
The subterranean Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is one of Houston’s most unique concert experiences.
“Underground” has long been the moniker to describe art, music, and film outside the mainstream passed, traded, and discussed by those in the know. In Houston, the underground art scene could mean just that, or, it could refer to the art scene literally underground at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. [Featured image: @lawrenceeliz]
Oft cited as a Houston oddity, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a historic drinking water reservoir that was built back in 1926. It spans around 87,500 square feet, supported by 221 25-foot tall concrete columns placed throughout the space. When in use, the cistern is capable of storing up to 15 million gallons of water.
As visitors will undoubtedly notice, the cistern is now virtually empty. That’s because back in 2007, officials discovered an irreparable leak, resulting in the reservoir’s decommissioning in 2007.
Rather than demolish the area, however, city officials partnered with Buffalo Bayou Partnership to repurpose the unusual and fascinating space into a subterranean art venue.
Since 2016, the Cistern has housed a kaleidoscopic mix of fascinating multimedia art installations and video projections.
“Catch the distinctive and unusual sound of @twostarsymphony, underground, in four performances September 8 – 11. Their unique process involves songs written and arranged collaboratively, with each player responsible for their own part,” the organization wrote in an Instagram post.
“By the time the songs are finished, the music is memorized. Two Star does not create sheet music, so the players are free to focus on listening rather than reading. This allows them to play in the dark, which is advantageous for theater, dance, and now the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern.”
Visitors can read more about the immersive experience here.
After selling out its performances, the group has added two additional shows on September 10 and 11. Tickets are now on sale. As a safety precaution, no one under 9 years old are permitted in the Cistern.