Here’s my curated list of Houston events for the entire month of March! Are you ready for election day tomorrow? See my post on voting tips here. Also, I have another Overlap event coming up on March 24. I hope to see you out in the city!

Did you see my latest post on creative date ideas? How about the one on upcoming concerts for the quarter? Get your tickets now before they sell out! As always, see local events and more at MerlexPicks.com and subscribe to my newsletter!

They, Who Sound
Monday, March 5
A weekly series for experimental sound-making, improvised music, noises, the sounding of art, the performance of art and . . .
https://www.facebook.com/events/147786499231432/

Mass Incarceration: Criminal Justice Panel
Tuesday, March 6
This PIAC panel discussion will touch on the origins of mass incarceration, current policies affecting those imprisoned, and potential action steps and resources for both social work students and other public policy advocates.
https://www.facebook.com/events/344793022685828/

How to Start a Startup | Roberto Moctezuma (Founder, Fractal River)
Tuesday, March 6
You have an idea…now what? Before you start looking for funding, it’s important to make sure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it, investors won’t be interested, anyway!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1512063882224802/

People First Primary Watch Party!
Tuesday, March 6
Come join the Fran Watson For Texas Senate People First Campaign as we mingle, enjoy refreshments, and watch the Primary Election Results. There is no cost to attend!
https://www.facebook.com/events/168836983909468/

Tailored Wednesdays (Erykah Badu Tribute)
Wednesday, March 7
Come for the beautiful atmosphere, the reverse happy hour or the live music video mixing on 10 screens of everything: NEO-SOUL/SOUL/ALT R&B/ALT HIP-HOP. No other themed night will get you over the hump of the work week like Tailored Wednesdays. No Cover/Free Parking/Relaxed Dress Code.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1942901276027090/

The Light Machine: A Solo Exhibition by JajaH Gray
Thursday, March 8
The Light Machine by JajaH will open on March 8th from 7-9PM at the GRAND OPENING of Black Buddha Creative Agency’s new operating location 2315 Union.
https://www.facebook.com/events/290571298140979/

Of Women Continues Exhibition Opening
Friday, March 9
The Community Artists’ Collective celebrates Women’s History Month with “Of Women Continues,” on the tenth anniversary of the organization’s first “Of Women” exhibition. Nine women artists will showcase their own unique style, medium and feminine inspiration for the March 8 through April 14 show, which is also part of the Fotofest 2018 Biennial Participating Spaces city-wide exhibitions.
https://www.facebook.com/events/963650430479208/

Steven Pinker – Enlightenment Now
Friday, March 9
Steven Pinker is the Harvard College Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. ENLIGHTENMENT NOW makes the case for reason, science, and humanism: the ideals we need to confront our problems and continue our progress.
http://www.brazosbookstore.com/event/steven-pinker-enlightenment-now

Beers & Art at Saint Arnold Brewing Co.
Friday, March 9
WE are excited for another amazing evening of great local delicious Saint Arnold craft beers, talented local Houston artist & makers. Some of the best & coolest vintage selections from local curators! And of course some great jams to keep things going!!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beers-art-at-saint-arnold-brewing-co-tickets-41860827863

The Billboard Campaign: Opening + Conversation at Project Row Houses
Saturday, March 10
“The Billboard Campaign” (2016- ) is an ongoing series of artist-produced billboard installations in public spaces and in art spaces. Co-opting the billboard format – a tool of political advertising – these works invite the viewer to engage critically, both with the messages they present and with the medium of political advertising itself.
https://www.facebook.com/events/194927114432953/

New Jack Swing + Wings
Saturday, March 10
DJ Reel Chill will be playing the greatest #NewJackSwing hits from Teddy Riley, Guy, Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat and much more. Houston Sauce Co. will be serving up a variety of Cauliflower Wings and Sauces. Come dressed in your best 90s outfits, and also participate in the Dance Contest to win a free Wing Basket!
https://www.facebook.com/events/495417047520353/

The Nola Boil
Saturday, March 10
Welcome to a good ol’ Lousiana crawfish boil a popular seafood dish that is enjoyed throughout the southern regions. We are bringing together crawfish enthusiast from all over the world to come celebrate the “Mud Bug”. Come hungry and enjoy a variety of live entertainment, dj sets, vendors, and OF COURSE CRAWFISH at Peggy Park.
www.TheNolaBoil.com

Dope (Silent Party/Silent Concert/Art Show)
Saturday, March 10
The Headphone Experience” is an ART EXHIBIT, SILENT PARTY & LIVE CONCERT PERFORMANCE rolled into one special night @ one special venue. Performing live will be the afro-futuristic cosmic hip-hop group RADIO GALAXY. The art exhibit will be curated by HSPVA alumnus Robert Hodge.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dope-silent-party-tickets-42652221944

Macaron Magic Workshop
Sunday, March 11
In this hands-on baking class, I will unveil my secrets of creating the perfect Parisian macarons. The class time is 2.5 hours & we will be making Strawberry Cheesecake and Lemon Creme macarons with decadent fillings. You’ll finish with a box of beautiful macarons to take home.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/macaron-magic-workshop-tickets-42063728745

Cigars + Sundresses – HBCU Edition
Sunday, March 11
Dawn your favorite colorful and flowing sundress and meet us at UnWine. Experience the beauty that happens when you pair the perfect cigar with the perfect glass of vino. Do it all while listening to the smooth sounds of your favorite grooves in a quaint wine bar with rooftop views in the middle of city. Free with RSVP.
www.cigars-sundresses.eventbrite.com

Soul Food Sunday Funday
Sunday, March 11
Just in time for Spring, there’s finally a brunch just for the seasoned soul in all of us! March 11 come out and jam to your favorite Blues, Jazz, Zydeco, Soul, and R&B music. Sunday is a day for good music and good food to feed your soul! Expect all races, genders, sexual orientations with a noticeable presence of queer women of color.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-food-sunday-funday-tickets-42559098409

FERG presents Mad Man Tour
Sunday, March 11
House of Blues. Tickets start at $30.
https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/3A005382C9ED5245

Lamont “U-God” Hawkins – Raw: My Journey into the Wu-Tang
Monday, March 12
The explosive, never-before-told story behind the historic rise of the Wu-Tang Clan, as told by one of its founding members, Lamont “U-God” Hawkins.Brought up by the streets, and bonding over their love of hip-hop, they sought to pursue the impossible: music as their ticket out of the ghetto.
http://www.brazosbookstore.com/event/lamont-u-god-hawkins-raw-my-journey-wu-tang

Enventure dialog with Brittany Barreto, PhD, Co-founder & CSO of Pheramor
Tuesday, March 13
Brittany is the co-founder and CSO of Pheramor, Inc.—a company that fuses genetics and social technology to cultivate relationships for its clients. Hear her discuss the nontraditional path from PhD student at Baylor College of Medicine to entrepreneur, and the knowledge and experience Enventure offered along the way.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/enventure-dialog-with-brittany-barreto-phd-co-founder-cso-of-pheramor-tickets-43048970630

Impact Hub Houston and Sketch City – Open Project Night (Third Edition)
Tuesday, March 13
Connect and collaborate with real, passionate people doing the work and innovating around regional problems. At our last Open Project Night we had 10+ projects presented with over 40 attendees. Come for drinks, light snacks, incredible people and innovative projects presented to improve Houston (in both small and big ways).
https://www.facebook.com/events/1775149219195128/

Acting Black at MATCH
Tuesday, March 13
Part spoken word, part stand-up comedy, part “TED Talk”, Carlyle Brown’s newest one-man show, “Acting Black”, riffs on the roots of American racism and its consequences for all of us.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1966330660294366/

Saint Arnold Southern Fried @ Kitchen 713 Beer Dinner
Wednesday, March 14
Renowned Houston restaurant, Kitchen 713 and Chefs James Haywood and Ross Coleman, team up with Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year – Saint Arnold Brewing Company to you soulful, southern cuisine with a global flair. Dinner is served at two separate times, 6 PM and 8 PM, to allow for a more intimate setting.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saint-arnold-southern-fried-kitchen-713-beer-dinner-tickets-42610400856

RecyTaughtMe: A Reading Group
Wednesday, March 14
#RecyTaughtMe is a month-long reading group to read & discuss “At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape and Resistance – A New History of the Civil Rights Movement” by Danielle L. McGuire. We’ll be discussing struggles against patriarchy & white supremacy, examples of community self-defense and anti-rape organizing. This study group is for anyone who identifies as a woman, femme, non-binary and/or gnc person.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2055225154760873/

Kinder Institute Forum: Mayor Mitchell Landrieu
Wednesday, March 14
Kinder Institute for Urban Reseach welcomes New Orleans Mayor, Mitchell Landrieu as guest speaker for the Kinder Institute Forum. Mayor Landrieu will discuss lessons learned from recovering from a natural disaster.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kinder-institute-forum-mayor-mitchell-landrieu-tickets-41529195943

Reading: Tayari Jones – AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE
Wednesday, March 14
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. I’ve heard great things about this book!
http://www.brazosbookstore.com/event/tayari-jones-american-marriage

Houston Unfiltered: Candid Conversations Over Coffee
Thursday, March 15
We’re bringing you a new speaker each month to help spark frank discussion and build a community of entrepreneurs, investors, and techies interested in supporting and learning from one another — without filters, self-editing or judgement. Each monthly morning meetup will feature a local leader who has ventured down the startup path.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-unfiltered-candid-conversations-over-coffee-tickets-41341513580

Leadership ISD Harris County March Mix and Mingle
Thursday, March 15
Prospective Fellows for the Leadership ISD Class of 2019 cohort are invited to mix and mingle with Class of 2018 Fellows, LISD staff and board to ask questions and learn more about the Fellowship experience. LISD is focused on informing and connecting leaders to shape policy, lead strategically and champion change.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-isd-harris-county-march-mix-and-mingle-tickets-43561384273

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Friday, March 16
A Houston favorite returns! Experience the power of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and see for yourself why this extraordinary company is hailed as America’s cultural ambassador to the world.
http://www.spahouston.org/show?ShowId=203

Black Panther The Album: Night Light Vibe
Friday, March 16
Our Vibe & Ride x Night Lights event is back with new routes and a new feature Black Panther The Album. Come take a musical trip to Wakanda with us as we listen to a masterpiece soundtrack from the film Black Panther. Experience a cruise around the city streets on our Brand New Dutch Bikes equipped with multi color LED lights.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-panther-the-album-night-light-vibe-tickets-43348973948

Kombucha & Ginger Beer Class
Saturday, March 17
Want to learn to make homemade Kombucha and Wild Fermented root drinks such as Ginger Beer, Turmeric Beer, and Sunchoke Beer? They are all fermented to be full of probiotics (healthy gut!), nonalcoholic (less than .5 percent), and simple to make. Come sit among the fields of vegetables and fruits at Finca Tres Robles and practice the ancient art of fermentation.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1576421259105705/

Bar Crawl for the Culture Vol. 3 | Battle of the Sexes
Saturday, March 17
Turkey Leg Hut | Front Deck | Faces Ultra Lounge. Tickets include: 3 drinks, t-shirt, crawl for the culture swag gear, exclusive access to happy hour pricing all day long & chance at free giveaways!
http://barcrawlfortheculture.eventbrite.com

Throwback Flix and Chill Vol 2 Poetic Justice
Sunday, March 18
Still grieving after the murder of her boyfriend, hairdresser Justice (Janet Jackson) writes poetry to deal with the pain of her loss. Unable to get to Oakland to attend a convention because of her broken-down car, Justice gets a lift with her friend, Iesha (Regina King) and Iesha’s postal worker boyfriend, Chicago (Joe Torry).
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/throwback-flix-and-chill-vol-2-poetic-justice-tickets-42040686826

SPIT Knowledge Lecture with Phylicia Rashad
Tuesday, March 20
Actress Phylicia Rashad will be a SPIT Knowledge Lecturer. SPIT Knowledge offers a twist to the traditional college lecture program. Students have the opportunity to hear first hand from presenters who have the experience, popularity, and knowledge to share their story and encourage others. All lectures are free and open to the public.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1576999359015818/

8th Annual Houston Black Leadership Forum
Wednesday, March 21
Featured Speaker: Terry Watson on “Moving the Needle for our Community through Black Excellence.”
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-houston-black-leadership-forum-tickets-42957304454

Talib Kweli presents The Radio Silence Tour – Houston – Warehouse Live
Wednesday, March 21
Tickets: $25 ADV GA, $27 DAY OF
http://ticketf.ly/TalibKweliWHL

Houston Latino Film Festival 2018
Thursday, March 22 – March 25
HLFF returns at Talento Bilingüe de Houston, located in the East End. We invite you to join us for a weekend to celebrate and enjoy compelling films from some of the brightest, emerging and established filmmakers from the U.S., Latin America, Spain and Portugal!
Houstonlatinofilm.com

Author Event: Chelsea Clinton, She Persisted 2
Thursday, March 22
Advocate and author Chelsea Clinton will sign her new picture book SHE PERSISTED AROUND THE WORLD at our shop. Perfect for tiny activists, mini feminists, and little kids who are ready to take on the world. This is a ticketed event—your ticket is a purchase of the book from your friends at Blue Willow Bookshop. Each ticket will admit up to four family members.
http://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/event/chelsea-clinton-book-signing

#SayHerName Conference with Crunk Feminist Collective
Friday, March 23
This one day conference will feature TED-like talks with guests from the Crunk Feminist Collective: Dr. Robin M. Boylorn, Dr. Sheri Davis-Faulkner, and Dr. Rachel Raimist. Students will walk away with an increased consciousness of what feminist activism looks like and why it is important. The goal of this timely conference is to encourage college enrollment, retention, and graduation of women of color students.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sayhername-conference-tickets-42986673297

Bria Skonberg
Friday, March 23
Canadian singer, trumpeter and songwriter Bria Skonberg wields a unique blend of modern-day pop sensibility and sizzling musicianship. Her elite jazz chops, artfully mixed with worldly rhythms and contemporary songwriting, result in a sophisticated pop sound. Bria has performed at some 100 festivals worldwide, co-founded the New York Hot Jazz Camp and New York Hot Jazz Festival, and has earned several awards for her talents.
http://www.spahouston.org/show?ShowId=204

Soulection Radio Tour ft. Joe Kay + special guests
Friday, March 23
Bringing together all forms of progressive music, Soulection is an independent label, radio show, and artist collective that was founded in Los Angeles in 2011. By consistently bringing visibility to meaningful music and curating memorable experiences, Soulection has broadcast it’s vision and created a culture that brings together hundreds of thousands of supporters worldwide.
https://www.facebook.com/events/171850323554285/

2018 In Bloom Music Festival
Saturday, March 24
FPSF is now In Bloom Music Festival, reborn in the springtime, March 24 & 25th, 2018, in Eleanor Tinsley Park. This 2-day spring music festival will deliver more than 50 music performances on 4 stages, right in the heart of downtown Houston.
https://www.inbloomfestival.com

The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin Discussion
Saturday, March 24
Speculative Fiction book club. 4th Saturday of every month.
http://www.houstongreatbooks.net/speculative-fiction.html

Overlap: Black Professionals Meetup at Project Row Houses
Saturday, March 24
The third installment of Overlap: a series of events geared toward creating community among the professional and artist communities in our city. We’ll be welcomed by Third Ward creatives as we enjoy music and refreshments and view the current exhibition Round 47 | The Act of Doing: Preserving, Revitalizing and Protecting Third Ward which showcases artists, residents, and community organizers working to highlight the history and culture of Third Ward.
https://overlaphouston.eventbrite.com/

Creative Tasting at Ogun Art + Wine
Saturday, March 24
Creative Tasting combines wine tasting with creative crafting in a simple yet fun way! Ogun Art + Wine is the perfect venue to explore your inner creative while enjoying fine wines from various regions around the world. The event fee is $35 and covers 4 wine tastings, crafting supplies, and a unique wine inspired craft.
https://www.facebook.com/events/217993075425017/

Mingus Big Band
Saturday, March 24
Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of legendary composer/bassist Charles Mingus , who died in 1979. The Mingus Big Band tours extensively in the United States and abroad, and has ten recordings to its credit, seven of which have been nominated for Grammys.
https://www.facebook.com/events/811055925728237/

Sy Smith “Musical Truths & Treats”
Monday, March 26
An intimate evening with Sy Smith as she shares her new album “Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete” (#SRWGC), talks shop about her 20-year career in music (as a recording artist and as a vocalist who has backed some of the top names in jazz and R&B), and performs an acoustic set.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1578826428861621/

Movie Night at Axelrad: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Monday, March 26
Movie starts at sundown (time subject to change seasonally). The BEERSTREAM bar will be open on Mondays and there will also be servers working in the garden for your convenience.
https://www.facebook.com/events/113868765932328/

Houston Black Film Festival Community Day
Wednesday, March 28
The festival runs from March 27 through March 31st 2018! On Day TWO of the festival, March 28th 2017, come out and enjoy FREE MOVIE SCREENINGS, and panels at the Montrose Center during the HBFF Community Outreach Day! Win door prizes, and passes for additional festival access.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-black-film-festival-community-day-featuring-the-cast-of-wards-lucky-johnson-dominic-taz-registration-41746191984

Houston Startup Demo Day
Wednesday, March 28
Top tier mentors, local investors, and personalized pitch feedback for participating startups — nothing’s changed but the address. Whether you’re a serial entrepreneur or just looking to get involved in the community, this event is for YOU.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-startup-demo-day-tickets-41062433845

An Evening with Alok
Thursday, March 29
Alok Vaid-Menon is a gender non-conforming writer, entertainer, and performance artist. Alok has been invited to perform, speak, and facilitate at universities, conferences, and organizations across the world; their work has been featured in various outlets like HBO, MTV, The Guardian, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and more. Open to the public.
https://www.facebook.com/events/527681704257361/

Houston Black Film Festival Cosplay After Party
Friday, March 30
The Houston BFF is a celebration of cultural diversity, community outreach, and the art of visual storytelling. Our goal is to offer a creative outlet for independent storytellers and connect them with industry professionals. Come out and party with the Houston Black Film Festival. Dress up as your favorite character of color. COSPLAY MODE. Let’s Go Houston. MEET & GREET Celebrity guest.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-black-film-festival-cosplay-after-party-tickets-43164254447