This past weekend (January 18th), The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas was the place to be. Issa Rae dazzled as the Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and entrepreneur celebrated the second-ever ‘An Evening With Issa Rae.’ The 40 year-old Los Angeles, California native took center stage for an unforgettable evening of conversation, inspiration, non-stop laughs and the best in bubbly. 

Houston’s own DJ Cee Watts greeted the 2,000 plus people in attendance with a curated set, as they enjoyed the signature sizzle of of a popping Viarae cork. As the room filled with good vibes and top-notch sounds, guests grooved down the halls of the Hobby Center theatre, gleefully awaiting their first glimpse of the night’s star attendee. 

The first surprise of the night came when Keisha Nicole, one of the most recognizable voices on the airwaves in Houston, made her way to the stage to moderate the night. She brought her trademark high energy to the stage and introduced the evening’s festivities to the crowd. Before she welcomed Rae, Nicole tee-d up an exclusive sneak-peek of HOORAE Media’s highly-anticipated new film, One Of Them Days, which debuted in-theatres nationwide on Friday, January 17th. That was followed by an intimate, perfectly-tailored and captivating fireside chat between Nicole and Rae. The duo highlighted their Los Angeles roots, career highlights, aspirations, and had a rapid-fire ‘this or that’ round of hard-hitting questions. 

Afterwards, Rae and Nicole opened the conversation-up to the audience, engaging in a lively Q+A, and a joyful selection of interactive games including “Name That Tune” and “Classic Black TV/Movie Trivia.” In addition, the audience was blessed with an Insecure reunion featuring surprise celebrity guests, actors, and Houston natives Kendrick Sampson and DomiNque Perry. The two joined Rae on-stage for a lively rendition of “Taboo,” leading their respective teams as captains. 

In true Issa Rae fashion, Houston’s ‘An Evening With Issa Rae’ was a can’t-miss night of perfectly-crafted entertainment, and provided the sold-out audience with an endless list of moments to ‘cheers’ over for days on end.  Check out some photos from the exciting event below!