We’ve all been spending a lot of time in solitude lately and one of my favorite ways to pass the time is through making art. I’ve been working on drawings related to Houston, and decided instead of coloring in the art work, I will keep it black and white and share with others to color.

I encourage you to download, print, and color any of the pages below. Share with your friends and family, and see what great art work you can have around your house for spring time.

To Use: simply right click on any image and click save. Print the image to fill the paper and then begin coloring with crayons, pencils, or markers.

I will continue making more coloring pages so let me know what you’d like to see more of in the comments below!

Houston with a rocket ship flying over rainbows with stars.

Houston Spring Time with Butterflies and Flowers.

Houston Easter Spring time with Bunnies and Eggs.

Episode 53: A conversation on User Experience with Home Depot Senior Manager of UX Gibson Hall, a Bauer College alumnus and award-winning marketer.

From the Series:

Working Wisdom from the C. T. Bauer College of Business

"Working Wisdom" is a podcast from the C. T. Bauer College of Business, focusing on work, life and everything in between, featuring conversations with amazing people who have navigated and overcome obstacles to achieve personal and professional success, sharing their perspectives with our hosts and audience.

Through this podcast, we aim to provide both inspiration and practical tips on work/life balance, how to transition personally and professionally, and making business more accommodating to a diverse workforce.

Listen to the Podcast on:

iTunes

Google Play

Bauer Website (https://www.bauer.uh.edu/podcast/)

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Photo courtesy of HYPE

Houston Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE) is Houston’s largest organization helping connect and empower leaders throughout the Houston Region.

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Thursday was the 2nd annual HYPE Impact awards, showcasing entrepreneurs contributing to the community in creative ways through service and professional endeavors.

There were many incredibly nominated people at the award show last night including Lawson Gow (The Cannon), Naomi Bhappu Irani (Accenture), Pierce Bush (Big Brothers Big Sisters), Micah Guynes (i45 Signs), Ashley Small (Medley, Inc.), Andria Balogh (STEM-E), Brittany Barreto (Pheramor), and Victoria Chen (Bridge-Year).

The award for “Emerging Business Leader” for 2018 went to Gibson Hall for his Professional Work, Creative Entrepreneurial Endeavors, and Giving Back to the Community.

Thank you HYPE and GHP for the support for our community!

This post is a shout out to the creative team at Decode Digital, for producing work that has resulted in 10 Crystal Awards, recognized by American Marketing Association (AMA). The Crystals are the ONLY marketing awards show in Houston that gives awards based on DATA, which is huge at Decode. This work wasn't only pretty, it was effective at reaching our clients goals. 

Under this past year of my Creative Direction, Decode was able to win 10 Crystal Awards for: 

• Email Communications: Single - Decode's Holiday Card

• SEM - CHI St. Luke's Health Emergency Services

• Shoestring Marketing ($7,500 or less) - CHI St. Luke's Health Veteran's Choice Campaign

• Event Promotion: 2 or More Events - January Career Events at CHI St. Luke's Health

• Advertising: Online Video - Magical Winter Lights Online Video

• Advertising: Paid Display - Jerry Built Rich Media Display

• Advertising: Paid Social Media - Magical Winter Lights - Paid Social Media Campaign

• Advertising: TV Campaign (Two or more) - Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group - We Know Better Campaign

• Elements of Advertising: Copywriting - Jerry Built Copywriting

• Website: TEAM Industrial Services, Griffin Creative, InkSpot Communications & Decode Digital TEAM Industrial Services - Website

It's been a joy getting to work with such a young and creative bunch at Decode. I love seeing what happens when you bring brilliant minds together for collaboration. Cheers to the awards, Decode!

Ongoing this Month:

Hamilton is playing at The Hobby Center. Tickets start around $200.

The Rockets are in the 2nd Round of the Playoffs! Games: April 29, May 2*, May 4, May 6, May 8*, May 10, May 14*. *Home Games.  Buy Tickets. 

Small Ball "A Basketball Musical" by Catastrophic Theater @ MATCH. Now - May 13. Learn More.

West Side Story by Houston Grand Opera @ George R Brown. Now - May 6 More info.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical @ Stages Theatre. Now - July. More Info.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile @ Alley Theater. May 11-June 3. More info. 

Shakespeare in Vegas by 4th Wall Theatre Company. May 18-June 9. More info. 

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Week 1: April 29 — May 5

Tuesday, May 1
Yoga on the Pitch @ BBVA Soccer Stadium  More Info

Wednesday, May 2
Vance Joy in Concert at Revention Music Center. Tickets.

Wednesday, May 02
Oh Wonder @ White Oak Music Hall

Thursday, May 3
University of Houston Graphic Design Senior Exhibition : Featuring work from twenty-three designers. Grand Opening is Thursday 4:30-7pm, and the show goes on until Saturday. More info.

Thursday, May 3
Urban Green’s Urban Derby at Hermann Park. More info.

Thursday, May 3
Mid Main First Thursday Fundraiser for Bike Houston. More Info 

Saturday, May 5, 8:30am
Houston Dragon Boat Festival. More info. 

Saturday, May 5
Houston Dynamo vs. Los Angeles Galaxy at BBVA Compass Stadium

Saturday, May 5
First Saturdays in The Heights

Saturday, May 5 - May 6
Houston's Women's Expo @ George R. Brown. More Info. 

Cinco de Mayo: 

Celebrate at The Houstonian. 3 Margaritas for $10. You can also join The Houstonian's pool & fitness facilities with a summer pass. More info. 

Saturday, May 5
Piñatafest 2018 in EaDo More Info

Saturday, May 5, 5-8pm
Downtown Houston presents Los Skarnales @ Market Square. More info. 

Saturday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo Houston at Navigation Esplanade. More info.

The Texas Taco, Tequila and Margarita Festival at Preservation Park in SPRING, TX with Gio Chamba and lots of tacos. More info. 

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Week 2: May 6 — 12

Sunday, May 6
Musical Madness More info

Sunday, May 6
Santo de Mayo 5K at Saint Arnold Brewery. More info. 

Wednesday, May 9
Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns FC at BBVA Compass Stadium. More info. 

Wednesday, May 9
HYPE: Five Steps to Startup Success. More Info. 

Thursday, May 10
Eado Comedy Show. Tickets. 

Thursday, May 10
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue @ Discovery Green  More info

May 11-13
Don Quixote by Houston Ballet @ Miller Outdoor Theater. More info. 

Saturday, May 12
The Market at Sawyer Yards / Second Saturdays. More info.

Saturday May 12
"Texas Fest" with many bands and beer @ City Hall. More info.

Saturday, May 12
Buffalo Bayou Spring Carnival with "carnival games, a naughty balloon twister, and a dunk tank". More Info. 

Saturday, May 12, 7:30pm
An Evening with Ira Glass from This American Life @ Jones Hall. More Info. 

Sunday, May 13
Dr. Dog and Son Little at White Oak Music Hall

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Week 3: May 13 — 19

Sunday, May 13, 5pm
Canned Acoustica with Clay Melton Band, Andrew James, Blaze X Black, Second Lovers and Miers. More info. 

Tuesday, May 15
SGWomen Celebrating Texas Female Entrepreneurs. More Info. 

Tuesday, May 15
Grown Up Storytime. More info.

Thursday, May 17
Urban Reads: Michael Emerson presented by Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research. More Info

Thursday May 17 — Sunday June 3
The Strangerer : A story of George W. Bush, Jim Jehrer, and John Kerry. More info. 

Thursday, May 17 - June 9
"Wanda, Daisy and the Great Rapture" @ Obsidian Theater. Half off tickets. 

Thursday, May 17
Eado Comedy Show. Tickets. 

Friday, May 18
Dave Matthews Band at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Friday, May 18
Houston Astros vs. Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park

Friday, May 18
Neon Party Dance Party @ Art League Houston. More Info.

Friday, May 18
Bike to Work Day. More Info

May 19
Color HTX More Info

May 19
Jumanji @ Discovery Green. More info. 

Saturday - Sunday, May 19 - May 20
Plus Fest : Houston Festival that merges Poetry, The Arts, and Music together. 1-10pm.  More Info.

May 19-20
The Great Texas BBQ Festival in Downtown with Robert Earl Keen, Dawes, and more. More info. 

May 20
Love Street Music Fest — Karbach Brewing Company with Bleachers, Cold War Kids, Everclear, The Tontons and more. More Info.

May 20
Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown at The Hobby Center. More info. 

May 20
Sunday Streets in Montrose

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Week 4: May 20 — 26

Wednesday, May 23
Houston Dash vs. Seattle Reign FC at BBVA Compass Stadium. 

Wednesday May 23 and Friday May 25
Justin Timberlake at Toyota Center

Thursday, May 24
Eado Comedy Show. Tickets. 

Friday, May 25 - Saturday, June 9
"The Graduate" at The MATCH. More info. 

Friday, May 25
Houston Dynamo vs. New York City FC at BBVA Compass Stadium

May 25-26
Ben Jackson Live! Magic, Music, & Mayhem at La Colombe d'Or Hotel. More info.

Saturday, May 26
Caesar : Moments of Wonder @ The Match : "That is some crazy shit" - 50 Cent More info.

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Week 5: May 27 — June 2

Wednesday, May 30
Matisyahu & Steven Marley @ White Oak Music Hall Lawn

Thursday, May 31
Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park

Did I miss something? 

People read these things! Keep us updated in the comments. 

Time has been flying by this year, and I'm a little late to write about cool things happening this month. I hope you had a nice Easter / Pass Over / Pretty Weekend, and are planning on going to The Art Car Parade (Saturday, 4/14) and lots of outdoor activities for Earth Day (4/22). 

As always, please add to the list by leaving a comment at the bottom! People read these posts, and your contribution helps get people out to cool things in Houston. Spread the love. 

Week 1: April 1-7

Tuesday, April 3, 2018, 07:00PM
Quinn XCII, Chelsea Cutler
Downstairs Room at White Oak Music Hall
More Info

Wednesday, April 4
Bermuda Triangle featuring Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes), Becca Mancari and Jesse Lafser
@ Heights Theater
More Info

Wednesday, April 4
Station Houston’s 2nd Anniversary Celebration!
More Info

Thursday, April 5
Happy Hour @ MFAH (Every Thursday)
More Info

Cultured Cocktails @ Boheme, 5-8pm
More Info

Friday, April 6
Mixed Media at MFAH
More Info

Bring Your Own Beamer, April 6
More Info

April 6-May 13
Small Ball at The MATCH
More Info

Saturday, April 7, 11am
Urban Harvest Farmers Market, 8-11am
Richmond @ East Side

Rooftop Yoga with Haley B & Fitness in the Loop
More Info

Midtown Art in the Park, 10am-6pm
@ Baldwin Park

Heartmade Spring Market, 11am-6pm
@ Main Street Square (900 & 1000 blocks of McKinney between Travis to Fannin)

First Saturday Sketch at The Riezni
More Info

Market Noir at Post HTX, 5-10pm
More Info

Serge Devant at Cirque Noir, 9pm-6am
More Info

John Evans and Lew Card, 7pm
The Mucky Duck
More Info

April 7-15
US Men’s Clay Court Championship at River Oaks Country Club
More Info

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Small Ball at The MATCH, April 6-May 13

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Bring Your Own Beamer, April 6 @ The Menil

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Mixed Media at MFAH

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Serge Devant at Cirque Noir, 9pm-6am

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First Saturday Sketch at The Riezni

Week 2: April 8-14

Sunday, April 8, 10:30am
Blue Field Market with Yoga, Live Music, and Mimosas
Gibson is teaching Yoga at HTX Sports Creek
More Info

Sunday, April 8, 12pm
US Women’s National Soccer Team vs. Mexico
@ BBVA Stadium
More Info

Sunday, April 8, 5pm
Houston Polo Club - Van Conover Member Cup Final
More Info

Sunday, April 8, 2018, 07:00PM
The Oh Hellos, Wildermiss, Jaylon Ashaun
Downstairs Room at White Oak Music Hall
More Info

Tuesday, April 10th
Menu of Menus at Silver Street
More Info

April 10-15
Counter Current Festival
More Info

Wednesday, April 11
Farmers Market Downtown at City Hall

Thursday, April 12, 5-8pm
Cultured Cocktails at Magpie & Peacocks
More Info

Matt and Kim, CRUISR, TWINKIDS
Friday, April 13, 2018, 08:00PM
Downstairs Room at White Oak Music Hall
More Info

Friday, April 13
The Legendary Art Car Ball
More Info

Saturday, April 14
Urban Harvest Farmers Market, 8-11am
Richmond @ East Side

Saturday, April 14, 9am
The Do-Nuts Dash
More Info

Saturday, April 14, 11am-5pm
The Market at Sawyer Yards
More Info

Saturday, April 14, 11am
The 31st Annual Art Car Parade
More Info

Menu of Menus at Silver Street

The 31st Annual Art Car Parade, Saturday, April 14, 11am

Cultured Cocktails at Magpie & Peacocks, Thursday, April 12, 5-8pm

The Legendary Art Car Ball, Friday, April 13

The Do-Nuts Dash

Week 3: April 15-21

Sunday, April 15, 8am-4pm
Kayak Rentals Return to Buffalo Bayou
More Info

Sunday, April 15, 5pm
Houston Polo Club - Spring Classic
More Info

Tuesday, April 17, 11:30am
Greater Houston Partnership Council on Harvey Arts Recovery Program
More Info

Tuesday, April 17, 8pm
Grown Up Story Time at Rudyardz
More Info

Wednesday, April 18
Farmers Market Downtown at City Hall

Saturday, April 21
Urban Harvest Farmers Market, 8-11am
Richmond @ East Side

Puppies for Breakfast at Market Square Park
More Info

Saturday, April 21
The Suffers & over 20 bands @ The Great Texas BBQ Festival
More Info

Saturday, April 21, 2pm
Houston Dynamo vs. Toronto FC
More Info

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Week 4: April 22-28

Sunday, April 22 — Earth Day
Gibson teaches Yoga at HTX Sports Creek, 10:30am

Sunday, April 22, 12-4pm
Cigna Sunday Streets - 3rd Ward
More Info

Sunday, April 22, 5pm
Houston Polo Club - Officers Classi
More Info

Tuesday, April 24, 11:30am
Greater Houston Partnership Council: The Business of Baseball
More Info

Tuesday, April 24, 5:30pm
HYPEx Speed Networking at WeWork
More Info

Wednesday, April 25, 12pm
Farmers Market Downtown at City Hall

Wednesday, April 25, 7pm
HAIM at Revention Center
More Info

Game Night at The Mucky Duck (every wednesday)
More Info

Thursday, April 26
Jack Johnson at The Woodlands Pavilion
More Info

Thursday, April 26
Buffalo Bayou in Bloom with Bayou Buddies
More Info

Thursday, April 26, 2018, 08:00PM
Baths, No Joy, Sasami Ashworth
Upstairs Room at White Oak Music Hall
More Info

Saturday, April 28
Urban Harvest Farmers Market, 8-11am
Richmond @ East Side

Saturday, April 28, 2:30pm
Houston Dash vs. North Carolina Courage
More Info

Anything Missed?

Let me know in the comments!

The sun is shining, it's not a million degrees, and the mosquitos are still embryos— the perfect combination to get outside in Houston (provided you took Zyrtec last night). This weekend is Easter / Passover and many organizations prepare events around this weekend. 

So, last weekend was jam packed with In Bloom, Bayou City Art Fest, The Kite Festival, and lots of charity events. The organizations that appeal to the masses all happened last weekend, so this weekend is stuffed with Easter Egg-stravaganzas. Since I don't have kids (and am weirded out by the oversized creepy bunny), I try to stay away from those places. If you do have kids (bless you), visit 365Houston for things to do with your kids this weekend. If you're an empty nesting hipster, read on. 

Saturday

Coffee & Cars
Gateway Classic Cars in Cypress, TX, 9am
Check out over 250 exotics cars and talk with car enthusiasts over coffee. This event happens every Saturday, and you have to go at least a couple times. Every week has new cars to check out. More Info.

Urban Harvest Farmers Market, 8am
Every Saturday located at Eastside and Richmond (near River Oaks / Kirby / Lamar HS), Urban Harvest provides Houston's largest Farmers Market. Get there as early as possible as the good produce goes fast. There's live music, lots of food trucks, and really good people + puppy watching. It's located in the same parking lot area as Kirby Ice House. You can stop by there after and tell them "the guy that made your website sent me". I don't think it gets you a free drink, but maybe? Thanks anyways!

First Saturday Arts Market
Wake up, wake up, wake up, It's the First of the Month! - Bone Thugs
Get to 19th street in the Heights for live music, vendors, crafters, artists, and much more. Enjoy a nice stroll down 19th street. There's lots to see and eat! More info.

Wine Festival
Brenner's on the Bayou, 4-7pm
Brenner's hosts this event every year, allowing Houstonians to sample lots of award winning wines. Brenner's provides a beautiful, picturesque view, or the bayou. Lots of wine will make the view even better. Zero kids in sight. More info. 

Houston Dynamo vs. New England Revolution
BBVA Compass Stadium, 7:30pm
I don't know much about futbol/soccer, but do know every seat at BBVA Soccer Stadium provides a great experience. EaDo (where the soccer stadium is located) is the hottest place in town right now and has several cool places to check out before the game. Grab a drink and go to the top of Kings Court next to the stadium, visit 8th Wonder Brewery & see their new We <3 Houston Sign, or visit one of my new favorite restaurants, Nancy's Hustle. Cheer on Houston's soccer team. The fans will let you know when to cheer. More info. 

Beauty & The Beast
Discovery Green, 8pm
So, I know I talked about avoiding little kids this weekend, and this is probably the worse place for something like that. If you love Beauty & The Beast, however, you might want to go for a little bit, sing some songs, go Roller Skating, get some food and then peace out. More info. 

Shrek the Musical!
Miller Outdoor Theater, 8pm
This is probably super-kid friendly, but it's also one of the first shows at Miller Outdoor Theater of the year. This is one of the best venues in Houston because the hill provides a beautiful view of the Medical Center, and it's always free. Pack a cooler, snacks, and anything else you want to bring (not glass bottles), and enjoy a musical outside. More Info. 

$3 beers & Astros at Hay Merchant
In celebration of the Astros 2018 season opener, Hay Merchant is open all day with $3 beers. If you love craft beer & the Astros, this is a great place to enjoy some Astros baseball all weekend!

More Things to Do All Weekend Longs

• Catch a light show during sunset at Rice University's Turrell Light Exhibit

• Look for bluebonnets along White Oak Bayou

• Visit the Contemporary Arts Museum

• Go to The Menil Collection

• Go on a Street Art Tour

• Kayak the Bayou: BONUS, you get to hear the music from In Bloom

• Take a picnic and go to the Water Wall

• Visit the Zen Gardens next to the Zoo

• Look at Azaleas in River Oaks or Bayou Bend

• Bike through Glenwood Cemetery

• Take a stroll through nature at the Arboretum

• Walk, run, jog in Memorial park

• Bring a deck of cards and play your favorite game in Memorial Park

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Did I Miss Anything?

If I missed listing a cool event happening in Houston this weekend, let me know in the comments! I'd be happy to add it. 

This weekend has so much excitement going on and it's been such wonderful weather outside lately, I just had to make a blog post to share and make some event recommendations. If you don't have plans for the weekend already, I suggest getting out a spreadsheet to figure out how you're going to cram all of this in: 

All Weekend Long

In Bloom Music Festival: 2-day music festival happening all day Saturday and Sunday at Eleanor Tinsley Park. Check out my In Bloom guide for some tips to make the most of your weekend. Some acts I'm most looking forward to: Grizzly Bear, Say Girl Say, Explosions in the Sky, Sylvan Esso, Houndmouth, Twin Shadow, and of course, Yoga by Black Swan starting at 11am. More info.

Bayou City Art Festival: the largest art festival in Houston which only happens twice a year with over 300 artists. Every fall, the event is hosted downtown. Every spring, the event is hosted at Memorial Park. The event is both Friday-Sunday and you can find discount tickets at Randalls for $10. More Info. 

Friday

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Mark Austin’s Birthday Party: One of Houston’s most influential music people is turning a year older, and throwing a birthday party and concert to celebrate. There will be performances by: Los Skarnales, Buxton, Vodi, Wrestlers, & John Allen Stephens. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go to LifeGift, which offers hope to the thousands of people in Texas and beyond who need lifesaving organ transplants. The event is Friday night at Heights Theater on 19th. More info + tickets. 

Saturday

Bayou City Art Festival Day 2 at Memorial Park, 10am-6pm

In Bloom Festival Day 1 at Eleanor Tinsley Park
11:30am: Yoga with Black Swan at Bud Light Stage
2pm: Say Girl Say at Ostara Stage
3:40pm: MELVV at Ostara Stage
6:30pm: Grizzly Bear at Bud Light Stage
9:30pm: Beck on Bud Light Stage, Incubus on Flora Stage

Free Yoga at Rothko Chapel: get your zen on at one of the most calm and inviting places in Houston: Rothko Chapel. Yoga starts at 9am and is brought to you by Bayou Bliss Yoga. More info.

Free Yoga at HTX Sports Creek: join @Fitnessintheloop every Sunday for Free Yoga at HTX Sports Creek. Enjoy yoga on the blue soccer field, tacos by Tierra Caliente, and mimosas after yoga. Also, mark your calendars for 4/8 and 4/22 because Gibson will be teaching free yoga at HTX Sports Creek those days! More info.

The Lemon Climb at Chase Tower: For the first time in years, you can go to the top of Chase Tower and get a stunning view from the top of Houston’s tallest skyscraper. The only catch is that you have to climb your way to the top, while raising awareness and money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fund: a national childhood cancer foundation that raises money for research into new treatments and cures for children fighting cancer. (Shout out to Meredith for making this impact and event!) Register here.

Sunday

Bayou City Art Festival Day 3 at Memorial Park, 10am-6pm

In Bloom Festival Day 2: 
11am: Black Swan Yoga at Bud Light Stage
4pm: Houndmouth at Fauna Stage
4:40pm: Sylvan Esso at Bud Light Stage
5:40pm: Twin Shadow at Fauna Stage
6:30pm: Explosions in the Sky at Flora Stage
7:45pm: Gramatik at Ostara Stage
8:30pm: Queens of the Stone Age at Flora Stage

5th Annual Kite Festival: This event is great for kids, and not so great if you don’t like kids. There are kids and kites everywhere. The scene is surreal, and worth checking out if you’ve never been. Biking is strongly encouraged so you don’t have to worry about parking. This event is 10-5 at Hermann Park. More Info.

Bayou City Outdoors Graffiti Art & Bike Ride at Market Square Park: Bike around the city and explore some of the best street art Houston has to offer. Meet Sunday at Market Square Park at noon and ride around with other art-loving bikers. This event is 12-4pm. More info.

More Ideas for the Weekend: 

• Catch a light show during sunset at Rice University's Turrell Light Exhibit
• Look for bluebonnets along White Oak Bayou
• Visit the Contemporary Arts Museum
• Go to The Menil Collection
• Go on a Street Art Tour
• Kayak the Bayou: BONUS, you get to hear the music from In Bloom
• Take a picnic and go to the Water Wall
• Visit the Zen Gardens next to the Zoo
• Look at Azaleas in River Oaks or Bayou Bend
• Bike through Glenwood Cemetery 
• Take a stroll through nature at the Arboretum
• Walk, run, jog in Memorial park
• Bring a deck of cards and play your favorite game in Memorial Park

Did I miss anything?

If I missed listing a cool event happening in Houston this weekend, let me know in the comments! I'd be happy to add it. 

What's it mean to be a #HOUSxSW Ambassador? 

This year, I'm teaming up with Houston Exponential and Station Houston to represent Houston in Austin during SxSW 2018. A group of entrepreneurs are getting together for the week of SxSW Interactive (the time devoted to tech, apps, nerds, etc). 

I'm really looking forward to hearing from leaders from some amazing brands like Pinterest, Gatorade, Etsy, Bumble, DropBox, Kendra Scott, Instagram, and many more. The sessions I'm looking forward to the most are around Branding, Marketing, Design, and Innovation. 

What is Houston Exponential and Station Houston?

Both organizations are helping propel Houston forward through innovation and entrepreneurship, which is something I am 100% behind. Station Houston is Houston's hub for innovation, located in downtown, and was founded by my former co-Pilot & Ukulele jam-mate @GraceRodriguez. 

Where I'm headed in Austin

SXSW Free All Day Stuff

The Map Above has places available to Interactive Badge holders and are deemed "Highly Likely to Give Out Free Swag like Tshirts". 

SxSW Pro Tip: Bring a Bike or At Least 2 Pairs of Shoes. There's a LOT of Walking. 

About #HOUSxSW

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The #HOUSxSW campaign aims to position Houston as a leader in creativity and innovation, building recognition and relationships with technology founders, investors, experts, influences and startups that may not have previously considered working with Houston startups, doing business in Houston, or taking advantage of all the talent and resources Houston has to offer.

About Houston

Houston is the most welcoming and diverse city in America: nearly 1 in 4 residents are foreign-born, and over 145 languages are spoken here.  

Houston is the #1 City for minority entrepreneurs: They can leverage our diverse workforce, and their dollars go farther with our lower cost of living!

From space travel to healthcare to energy to enterprise, Houston is where the world convenes to solve the problems that matter!

Gibson Hall's schedule:

View on SxSW.com

March 10

Design In Tech Report 2018

Mar 10, 2018
9:30am – 10:30am

JW Marriott
Salon D
110 E 2nd St.

I’ve Got No Screens: Internet’s Screenless Future

Mar 10, 2018
9:30am – 10:30am

Fairmont
Congressional A
101 Red River.

Increasing CTR with 1:1 Content Marketing

Mar 10, 2018
9:30am – 10:30am

Fairmont
Congressional B
101 Red River.

Featured Speaker: Whitney Wolfe Herd

Mar 10, 2018
11:00am – 12:00pm

Hilton Austin Downtown
Salon H
500 E 4th St.

Startup & Tech Sectors
Featured Session

Back-End to the Future: A/B Testing What Counts

Mar 10, 2018
12:30pm – 1:30pm

JW Marriott
Salon 6
110 E 2nd St.

Code & Programming

What Followers Want: How Social Evolves in 2018

Mar 10, 2018
12:30pm – 1:30pm

Fairmont
Congressional B
101 Red River.

What Mobile Means for the World’s Biggest Brands

Mar 10, 2018
12:30pm – 1:30pm

Hilton Austin Downtown
Salon H
500 E 4th St.

Startup & Tech Sectors
Featured Session

Funny or Die and HBO Present Silicon Valley HQ

Mar 10, 2018
1:00pm – 6:00pm

1102 E Cesar Chavez St
1102 E Cesar Chavez St.

Special Event

Design in the Era of the Algorithm

Mar 10, 2018
3:30pm – 4:30pm

JW Marriott
Salon D
110 E 2nd St.

Better Together: Cult Brand Collaborations

Mar 10, 2018
3:30pm – 4:30pm

Fairmont
Congressional B
101 Red River.

The Secrets of Cult Brands

Mar 10, 2018
5:00pm – 6:00pm

Fairmont
Congressional B
101 Red River.

7 Non-Obvious Trends Changing The Future

Mar 10, 2018
5:00pm – 6:00pm

Austin Convention Center
Ballroom D
500 E Cesar Chavez

Startup & Tech Sectors
Featured Session

420 with Matt Besser

Mar 10, 2018
7:00pm – 8:30pm

The Hideout
617 Congress Ave.

Comedy
Comedy Event

March 11

Kendra Scott Coffee Breaks

Mar 11, 2018
11:00am – 12:00pm

Four Seasons
98 San Jacinto Blvd.

Special Event

How Brands Who Speak Gen Z Slay

Mar 11, 2018
11:00am – 12:00pm

Fairmont
Congressional B
101 Red River.

Reading Signals: The New Segmentation

Mar 11, 2018
11:00am – 12:00pm

Fairmont
Congressional A
101 Red River.

Dual

2018 Emerging Tech Trends Report

Mar 11, 2018
11:00am – 12:00pm

Austin Convention Center
Ballroom D
500 E Cesar Chavez

Startup & Tech Sectors
Featured Session

Influencers Are the Next Generation of Retailers

Mar 11, 2018
12:30pm – 1:30pm

Four Seasons
Ballroom CD
98 San Jacinto Blvd.

Style

Learning UX from Board Games

presented by Capital One

Mar 11, 2018
12:30pm – 1:30pm

Antone’s
Capital One House
305 E 5th St.

ENCORE: Design in the Era of the Algorithm

Mar 11, 2018
2:00pm – 3:00pm

JW Marriott
Salon D
110 E 2nd St.

Interactive Keynote: Melinda Gates

Mar 11, 2018
2:00pm – 3:00pm

Austin Convention Center
Ballroom D
500 E Cesar Chavez

Workplace
Keynote

Brand Storytelling in the Digital Age

Mar 11, 2018
2:00pm – 3:00pm

Four Seasons
Ballroom AB
98 San Jacinto Blvd.

Style

Built to Scale: Why “Pause” for a Design System?

Mar 11, 2018
3:30pm – 4:30pm

JW Marriott
Salon 6
110 E 2nd St.

Code & Programming

How to Tell a 6-Second Story: Advertising’s Future

Mar 11, 2018
3:30pm – 4:30pm

Fairmont
Congressional C
101 Red River.

Using Hypnosis to Reprogram Your Life

Mar 11, 2018
4:30pm – 5:00pm

Palmer Events Center
Wellness Expo Demo Area
900 Barton Springs Rd.

Workshop
Special Event

 

#HOUSxSW #TeamHouston

Mini Mural Project Team: Gibson Hall with Co Founders of UP Art Studio, Noah & Elia Quiles.

Last week was the 3rd annual Tourism Incentive Program (TIP) Awards and awarded 21 Houston-based organizations with a total of $275,000 to help make Houston a better destination for tourists. 

This past year was HUGE for travel and visitors coming to Houston. Between the Superbowl, World Series, and several international festivals, over 20 million people visited Houston. 

Each organization was eligible to win money from Houstonfirst and Visit Houston if they could create a compelling program involving at least 1 nonprofit and 1 hotel in order to market Houston as a destination worth visiting. 

UP Art Studio won $10,000 from Houstonfirst and Visit Houston, and is partnering with Hotel Ylem, Omni Hotel Houston, and Houston Bike Share (BCycle).

Since starting the Mini Mural Project a little more than 2 years ago, UP Art Studio has helped over 40 artists paint more than 185 electrical control cabinets in Houston. We've had several requests for maps in order to help people go on Mini Mural tours. We're working with our partners to create Bike Tours, Walking Tours, and packages for visitors staying at Hotel Ylem and Omni Hotel. Be on the lookout for Mini Mural Tours happening soon!

Visit MiniMurals.org for an interactive map of the boxes. 

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View from The Downtown Aquarium

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David Mincberg, Chairman of Houston First and Jorge Franz, Sr. VP Tourism at Visit Houston presented the organizations with oversized checks. 

Other winning organizations include: Alley Theater, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Escuderia Charities, Freneticore, Fresh Arts / Spacetaker, Houston Bike Share, Houston International Dance Coalition, Houston Marathon, Lyc Concours, Mercury Baroque Ensemble, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Houston AfriFEST, Magical Winter Lights, San Jacinto Museum of History, Sea Star Base, Theater Under The Stars, UP Art Studio, Voila Lab, and Washington on the Brazos. 

Map of Mini Murals

 

New Mini Murals Painted in 2018

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UP Art Studio, winner of Tourism Incentive Program for Mini Murals Tour

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Let it (Vir)G🌝! New month, new moon.

@mysticmamma writes: 🌕 FULL MOON 🌕 in Virgo (3/1) on the Pisces axis calls us to ground our roots deep into Mother Earth to anchor ourselves through the emotional seas that have been surging. The more we open up, the more we feel, and the more attuned we become to the suffering of others and our dear planet Earth. The injustices and the tragedies are numerous and we are all aching for change. Virgo is the healer within, reminding us to embody our Spirit so we can bring forth real change in our lives for the benefit of all. Her medicine is love in service, and her practical magic helps us streamline our directive so we can focus on how best to be in service of our collective healing. 🌝

Let’s make this a great month.

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3/1 — Last Concert Cafe — Live Music
Perpetual Groove

3/2 — House of Blues — Live Music
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

3/2 — Revention — Live Music
Steve Aoiki

3/2 — Entrepreneurship
Coffee & Conversation with The Houston Advisory Board. More info.

3/2 — Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo — Live Music
Leon Bridges

3/2-25 — Roller Skate at Discovery Green
Monday (cheap nights), Sundays (skate with St. Arnolds), Thursday (throwback)

3/3 — House of Blue — Live Music
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

3/3 — Black Swan Yoga — Art Show
"And They Walked Hand By Hand, Side By Side" More info.

3/3 — Neil Hilborn — Performance Art
@ Secret Group. More info. 

3/4 — Yoga
Black Swan Yoga Returns to Raven Tower. 10am. More info. 

3/4 — Chef Fest 2018
Harvest Green Farmers Market. 

3/7 — Yoga
7pm Conscious Wednesday by Conscious Houston. More Info. 

3/9 — The Secret Group — Comedy
Jeff Rosenstock

3/9 — Waynes World
7pm, Market Square Park. More info. 

3/9 — Festival
French Festival at Discovery Green, 6-9pm. 

3/10 — 46th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta
Houston Fun! More Info. 

3/11 — Bike Ride
Ride with Black Swan at 3210 White Oak, 10am Yoga + Ride after.

3/13 — How to Start Ideating — Entrepreneurship
With Grace Rodriguez @ Station Houston. More Info. 

3/14 — Yoga
7pm Conscious Wednesday by Conscious Houston. More Info. 

3/16 — The Heights Theater — Live Music
Paul Thorn

3/17 — St. Patrick's Day — Live Music
@ Market Square Park

3/19 — Toyota Center — Live Music
Lorde

3/19 — White Oak Downstairs  — Live Music
Sylvan Esso

3/20 — House of Blues — Live Music
Dashboard Confessional

3/21 — Yoga
7pm Conscious Wednesday by Conscious Houston. More Info. 

3/21 — White Oak Upstairs — Live Music
The Weeks

3/23 — Live Music
Mark Austin's Birthday Party & Charity Concert. More info. 

3/23 — Performance Art / Comedy
Doomsday Wrestling @ Market Square Park. More Info. 

3/23-25 — Art Show
Bayou City Art Festival. More Info. 

3/23-25 — Yoga
Texas Acro Weekend. More Info. 

3/24 — Entrepreneurship
The Lemon Climb (up to the top of Chase Tower). More info. 

3/24 — House of Blues — Live Music
Led Zeppelin 2

3/24 — The Heights Theater — Live Music
The Band of Heathens

3/25 — Eleanor Tinsley — Live Music
In Bloom Music Festival

3/28 — Yoga
7pm Conscious Wednesday by Conscious Houston. More Info. 

3/29 — The Heights Theater — Live Music
Brian Fallon

3/29 — Mucky Duck — Live Music
Whitney Rose

3/29 — Orange Show — Live Music
Robert Ellis

3/30 — Continental Club — Live Music
Southern Culture on the Skids

3/30  — Cezanne — Live Music
Jazz Warriors Reunion

3/31 — House of Blues — Live Music
Badfish

3/31 — Movie
Beauty & The Beast @ Discovery Green

3/31 — Smart Financial Center (Sugar Land) — Live Music
Chicago

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I created a round up of some concerts I'm looking forward to this spring. If you want to trade 2 concerts tickets for some private yoga lessons or website consultation, here are some show's I'd love to go see. 

January

1/20 — Cactus
Londale

1/23 — Cactus
61 Ghosts

1/25 — Axelrad
Huslers Brass Band + Mexican Blackbird

1/25 — Continental Club
Grand Old Grizzly

1/26 — Axelrad
Adan Jodorowsky + Vodi + Nico

1/27 — Axelrad
Wepa Night w/ DJ Act Band

1/28 — Axelrad
Soulklave Quartet

1/31  — Axelrad
Jazz Wednesdays

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February

2/2/18 — White Oak Upstairs
Tessa Violet

2/2/18 — White Oak Downstairs
They Might Be Giants

2/2 — Cezanne
Adriano Santos Quartet

2/3/18 — White Oak Downstairs
Børns

2/3/18 — Toyota Center
Kid Rock

2/7 — White Oak Downstairs
Sleigh Bells 

2/8 — Walters
Wild Child

2/9  — Cezanne
Bruce Saunders Quartet

2/9 — Axelrad
Fat Tony + ill Faded

2/9 — Continental Club
The Nightowls

2/10 — Toyota
Lana Del Rey

2/10 — White Oak Downstairs
Silverstein

2/13 — House of Blues
Gin Blossoms

2/13 — Continental Club
Graham Wilkinson

2/14 — Rockefellers
Pedro The Lion

2/14 — Continental Club
Dylan Leblanc

2/15 — White Oak Upstairs
G. Love & Special Sauce

2/15 — White Oak Downstairs
The Expendables

2/15 — The Heights Theater
10,000 Maniacs

2/15/18 — House of Blues
Big Gigantic

2/16  — Cezanne
Woody Witt / Andrew Lienhard Quartet

2/16 — Heights Theater
Shovels & Rope

2/17 — The Big Barn (Spring, TX)
Don McLean

2/17 — White Oak Downstairs
Lights

2/18 — House of Blues
AJR

2/18 — White Oak Downstairs
Emancipator

2/22/18 — House of Blues
Rebelution 

2/22 — White Oak Upstairs
French Horn Rebellion

2/23 — Warehouse Live
Hippie Sabotage

2/23 — Cezanne
North Texas 4 plus 1

2/24 — Axelrad
The Cancas People

2/27 — White Oak Downstairs
Of Mice & Men

March

3/1 — Last Concert Cafe
Perpetual Groove

3/2 — House of Blues
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

3/2 — Retention
Steve Aoiki

3/2 — Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Leon Bridges

3/3 — House of Blue
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

3/9 — The Secret Group
Jeff Rosenstock

3/16 — The Heights Theater
Paul Thorn

3/19 — Toyota Center
Lorde

3/19 — White Oak Downstairs
Sylvan Esso

3/20 — House of Blues
Dashboard Confessional

3/21 — White Oak Upstairs
The Weeks

3/24 — House of Blues
 Led Zeppelin 2

3/24 — The Heights Theater
The Band of Heathens

3/25 — Eleanor Tinsley
In Bloom Music Festival

3/29 — The Heights Theater
Brian Fallon

3/29 — Mucky Duck
Whitney Rose

3/29 — Orange Show
Robert Ellis

3/30 — Continental Club
Southern Culture on the Skids

3/30  — Cezanne
Jazz Warriors Reunion

3/31 — House of Blues
Badfish

3/31 — Smart Financial Center (Sugar Land)
Chicago

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April

4/8/17 — White Oak Downstairs
The Oh Hellos

4/13 — White Oak Downstairs
Matt and Kim

4/24-5/20 — Hobby Center
Hamilton

4/26 — White Oak Upstairs
Baths

4/26 — Woodlands Pavilion
Jack Johnson

Summer 

5/2 — Smart Financial Center
Jason Isbell

5/5 — Market Square
Los Skarnales

5/25 — White Oak Upstairs
Revered Horton Heat

6/2 — The Heights Theater
Josh Garrels

6/15 — Minute Maid Park
Eagles

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Where Else to Catch Live Music? 

Where do you go for live music in Houston? Any local bars or venues that always have good live music? Let me know in the comments, and I'd love to add to this list if you know of other good shows that I've missed. 

I’m spending the weekend in Ohio, visiting my grandma, family, and the snow. It’s currently -2°, which is a bit warmer than yesterday’s -4°.....if those 2° really make a difference. Either way, it’s dang cold.  

Since we don’t get much snow in Houston (except the other week), I’ve been taking advantage of having a white winter. The locals think I’m crazy for wanting to go on walks around the neighborhood and do handstands in the snow, but when in Ohio... am I right? 

Here are some of my favorite photos from the trip.  

The view from Cleveland’s Contemporary Art Museum.

Light house in the distance.

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The back side of the Rock Hall.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, designed by I. M. Pei.

Frozen Lake Eerie.

Walking around my Grandma's neighborhood.

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It's Official: The New Black Swan Yoga opens today at 5310 Kirby Dr. Ste. #101. It's between Einstein Bagels and Verizon Wireless, on Kirby, just south of Bissonnet. 

While the studio has been open for a couple months, January 1, 2018 is the official grand opening party. Black Swan is celebrating by offering free yoga classes all day!

Also, if you go to Black Swan 31 times in January, your membership in February is free!

If you can't make it out today, maybe you can still join my yoga class Tuesday morning at 6am or 7:30am at Black Swan Yoga Houston - Kirby. 

Namaste.

Photo by @BlackSwanYogaHouston

Kirby Ice House is one of Houston's largest bars (over 1 acre) and has a huge selection of top quality beers, wines, and liquors, but in 2017 was lacking a website. Their Instagram account had over 1,000 followers and their bar was PACKED during the World Series and just about every other day of the week. 

Not having a website didn't prevent patrons from visiting their establishment, but created a big bottleneck when it came to running the business. Kirby Icehouse's owners were constantly being asked for party reservations for small groups of people that would have plenty of options once arriving to the bar with more than 1 acre of seating space. 

Gibson designed and created Kirby-Icehouse.com to help patrons and future visitors know bar specials, special event information, make reservations online, and view the environment through virtual tours and drone videography. 

The result is a beautiful website, friendly for customers, and easy for the business to update. 

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There really aren't many days Houstonians can claim that it snowed. I remember a photo my dad had at the house growing up when he was able to write his name in the snow (ice) on the back of his 1985 RX-7 way back in the day. 

There was another time on Christmas Eve 2003 that it snowed just enough that we could collect snow from the back of pickup trucks in the church parking lot and throw some tiny snowballs. But this year, to cap off an epic year for Houston, it finally snowed!

I woke up early in the morning, discovered snow outside my house, and immediately went for a walk along the bayou. Here are some of my favorite shots for the day. 

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