Houstonians Let the Good Times Roll at “Party on the Plaza” 

As summer begins, the season welcomes good music, radiant energy, and unmatched vibes. Houston’s “Party on the Plaza” event delivered exactly that.  This event was hosted by Amber Shaw, whose lively energy immediately captivated the crowd the moment she stepped onto the stage. Representing KTSU 90.9 FM, she emphasized the importance of culture, music, and community engagement throughout the evening.

DJ Supa Neil elevated the atmosphere even further, blending R&B throwbacks with soulful funk classics that kept the audience energized and entertained. KTSU’s partnership with the City of Houston successfully created a night of free live music, offering an experience with something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of downtown Houston. 

       The evening opened with a performance by Houston-based Gulf Coast musicians, Bayou City Funk, featuring Sean Garrison on lead vocals and guitar, David McJunkin on guitar and keyboard, Johnny Galindo on alto saxophone and synthesizer, Aaron Houzvicka on trombone, Matt Serice on trumpet, Joe Barchus on bass, and Chris Valero on baritone saxophone. Their fusion of funk, soul, and jazz heightened the audience’s excitement and left the crowd eager to see what the rest of the evening had in store.  

    As the crowd continued to grow, so did the anticipation for the next performance by New Orleans instrumental funk and jazz-fusion band, Galactic. The group featured core members Ben Ellman on saxophone and harmonica, Robert Mercurio on bass, Stanton Moore on drums, Jeff Raines on guitar, and Rich Vogel on keyboards. Joining Galactic on stage was Jelly Joseph, a powerhouse Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana. Together, Galactic and Jelly Joseph delivered a dynamic performance displaying their raw talent.  

    Both performances highlighted the importance of creating spaces where culture, media, and community can come together in such a vibrant way. “Party on the Plaza” delivered an unforgettable evening filled with music, culture, and entertainment that brought the city of Houston together.