Theater, Music, Poetry & Film
Monday, June 9, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
FILM:
SHORTS & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cinematic storytelling at the Fade To Black Arts Festival. This special event features a curated lineup of powerful short films by Black filmmakers, followed by a live filmmaker talkback. Engage directly with the creatives behind the lens as they share the inspiration, challenges, and process behind their work. From drama to documentary, this experience offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Black cinema—and the voices shaping its future.
FILM LINEUP:
Do You Think of Me? (5:12)
Director: Katrina Lewis
Man wonders if the woman he loves thinks the same of him.
Too Much In Love (17:36)
Director: Destiny Pouncy
Heather grapples with leftover feeling from her romance with her best friend, Jessica, as Jessica prepares to get married.
The Phoenix Rising (29:29)
Directors: Mynthia Gonkpala, Lauryn Alexander, Mia Upshaw
A deep dive into the intricate preparations and raw emotions that fueled the ICON's electrifying performance.
All For You (14:27)
Director: Dawn Reavis
A career-driven daughter and her resolute mother clash over conflicting priorities.
7 Pennies (9:30)
Director: Kiara C Jones
A Creole girl in 1940’s New Orleans plots to escape an approaching predator.
Lily in the Valley (21:20)
Director: Tiffany Joseph
Tragedy strikes a talented high school senior in the midst of a pivotal game.
Today I Cried (5:15)
Director: Vincent Michael Powell
Four Black males from different generations confront their own moments of despair.
TALKBACK: 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
FILM:
CHOICE$ (90 min)
Director: Jalen Fauntleroy
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
A soon-to-be father faces eviction as his life intertwines with an addict on the run and a drug dealer attempting to go legit.
TALKBACK: 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
THEATER:
Johnnie B. Goode
by Thomas Meloncon
3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
The confrontation between the raw rural Blues and the "new" Rhythm and Blues" is about to shake up the small town of Port Arthur, Texas in 1935. Johnnie B. Goode refuses to 'surrender' his dream of becoming a star, to his domineering father, Johnnie A. Goode, who does not want his son to abandon the original Blues.
Additional Performance Options for Johnnie B. Goode
Monday, June 9, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Thursday, June 12, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
THEATER/POETRY:
House Is Not A Home: A Theatrical Poetry Experience
Curated by Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Matchbox 1
$25 Matinee*
A House Is Not a Home is a poetic theatrical experience that blurs the lines between spoken word and stagecraft. Curated by Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore, this original production fuses the raw emotional power of poetry with the immersive storytelling of theater to explore one central theme: Home.
Additional Performance Options for House is Not a Home
Monday, June 9, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
MUSIC
The Rhythm of Life: A Cabaret of Color
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 3
$35 Ticket*
A bold celebration of music, movement, and storytelling, The Rhythm of Life: A Cabaret in Color centers Black joy and resilience in a dynamic showcase of reimagined songs and vibrant performances. This electrifying cabaret invites audiences into a world where every note, lyric, and gesture honors the richness of life in full color.
Addition Performance Options for Rhythm of Life Cabaret
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 14, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
THEATER/POETRY:
Se7en Entertainment’s Artist Collective
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 1
$35 Ticket*
The Artist Collective, presented by Se7en Entertainment, is a dynamic showcase that highlights the voices of emerging and established artists in spoken word, hip-hop, and poetry. Designed to amplify raw expression and lyrical mastery, this collective brings together powerful wordsmiths and musical storytellers who embody the essence of cultural authenticity and creative excellence.
Additional Performance Options for Artist Collective
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
FILM:
Opening Night Film & Talk Back
I Left My Heart in Colombia
Director: Van Elder
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
Two friends are brought to Medellin, Colombia under the guise of a pleasurable business trip by their friend who is already there to make good on a financial obligation. The man that they are all forced to meet with to settle the debt has something special planned for ALL OF THEM.
THEATER:
Fade To Black: Best of the Best 10-Minute Plays
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 4
$35 Ticket*
An electrifying two-act showcase of short plays that have captivated audiences throughout the years.
Fade To Black: Best of the Best 10-Minute Plays features ten unforgettable works by celebrated Black playwrights—stories that challenge, uplift, and entertain. This powerful collection delves into themes of love, truth, identity, and justice, brought to life through bold characters and emotionally charged moments.
Additional Performance Options for Best of the Best
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
FILM:
Spotlight on HBCU Filmmakers
Moderator: Cliff McBean
10;00 AM to 12:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
Spotlight on HBCU Filmmaking is a dynamic conversation moderated by Cliff McBean, a seasoned filmmaker and educator at Texas Southern University. This session explores the creative power and cultural impact of filmmaking within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Attendees will gain insight into the artistic journeys of HBCU filmmakers, the importance of authentic Black storytelling, and how HBCUs serve as incubators for visionary talent shaping the future of film.
FILM:
How Do You Hear God?
Director: Micole Williams
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
This film dives deep into everyday people’s beliefs and relationships with the Divine, challenging perceptions and fostering meaningful conversations. Get ready to experience a beautiful tapestry of faith journeys that will inspire and uplift!
MUSIC
The Rhythm of Life: A Cabaret of Color
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Matchbox 3
$25 Matinee*
A bold celebration of music, movement, and storytelling, The Rhythm of Life: A Cabaret in Color centers Black joy and resilience in a dynamic showcase of reimagined songs and vibrant performances. This electrifying cabaret invites audiences into a world where every note, lyric, and gesture honors the richness of life in full color.
Addition Performance Options for Rhythm of Life Cabaret
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 14, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
MUSIC:
Jazz Jam Session:
Hosted by Tex Allen and the Sunshine Friends
7:30 PM - 10:30 pm
Matchbox 3
$25 Ticket*
Join us for an unforgettable evening of smooth sounds and soulful rhythms at the Jazz Jam Session hosted by Tex Allen and the Sunshine Friends. Experience live, spontaneous jazz at its finest—where legends groove and new voices shine.
THEATER:
H Place
by Norma Thomas
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Matchbox 4
$20 Tickets
When Dina Harmony, mid-40s, convinces her aging, ailing father, the self-made Isaac Harmony, about to hit 80, to step down as day to day manager of H Place, a small, but successful business center, a pillar of the historically Black community it serves, the staunch business man and head cook at H Place Diner, known for his Big Ike Special, never expects that his dream of a peaceful transition of power to his adult offspring would go so wrong.
FILM:
The Art of Eternal Love (short)
Director: Dawn Revis
Widowed and missing his late wife, a man believes he's found a way to be with her again through a portal he knows how to access.
Do No Harm (feature)
Directors: Vickie Washington & Anyika McMillan-Herod
19th Century physician who performs numerous procedures and surgeries with no anesthesia under the racist notion that black people did not feel pain.
7:30 PM to 10:15 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
TALKBACK: 9:45 PM to 10:15 PM
THEATER/POETRY:
House is Not A Home: A Theatrical Poetry Experience
Curated by Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 1
$35 Ticket*
A House Is Not a Home is a poetic theatrical experience that blurs the lines between spoken word and stagecraft. Curated by Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore, this original production fuses the raw emotional power of poetry with the immersive storytelling of theater to explore one central theme: Home.
Additional Performance Options for House is Not a Home
Monday, June 9, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
FILM:
SHORTS & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cinematic storytelling at the Fade To Black Arts Festival. This special event features a curated lineup of powerful short films by Black filmmakers, followed by a live filmmaker talkback. Engage directly with the creatives behind the lens as they share the inspiration, challenges, and process behind their work. From drama to documentary, this experience offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Black cinema—and the voices shaping its future.
FILM LINEUP:
The Room (9:16)
Director: Michael Jasper
Rich is feeling defeated after being turned down again for a promotion.
Spine of Action (14:02)
Director: Thomas Healy
When a college student gets a phone call from an old best friend, things start to go into chaos.
PTSD - Silent Killer (25:00)
Director: Tiffany Joseph
Journey through a family's struggle with Post Traumatic Stree Disorder.
The Meeting That Shaped Amerikkka (41:00)
Director: Kristopher Adams
A one-man film in whiteface that explores the exploitation and distruction of black people in America.
TALKBACK: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
FILM:
SHORTS & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Ticket*
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cinematic storytelling at the Fade To Black Arts Festival. This special event features a curated lineup of powerful short films by Black filmmakers, followed by a live filmmaker talkback. Engage directly with the creatives behind the lens as they share the inspiration, challenges, and process behind their work. From drama to documentary, this experience offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Black cinema—and the voices shaping its future.
FILM LINEUP:
X-Clousure's Meet the Bastrops (17:32)
Director: Jamye Clark
Four college best friends remain connected, and two eventually create an even stronger bond...marriage.
Quiet Time (13:30)
Director: Jhonu Alicia
Man wants to enjoy one last rendezvous the weekend prior to his pending wedding ceremony.
The Colored Folks Goodtime Hour (01:00:59)
Director: Vincent Victoria
A biting satire set in 1956 about a gay black TV star.
While You Were Freeing the World (11:20)
Director: Christina Cottles
Actor Paul Robeson's stance on Civil Rights has made him a stranger in his own world.
Baldy - The Film (15:44)
Director: Eddie Griffith
Travis is a New Yorker whose receding hairline mirrors the distant memories of his childhood.
TALKBACK: 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM
THEATER:
Fade to Black: Best of 10 Minute Plays
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Matchbox 4
$25 Matinee*
An electrifying two-act showcase of short plays that have captivated audiences throughout the years.
Fade To Black: Best of the Best 10-Minute Plays features ten unforgettable works by celebrated Black playwrights—stories that challenge, uplift, and entertain. This powerful collection delves into themes of love, truth, identity, and justice, brought to life through bold characters and emotionally charged moments.
Additional Performance Options for Best of the Best
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
THEATER/POETRY:
House is Not A Home: A Theatrical Poetry Experience
Curated by Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Matchbox 1
$25 Matinee*
A House Is Not a Home is a poetic theatrical experience that blurs the lines between spoken word and stagecraft. Curated by Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore, this original production fuses the raw emotional power of poetry with the immersive storytelling of theater to explore one central theme: Home.
Additional Performance Options for House is Not a Home
Monday, June 9, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
MUSIC:
Ode to Frank Sinatra:
Rickey Davis, The Classic Gentlemen
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Matchbox 3
$30 Tickets
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Experience the timeless magic of Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits as Rickey Davis, “The Classic Gentleman,” takes the stage with the H-Town Orchestra. Backed by rich, live instrumentation, Davis will deliver soulful renditions of beloved classics in a one-of-a-kind tribute performance.
***THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE AT THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE***
THEATER:
The Tap Dance Kid: First Look
by Charles Blackwell, Henry Krieger, & Robert Lorick
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
@ ENSEMBLE THEATRE
FREE Admission
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
The Tap Dance Kid concerns a 10-year-old African-American kid named Willie who doesn't want to be a lawyer like his well-to-do strict father. Willie dreams of becoming a dancer like his mentor, Uncle Dipsey who is an aspiring Broadway choreographer. Willie's imaginations of stardom keep us tapping along!
THEATER:
Johnnie B. Goode
8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Matchbox 4
$35 Ticket*
The confrontation between the raw rural Blues and the "new" Rhythm and Blues" is about to shake up the small town of Port Arthur, Texas in 1935. Johnnie B. Goode refuses to 'surrender' his dream of becoming a star, to his domineering father, Johnnie A. Goode, who does not want his son to abandon the original Blues.
Additional Performance Options for Johnnie B. Goode
Monday, June 9, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Thursday, June 12, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
THEATER/POETRY:
Se7en Entertainment’s Artist Collective
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 1
$35 Ticket*
The Artist Collective, presented by Se7en Entertainment, is a dynamic showcase that highlights the voices of emerging and established artists in spoken word, hip-hop, and poetry. Designed to amplify raw expression and lyrical mastery, this collective brings together powerful wordsmiths and musical storytellers who embody the essence of cultural authenticity and creative excellence.
Additional Performance Options for Artist Collective
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
MUSIC:
The Rhythm of Life: A Cabaret of Color
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 3
$35 Ticket*
A bold celebration of music, movement, and storytelling, The Rhythm of Life: A Cabaret in Color centers Black joy and resilience in a dynamic showcase of reimagined songs and vibrant performances. This electrifying cabaret invites audiences into a world where every note, lyric, and gesture honors the richness of life in full color.
Addition Performance Options for Rhythm of Life Cabaret
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 14, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
COMEDY:
MPAC Live!
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 to $35
Ages 18+
Life can be stressful, but for one night, let's forget it all and just laugh! Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC) in collaboration with the Fade 2 Arts Black Festival brings together comedians Anthony Oakes and Jennifer Jermany ready to tickle your funny bone with their unique styles and hilarious insights. Come grab a drink, relax, and prepare to have your spirits lifted by the contagious energy of live stand-up comedy.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
SHORTS & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
Join us for an unforgettable morning of cinematic storytelling at the Fade To Black Arts Festival. This special event features a curated lineup of powerful short films by Black filmmakers, followed by a live filmmaker talkback. Engage directly with the creatives behind the lens as they share the inspiration, challenges, and process behind their work. From drama to documentary, this experience offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Black cinema—and the voices shaping its future.
FILM LINEUP:
The Reaper (23:23)
Director: Tiffany Josephn
Funeral Director gets a cancer diagnosis and goes to extreme measures to get what he needs.
Shop Talk - The Movie (20:27)
Director: Norma Jo Thomas
Gentrification takes a number.
Shankleville: A Love That Still Stands (13:20)
Director: Gordon S. Williams
Chronicles the love story of an enslaved couple who built a community in East Texas and the descendants who celebrate the importance of contributions.
Miles and Me (19:43)
Director: Kalif Cooper
A gifted but troubled trumpet player, haunted by his past and his own self-doubt meets a mysterious woman.
Wizard of Hip (13:27)
Director: Jon Crawford
An actor seeks funding for a film.
TALKBACK: 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
***THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE AT THE HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY***
THEATRE:
Grandpa's Garden
presented by Brave Little Company
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
@ HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
FREE ADMISSION
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Meet Bebe and her Grandpa, who’s a world champion gardener! If you’re ready to learn something new, he’ll teach you how to plant your own fruits and vegetables. But curious Bebe can’t stop wondering what’s in Grandpa’s mysterious shed - and she needs your help to find the key! Join Bebe and her Grandpa as they explore the garden - and their own roots and legacy as African Americans - through song, senses, and stories. This unique, universal, and upbeat musical celebrating Black history through one family’s story will have EVERY audience member on their feet. Get ready to get your hands dirty, plant your own seeds, and sing along to live music!
FILM:
Table Run
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
THEATER:
Johnnie B. Goode
3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Matchbox 4
$25 Matinee*
The confrontation between the raw rural Blues and the "new" Rhythm and Blues" is about to shake up the small town of Port Arthur, Texas in 1935. Johnnie B. Goode refuses to 'surrender' his dream of becoming a star, to his domineering father, Johnnie A. Goode, who does not want his son to abandon the original Blues.
Additional Performance Options for Johnnie B. Goode
Monday, June 9, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Thursday, June 12, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
MUSIC:
The “I Can Entertain” Concert:
Presented by I.C.E. Man Productions LLC
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Matchbox 3
$10 & $20 Tickets
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Join us for a powerful evening of live entertainment celebrating both emerging youth talent and seasoned local music veterans. The night will culminate in a high-energy, full-band performance by Edj the I.C.E. Man, showcasing his signature sound and undeniable stage presence. Experience the spirit of "I Can Entertain" through music, culture, and community.
FILM:
SCREENINGS & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
7:00 PM to 9:05 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
FILM LINEUP:
Chained Silence Speaks - Chapter 1 (18:50)
Director: Edwin Leon Rose
Delves into the harrowing world of human trafficking.
American Curl (01:17:00)
Director: American Curl
The rise and fall of the most popular hairstyle Black American has ever seen.
TALKBACK: 8:35 PM to 9:05 PM
THEATER/READING:
Soul Rep Theatre
NO CHIL' LEFT: A Farce
by Jordan E Cooper
Directed by Ezekiel Morgan
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Matchbox 1
$5 Tickets
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
When two teenagers from radically different racial and generational backgrounds become unexpectedly pregnant, their families — a progressive Black grandfather and his sidekick LeVar Burton (as himself) and his conservative White wife and her sidekick former Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders (as herself) — must confront decades of buried prejudice, cultural assumptions, and conflicting ideals of family, legacy, and love.
THEATER/POETRY:
House is Not A Home: A Theatrical Poetry Experience
Curated by Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 1
$35 Ticket*
A House Is Not a Home is a poetic theatrical experience that blurs the lines between spoken word and stagecraft. Curated by Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore, this original production fuses the raw emotional power of poetry with the immersive storytelling of theater to explore one central theme: Home.
Additional Performance Options for House is Not a Home
Monday, June 9, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
THEATER:
Fade To Black: Best of the Best 10-Minute Plays
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 4
$35 Ticket*
An electrifying two-act showcase of short plays that have captivated audiences throughout the years.
Fade To Black: Best of the Best 10-Minute Plays features ten unforgettable works by celebrated Black playwrights—stories that challenge, uplift, and entertain. This powerful collection delves into themes of love, truth, identity, and justice, brought to life through bold characters and emotionally charged moments.
Additional Performance Options for Best of the Best
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
MUSIC:
A Soulful Journey Concert
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Matchbox 3
$20 Ticket
This production blends the most powerful soul and R&B songs with stories of the genres' impact. Through live performances and historical storytelling, audiences will witness how these genres echoed the call for change. Expect to hear timeless hits from legendary artists like Marvin Gaye, The Stylistics, Blue Magic, The Delfonics, 5 Stairsteps, Isley Brothers, LTD, The Main Ingredient, and many more.
A Soulful Journey honors the timeless beauty and emotional depth of soulful singing, reminding us that music is more than entertainment—it is a celebration of the human spirit.
Join us for an evening celebrating the courage, convictions, and undeniable impact of soul and R&B music.
Rhythm and blues touch the spirit and move the soul!
THEATER/POETRY:
Se7en Entertainment’s Artist Collective
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Matchbox 1
$25 Matinee*
The Artist Collective, presented by Se7en Entertainment, is a dynamic showcase that highlights the voices of emerging and established artists in spoken word, hip-hop, and poetry. Designed to amplify raw expression and lyrical mastery, this collective brings together powerful wordsmiths and musical storytellers who embody the essence of cultural authenticity and creative excellence.
Additional Performance Options for Artist Collective
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
***THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE AT THE HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY***
THEATRE:
Grandpa's Garden
presented by Brave Little Company
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
@ HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
FREE ADMISSION
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Meet Bebe and her Grandpa, who’s a world champion gardener! If you’re ready to learn something new, he’ll teach you how to plant your own fruits and vegetables. But curious Bebe can’t stop wondering what’s in Grandpa’s mysterious shed - and she needs your help to find the key! Join Bebe and her Grandpa as they explore the garden - and their own roots and legacy as African Americans - through song, senses, and stories. This unique, universal, and upbeat musical celebrating Black history through one family’s story will have EVERY audience member on their feet. Get ready to get your hands dirty, plant your own seeds, and sing along to live music!
FILM:
Sugar Beach
Director: Noely Mendoza
3:30 PM to 4:45 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
A wealthy and talented high school senior grapples with immense grief after the loss of her brother in a surfing accident.
THEATER:
Fade To Black: Best of the Best 10-Minute Plays
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Matchbox 4
$25 Matinee*
An electrifying two-act showcase of short plays that have captivated audiences throughout the years.
Fade To Black: Best of the Best 10-Minute Plays features ten unforgettable works by celebrated Black playwrights—stories that challenge, uplift, and entertain. This powerful collection delves into themes of love, truth, identity, and justice, brought to life through bold characters and emotionally charged moments.
Additional Performance Options for Best of the Best
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
THEATER/POETRY:
Se7en Entertainment’s Artist Collective
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Matchbox 1
$35 Ticket*
The Artist Collective, presented by Se7en Entertainment, is a dynamic showcase that highlights the voices of emerging and established artists in spoken word, hip-hop, and poetry. Designed to amplify raw expression and lyrical mastery, this collective brings together powerful wordsmiths and musical storytellers who embody the essence of cultural authenticity and creative excellence.
Additional Performance Options for Artist Collective
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, June 13, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
THEATER:
Johnnie B. Goode
8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Matchbox 4
$35 Ticket*
The confrontation between the raw rural Blues and the "new" Rhythm and Blues" is about to shake up the small town of Port Arthur, Texas in 1935. Johnnie B. Goode refuses to 'surrender' his dream of becoming a star, to his domineering father, Johnnie A. Goode, who does not want his son to abandon the original Blues.
Additional Performance Options for Johnnie B. Goode
Monday, June 9, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Thursday, June 12, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
FILM TALK:
A Evening With Greg Carter
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
Meet Houston Filmmaker Greg Carter
Greg is a native of Houston, Texas and a graduate of Texas A&M University. After studying under Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Charles Gordone, Greg Studied film at Rice's prestigious School of Visual and Dramatic Arts under Professor Brian Huberman with producer Elizabeth Avellan (Robert Rodriguez's partner at Troublemaker Studios). Recognized along with director Richard Linklater with a Institutional grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for programs at the MFAH. Respected SXSW Film Festival alumni. Gregory also studied screen-writing with Academy Award winning writer/producer Pamela Wallace as well as writer/directors John Lee Hancock, Bill Witliff and Tim McCanlies. Greg was presented the Independent Sprit Award and inducted into the Texas Filmmakers Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 2006 Spindletop Film Festival at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
MUSIC:
State of the Union – A Musical Town Hall
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 3
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Featuring selections from Jones’ acclaimed musicals—American Skin, Fired! The Musical, The Podium, Freedom Quilt, The Big Three Oh, and Three Crosses—the cabaret travels across centuries of conflict and resilience, culminating in a moving finale that challenges audiences to reimagine what unity truly means.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
FILM:
Thank You 10
Director: Lionel Hilliard
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
A history of Houston's first Black Play Festival.
***THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE AT THE HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY***
THEATRE:
Grandpa's Garden
presented by Brave Little Company
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
@ HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
FREE ADMISSION
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Meet Bebe and her Grandpa, who’s a world champion gardener! If you’re ready to learn something new, he’ll teach you how to plant your own fruits and vegetables. But curious Bebe can’t stop wondering what’s in Grandpa’s mysterious shed - and she needs your help to find the key! Join Bebe and her Grandpa as they explore the garden - and their own roots and legacy as African Americans - through song, senses, and stories. This unique, universal, and upbeat musical celebrating Black history through one family’s story will have EVERY audience member on their feet. Get ready to get your hands dirty, plant your own seeds, and sing along to live music!
MUSIC:
The Rhythm of Life: A Cabaret of Color
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Matchbox 3
$25 Matinee*
A bold celebration of music, movement, and storytelling, The Rhythm of Life: A Cabaret in Color centers Black joy and resilience in a dynamic showcase of reimagined songs and vibrant performances. This electrifying cabaret invites audiences into a world where every note, lyric, and gesture honors the richness of life in full color.
Addition Performance Options for Rhythm of Life Cabaret
Monday, June 9, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 14, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
FILM:
The Meeting That Shaped Amerikkka (41:00)
Director: Kristopher Adams
3:00 PM to 3:41 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
A one-man film in whiteface that explores the exploitation and distruction of black people in America.
TALKBACK: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
MUSIC:
Hip Hop Legends Talkback: Honoring K-Rino
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
Moderator: Donnie Houston
Join us for an unforgettable live conversation with legendary Houston hip hop artist K-Rino, founder of the South Park Coalition and one of the most respected lyricists in Southern rap. With a career spanning over three decades, K-Rino is known for his prolific discography, razor-sharp storytelling, and socially conscious message. His work has influenced generations of artists and cemented his role as a pioneer in Houston’s hip hop movement.
Moderated by Donnie Houston—renowned DJ, producer, and host of The Donnie Houston Podcast—this special event will explore K-Rino’s groundbreaking career, community impact, and continued relevance in today’s cultural landscape.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true icon in his own words.Known for his prolific catalog and socially conscious rhymes, K-Rino has shaped Houston’s hip hop scene for decades. This talkback explores his legacy, impact, and continued influence on music and community.
MUSIC:
Macahl Jett: Ultimate Concert Experience
“Left on Read”
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 3
$20 Ticket
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Join Macahl and Miquo for a raw, intimate, and electrifying night of music that dives deep into the messages we never sent, the love we lost, and everything we wish we could say out loud.
POETRY:
Poetic Therapy: Evolution of a Grown Ass Woman
For Every Woman Who’s Had to Break to Become
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 1
$40 to $80
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
For Every Woman Who’s Had to Break to Become: A celebration of strength, sensuality, and self-discovery, Poetic Therapy: Evolution of a Grown Ass Woman is an immersive spoken word experience curated by acclaimed artist Blk Swan. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of Grown Ass Women, this event unveils raw truths through poetry, storytelling, and soul-stirring performances, honoring the journeys that define us.
Every piece is a reflection of resilience, love, liberation, and the lessons carved into our souls. Here, vulnerability meets strength, sensuality meets self-awareness, and healing becomes art.
This is not just a poetry event—it’s a movement, a space where women stand fully in their power. It’s a night for the grown, the sexy, and the unapologetically real—because evolution isn’t always pretty, but it’s always worth celebrating.
Sunday, June 15, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
FILM:
Houston Hollywood Studios: Short Film Festival
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Matchbox 2
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Experience The Magic of Film with the Big 8 of Houston Hollywood Studio.
Tickets available at the door
MUSIC:
From the Middle Passage to Black Lives Matter:
The Journey to Freedom Continues
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Matchbox 4
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and remembrance as the Houston Ebony Opera Guild presents From the Middle Passage to Black Lives Matter: The Journey to Freedom Continues—a powerful musical tribute honoring the enduring spirit and resilience of the African American community. This Juneteenth concert encompasses a wide range of musical expressions that reflect the ongoing struggle for freedom and equity, from the dark chapters of the transatlantic slave trade to the hopeful cries of the Civil Rights Movement and today’s urgent calls for justice. The program features a stirring selection of spirituals, protest songs, gospel music, and classical art songs that capture both the pain and the triumph of the African American experience. The Houston Ebony Opera Guild chorus, joined by acclaimed local soloists, will be under the baton of our outgoing Artistic Director, tenor Dr. Jason Oby. With his deep musical insight and heartfelt leadership, Dr. Oby brings his final concert with the Guild to life in what promises to be a deeply moving and beautiful evening of music, memory, and celebration. Come share in this rich musical journey that honors the past, confronts the present, and looks forward with hope.
MUSIC:
An Evening of JAZZ & SOUL
Celebrating Sounds of Black Jazz Legends!
Asoulsista Entertainment: A division of Sames Music Entertainment
6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Matchbox 3
NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MATCH BOX OFFICE
Asoulsista Entertainment: A Division of Sames Music Entertainment presents An Evening of JAZZ & SOUL.
Celebrating the rhythm, soul, and sound of Black Legends a Fade To Black tribute to Black brilliance in sound.