The Tune Up: A Texas Folklife Benefit Concert
One night of accordion-driven Texas music to power the heritage programming you love. The Tune Up is the warm-up to Accordion Kings & Queens, and every ticket helps Texas Folklife keep these traditions alive on stage and in communities across the state.
Headlining the night is Conjuntazzo, featuring Grammy Award winner Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox. Expect outstanding accordion work, powerful vocals, and an authentic Tex-Mex sound that blends classic conjunto with lively, tropical-tinged cumbias. Opening the show is Mark Halata Texavia, bringing the Czech-Moravian polka tradition that runs deep through Texas dance halls.
Come thirsty and ready to dance. Signature King and Queen cocktails and mocktails will be pouring all night.
When: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Where: Rockefeller’s Houston, 3620 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Schedule
Doors open: 6 PM
Special performance by former Big Squeeze ambassador Alyssa Villarreal: 7 PM
Concert begins: 8 PM
Tickets
General Admission: $25
VIP: $45
General Admission
First floor. Tables and seats are first come, first served.
VIP
Second floor access, exclusive artist meet and greet, and two drink tickets.
Grab your tickets, bring a dance partner, and help us tune up for the main event.
About the Performers
Conjuntazzo Feat. Grammy Award Winner Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox
Conjuntazzo is a high-energy conjunto known for its outstanding accordion performances, powerful vocals, and authentic Tex-Mex sound. Blending classic conjunto favorites with lively cumbias infused with a tropical flair, Conjuntazzo delivers a dynamic musical experience that keeps audiences dancing and engaged. With a passion for tradition and a fresh, vibrant style, the band brings the best of conjunto music to every stage they play.
Joel Guzman’s career is distinguished by his collaborations with some of the most iconic names in music. He has toured with legendary artists such as Paul Simon and Tom Jones, performing on stages around the world. His ability to play a wide range of instruments has made him a sought-after talent for major musical acts, showcasing his versatility and profound musicianship. Check out Joel’s latest collaboration with Sarah Fox, CONJUNTAZZO PURO TEJAS, available now on all platforms.
Mark Halata Texavia
http://www.halatamusic.com/about.html
Mark Halata was Texas State Accordion Champion at age 13 and has spent his life in tune with the Czech-Moravian music of his ancestry. Self-taught in his formative years, he keeps alive the songs and culture he grew up with, shaped by Texas polka bands like Joe Patek, Wence Shimek, and The Red Ravens. He is also proficient in country, Cajun, Zydeco, Tex-Mex, and rock ‘n’ roll, and has jammed with the likes of Dave Alvin and Los Lobos.
For Texavia, Mark wanted simple, uncluttered arrangements, recruiting renowned Austin bassist Mark Rubin of Bad Livers, with Bruce and Jeff Brosch, sons of legendary Czech bandleader Jimmy Brosch, on rhythm guitar and drums. Grab a cold beer and a dance partner, and welcome to Texavia, the Texas-Moravian accordion heaven.