Last Friday night I found myself beneath an aurora borealis that struck darkness above me with waves of dancing green lights and neon skies.

I was in childlike wonder, gazing up and around. A faint crowd sings, “Oh my god, I feel it in the air / Telephone wires above are sizzlin’ like a snare,” every other word in an excited, yet slurred moment. I stepped all the way to the top to get myself a better view. Meanwhile I’m drinking my second Coyote Kick, a drink special of the night, singing along under my breath. 

No, I’m not at the northern lights. I’m at Planetarium Karaoke at the Houston Natural Science Museum.

What I know about Mixers and Elixirs: it’s a summer event that happens about once a month in the season at Houston Natural Science Museum (HMNS) with a reputation. Who knew that the rumor that you could dance amongst dinosaurs could actually be remotely true? Even still, I expected some caveats: large sections closed off, you can’t bring your drink everywhere (you can), or some arbitrary rule because after all, it’s a museum, not a nightclub. 

In June they had 90’s night, a safe theme you generally can’t go wrong with. This time, the theme was Hey HMNS, Shuffle Playlist meaning a wide variety of “vibes” were on the menu for the night. Dueling pianos band Flight Of The Keys headlined an electric performance at the Glassell Hall. DJ SupaStar spun at the Moran Hall of Paleontology with the dinos. A temporary honky tonk took place on the fourth floor. Coyote Ugly played on screen. And lastly, karaoke at Burke Baker Planetarium.

@onthehousehtx

Shuffle Playlist ▶️▶️▶️ @Houston Museum NS A time was had at Mixers and Elixirs at HMNS! All that and with a drink in hand? Say less. d... See more

In case you didn’t know, karaoke for Filipinos (me) is a sport. To be loved Filipino-ly is to have spent your childhood karaoking at Filipino parties, your second plate of pancit and lumpia growing cold beside you. Singing culture is ingrained in us starting in the womb–our mothers singing not to us yet, but to themselves. I love karaoke the way I love anything that reminds me of family, and of my culture.

I myself have a YouTube playlist of all my personal go-to karaoke hits. Rule #1: You must always be prepared to sing.

Planetarium Karaoke was our last stop of the night. As I first entered, a wall of pink and red hearts visually waterboarded me on the domed screen as a young man sang Lana Del Ray’s “Summertime Sadness.” His singing voice was low, baritone, almost monotone as he brought an Eeyore-like tonal expression to the “Sadness” part of the song; yet, his excited aura and smile brought the “Summertime.”

Fully embodying the duality of the song very casually, the audience reflected him too. When he sang, “Baby you’re the best,” someone in the crowd echoed back, “You’re the best!!!”

The main difference between public karaoke and at-home karaoke is the format. At home, Filipino parties, or Asian karaoke rooms, it’s a living room setup where everyone including the singer is facing the TV displaying the lyrics. In public karaoke, the singer is on a stage performing to the audience.

Planetarium Karaoke was a charming mix of both.

The lyrics projected onto the dome-shaped ceiling alongside planetary-scapes, stars, and the words “Planetaraoke Night” crawled onscreen in neon. The singer faced the audience while the imagery appeared to project onto their body, an illusion almost making them look part of the planetarium too.

A planetarium’s purpose is to present educational and entertaining shows about space. That night it was a cozy space for karaoke lovers to come together, to listen, to belt out a song if you must. For me, it’s currently a season of summertime sadness–grief of feeling like the world is falling apart in one hand, and embracing the pure-hearted joy of summer in another.

I could’ve been anywhere, but I guess we could just say the stars aligned.

More OTH reads on nightlife:

Diary of a chill night out
Bodies in motion
Mozart in the club
A night at Art Crowd
ARTECHOUSE After Dark

LATELY IN HOUSTON

Fly home, Pidgey. Once upon a time, humans used to use pigeons as a means of communication. As the utility of messenger pigeons went away due to technology, pigeon fanciers (people who raise pigeons) have kept the practice alive. The event? Pigeon racing. They have an innate instinct to fly back home using the sun and Earth’s magnetic rays, and whoever gets home first, wins. Peep the Houston chapter: Westside Limited Racing Pigeon Club.

Puppeteer artist thrives in Htown. Iranian puppetry artist and storyteller Afsaneh Aayani is behind many of Houston’s imaginative sets such as Meow Wolf, The Big Swim, and The Swan Painter. While her career is expanding across the country, Aayani finds she’s thriving in Houston where there’s a supportive community. In other words, creatives thrive in Houston.

LinkedIn? No thanks. Networking, yes! How is LinkedIn still alive? Nevermind. Daisy, a Communications and Media Strategist, puts a networking call out for other media professionals. Drop in and say hi if that’s you!

“I was out Houstoned.” Ms. Janice hit our FYPs. Why? An epic forearm tattoo of the Houston cityline you’ll just have to see for yourself. 

Your weekend tea is on us! (Actual tea.) This week we’ve partnered with Ceremonial Tea House. That means 4 readers will get a free ticket to this weekend’s build your own tea event held at Aēsop Montrose on Sunday, July 27th from 2-4pm. All you have to do is click on this link and you’ll be entered to win. **UPDATE: This giveaway has ended.

Winners will be randomly selected and emailed tomorrow morning.

Join Ceremonial Tea House for a relaxing afternoon of creating your own custom tea blend at Aēsop Montrose. You’ll have the chance to choose from a variety of spices and botanicals to craft a blend that’s uniquely yours—perfect to sip and take home. Immerse yourself in the essence of Aēsop, enjoy the company of others, and unwind in their beautiful, cozy space.

Want to sponsor a future issue and treat readers to a local spot on you? Hit reply.

ONLY IF YOU KNOW

All Weekend

• Estate sale of a Montrose art collector! At Reeves Gallery.

• Shakespeare Festival at Miller Outdoor Theatre

• Latin Restaurant Weeks last day Friday

Thursday, 7/24

6pm-8pm, Games | MFAH is hosting Lotería Game Night, a unique edition of Lotería inspired by the MFAH art collections. “MFAH Lotería draws on the Museum’s art collections to create a traditional Latinx game board, similar to bingo.” Free with museum admission.

6pm-8pm, Crafts | Artist Carla Sue is hosting another Jazz & Journaling workshop, this time at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. “This guided experience pairs live or ambient jazz with writing prompts, encouraging visitors to respond to the exhibition through quiet, self-directed reflection.” The co-founder of Ice House Radio will also be there DJing. Free.

7pm-11pm, Nightlife | Meow Wolf is hosting Adultiverse again. “Adulti-Verse transforms Meow Wolf Houston into a 21+ experience full of unexpected sights, late-night art, and immersive energy.” $36.

Friday, 7/25

8pm-Late, Nightlife | Cumbia y Disco Night is back with Discoteka at Axelrad! “Join us for a night of buenas vibras, community and pachanga vibes!🌶️” Free.

9pm-1am, Nightlife | The Culdesac is hosting the 2nd edition of For Your Eyes Only at Room 8o8. “4 hours of smooth love ballads.” RSVP.

9pm-Late, Nightlife | The Moodroom is hosting Vinyl Friday. “Enjoy the nostalgic vibes from the 80s and 90s in a chill atmosphere that’s perfect for music lovers, date night, or friends night out.” Free.

Saturday, 7/26

11am-12pm, Market | Me 2 Accessories (located in 99 Ranch Blalock) is hosting a Labubu and Sonny’s Angels trading event. There’ll be Labubu giveaways and discounts to Pho Quynh.

1pm-4pm, Brunch | Kept Secret is hosting a Pop-up Jazz and Brunch curated by Chef Timothy Kent and sounds by @tadexperience at Sanman Studios. Choose between: Blackened Catfish or Banana Foster French Toast. $22.

6pm-10pm, Market | Elevate Creative Studios presents Aura Houston, a networking and community event for creatives, artists, and creators sponsored by Topo Chico. “Enjoy pop-up art studio, creative market hall, live DJ & more!” Tickets include 2 complimentary margaritas. $20.

*7pm-9pm, Workshop | Haus of Spice is hosting Femme & Form in Old Town Spring. “A celebration of art, embodiment, and connection — an intimate figure drawing night for women, trans, and gender-expansive folks, complete with yoga, creativity, light bites, and community.” $35.

7pm-9pm, Concert | Duel: The Kendrick and Drake Tribute & Art Show is at Bread of Life, Inc. “A Hip-Hop Symphony of Color, Culture, and Chaos — Experience Live music. Immersive art. An energy like no other.” $40.

Sunday, 7/27

11am, DJ Coffee (Matcha) Party | Matcha Mia is celebrating their 2-year anniversary! “MATCHA MIA TURNS 2, IBIZA EDITION 🪩 We’re bringing the party of the year to Houston to celebrate 2 YEARS of matcha, memories, and the community that made it all possible 🌴”

2pm-5pm, Crafts | Don’t miss the last waist-beading event at Houston Book Warehouse. $20. RSVP by sending them a DM.

2pm-7pm, Market | Catch Mooty Mart: Hip-Hop Thrift Pop-Up & Concert at Axelrad. “We’re bringing together live hip hop performances + Djs + a cool thrift Pop-up market all in one space.”

6pm-8pm, Picnic Party | Stop by Sun, Soil, and Sisterhood, a picnic party for the girls. “With networking conversations, light bites, crafts, soulful jams and pure community, we will simply have a good time just being a girl.” There’ll be wine glass painting, flower crowns, light bites and one complimentary mocktail. $44.

6pm-Late, Nightlife | It’s Caribe Funk Sunday again at The Flat. “Come experience a fusion of African, Latin, and Caribbean sounds and textures ranging from Salsa Dura, Classic Afrobeat, Funky Tumbao, Merengue, Soukus, Afrohouse, and more 🌴” Free.

8pm-12am, Nightlife | Wine and Sage Night will be at Sneaks, music by Ninth Sage.

*Sponsored. We only include events we think you’ll love.

ON THE HOU(S)E Concierge

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