Katrina and Rita survivors in Houston had planned a special day on September 13, But Houston had a problem: Hurricane Ike arrived. And it wasn’t to be a hurricane party, but a show of thanks.

“Thank You, Houston” which had been planned for September 13 as a commemoration of the hospitality Houstonians showed Katrina and Rita survivors in 2005, is set to celebrate Gulf Coast traditions through music, food and survivors’ stories. Because of Hurricane Ike, the original program was changed to reflect Houstonians’ recent support for their neighbors.

The event takes place today from 6:30 – 9 pm at Discovery Green, just outside the George R. Brown Convention Center, where thousands of Katrina survivors were welcomed and housed in September 2005 and many first responders to Hurricane Ike worked throughout last week.

In the park’s Houston Public Library Express, a video version of a photo/audio exhibition, “Who we Are” , will be playing. In addition, you can check out headsets loaded with podcasts featuring recorded stories of thanks and gratitude from Katrina and Rita survivors.

KPFT 90.1 FM will be on hand to record Hurricane Ike narratives. Service organizations and computer access/support will be available. Members of the public are encouraged to bring non-perishable “ready-to-eat” food items for the Houston Food Bank, to assist with their hurricane relief efforts.

At 7pm, the music starts, featuring Al “Carnival Time” Johnson as well as the Voodoo Brass Band, comprised of N.O. and H-Town-bred members.

“Thank You, Houston” is sponsored by the Surviving Katrina and Rita in Houston project, Houston Institute for Culture and Discovery Green, and funded in part with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, Discovery Green, Houston Arts Alliance and the Houston Endowment.