DJ Michele McKnight: 'I wanted to curate a memorable experience that represents Houston’s rich culture'

With 2023 marking the 50th anniversary of the emergence of hip-hop music and culture, an event today in Houston is celebrating the artists who contributed to the city's rich musical culture.

“For The Love of Screw -- Celebrating The Culture,” a celebration of "Houston culture, music, arts and cars," starts at 1 p.m. today at Bar 5015, 5015 Almeda Road, according to a press release from Lemon-Lime Light Media. From 1 to 5 p.m., the event will be a family-friendly gathering of "local food trucks, vendors, Slab cars, music, art from various artists, and more," according to the press release. 

At 6 p.m., all guests must be at least 25 years old, as the event switches gears to "celebrate all things music," the release states. 

DJ Michele McKnight, a Houston native and nationally known DJ and radio personality, is an organizer of the event. She said in the press release that as a member of Houston's "entertainment scene," she "wanted to curate a memorable experience that represents Houston’s rich culture and pays homage to those that have made an impact nationwide." 

“My goal is to make this an annual event and continue to expand,” McKnight said in the release. 

The event celebrates the significance of June 27, 1996, in Houston's hip-hop history, according to the release. On that date, the original members of the Screwed Up Click (SUC) Big Moe, Bird, Demo, Key-C, Yungstar, Big Pokey, Haircut Joe and K-Luv, freestyled at "the legendary" DJ Screw’s house, the release reports. "The song became a staple in the city for celebrating Houston," the release states, and "has been sampled by Drake on his November 18th song."

Original SUC member Yungstar is performing at the evening's portion of the festival, which will also feature a DJ set honoring various DJs, an award tribute and a rap cypher with "celebrity judges" Killa Kyleon, D-Reck of Wreckshop Records, Madd Hatta and Queendom, according to the release. Daytime attendees have the opportunity to perform "their favorite Houston inspired song" from 2 to 4 p.m. at Slab Karaoke, hosted by podcaster Donnie Houston during a live taping, the release states.

Bar 5015, located on "the historic" Almeda Road in Houston's Third Ward, is "known for creating a vibe no matter what day of the week," the press release states, and has become a Houston "staple" under "hospitality guru" Steve Roger. The venue is also involved in community engagement, including hosting a an expo for "kidpreneurs" to show off their products and services; hosting a monthly community bike ride; helping families to pay utility bills; and its annual Christmastime "Gas'Mas" citywide gas giveaway, the release reports. 

“For The Love of Screw -- Celebrating The Culture,” is presented by DJ Michel McKnight, Bar 5015, Jim Beam, Vinny Drinks, Calypso Concierge, The Vibe Houston (KTSU 90.9 FM), Trill on Wheels, Polaris Slingshot, Mostyn Law Firm, 1-800-TruckWreck & Lemon-Lime Light Media.

Ticket and vendor information can be found online at Eventbrite.