Breaking Bread: A Conversation hosted by Chris Shepherd with Bun B

→ Purchase Tickets

Grammy-nominated American rapper and Houston legend Bun B sits down with Chris for an unfiltered conversation on music, culture, and a career that keeps reinventing itself. From pioneering rapper to Rice University professor and trusted civic voice, Bun B reflects on the moments that shaped him. The two also get into his jump into the restaurant world and how Trill Burgers became a citywide obsession, plus his move into podcasting and storytelling—and what it means to build a legacy that stretches far beyond the mic.

Close

Breaking Bread: A Conversation hosted by Chris Shepherd with Joe Kwon

→ Purchase Tickets

Joe Kwon—known to many as the cellist of The Avett Brothers—joins Chris for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about curiosity, craft, and creativity. Born in South Korea and raised in High Point, North Carolina, the self-described foodie shares his roots on stages around the world as they explore his Joe Kwon path from lifelong musician—with a detour through computer science—to artist, wine enthusiast, and collaborator, reflecting on how discipline and instinct shape everything he pursues, from music to food. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how passions evolve, how ideas connect across worlds, and why a melody or a shared meal can mean more than the moment itself.

Close

Breaking Bread: A Conversation hosted by Chris Shepherd: A Michelin Roundtable with Felipe Riccio, Emmanuel Chavez and Mayank Istwal

→ Purchase Tickets

Three of Houston’s Michelin-starred chefs—Emmanuel Chavez (Tatemó), Felipe Riccio (March), and Mayank Istwal (Musaafer)—join Chris for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about what a star really means for their kitchens and their teams. They’ll debate whether rankings push the industry forward or hold it back, reflect on the turning points that shaped their paths, and share the lessons behind becoming some of the city’s most celebrated chefs. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at success, pressure, creativity, and what it takes to build something that lasts.

Close

Southern Smoke Festival

→ Purchase Tickets

Southern Smoke Festival 2026 pre-sale is officially live! Snag your tickets early. They make incredible Christmas gifts, and it’s the perfect way to surprise the food lovers in your life with something unforgettable. General Admission tickets are specially discounted during pre-sale, so getting in early means getting the best deal of the year.

At the Festival on October 3, 2026, you’ll get bites from some of the best chefs in the country, excellent drinks poured by top bartenders, live music, culinary demos, and all the big-hearted energy that makes this weekend so special. Lock in your spot now, beat the rush, and get ready for a celebration of food, community, and the people who make this industry shine.

Close