Program: Touring Roster
Are you looking to book talent for an upcoming in-person or virtual event? Texas Folklife is part of the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) Touring Roster and works with several bands formed by our former Big Squeeze youth accordion contest champions that you can book for your event.
Booking a Touring Roster Artist
We will work within your budget and production circumstances for in-person and virtual events. If you would like more information, please contact info@texasfolklife.org.
This quarterly program supports Texas schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations for hiring an artist from the TCA Touring Roster to give a performance, residency, or workshop. These applications are funded based on a sliding scale ranging from 30% to 50% of contracted fees. Support is based on TCA’s available funds. Contact TCA at (512) 463‐5535 for more information.
2022-2023 Quarterly Funding Deadlines
November 1, 2022 (for activities occurring December 15, 2022 - March 14, 2023)
February 1, 2023 (for activities occurring March 15 - June 14, 2023)
May 1, 2023 (for activities June 15 - August 31, 2023)
August 1, 2023 (for activities occurring September 1 - December 14, 2023)
Steps to Apply
STEP 1: You must be a Texas based nonprofit, educational organization or unit of government
STEP 2: Determine which artist you'd like to perform at your event, and discuss performance fee rates with Texas Folklife.
STEP 3: Start a contract for the agreed upon artist/event date/performance fee with Texas Folklife.
STEP 4: Set up an online account here and submit application and supporting documents with TCA before the quarterly deadline.
STEP 5: Submit grant report and follow other obligations to TCA once funded.
General info & guidelines: https://www.arts.
FAQ from TCA: https://www.arts.texas.
Meet the Touring Roster Artists
Touring package can include a screening of Texas Folklife's 'The Big Squeeze' documentary film by esteemed filmmaker Hector Galan. Musician-led workshops and related Accordion Kings and Queens photo exhibition celebrating the diversity of Texas accordion music are also available. The project can be scaled to the presenter's budget.
Keyun Dickson & the Zydeco Masters (Zydeco)
Keyun Dickson from Humble,TX has been playing the accordion since the age of three. In 2010, Keyun became the first zydeco performer to win Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze contest. Keyun & The Zydeco Masters, based in Houston, has performed all over the state and region for nearly 15 years. Keyun & the Zydeco Masters released "Pack Another Bag" & “Keyun Live @ Jax” in 2020.
You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Their music can be found & purchased through-Google Play, Apple iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, and more.
https://youtu.be/4dwEDE-q-J8
https://youtu.be/q2WGL1icXFM
Donovan Bourque (Cajun)
Donovan Bourque has been playing music since he was 10 years old. He has played with Walter Mouton, Chris Miller, Steve Riley, and many others. He currently plays steel guitar with Cajun Strong and many other musicians as well. You can see him switching back and forth, playing many different instruments on the bandstand including accordion, guitar, bass, fiddle, drums, and steel guitar. Donovan says one of the best experiences he has is getting to play Cajun music and getting to travel to new places doing what he loves. He won the Cajun & Zydeco category of Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze contest in 2017.
Nachito Morales & Los Moralez (Conjunto/Tejano)
Ignacio “Nachito” Morales is the lead singer and accordionist for family band, Los Morales from Dallas who celebrated ten years as a band in 2022, with their first public performance being at the Big Squeeze in Austin in 2012. He is also featured on our “Accordion Kings & Queens LIVE 2012” CD. Morales was the 2011 Big Squeeze champion.
Mason Nesvadba (Polka)
Mason Nesvadba won the Big Squeeze contest in the Polka category in 2017. He formed the M&M Playboys in 2020 with friend Mason Krause. The two shared a commonality in that they had polka musicians in their families. Mason graduated from Needvile High School and currently resides in Guy, TX and teaches music as Assistant Director of Bands for Van Vleck ISD.
