87S30706 BPG-D
 
  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.