Experience Houston’s diverse independent music scene at Solar Flare Music Festival

Houston – It’s no surprise that the city of Houston is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to music. Now there’s a new event coming up.

The first ever Solar Flare Music Festival will take place on August 3rd and promises to be a day full of fun. The idea for this festival has been two years in the making.

In 2022, UH student Madison Elaine wanted to learn more about Houston’s music scene. A place where she could find artists, bands, and concerts all in one place. So she created Houston Music Classifieds. It’s a free resource for anyone looking to expand their musical tastes in the city. She began posting anonymously online and on social media, and soon enough, their birthday party drew a crowd of over 300 people.

Solar Flare Music Festival has been in the works for months and there’s only a month left until it takes place. From the incredible harmonies of Astralace to the nostalgic indie vibes of Marley Moon to the energetic performances of Daze and Vosotros, the festival offers a journey through a wide variety of genres.

Elaine stopped by Studio B to chat about the upcoming festival with her colleagues Shelby Mathews, lead photographer, and Regine Gwenyth, artist and vendor coordinator. The festival won’t be limited to just music. Gwenyth says she’s working on a multitude of local vendors and small businesses to feature. Mathews is the lead photographer and band interviewer for Houston Music Classifieds, helping to build the brand identity. All three hope the festival will grow into something bigger and more permanent in the city.

Everyone in Studio B was dancing as Marley Moon and her husband Clay Cooke played “I Wanna Feel Alive” from her 2022 EP “I Feel Everything!” With Cooke on guitar and Moon on omnichord (but what’s an omnichord?), a sense of joy and nostalgia resonated throughout the studio.

Houston singer-songwriter Marley Moon mixes retro rock with fun melodies

Marley Moon is one of 15 acts set to take the stage at the Continental Club and Big Top Lounge on August 3. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. Buy them here!

You can also connect with Marley Moon, Houston Music Classifieds and the Solar Flare Music Festival on Instagram to stay up to date.