Alex Mendoza
Bikers meet up and get ready at the UHD Bike Club Sign
On the evening of Feb. 23, UHD students were invited to either commute or ride their bikes to Discovery Green for a night of music and dance. “Jazzy Sundays in the Parks,” a concert series expanding into three parks in the Houston area, kicked off its 2025 comeback at Discovery Green. The series intends to celebrate the local jazz scene with renditions from Arnett Cobb, Don Wilkerson, Conrad Johnson, Jewel Brown and many more.
“Jazzy Sundays in the Parks” made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation, allows musicians to be celebrated in their hometown.
“[Rich Kinder] wanted to make sure jazz musicians could make a living right here in Houston without having to leave our amazing city,” said Kathryn Lott, president and park director of Discovery Green Conservancy.
The UHD Music Appreciation Club and the UHD Bike Club took this opportunity to collaborate and blend music and sustainability.
“The philosophy of our club is based on promoting alternatives to driving whenever possible…a key consideration of mine was making sure that it [Jazz Night] fits our ethos of getting people out of their cars and having a good time,” said UHDBC President Ethan Campbell.
UMAC officers formed a group for eventgoers traveling on the METRO Rail while UHDBC officers led a biking group to Discovery Green. Eventgoers felt a sense of security knowing that they would be accompanied by their groups.
“I was a little nervous about biking at a late time in downtown, but going as a group with the bike club guiding us was really reassuring,” said UMAC member Gabbie who biked to Discovery Green. “There was a leader in front and also somebody in the very back, making sure nobody fell behind. It was a wonderful and carefree experience!”
After meeting at Phoenicia Specialty Foods for a quick bite, Jazz Night participants were able to lay down their blankets, towels and chairs to enjoy the sounds of local musicians.
UMAC treasurer Maxine Pueblos marveled at the success of UHDBC and UMAC’s first collaboration.
“Jazzy Sundays in the Park was such a lovely way to bring both organizations together!” Pueblos said.
“Both of our club’s members got along harmoniously, and I could not be more grateful to have seen such warm smiles shared with one another. It was a beautiful experience singing and dancing to some of my favorite jazz classics. I cannot wait for the next one!”
Jazzy Sundays in the Parks will continue in Emancipation Park every Sunday this month from 5-7 p.m. In April, the series will return to Discovery Green before its last month at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park.