Accordion Kings and Queens 2023

Additional time info:

Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole: One of the brightest young talents to emerge in Cajun, Creole and Zydeco (Louisiana French) music over the last decade, Cedric Watson is a four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist & songwriter with seemingly unlimited potential. Originally from San Felipe, TX, Cedric has performed French music in 17 countries and on 7 full-length albums with various renowned groups, including the Pine Leaf Boys, Corey Ledet, Les Amis Creole with Ed Poullard. Cedric’s albums are a tapestry of pulsing rhythms and Creole poetry, and his live performances are unforgettable, all at once progressive and nostalgic.

Grupo Imagen: Grupo Imagen is a Tejano-Conjunto band based out of Corpus Christi, TX. 2015 recipient of the Tejano Music Award’s Best New Group category, Grupo Imagen has performed across Texas and has recorded three studio albums, performing primarily their own original compositions. The band is fronted by accordionist Silvia Navarro and vocalist Lorissa Chapa and continues to break barriers in the industry in their commitment to centering Tejana voices in their projects.

Alex Meixner Band: Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz and ethnic music, Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold-out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. For Alex, it’s more than playing energetic shows; it is a mission to provide a much-needed positive experience that pulls communities together to celebrate history, culture and genuinely good times.

“Texas Folklife is thrilled for Accordion Kings & Queens to be part of the Miller Outdoor Theatre’s 100th season of programming!” said Texas Folklife Executive Director Charlie Lockwood. “No other event celebrates the legacy and lasting impact of Texas accordion music traditions like AKQ, and no other venue creates a vibrant atmosphere for this music and our diverse audience more than the Miller Outdoor Theatre. We are looking forward to a night of amazing accordion performances and dancing, hope to see you there!”

Tickets for advanced assigned seating are available now exclusively to Texas Folklife members or free tickets will be available on a first-come-first-served basis at the Miller Outdoor Theatre website the day before the performance at 10:00am. Ticket information can be found here. 

For those planning to attend the live event, both covered and outdoor seating will be available. Covered seats will require a free digital ticket, which are available now to Texas Folklife members before the general public. For more information, visit: https://texasfolklife.org/akq2023.

For those planning to watch from home, catch the livestream at:

http://www.facebook.com/millertheatre or http://www.facebook.com/texasfolklife