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

In Memoriam

Legendary Texas singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

In a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

As with many local legends, it's hard to tease out what specifically made Ely's time in Austin so great; Austin treasures its live music staples, so being around and staying authentic from the early days is often the most important thing an artist can do.

Ely got his local start at One Knight Tavern, which later became Stubb's BBQ — the artist and the famous venue share a hometown of Lubbock. He alternated nights with emerging guitar great Stevie Ray Vaughn. He built his own recording studio in Dripping Springs, and kept close relationships with other Texas musicians. Later in his career, Ely brought fans into the live music experience, publishing excerpts from his journal and musings on the road in Bonfire of Roadmaps (2010), and was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2022. Austin blues icon Marcia Ball was among Ely's friends who played the induction show.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings. [...]"

Read the full story at KVUE.com. CultureMap has added two paragraphs of context about the Austin portion of Ely's career.

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