Let's Celebrate

Avenida Houston's Juneteenth celebration is back for a weekend of art, music, food, and more

The federal holiday Juneteenth symbolizes the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom, and has its roots in Texas. To celebrate this culturally and historically significant holiday — which falls this year on Wednesday, June 19 — come enjoy a weekend-long series of free events June 14-16, hosted by Houston First Corporation, that includes music, art, food, and Black-owned business spread all across Avenida Houston, Discovery Green, and Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Here's what's in store:

June 14-15: Music at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Take a poignant exploration of Black music’s evolution in this year’s presentation of “Juneteenth: A Musical Journey Through Eras.” From classic R&B to gospel, blues, and hip hop, this production highlights the heartfelt lyrics that echo social upheavals and the quest for equality, while also paying homage to the indomitable spirit of Black communities and the diverse expressions of Black artistry.

Friday, June 14, 8 pm: The journey begins with a musical retrospective spanning 1960 to 1980, spotlighting the smooth sounds, raw emotions, introspection, and reflection of struggles during the Civil Rights Movement.
Saturday, June 15, 8 pm: The second evening spotlights the 1980s through the 2000s with a focus on the eras' blending of powerful force and gritty narratives that chronicle the realities of urban life and systemic injustices, all to infectious beats.

June 16: Culture Fest at Avenida Houston + Discovery Green
A series of family-friendly events commemorating Juneteenth and the end of slavery include multiple genres of live music, top DJs, art, games, BLCK Market vendors, health and fitness activations, food trucks, firework and much more. Participants can enjoy some of Houston’s top entertainment while also supporting local artists and businesses.

Freedom Main Stage lineup at Discovery Green
Hosted by KTSU 90.9FM: Donna Franklin and Chilly Bill Smith

4:15 pm: Rhonda McLemore & Friends
5:20 pm: Rhonda McLemore Gospel
5:30 pm: The Tina Turnup Xperience featuring Myra Washington
6:50 pm: Mallory
7 pm: Neesha Cortez
8 pm: Skylar Bliss
8:10 pm: The C.I.T.Y. Band

Vibe Lounge at Avenida Houston
Hosted by DJ Lefty

4:45 pm: Kiland
5:45 pm: KTSU Sports Talk Live
7 pm: KTSU Impact Houston Live
8:15 pm: Kiland

Find yoga, pilates, Zumba, and more at Houston’s Culture Stage & Health Zone at Discovery Green.

The Fun Zone at Discovery Green, powered by Field Dates, has laser tag, soccer, darts, inflatables, large games, and more surprises.

Shop BLCK Market at Avenida Houston for 100 Black-owned entrepreneurs, artists, designers, and vendors offering a variety of products, art, and crafts.

Be sure to gather at 8:55 pm for the grand fireworks finale. All events are free and open to the public, so come together, be inspired, and be entertained while paying tribute to the contributions of Black Americans.

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Find more information and the weekend's complete schedule here.

Photo by Bayou Buzz

Come celebrate June 14-16.

holidays festivals concerts promoted

a beautiful mind

Houston Health Museum's new exhibit shines a light on dyslexia

Sarah Sudhoff created "The Reading Brain" in honor of her son.

Photo by Rose Tylinski

"The Reading Brain" replicates neuron activity in a dyslexic brian while reading

No, "The Reading Brain" isn't the title of a B-horror film from the 1960s. It's a brand new installation at the Houston Health Museum that explores dyslexia.

The piece was created by Houston-based artist Sarah Sudhoff, in partnership with Dr. Guinevere Eden, Director of the Center for the Study of Learning at Georgetown University. Hanging from the ceiling of the Health Museum, it uses light-up colored circles to represent the frontal lobe activity of a dyslexic person while reading. MRI scans of dyslexic brains formed the foundation of the light activity. Sudhoff's own son has dyslexia, and she had to adapt her homeschooling of him to account for his neurodivergence. As much as 20 percent of the American population is dyslexic.

"The Reading Brain" grew out of a similar exhibit at the DoSeum in San Antonio. "Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage" challenged visitors to see dyslexia not as a learning disability but as simply a different way some human brains work. The exhibit featured videos, stories, and art work by dyslexic individuals that show how they succeed and create, as well as a selection of brain puzzles used to teach dyslexic people.

“Even though your brain works differently, it still lights up and is beautiful to watch, a wonderful machine you have. It just means you have to navigate and pivot a little differently,” Sudhoff said.

Sudhoff's innovative bridge between science and art is a permanent part of the Health Museum's MindWorks exhibit. Like "The Reading Brain," MindWorks maps out thinking processes through light and hands-on activities. The exhibit will close on January 5, meaning visitors have a very short time to see Sudhoff's piece.

The Health Museum is a hidden gem in Museum District located a block away from the Children's Museum. It houses a variety of exhibits about the human body, such as a giant plastic colon that kids love to run through. Since opening in 1969, the museum has helped Houstonians and visitors from around the world learn about the way the body works as well well as public health protocols. As the only Smithsonian Affiliate Museum in the Houston Museum District, it has a high educational pedigree despite it's colorful and often whimsical offerings.

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