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!

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Tickets

• Tickets for covered seating are always free at Miller.

• A portion of the tickets will be available for reservation online on

www.milleroutdoortheatre.com the day before each performance starting

at 10:00 AM through noon the day of the show, or until those tickets run

out.

• The remainder of the tickets will be available at the Box Office, which

opens an hour before the show starts.

• You must be 16 or older to reserve tickets and there is a maximum of 4

tickets per order.

• Please be in your seat at least 10 minutes before show time as unoccupied

seats will be released to the waiting public at the publicized show time or

at manager’s discretion.

• Tickets cannot be reserved by phone unless you need accessible seating,

by calling 832-487-7123.

• If you missed the chance to reserve a seat online, there are always tickets

available at the Box Office, which opens 1 hour before show time.

Hill Seating

• Hill seating is on a first come, first served basis.

• If you are facing the stage, lawn chairs should be placed on the left side,

and blankets should go on the right so that everyone has a great view.

• We ask that you leave bicycles in one of the nearby bike racks.

• Please leave your pets at home.

• There is no smoking or vaping allowed on the Hill.

Accessible Seating

• There are easily accessible wheelchair spaces in the covered seating area.

• To reserve accessible seating, you must call 832-487-7123 in advance.

These tickets are not available online.

Additional Policies

• Miller Outdoor offers a casual and relaxed performing arts experience for

seasoned audience members and new attendees alike!

• Bring your picnics! Alcoholic beverages are allowed at Miller, however no

glass containers please.

• Please leave your pets at home.

• No smoking or vaping is allowed at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

• Drones are not permitted on Miller premises.

• Free parking is available in the various Hermann Park lots around Miller.

Due to limited parking, we encourage carpooling, ridesharing, or using

public transportation!