Texas Folklife Returns

Texas Folklife’s ‘Accordion Kings and Queens’ Returns to Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre; Also Streams Online

HOUSTON — Texas Folklife brings back the annual Accordion Kings and Queens concert to Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, November 6, starting at 7 p.m. The free show will feature great music from well-known favorites as well as young talent, and also will be live-streamed for online viewers.

Performers include:
Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys: For decades, Jeffery Broussard has been a torchbearer for Zydeco music, influencing young musicians with the traditional Creole music he learned as a child. Broussard and his Creole Cowboys deliver great, pack-the-floor renditions of Creole classics, cultivating and inspiring new generations of Creole Zydeco fans. Broussard has received numerous awards, including Accordionist of the Year, the TrailBlazer Award, and has been inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center’s Hall of Fame.

Christina Valdez: Known as The Squeeze Box Girl, Valdez is a rising Conjunto star from San Benito, Texas, a town known for its musical heritage, including as the birthplace of Freddy Fender. Valdez was a 2018 finalist of Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze youth accordion contest, and in the years since has seen a meteoric rise in her career. She has performed alongside many amazing artists such as Ramon Ayala, Michael Salgado, Elida Reyna, Albert Zamora, La Mafia, Solido, and many more.

Special virtual appearances by the 2021 Big Squeeze champions will also be part of the event.

“Through Accordion Kings & Queens, Texas Folklife is helping to bring this traditional music to audiences in Houston and beyond,” said program director Sarah Rucker. “This event is about community, connection, and a shared love for the music.”

The event is open to all ages, and masks are encouraged. Both covered and outdoor seating will be available. Covered seats will require a (free) ticket, which will be available online two days before the event until noon the day of the performance. Covered seats can be reserved here:
https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/seating/#coveredseating

If you can’t join us in Houston, watch the event live on either the Miller Theatre’s or Texas Folklife’s Facebook channels:
http://www.facebook.com/millertheatre

http://www.facebook.com/texasfolklife

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 32nd year of Accordion Kings and Queens,” said Texas Folklife Executive Director Charlie Lockwood. “This is our longest-running music program, and we can’t wait to be back in front of a live audience at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. We want to thank the musicians, as well as our sponsors and partners, for making this event happen. We look forward to seeing everyone on November 6!”

Accordion Kings and Queens is supported by the Board and Members of Texas Folklife and the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board. Additional sponsorships and support provided by AARP Texas, Hohner Accordions, Raven Grill, Court Record Research, The Honorable Sally Alcorn, Judge Chuck Silverman, and others.

ABOUT TEXAS FOLKLIFE

Texas Folklife (TXF) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. TXF is designated by the National Endowment for the Arts as the official folk and traditional arts organization for the state. Since 1984, TXF has honored traditions passed down within communities, explored the importance of traditional arts in contemporary society, and celebrated the state’s vibrant heritage by providing arts experiences enjoyable for all generations. For more information, visit http://www.texasfolklife.org.