Last month I wrote a love letter to Sunset Bingo. 

I’d never played before, but it’s easily become one of my favorite events in Houston for simple reasons: it’s relaxing, it’s the right amount of effort, the anticipation of winning a fun prize is always a thrill, and the vibes are always just *chefs kiss* immaculate. Ok fine, yes I’ll admit I’m maybe in my honeymoon phase with it.

Still, a big contributor to the perfect bingo mood is the music. Roberto Castillo, known as DJ DelSur, has been Levy Park’s resident DJ since the series started in the summer this year. I had the chance to chat with Robert on what it’s like being a sound selector for an event like Sunset Bingo, what genres of music work best, mixing two tracks together that are 50 years apart, and if we can look forward to more next year. (Spoiler: yes!)

This interview has been edited for clarity.

Kathrina Maribao: So to start, why do you think people like bingo?

Roberto Castillo: I think people like bingo because when you focus your attention on listening to numbers and spotting them on your card, you allow yourself to really relax and be in the moment. In those moments, the stress of the day seems to melt away for a little bit. Also, it feels good to win a valuable prize!

KM: A chance to win something is always exciting. I also just love vibing out while playing and music is big part of that. What type of music works well?

RC: Classic and Modern Soul music work best because of its natural feel-good vibe. I love seeing people vibing to music that’s older than they are! What you hear when you come to Sunset Bingo are feel-good tracks you won’t hear anywhere else in Houston on a Friday evening.  

KM: What do you think is particularly special about Sunset Bingo?

RC: There’s a couple of things I really like about Sunset Bingo. Firstly, it’s the park itself. It’s gorgeous! This is a place people of all ages come to play and relax. Those are two key ingredients that have been consistent throughout each and every Sunset bingo event. I really enjoy spinning a feel-good style of music that brings people together to have a good time. 

Plus, it’s cool mixing two tracks together that were recorded over 50 years apart and to see people of all ages vibing to it! For me, one way to honor the memory of these incredible musicians is to spin their music while couples, friends and families are having a good time. That's the other thing I like about Sunset Bingo, it’s always a good time! 

KM: Can you give some examples of tracks that you’d mix together and what goes into it?

RC: The process for mixing tracks for an event like Sunset Bingo depends on a couple of variables. The main ingredient is the vibe of the crowd. I follow my intuition when tuning in and use it as a guide for where to musically go next.

jmkuiThe cool thing about Soul music is that most of it is genuinely “feel-good” music. For some moments during game play, it’s necessary to vary the energy of the music itself. Some tracks are more lounge-y and calm (Brother Jack McDuff, “Sunny”) while other tracks are more high energy and danceable (Sharon Jones& The Dap Kings, ”Give me a chance”). I notice there are some moments that are best suited with instrumental tracks that have a cinematic feel (The Cactus Channel, ”Wooden boy, part 3”) and yet there are other times when something romantic (Lou Donaldson, ”Pillow Talk”) is necessary to slow things down a bit. It’s definitely an ebb and flow when it comes to mixing which makes every event unique.

No two gigs are alike or ever the same. I definitely keep the energy high during the final game of the night. There’s a fun “winner’s tension” in the air because multiple people are one number away from winning the big prize! 

As for examples of tracks I’d mix together, one thing I like to do is mix the time period. For example perhaps starting with a classic track like Herman Hitson, “Ain’t no other way” 1972) with Dr. Rubberfunk, “Slim’s mood” (2020). There’s nearly a 50 year age gap between both tracks! Another thing I like to do is mix soul tracks from different parts of the world like Marta Ren, “Worth it” (Portugal) with Black Sugar, ”The looser” (Peru). Doing this makes it fun for the music nerd in me.

I think everyone assumes it’s all American music. Soul music is an American Art form that has become an international delight! I love knowing that I get to expose people to tracks from different countries and different time periods. 

KM: As you know, Sunset Bingo is one of my favorite events. Are there any similar that you’d recommend?

RC: ​​Yay! So glad to know Sunset Bingo is one of your favorites! As for recommendations, that's a tough question. I’m not sure if there’s another regular soul themed event. Houston has so many great Musicians, DJs and venues that it can be hard to keep up with! There’s Echoes which has a mix of live music and DJs. Literally downstairs from Echoes is Ice House Radio which showcases local Houston DJs spinning an eclectic mix of genres. The Flat has a steady rotation of events and DJs. 

KM: And lastly, can we look forward to more Sunset Bingos in 2026?

RC: We all noticed a shift this year in attendance. It really took off! I think word of mouth has helped the event become what it is now. Having said that, I think there will definitely be more Sunset Bingo in 2026! Stay tuned!

The last Sunset Bingo of the year is Friday, December 12th at Levy Park.

LATELY IN HOUSTON 🌟 HOLIDAY EDITION! 🌟

🌟 This season shop small with love. Houstonia Staff round up their favorite Texas-made gifts to share with your loved ones this holiday season. Things that caught our eye: coffee classes at Luce Coffee Roasters, a coffee table BBQ book, Whataburger memorabilia and Uncomplicated Lush’s Alcohol infusing kits. Cheers!

🌟 Naughty or nice? Visit a Christmas pop-up. From burlesque, to live music and even craft classes, here are 12 bars and restaurants going all in the holiday festivities including Johnny’s Gold Brick, Trash Panda Drinking Club, Monkey’s Tail and more. Went to one recently? Hit reply and let us know which one’s are your favorites!

🌟 Flashin’… lights, lights, lights. Holiday lights are now in full force in Houston and maybe it’s the time to switch it up from your usual spots. Between the tried and true Zoo Lights to Marriott Marquis’s Western-themed “Texas Winter Lights,” there’s sure to be something for everyone to spark a little joy this year in Houston. (Because we definitely need it.)

WEEKEND EVENTS

All Weekend

• Watch Studio Ghibli Anime Favorites at MFAH

• Enso matcha pop up at Norigami

• Christmas Wreath Rug Tufting at Habibi Bazaar

• Hot Chocolate Paint & Puff

• Sam & Davy new location now open at The Galleria

Thursday, 12/11

7pm-8pm, Dancing | Line Dance Night at POST. Free.

8pm-11pm, Live Music | Jazz Listening Room @ Moth feat: Ruben Fox & Jalen Baker. $21.

Friday, 12/12

5pm-8pm, Games | Sunset Bingo at Levy Park. $10 for 8 games. $1 daubers available for purchase. Cash only. 

5pm-10pm, Live Music | Sounds of Midtown: A Jazzy Holiday Under the Stars. “Join us for a festive evening of live jazz, holiday activities, and local vendors bringing the season to life.” RSVP for free.

7pm-9pm, Games | Drunk Spelling Bee: Buzzed for a Cause.  “Think you can spell… after a shot? Join us for Houston’s grown-up twist on the classic spelling bee — where the words get harder, the drinks get stronger, and audience-triggered sabotages keep everyone on their toes!” Free (but donations accepted.)

7pm-9pm, Live Music | Deck the Keys: Dueling Pianos at Market Square. “Kick off the holiday season with a festive dueling piano showdown under the Downtown lights!” Free.

7pm-Late, Nightlife | Emo Night Houston: The Nightmare Before Christmas Edition at Dan Electros. Free.

7pm-Late, Nightlife | Noche de Cumbia. “A night filled with live Cumbia music and a special DJ set by Svani Quintanilla.” Free.

9:30pm-Late, Nightlife | Daft Punk Night at Barbarella. $13.

Saturday, 12/13

9am-4:30pm, Holiday | 16th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off Competition at Levy Park hosted by Architecture Center Houston. “Competing teams will create 100% edible, architectural masterpieces using gingerbread, candy, and all sorts of other sweet treats (of which leftovers will be composted)!”

11am-6pm, Fundraiser | Winter Pawty, a pet and family fundraiser by Lifeline of Galveston County at League City. “This event celebrates the 600+ local pets saved this year and helps raise funds so Lifeline can continue rescuing the most vulnerable animals in our community.” There’ll be a pup cup bar, hot chocolate bar, pet art station, raffles and more.

4pm, Art | Tour of Cat Spring Collection Exhibition with Hesse McGraw and Howard Sherman. Free.

4pm-6pm, Workshop | Winter Floral Workshop at Eden. “You’ll learn essential floral care, design principles, and color theory while working with textures and shapes specific to the season.” $75.

7:30pm-10:30pm, Art | From Houston, With Love II presented by Prauper Studios. “FHWL II will include works that exemplify Houston culture through the works of the featured artists and the history of the selected groups.” Donation based entrance. RSVP.

8:30pm-12am, Nightlife | Snowy Nights Burlesque at Hifi at The Finn. “We present Snowy Nights Burlesque, a sultry, stylish, and spectacular showcase that brings the magic of the season to life.” $54 and up.

Sunday, 12/14

12:30pm, Film | Watch Home Alone (1990) at River Oaks Theatre. $14. 

2:30pm, Film | Girls Gone Mild: Cookie Decorating + Movie. “At Girls Gone Mild: Holiday Cookie Decorating, we’re trading cocktails for cookie cutters and chaos for confection. Each guest gets two pre-frosted sugar cookies ready to become edible masterpieces (or delicious disasters) as you paint them with a watercolor design worthy of your holiday mood board.” $38.

ON THE HOU(S)E Concierge

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