Wow, it's already December, can you believe it? The social scene in Houston is buzzing with activity this winter/holiday season. Whether looking to dance the night away with Mary J. Blige and Maxwell, take a bike tour through the historic Third Ward, or experience Da Camera's show featuring jazz singer Cecile McLorin Savlant, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are 12 of the top events happening this weekend, but you can find a full list of events on our CultureMap Events Calendar.
Thursday, December 1
Boxing fans will delight in this new series presented by Savarese Productions. International boxers like Steed Woodall and Pablo Cruz as well as locals Raphael Igbokwe and Edgar Alarcon hit the ring for a knock-out evening featuring 10 rounds of boxing amid the plush surroundings of the new Ballroom at Bayou Place.
Multi-talented hip-hop/R&B artists PartyNextDoor and Jeremih bring their tour to the Revention Center following a dust-up earlier this week when Jeremih stormed off the stage in Chicago, apparently in a dispute with the show's organizers. PartyNextDoor, who previously sang under his real name (Jahron Brathwaite), was the first artist signed to Drake's OVO sound imprint.
Friday, December 2
Jingle Bell Block is the theme of the 2016 Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour. Participants can able tour six decorated homes on Cortland Street as well as view holiday-themed yards of other neighboring houses. There'll be local musicians and entertainment to keep festive spirits high.
Former Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams headlines the Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting with performances by electro hip hop violinist SVET and the SoReal Dance Cru. This free, family fun event features music, Santa, and fireworks along with the official lighting of the large holiday tree in front of Houston City Hall.
Houston jazz great Kirk Whalum presents his annual A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas at Texas Southern University. Jazz artists Keiko Matsui and Norman Brown join Whalum for the unconventional musical approach to holiday favorites.
Saturday, December 3
Explore the Third Ward area with AIA Houston's Bike Tour through Emancipation Park, Project Row Houses, the Negro Hospital, and several other areas in this historic part of the city. Buildings designed by John Chase and Caudill Rowlett Scott' will be featured as the tour explores the neighborhood's character, history and future. It's also a great way to see parts of the city from a different vantage point.
In 2Pac's song "Changes" he says, "We can never go nowhere unless we share with each other." These and other lyrics are the inspiration to Sherese Campbell's Urban Ballet, which uses various dance styles like tap, jazz, modern, pointe and hip-hop to explore what it is to be black in an America still wounded by racial division. The work, which is choreographed by Campbell, Jaimee Vilela Navarrete, Stephanie Sermas, and Chris Thomas, will also be performed on Sunday, December 4.
Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin Savlant returns to Da Camera's jazz series with unique interpretations of unknown and rarely-recorded jazz and blues compositions along with some of her original songs.
Maxwell and Mary J. Blige in Concert
The King and Queen of Hearts world tour makes its way to the Toyota Center with two legendary singers as headliners. Maxwell is touring in support of his new album, blackSUMMERS’night, while Blige is putting the finishing touches on her forthcoming 14th studio album."Permission" singer Ro James is the opening act.
Sunday, December 4
The 14th Annual H-Town Sneaker Summit attracts shoe lovers of all ages. Attendees can buy, sell, and trade kicks in the Monster Energy Traders Lounge as well as check out exclusive collaborations from brands like Adidas, Stussy, and more. This reminds me of all of the songs from the' 90s that talked about having "fresh" shoes.
Anyone who saw the Magic Men movies knows what's in store at this live interactive show featuring bare-chested muscle boys who know how to shake their groove thang.
Bernadine's 1 Year Anniversary
The acclaimed Heights restaurant turns 1 with a Cochon de Lait celebration. Corey Ledet and his Zydeco band will provide live musical entertainment while guests feast on a menu of whole suckling pig, oyster stuffing, pies from pastry chef Julia Doran and much more. There'll also be face painting for children, a pinata, and other activities to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
Share your weekend experiences with us in the comments section below.
Visit decorated homes on the Heights Holiday Home Tour.
