HOUSTON – Nestled just minutes from downtown Houston along Buffalo Bayou, East River is bringing the heat with a brand-new lineup of free, family-friendly events all summer long. The East River Summer Series offers a mix of live music, DJs, and curated markets in a growing mixed-use district located in the historic Fifth Ward.
Kicking things off in a big way is Grammy-nominated producer Isaac Yowman, who returns to “Houston Life” with his latest project, “Southern Glory”—a powerful concert event inspired by his short film “Memory Builds the Monument,” which honors the Fifth Ward’s iconic Club Matinee and rich musical roots. Yowman, also the founder of IYO Visuals, appeared on Houston Life in 2023 to debut the film. Now, he’s bringing the story to the stage.
He’s joined by Houston-based singer, comedian, and entertainer Phill Wade, known for “The Phill Wade Show,” a live sketch comedy experience hosted at the historic El Dorado Ballroom in Houston’s Third Ward. Together, they’ll lead the first installment of Beats on the Bayou, East River’s signature concert series, with surprise guests and high-energy performances.
East River’s Summer Lineup Includes:
- Beats on the Bayou – Family-friendly waterfront concert series
- held on the first Friday of each month from 6 – 9 p.m.
- “Southern Glory” featuring Isaac Yowman, Phill Wade, and more on June 6
- The Slags on July 4
- DJ P Charm with Clutch City on August 1
- CoolxWax Summer Fest – A new DJ series in partnership with CoolxDad, showcasing curated vinyl sets by the Waxaholics and celebrating fatherhood and community.
- Held on the fourth Sunday of each month from 6 – 9 p.m.
- June 29, July 27, August 31
- BLCK Market: Summer League Pop-Up Shop – The nation’s largest monthly gathering of Black-owned businesses featuring food trucks, DJs, shopping, and more.
- Held on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- June 21, July 19, August 16
All events are free and open to the public.
For more details about the Beats on the Bayou series, click here.
Watch the full interview with Isaac Yowman and a live performance by Phill Wade in the video above.