Theater, Music, Poetry & Film
Monday, June 9, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
FILM:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
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.
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.
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.
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.
FILM:
Opening Night Film
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
FILM:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
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.
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:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
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.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
FILM:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
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.
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.
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.
FILM:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
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.
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.
COMEDY:
MPAC Live!
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 2
More information to come!
Thursday, June 12, 2025
*Indicate events that may be chosen as part of a Festival Access Pass
***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:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
3:00 PM to 5:30 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.
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:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
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.
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.
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.
***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:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
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.
***NOTE: This event is taking place at St. John Church of Houston***
MUSIC:
City-Wide Mass Gospel Concert
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
@ The Historic St. John Church of Houston
FREE ADMISSION/OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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.
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.
FILM:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Matchbox 2
$35 Ticket*
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
***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
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.
FILM:
SCREENING & FILMMAKER TALKBACK
3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
MUSIC:
Hip Hop Legends Talkback: Honoring K-Rino
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Matchbox 2
$25 Matinee*
Join us for an inspiring conversation honoring Houston hip hop legend K-Rino, founder of the South Park Coalition and one of the most respected lyrical voices in Southern rap. 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.