36th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert

Date: June 7, 2025

Time: 7–10 PM

Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre

6000 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030

Performances by:

Sean Ardoin

Brave Combo

The Texas Sweethearts

Alyssa Villarreal and the newly crowned Big Squeeze Ambassador

Click here for members-only RSVP & Auction

Tickets will be available here starting June 6 at 10:00 AM!!

Join us for Texas Folklife’s 36th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert, a joyous celebration of Texas’s rich cultural and musical heritage! This free event showcases the accordion, an instrument deeply woven into the state’s diverse folk traditions, from polka and conjunto to zydeco and beyond. Bringing together legendary performers, rising stars, and music lovers of all ages, it’s a night of unforgettable sounds, dance, and community spirit.

This year’s lineup features an extraordinary mix of talent:

Sean Ardoin – A five-time Grammy-nominated zydeco powerhouse, Sean brings Creole music to life with electrifying performances. A descendant of zydeco pioneer Amédé Ardoin, Sean has earned international acclaim with hits like “Kick Rocks” and “Kreole Rock and Soul”. He’s graced stages from Carnegie Hall to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NCIS: New Orleans, showcasing his unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Brave Combo – Known as America’s premier dance band, Brave Combo takes audiences on a global musical journey. The Grammy-winning quintet from Denton, TX, blends polka, rock, salsa, cumbia, and more into their signature high-energy style. For over three decades, their infectious rhythms and eclectic sound have entertained fans worldwide, making them a beloved Texas treasure.

The Texas Sweethearts –  A family band from the Rio Grande Valley playing your favorite tunes, Tex-Mex style.

Adding to the excitement, the event spotlights rising talent from Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze program, which nurtures the next generation of accordionists. The 2024-2025 Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador, Alyssa Villarreal, will perform alongside the newly crowned 2025-2026 Youth Ambassador, announced at the contest finals in Austin. These young musicians embody the future of Texas traditions, inspiring audiences with their skill and passion.

The accordion, widely regarded as the unofficial “National Instrument of Texas,” plays a unifying role in the cultural expressions of Texan communities, blending influences from Mexican, Czech, German, Cajun, and Creole roots. Accordion Kings & Queens is not just a concert—it’s a tribute to the diversity, resilience, and beauty of Texas’s cultural heritage.

So dust off your dancing boots, bring your friends and family, and join us for an evening of lively rhythms, unforgettable performances, and community celebration.

This event is free and open to the public—don’t miss this historic celebration of Texas music and culture!

Tickets for Covered Seating at Miller Outdoor Theatre

• Admission is always free at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

• A portion of covered seating tickets can be reserved online at www.milleroutdoortheatre.com starting at 10:00 AM the day before the performance until noon on the day of the show, or while supplies last.

• Remaining tickets will be available at the Box Office, which opens one hour before the show begins.

• You must be 16 or older to reserve tickets. Limit of four tickets per order.

• Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. Unclaimed seats may be released at showtime or at the manager’s discretion.

• To reserve accessible seating, call 832-487-7123. These tickets are not available online.

Hill Seating

• Hill seating is open to all and does not require a ticket. First come, first served.

• If you are facing the stage, lawn chairs should be placed on the left side of the hill, and blankets on the right side.

• Bicycles should be left in designated bike racks. Please do not bring pets.

• Smoking and vaping are not allowed on the hill.

Accessible Seating

• Wheelchair-accessible spaces are available in the covered seating area.

• Accessible seating must be reserved in advance by calling 832-487-7123.

Additional Venue Policies

• Miller Outdoor Theatre provides a casual and welcoming performing arts experience for all guests.

• You are welcome to bring picnics. Alcohol is permitted, but glass containers are not.

• Pets are not allowed.

• Smoking, vaping, and drones are prohibited on the premises.

• Free parking is available in Hermann Park lots near the theatre. Due to limited parking, we encourage carpooling, ridesharing, or using public transportation.