Special concert just announced: Texas Folklife announces 34th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert on Saturday June 3, 2023 (7 – 10:PM) in celebration of the Miller Outdoor Theatre’s 100th Anniversary. Excerpts from Texas Folklife website: The lineup Includes Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, Grupo Imagen, Alex Meixner Band, and Texas Folklife’s 2023 Big Squeeze Youth Accordion Contest Champions. The free live event is included as a part of the theatre’s celebration of its 100th season and features a lineup of the best in Texas accordion music genres, including Tejano Conjunto, Creole and Zydeco, Polka and more. 2023 performers include Texas native and Louisiana based Cedric Watson bijou creole, the gulf coast female-led  Tejano Conjunto act Grupo Imagen, and Grammy-nominated polka phenomenon Alex Meixner band. guest performers will also include Texas Folklife’s 2023 Big Squeeze statewide youth accordion contest champions. The show will simultaneously be live streamed via Facebook for audiences not able to attend in-person.

Since 1990, Accordion Kings and Queens has showcased the musical diversity of Texas accordion styles, featuring the music royalty of Conjunto, Polka, Country Western, Zydeco, Cajun and more. the vibrant showcase draws thousands of music fans to houston’s miller outdoor theatre to dance and enjoy roots music each year. the 2023 concert will feature a lineup of celebrated musicians including: 
Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole: one of the brightest young talents to emerge in cajun, creole and zydeco (louisiana french) music over the last decade, Cedric Watson is a four-time grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist & songwriter with seemingly unlimited potential. originally from san felipe, tx, cedric has performed french music in 17 countries and on 7 full-length albums with various renowned groups, including the Pine Leaf boys, Corey Ledet, Les Amis Creole with Ed Poullard. Cedric’s albums are a tapestry of pulsing rhythms and creole poetry, and his live performances are unforgettable, all at once progressive and nostalgic.

Grupo Imagen: Grupo Imagen is a Tejano-Conjunto band based out of Corpus Christi, TX. 2015 recipient of the Tejano Music Award’s Best New Group category, Grupo Imagen has performed across Texas and has recorded three studio albums, performing primarily their own original compositions. The band is fronted by accordionist Silvia Navarro and vocalist Lorissa Chapa and continues to break barriers in the industry in their commitment to centering Tejana voices in their projects.


Alex Meixner Band: Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz and ethnic music, Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold-out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. For Alex, it’s more than playing energetic shows; it is a mission to provide a much-needed positive experience that pulls communities together to celebrate history, culture and genuinely good times.

“Texas Folklife is thrilled for Accordion Kings & Queens to be part of the Miller Outdoor Theatre’s 100th season of programming!” Said Texas Folklife Executive Director Charlie Lockwood. “No other event celebrates the legacy and lasting impact of Texas accordion music traditions like AKQ, and no other venue creates a vibrant atmosphere for this music and our diverse audience more than the Miller Outdoor Theatre. We are looking forward to a night of amazing accordion performances and dancing, hope to see you there!”  


Tickets for advanced assigned seating are available now exclusively to Texas Folklife members or free tickets will be available on a first-come-first-served basis at the Miller Outdoor Theatre website and box office the day before the performance at 10:00am.

For those planning to attend the live event, both covered and outdoor seating will be available. Covered seats will require a free digital ticket, which are available now to Texas Folklife members before the general public.

The Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, Texas 77030 

For Media & Program Contact: 
Charlie Lockwood, Executive Director
(512) 441-9255; akq@texasfolklife.org

For Advertising & Sponsorship Contact:
Maya Williams-Britton, Outreach & Marketing Manager
(512) 441-9255; memberships@texasfolklife.org

About Accordion Kings & Queens; 
Accordion Kings & Queens has showcased the extraordinary accordion music of Texas at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre since 1990. The event celebrates the cultural diversity of Texas by bringing communities together for an evening of dancing and roots music played on the accordion. 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 Raven Grill and Texas Commission on the Arts. Please reach out to sponsorship contact above for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

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.