Acoustic Soul

A popular Downtown concert series goes unplugged to benefit the city’s post-Harvey recovery efforts.

Katya Horner
Us performs during Canned Acoustica at Discovery Green_Photo by Katya Horner
Us performs during Canned Acoustica at Discovery Green_Photo by Katya Horner

As the region continues to operate in recovery mode post-Harvey, there is no shortage of unique ways to donate time, money and resources to a city in need. Perhaps one of the most fun philanthropic experiences is Canned Acoustica, a concert series at Discovery Green.


Curated by veteran concert promoter Mark C. Austin, the monthly event is free and family-friendly, and guests are encouraged to bring canned goods as donations to the Houston Food Bank, which distributed more than 22 million pounds of food, water and supplies in the six weeks after Hurricane Harvey.

It’s actually the second iteration of the series, which debuted in 2010 and went on hiatus in 2012. “I often get asked to bring the series back to life,” says Austin, who challenges local artists like The Suffers and Fat Tony to rearrange songs using only acoustic instruments. The result? Moody and personal performances, distinct and unique to each group. “Discovery Green’s small stage is an ideal setting for these intimate acoustic sets.”

With five or six local bands representing a variety of genres — including rap, metal, indie, Latin, rock and soul — performances during each concert are multi-faceted and vibey. This month, music lovers and do-gooders can look forward to performances by pop-punk-rockers 30footFALL, female duo Say Girl Say, metal act Dead to the World, The Voice alum Stephanie Rice, and rising-star four-piece band Mind Shrine. The scenic 12-acre park also hosts lawn games and serves bites and beverages from The Grove during the concert — and all for a small “can”tribution.

Wellness+Giving Back
Chapman & Kirby Launches Free Concert Series for Spring

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)

CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.

Keep Reading Show less

Baber and Robart of The Well Pilates Studio

A NEW BOUTIQUE-fitness concept has sprung to life in West Houston. The Well Pilates Studio, founded by two Houstonians, opened this weekend on Memorial near Wilcrest, in the heart of a community noticeably lacking in studio-style gyms.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

JUN is hosting a special Lunar New Year dinner (photo by Luke Chang)

THE CHILLY WINTER months aren’t slowing Houston chefs down from hosting hot events. Grab some friends, your appetite and a calendar and plan on attending one of these fetes for foodies.

Keep Reading Show less
Food