HOUSTON, TX (February 1, 2023) – Houston First Corporation (HFC) is proud to share the 2023 Black History Month lineup at Avenida Houston, downtown’s convention and entertainment district. This year’s programming will feature art, music, vendors and activities for the entire family that reflect and celebrate Houston’s rich diversity.
HFC recognizes the importance of showcasing our city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures, as we fulfill our mission of promoting Houston as a global destination to residents and visitors alike. Everyone is invited to participate in a number of free events and experiences throughout the month of February as we highlight the heritage and contributions of African Americans.
Black History @ Avenida Houston – For three Saturdays in February, 2-6 pm on the Plaza at Avenida (between the GRB & Discovery Green)
BLCK Market
For the fourth year HFC is partnering with J.O. Malone, founder of BLCK Market to present an outdoor market featuring locally black-owned entrepreneurs each Saturday including artists, designers, and business entrepreneurs offering a wide variety of unique and one-of-a-kind products.
Live Entertainment
KTSU 90.9 FM will be hosting the main stage at Avenida Houston which will feature live musical entertainment provided by various local bands with different genres highlighted each Saturday from 2pm-6pm. New this year, The Vibe Lounge, will feature some of Houston’s most popular DJ’s.
Saturday, Feb. 11 – Creole Soul, Blues, R&B and Neo-Soul
Mainstage hosted by Donna Franklin/KTSU 90.9 FM
Live music featuring:
- Marium Echo
- Shonnie Murrell
- Spud Howard
The Vibe Lounge featuring DJ Michele McKnight
Saturday, Feb. 18 – R&B, Soul and Gospel
Mainstage hosted by Chilly Bill Smith/KTSU 90.9 FM
Live music featuring:
- NaKitta Clegg Foxx
- Zacardi Cortez
- Polo The Vibe
- Patrice Dominique
The Vibe Lounge featuring DJ Madd Hatta
Saturday, Feb. 25 – Neo-Soul, R&B, Zydeco
Mainstage hosted by Donna Franklin and Chilly Bill Smith/
KTSU 90.9 FM
Live music featuring:
- Cupid
- Madicin
- Clynese
The Vibe Lounge featuring DJ Rob G
Art
A special collection of images by Houston-based artist Sebastien Boncy is on display along Avenida Houston in Partnership Tower, Level 2, South Garage Elevator Lobby.
Little Known Facts presents dozens of images selected from thousands catalogued in Boncy’s Purple Time Space Swamp archive. Never without his camera, and often while walking downtown or in his north side neighborhood, since 2013, Boncy has captured movements in time throughout the city.
Born in Haiti, Boncy received his BFA from the University of Houston, his MFA from the University of North Texas and has exhibited at a number of art spaces and galleries throughout Texas.
Link to images of 2023 performers, visual artist and photos from 2022 celebration: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/QiWJt0zImy
Black History Month @ Avenida Houston is presented in partnership with the City of Houston, KTSU 90.9FM, The Vibe, Blck Market, Dynamo, Project Row Houses and Community Artists Collective.
About Houston First
Houston First Corp (HFC) is a local government corporation and the official destination marketing organization for the country's fourth largest city. In addition to serving as operator for the George R. Brown Convention Center and some of Houston’s most prominent art, entertainment, and event venues, HFC is focused on promoting the city’s vibrancy and rich tapestry of culture. By harnessing the city’s collective energy, ambition, and creativity, including its diverse culinary scene, world-renowned performing arts, medical and space innovation, and elite filming locations, HFC is solidifying Houston as a premier national and global destination. For the latest news and info regarding HFC, visit www.houstonfirst.com.
