Meet Trina Lowery | Event Producer, Live Music Promoter, Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trina Lowery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
My thought process around risk-taking is rooted in faith and experience. In entertainment, music, and nightlife, everything carries risk. Early on, I had strong support systems. People donated, showed up, and believed in me, so the risks felt lighter.

Now, I host an annual indoor music festival and a live music & comedy cruise, which involve not only planning and production, but also recruitment. I must encourage people to buy tickets, select performers with strong followings, and generate enough interest to make the events happen. If cabins are not sold or the lineup does not connect with the audience, the cruise cannot sail. That makes it a very real risk each time.

What helps me move forward is faith, prayer, and learning to believe in myself. That was something I once struggled with. Over the past few years, that belief has grown stronger, and it has become the foundation for how I handle every risk I take.

What should our readers know about your business?
So You Wanna Dance is more than a brand, it is my heart. What began as a way to promote Houston’s social dance scene has blossomed into a platform for celebrating live music, cultural expression, and community connection.

I originally launched So You Wanna Dance to spotlight dance events and classes, especially for Houston’s swing-out and two-step communities. But as my passion for live music deepened, I rebranded and stepped fully into the role of event producer and promoter with a focus on creating events that highlight R&B artists and musicians, both emerging and established.

I have had the honor of producing many incredible events, but three things stand out as my proudest accomplishments. First, my So You Wanna Dance Live R&B Music Extravaganza, launched in 2025, was a dream come true, an indoor music festival that brought people together to laugh, dance, and enjoy Houston’s vibrant live music scene. Second, I host annual live music cruises in collaboration with my mom, Ms. Jo Ann of Dreamtime Travel. These cruises feature private VIP concerts, comedy shows, themed parties, and unforgettable memories at sea. And third, I created the We See You Award, an honor I personally present to the behind-the-scenes heroes, the people who rarely receive recognition but make everything happen. Surprising them with that moment is something I hold dear.

Another deeply meaningful event in my journey was my annual So You Wanna Dance Gala, which ran for several years and drew 200-300 guests each time. It was a space where we celebrated resilience through music and movement, recognizing individuals who had overcome diseases like breast cancer and heart disease. Honorees would share their stories, dance, and receive awards in front of a loving crowd …a beautiful blend of celebration and purpose.

Outside of events, I stay active through my media work. I am the creator and host of the Chat with Trina podcast, where I interview musicians, actors, authors, politicians, anyone using their gifts to impact the community. I also co-host The Real Conversation with a Twist of Humor alongside the Louisiana Country Boy, where we dive into real-life topics with heart, honesty, and a healthy dose of laughter.

What sets me apart is that I genuinely care. I care about the music, the people, and the experience. I am not just a promoter looking to sell tickets and make money. I am a connector, a curator, and a believer in giving people their flowers while they can still smell them. My brand is built on love, creativity, and integrity.

Has it been easy? Absolutely not. The nightlife industry, especially promotion, is male-dominated, and people are ALWAYS trying to get over. I have had to learn how to stand firm, demand respect, and separate friendship from business. One of the hardest lessons has been that not everyone you work with is your friend, no matter how close you think you are. I have learned the importance of contracts, clear boundaries, and being OK with letting people exit gracefully if they do not align with the vision.

But through all of it the challenges, the pivots, the tough conversations, I have gained something priceless: respect. I have learned to lead with compassion, but also strength. I am proud to say I am not some janky promoter. I am a woman with vision, faith, class and a genuine love for people and purpose.

I am also proud to be a member of Pretty Girls Rock, a women’s empowerment organization committed to service and sisterhood values that align deeply with my own.

To the world, I want you to know this: I am not done. I am just getting started. Keep an eye out for our next Party on the Sea Cruise in April 2026 and the So You Wanna Dance Live R&B Music Extravaganza on June 27, 2026. We are building something beautiful and everyone is invited to dance and enjoy the love of live music!!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a good friend came to Houston for a week, I would make sure they experienced the city the way I love it, through good music, good food, and great people.

Sunday: We would kick things off with Sunday Funday Brunch at Quotes on the Almeda with amazing food, a lively atmosphere, and top-tier music. Later that evening, we would head to a local festival or park event if one is happening, or wind down the day with live music and dancing at Chicago Bar & Grill.

Monday: A more laid-back day — we might explore a local museum, take a mural tour, or enjoy a good dinner somewhere like Winsom Prime (formerly The Warwick), a hidden gem for intimate dining.

Tuesday: Definitely a stop at The D Bar in Third Ward, where the Unyt Band lights up the night with live music, good vibes, and incredible food… a true Houston staple.

Wednesday: A midweek recharge day. We might grab a casual bite, catch a local pop-up event, or enjoy conversation and cocktails at a chill lounge like The Bar.

Thursday: Depending on what’s happening that week, we would find a Zydeco spot, karaoke, an open mic, or swing by 3710 or The Quad for a cool vibe.

Friday & Saturday: These are reserved for live music at Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room, upscale, electric, and absolutely worth it. Great food, grown and sexy crowd, and top-tier entertainment. If time allows, we’d also check out The Quad, Euphoria Lounge, or another local venue where some of Houston’s best musicians are performing. Oh, we would definitely have to catch a day or evening at The Post and a bike ride with Let’s Do This Houston bike tours in 3rd Ward.

Throughout the week, I would try to catch sets from some of my favorite artists: The Klockwork Band, The Unyt Band, Hard 2 Fine Band, Eric & Nesha Cortez, Yvette Busby, Sam Brown, and Lloyd Hughes. Each of them brings something special to the city’s music scene.

And of course, no trip would be complete without introducing them to some of the movers and shakers in Houston nightlife like Sharp Davis, Angela Morgan, or Oscar McGarr or just letting the city work its magic through the amazing people we run into along the way.

Oh, I can not let ANYONE leave without stopping by my favorite BBQ place, The legendary Burns BBQ in the Acres Homes Community and pick up their delicious ribs, homemade links, and brisket with their famous beans and potato salad on the side! Can’t leave my city without this stop!

Houston is rich in culture, flavor, and soul and I would make sure my friend left with a full heart, a full belly, a new playlist and a new love for my city!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I give all glory to God for His constant guidance and strength throughout my journey.

I also want to take a moment and I say this with humility, to thank myself. We often forget to give ourselves credit, but I am learning to acknowledge my own hard work, resilience, and ability to keep going, even when things do not go as planned.

I am deeply grateful to my late mentor, Muhammad “Titu” Alam, who taught me so much about the nightlife and live music industry and believed in me and allowed me opportunities to turn my ideas into reality. He taught me what to look for, how to stand firm, and most importantly, he gave me real opportunities to lead. I try to keep his legacy alive in everything I do.

I thank my daughters for always giving me honest feedback and helping me stay current, and my sister Tonisha, who has become an essential partner in my business journey.

Last but certainly not least, my mom, who is not only my partner in the cruise business but also my greatest support system. I truly would not be here without this circle of faith, family, and favor.

Instagram: Mstlowery

Facebook: T wlowery

Youtube: https://YouTube.com/chatwithtrina

Other: Email:
Soyouwannadanceinfo@gmail.com