Once a vibrant epicenter of Black culture in Houston’s Third Ward, the Eldorado Ballroom is bringing a groundbreaking series of performances curated by Houston native and Grammy Award-winning artist Solange Knowles.
Brought to life through a partnership between Performing Arts Houston and Solange’s creative collective, Saint Heron, the revival of this historic venue is more than a musical homecoming; it’s a cultural reawakening.
The project is a celebration of Black creativity that was first conceptualized before the COVID-19 pandemic, when Performing Arts Houston approached Solange about presenting her concert production Witness.
But the vision evolved. During the pandemic, Solange instead launched an Eldorado Ballroom-inspired series at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and later in Los Angeles. Now, she brings that vision full circle, grounding it in the community that shaped her.
“The Eldorado Ballroom has given so much—not only to Houstonians and the Third Ward but to the country’s cultural fabric,” said Performing Arts Houston President and CEO Meg Booth. “It was a place where you could celebrate milestones, get your suit tailored and hear Miles Davis or Ella Fitzgerald. It offered access to excellence in Black art, and Solange credits the space as the spark that ignited her artistic journey.”
The June performance series showcases the ballroom’s musical tradition and expands its legacy through curated evenings of classical compositions by Black women, devotional music, sculpture and film.
Among the standout moments is the presentation of Black female classical composers such as Tanya León and Julia Perry—an effort led by Solange, who is also a composer. The legendary Clark Sisters will headline a night of spiritual and gospel revival, reflecting the deep-rooted musical traditions that have shaped generations.
“This isn’t just about bringing music back to the Eldorado,” Booth said. “It’s about highlighting all facets of Black creativity—sound, sculpture, film, dance—and imagining where Black artistry is going next.”
And that future is deeply rooted in place.
Reopened in 2023 after years of renovation by Project Row Houses and other community partners, the Eldorado Ballroom now stands as a restored jewel of the Third Ward.
This return to the Eldorado is also part of the citywide Fade to Black Festival, which celebrates the contributions of Black creatives across Houston. Booth emphasized that Performing Arts Houston has long committed to reflecting Houston’s diversity through the arts. But she sees this series as a model for deeper investment in Black-led artistic initiatives.
“We hope this sparks further collaborations that center Black artists, especially in communities like the Third Ward that have historically carried so much of the city’s creative energy,” she said.
Among the featured artists this year is Houston native and interdisciplinary artist Autumn Knight, who will present a performance-based piece in June called Type of Guest. Known for blending theater, visual art and social commentary, Knight’s work centers the audience as an integral part of the performance experience.
“It means a lot to be part of a series that centers Black musical traditions in a place like the Third Ward,” she said. “It’s a full circle. I appreciate the way the team has curated a wide range of musical acts—some newer, some overlooked—and brought attention to art forms that deserve more visibility.”
Though Knight now lives in New York, she launched her career in Houston around 2011, building momentum as a shy, curious, trained actor who gradually stepped into the interdisciplinary world.
She credited institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Project Row Houses for expanding her artistic lens: “Project Row Houses exposed me to many international and avant-garde artists. It’s really where I found my community.”
For the latest details and ticket availability, visit www.performingartshouston.org.
