
Saturday, December 16, 2017, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This year has taken a huge toll and impacted out city at its greatest. The previous disaster of Hurricane Harvey will cause some families to be without. Although we are unable to give back in its entirety, we want to be able to put smiles on the children’s faces by gracing them with the presence of Santa and Mrs. Claus. With that being said, there is no better time than to rebuild and fill the gap within the Acres Home and surrounding communities. Learn more HERE.

The Smudge: #HoustonStrong Edition
Saturday, December 16, 2017, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Description:”The Smudge” is a family-friendly musical healing event. Combining the elements of great food, open mic, featured performances, live music, the cleansing energy of sage, and the entire All Real Radio community! Learn more HERE.

Sisyphus Rising
Saturday, December 16, 2017, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Don’t miss “Sisyphus Rising”, a collaborative performance installation involving orchestral conductor Jerry Hou of Rice University, multi-media artist Angelbert Metoyer, and special guest artist/poet/musician/actor Saul Williams. Learn more HERE.

Ritual Culture Presents: The Shakedown
Saturday, December 16, 2017, 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Every Saturday (not just third Saturdays anymore?!) catch the most exhilarating house and dance vinyl mixes at the Flat! This Saturday, THE SHAKEDOWN returns and features special guest DJ NIMBUS! Join Nimbus, and residents SoulOne & Keva for the best in new + classic House, Disco, and Soul! Learn more HERE.

Buy Black Last Minute Gift Marketplace
Sunday, December 17, 2017, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Buy Black Marketplace is a great place to find affordable handmade natural soaps and other skincare items, perfume oils, African-American memorabila, books, shea butter, handmade jewelry, local music, african fashion and jewelry, food vendors, and much more! Learn more HERE.

Be Steadwell Live in Houston
Sunday, December 17, 2017, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Description:Be Steadwell is a queer musician and filmmaker from Washington DC. Join Be for a sing along/party/concert/joyful affirmation of your queer or ally selves! If you’ve never heard Be live, come through. It is a joyful experience, and well worth the trip! Learn more HERE.

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