AKQ House Resolution

On October 18, 2021, the Texas House of Representatives passed a congratulatory resolution commemorating Texas Folklife's 32nd annual Accordion Kings & Queens concert. Representative Ann Johnson and Representative Christina Morales joint authored the resolution honoring the event's long standing significance in the community and extending to all those participating sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable experience.

HR 151 is a recognition by the Texas House of Representatives that will help bring statewide awareness and recognition of Texas Folklife's work preserving and presenting Texas music and culture. Unanimously adopted, the resolution is a statement of recognition and support by state leaders who understand the lifelong benefits of folk arts and culture.  

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By:  A. Johnson of Harris                           H.R. No. 151

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Texas Folklife is hosting its 32nd annual Accordion Kings & Queens concert in Houston on November 6, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1984, Texas Folklife works to preserve and present the state's diverse cultures and the vibrant traditions passed down within communities; the nonprofit organization explores the role of traditional arts in contemporary society and provides arts experiences for the enjoyment of young and old; through its outstanding efforts, it has earned designation by the National Endowment for the Arts as the official folk and traditional arts organization for Texas; and

WHEREAS, TXF has sponsored Accordion Kings & Queens for more than three decades; the free, family-friendly event draws thousands to Houston each year to enjoy the marvelous diversity of genres featuring the squeezebox, including conjunto, polka, country-western, zydeco, and Cajun; coverage by such media outlets as the New York Times, NPR, and Fox 8 New Orleans has raised its profile beyond our state's borders; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, TXF has showcased such nationally noted headliners as Flaco Jimenez Jr., CJ Chenier, Los Texmaniacs, and Eva Ybarra; it has also introduced rising stars, such as the champions of its Annual Big Squeeze Youth Accordion Competition, and it encourages the development of young musicians as the next generation of tradition-bearers through mentorships and opportunities to play for large crowds; and

WHEREAS, The festival went virtual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; for 2021, the event's reach has expanded, with options for fans to enjoy the performances both in person and online; and

WHEREAS, Bringing diverse communities together around a shared love of Texas music, Accordion Kings & Queens celebrates the richness of our cultural heritage while fostering its continued vibrancy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate Texas Folklife's 32nd annual Accordion Kings & Queens concert and extend to all those participating sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable experience.