Amplify Magazine, Fall '25 | Presented by Performing Arts Houston
FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC
30th Concert Series | 2025–2026
ANNA LAPWOOD, organ
“She had rightly become the world’s most visible organist.”
September 19, 2025 | Fri, 7pm
A&M United Methodist Church
In collaboration with A&M UMC
DREAMERS’ CIRCUS
fiddle, accordion, piano, cittern
October 29, 2025 | Wed, 7pm
Ice House on Main
Nordic folk + your favorite beverage
Historic ambiance sponsored by Ice House
DANISH STRING QUARTET
“There are simply two kinds of string quartets: the Danish, and the others.”
November 19, 2025 | Wed, 7 pm
First Presbyterian Church
CANADIAN BRASS
“The world’s most famous brass group”
February 1, 2026 | Sun, 5pm
A&M United Methodist Church
In collaboration with A&M UMC
CANTUS | Land That I Love
Low-voice a cappella ensemble
April 17, 2026 | Fri, 7pm
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
O ME
maybe we’ve met
If you've seen Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, David Sedaris, or Blue Man Group in Houston—or a thousand other unforgettable artists—there's a good chance that was us. We’re the ones bringing the world to the stage, inviting all to see. The theater is a place of mythic wonder. Amazing things can happen. More often than not—they do. Take your time. Soak it in. Keep the best moments with you. And come back—what’s next at Performing Arts Houston might surprise you.
SEP 14
OCT 4
OCT 8
OCT 20
OCT 21
OCT 24
NOV 4
NOV 12
NOV 14–15
NOV 21–22
fall 2025
Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Aristo Sham: 2025 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist
An Evening with Samin Nosrat
An Evening with Jane Fonda
Lila Downs: Día de los Muertos
TwoSet Violin
An Evening with David Sedaris
Mariza
Step Afrika!: The Migration Hung Dance: Birdy
winter 2026
DEC 12
DEC 23–24
JAN 16–17
JAN 22
JAN 29
JAN 31-FEB 1
FEB 26
A Time For Three Holiday
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Ballet Hispánico: CARMEN.maquia
Chris Thile
Blade Runner Live Gazillion Bubble Show
Mnozil Brass: Strau$$
spring 2026
MAR 3
MAR 5
MAR 6–8
MAR 12–22
MAR 14
MAR 20–21
APR 7–12
APR 16
Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Billie Eilish, Bridgerton & Beyond
Alexander Malofeev, Piano
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Mrs Krishnan’s Party Lúnasa
New/Now
Blue Man Group: Bluevolution World Tour
Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies, Part II
summer 2026
MAY 1
MAY 7
JUN 12–13
JUN 19–21
Rhiannon Giddens
Cameron Carpenter, Organ
Ballets Jazz Montréal: Dance Me, Music by Leonard Cohen
Riverdance: 30th Anniversary World Tour
Your seat’s waiting
Why just attend when you can belong? Become a member from just $25/year. performingartshouston.org | @PerformingArtsHouston
the rundown on why each show is actually amazing
JEFF GOLDBLUM & THE MILDRED SNITZER ORCHESTRA
SEP 14
Plot twist: Jeff plays jazz.
ARISTO SHAM: 2025 VAN CLIBURN GOLD MEDALIST
OCT 4
The newly minted Cliburn Competition Gold Medalist plays Beethoven & more.
AN EVENING WITH SAMIN NOSRAT
OCT 8
If you’ve ever eaten food you need this. The all-around wonderful chef and author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat talks her new book—Good Things
AN EVENING WITH JANE FONDA
OCT 20
Jane is literally iconic. Activism, acting, and living legend energy in one evening.
LILA DOWNS: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
OCT 21
Lila’s performances sell out for a good reason—it’s a celebration of music and family like no other. Day of the Dead done right.
TWOSET VIOLIN
OCT 24
Classical music IS fun. Violinists turned YouTube mega stars bring fresh energy and fun. One second, you’re laughing. The next, you’re like “woah.”
AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS NOV 4
Houston’s obsessed with David for a good reason. If you haven’t read his work, stop by Brazos Bookstore, fix that immediately. Then, get tickets.
MARIZA NOV 12
Fado is Portuguese blues music, and Mariza OWNS this genre. Don't text your ex--come see Mariza instead.
STEP AFRIKA! THE MIGRATION NOV 14–15
The world’s premier stepping company goes hard. Their latest work brings American history to life. Step up and get those tickets!
HUNG DANCE: BIRDY NOV 21–22
This STUNNING dance company from Taiwan makes their Houston debut.
A TIME FOR THREE HOLIDAY DEC 12
Enjoy fresh renditions without ad breaks or holiday shopper hordes by these GRAMMY®-winning charmers. Fa La La La Ahhhhhh.
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE DEC 23–24
Acrobats in your holiday dreams? Yes, please. Bring the fam for a holiday spectacular the opposite of stuffy.
BALLET HISPÁNICO: CARMEN.MAQUIA JAN 16–17
Carmen reimagined and serves looks. Bold, rhythmic, culturally rich, with Picasso-inspired design. Freakin’ fierce.
CHRIS THILE
JAN 22
Cool in a genius-musician kind of way, making the highest mastery look like the easiest thing in the world.
BLADE RUNNER LIVE
JAN 29
No cap, you’re not ready. Prime Harrison Ford with the music played live.
GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW
JAN 31–FEB 1
Blowing bubbles but make it cool. With magic and—are you kidding??—LASERS.
MNOZIL BRASS: STRAU$$
FEB 26
Your favorite brass player’s favorite brass players. Formed in a pub, not a concert hall, these guys do some crazy stuff.
VITAMIN STRING QUARTET
MAR 3
The world's most popular strings play the music of Billie Eilish, Bridgerton , and more.
ALEXANDER MALOFEEV, PIANO
MAR 5
Watching this pianist is like Formula 1— risky, thrilling, completely in control.
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
MAR 6–8
Ailey is tradition. Ailey is the place to see and be seen. Ailey is Revelations Google it and prepare to understand.
MRS KRISHNAN’S PARTY
MAR 12-22
It's a party! An immersive theater event where attendees can join the fun.
LÚNASA
MAR 14
Hold my green beer. Irish music as good as it gets, locked-in.
NEW/NOW
MAR 20-21
Mezclada Dance, Kay Prince, and Kinetic Ensemble make works just for HOU.
BLUE MAN GROUP
APR 7-12
Three blue bald guys = legendary entertainment. If their next big show doesn’t come to Houston, you can’t call it a World Tour.
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: AN ASTROPHYSICIST GOES TO THE MOVIES • APR 16
Houston’s science dad takes on Hollywood. Spoiler: some movies would not work IRL.
RHIANNON GIDDENS
MAY 1
She’s so good. Whatever you think folk music is, this is what’s real and what it can be.
CAMERON CARPENTER, ORGAN
MAY 7
“The punk of organ,” brings glitter and technical perfection to Bach and an EPIC Pictures at an Exhibition.
BALLETS JAZZ MONTRÉAL: DANCE ME , MUSIC BY LEONARD COHEN • JUN 12–13
The dance Cohen’s music deserves. Timeless and seductive. Exhibition.
RIVERDANCE
JUN 19–21
30 years of pageantry and legendary leg muscles. Perfect timing for Houston’s World Cup games.
staff
Meg Booth
President & Chief Executive Officer
Brenda Oliveira
Board Liaison & Executive Assistant
artistic programming & operations
Jennifer Steiner Director of Operations
Lee Strickland Director of Artistic Programming development
Jordan Drum Director of Development
Nicole Oliva Development Manager
Caroline McCain
Senior Development Associate
Seth Nicholas Development Associate education
Ashley Warner Director of Education and Community Engagement
Janette Hendrix Program Manager, Education & Community Engagement
finance
Leslie Nelson Chief Financial Officer
Phoebe Vo Accounting Manager
marketing & communications
Brian Glass
Director of Marketing
Caroline Senter
Public Relations Manager
Michelle Sclider
Patron Services Manager
Ashley Johnson
Patron Services Associate
Jacqueline Vazquez
Box Office Associate
Drew Ritch
Box Office Associate
board of directors
Vijay D’Cruz
Chair
Charles Boettcher, Sr. Vice Chair
Curt D. Karges
Treasurer & Vice President, Finance & Audit
Tymothi O. Tombar
Secretary
Willie C.W. Chiang
Vice President, Nominating & Governance
executive committee members directors
S. Kris Agarwal
Jeffrey A. Ball
Leah R. Bennett
Meg Booth, Ex Officio
Charles D. Davidson
Theresa A. Einhorn
Stephen M. Gill
Sean Gorman
G. Mark Jodon
Emily T. Kuo
Scott S. Nyquist
Marisol Salazar
H. William Swanstrom
Stephen M. Trauber
Jason P. Wells
directors
emeriti
James J. Postl
Robert B. Tudor III
Marcus A. Watts
John T. Jones Jr. Founder (1917-1994)
Jesse H. Jones II, President
Robert B. Tudor III, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary
Willie C.W. Chiang, Trustee
Melanie Gray, Trustee
Charles D. Davidson, Trustee
Theresa A. Einhorn, Trustee
James J. Postl, Trustee
H. William Swanstrom, Trustee
Stephen M. Trauber, Trustee
Marcus A. Watts, Trustee
performing arts houston representatives, foundation for Jones Hall 2025–2026
Tejuana L. Edmond
Vice President, Marketing & Sales
Melanie Gray
Vice President, Special Projects
Theresa Mallett
Vice President, Education & Community Engagement
Saul Valentin
Vice President, Development
Norah G. Adams
Esi Akinosho
Brian Bravo
Roxann Thomas Chargois
Mary Fischer
Wendy K.D. King
Joel Lambert
Taylor E. Landry
Ellen Levy
Chad Michael Ginni Mithoff
Katherine Easterby Murphy
Michaelene Lusk Norton
Salvador Pareja
Armando A. Perez
performing arts houston foundation
Meg Booth
Charles D. Davidson
Stephen M. Gill
Scott S. Nyquist
James J. Postl
Lance G. Reynolds
Omar Samji
Leslie Elkins Sasser
Andrew B. Smith
Kristina H. Somerville
Fernando Vizcaino
Jeffrey Webber
Margaret Alkek Williams
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater MAR 6–8
announcing every tenth seat
With the help of lead sponsor ExxonMobil, we're excited to announce Every Tenth Seat: Arts For All , a breakthrough commitment allocating 10% of tickets for 100% arts access for students, veterans, and community partners. On the 25/26 Season, that's over 10,000 tickets to the future of the arts and our city.
Learn more or help us create life-changing experiences at performingartshouston.org/tenthseat
by
Photo
Melissa Taylor
EVER Y TENTH SEAT LEAD SPONSOR
all in good taste with
Here, everything really is better! Our friends at H-E-B have hand selected wine with flair to accompany every twist, turn, and toast this season. Check out their perfect pairings, find them for sale by the glass at the bars in our venues, and grab a bottle of your own from your local H-E-B, all starting at under $30. Swirl, sip, sit back, and enjoy.
Wines were selected by H-E-B wine experts Ashley Guillen and Clayton Brooks
Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
September 14, 2025
Red: Chateau Virecourt Pillebourse Bordeaux*
We’ve chosen a wine that’s all about coziness, comfort and good vibes- Chateau Virecourt Pillebourse Bordeaux Supérieur. Like smooth jazz, it’s simultaneously rebellious and avant-garde yet comforting and nostalgic. As you enjoy the smooth stylings of the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, let the velvety and smooth tannins of this Cabernet/Merlot blend fill your palette with spontaneity and finesse.
2025 Van Cliburn Piano Competition Gold Medalist, Aristo Sham
October 4, 2025
Red: Lini 910 Lambrusco
Lambrusco is Northern Italy’s not-sowell-kept secret. It’s a lighthearted red sparkling wine that is classically made but also unique to the modern American wine-scape. Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Aristo Sham also embodies such a mindset: a respect for the classics with his own youthful and contemporary spin. While the maestro tickles the ivory with liveliness and gusto, enjoy the playful nature of Lini 910 with its fresh red fruit bouquet with a crispy dry finish.
White: Pierre Sparr Alsace Riesling
This Riesling is crisp and refreshing, showcasing notes of pear and nectarine balanced with a zippy acidity that’s hard to resist. What better way to enjoy Sham’s unique renditions of German icons Beethoven and Bach than with a distinctly French interpretation of an iconic German grape?
White: Underwood Pinot Gris*
This Pinot Gris is one cool cat! Soft and gentle, with layers and depth of flavor just waiting to be explored. This wine captivates the nostalgic and easy-going vibes of the Orchestraeffortless but impactful, with peppy citrus notes and a smooth finish.
*Sorry! These wines will only be available in the Green Room and Cast Party! But seriously, swing by H-E-B to pick up these wines! Smooth as Jeff's jazz.
An Evening with Samin Nosrat
October 8, 2025
Red: Masi Campofiorin
Bringing Tart cherry, a little earth, and an easy warmth make it the kind of red you want around when the conversation gets good. It’s generous without showing off — just like Samin’s cooking. Rooted in tradition but always full of joy, this wine invites you to slow down, pass the bread, and stay a little longer.
White: Welcome to Italy
Pinot Grigio
Zippy and full of charm, Welcome to Italy Pinot Grigio captures Samin Nosrat’s secret sauce: joy, balance and serious flavor without taking itself too seriously. This is a classic Chef’s Selection- it pairs easily with a variety of dishes, and its exceptional quality for the price ensures you won’t feel bad using a little splash to deglaze your pan!
An Evening with Jane Fonda
October 20, 2025
Red: Ondarre Primeur Rioja
Elegant, grounded, and unapologetically bold — this Rioja brings structure and soul to the table. Like Jane, it’s aged with intention: smooth, layered, and built to speak with quiet authority. A wine for thoughtful conversation, sharp wit, and knowing exactly when to take the gloves off.
White: Maison de Riviere Vouvray
Graceful with a quiet edge, this Vouvray is as layered and luminous as Jane herself. It’s soft but not sweet, never ever boring — the kind of wine that keeps evolving with every sip. A perfect match for someone who’s always known how to reinvent herself without losing her depth.
TwoSet Violin
October 24, 2025
Red: Dona Paula Cabernet Franc
Like TwoSet Violin, this is a bold reimagining of a timeless classic, blending centuries old music with modern wit and unfiltered creativity. Dona Paula Cabernet Franc has earthy roots and an expressive edge that mirrors TwoSet’s ability to honor tradition while playfully pushing the boundaries.
White: Daou Rose
This Rose is a radiant expression of elegance and charm, much like this duo’s playful brilliance. Its bright, refreshing character mirrors Brett & Eddy’s ability to make the classical feel effortlessly modern and approachable.
Lila Downs: Dia de Los Muertos
October 21, 2025
Red: E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone
Bold, vibrant, and deeply expressive, this Côtes du Rhône blend carries the spirit of tradition with a fresh, powerful voice — much like Lila Downs herself. Rich with ripe red fruit and earthy complexity, it honors heritage while celebrating boldness and resilience.
White: Pine Ridge White Blend
A refreshing companion to a night full of stories, song, and soul. This white blend mirrors the vibrant colors and joyful spirit of Lila Downs’s music with its crisp acidity and intense fruit flavors. This is a versatile white wine that balances celebration and reflection.
An Evening with David Sedaris
November 4, 2025
Red: Louis Jadot Beaujolais Village
David Sedaris reminds us that it’s ok to be funny and not too serious every now and then. His books are both thoughtprovoking and humorous, bringing a spark of wit into an ever more uncertain future. What better wine to embody this optimism and cheekiness than Jadot’s Beaujolais? It is light and fresh, juicy and fruity, with a pleasant dry finish, that reminds it’s alright to break conventions from time to time.
White: Yealands Sauvignon Blanc
This Sauvignon Blanc’s bright, crisp and unexpected character is the perfect match for turning David’s sharp wit, poignant self-reflection and everyday absurdities into laugh out loud storytelling.
Mariza
November 12, 2025
Red: Alexander Valley Vineyards
Homestead Red Blend
Mariza and her authentic Portuguese genre of music, Fado, are characterized by melancholic, soulful and introspective themes. What is most inspiring about Fado music, however, is its message of hope and optimism throughout the sadness. AVV Homestead Red Blend compliments the passion in Mariza’s music. A blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrahthe wine shows boldness and lightness at the same time. It’s a thought-provoking blend: one to spend time with, reflecting on its depth of flavor and our own personal range of emotions.
White: Banfi Principessa Gavi
Mariza sings with luminous clarity and emotional depth, much like Banfi Principessa Gavi. Bringing bright citrus, green apple, and mineral notes that offer a clean, elegant finish that lingers like a final perfect note.
Step Afrika!
November 14–15, 2025
Red: Petite Petite by Michael David
Just like Step Afrika’s precise and captivating movements, Petite Petite is a powerful, impactful wine that moves to its own rhythm, keeping time between the balance of mouthwatering acidity and percussive tannin.
White: The Wolf Trap by Boekenhoutskloof White Blend
Step into history with ‘The Great Migration’, then sip into something just as vibrant. The Wolf Trap White Blend merges Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc to a dazzling and powerful effect. All at once filled with notes of melon, gingerbread and honeysuckle, this wine is articulate and meaningful- making it the perfect partner to an evening of powerful storytelling and unforgettable footwork.
Hung Dance
November 21–22, 2025
Red: Brady Zinfandel
The sharp, poignant and powerful dance stylings of Hung Dance recall the intensity and energy of a well-made Zinfandel. This wine is pure power, with notes of plum, blueberries and a peppery finish. Brazy Zinfandel packs a punch and is unafraid to stand on its own.
White: Raimat Albarino
With crisp acidity and delicate floral finish, Raimat Albarino moves like the dancers of Birdy- precise, poised, and deeply expressive. It’s a pairing that balances elegance with edge, grounded tradition with modern grace.
In memory of Walt Zerkow (1951-2025)
Thank you, Walt, for decades of support.
—
Performing Arts Houston
work movement
by Aris Kian
I’ve long contemplated moving out of this city—the bayou-blue of my childhood, this concrete metropolis carved out and paved over time and time again. Every flood or freeze or freeway closure carries reasons that could fill an entire carry-on for that first flight out. Jacob Lawrence understood this struggle, magnified over 80
Step Afrika!’s The Migration (Nov 14-15 • Jones Hall) takes inspiration from the work of painter Jacob Lawrence depicting the Great Migration—the historic movement of African Americans from the South to the North in the 1900s. We asked former Houston Poet Laureate Aris Kian to write an essay drawing on the significance of Step Afrika's piece and Aris' own connection to the subject. You can join Aris for a Performing Arts Houston & Inprint Writing Workout on November 1.
years ago, when he archived this persistent history with The Migration Series , after which this very show was created, combining the cross-cultural movements of the Black diaspora. Consider movement in its many forms: the bended knee and bowed head, the curled fist above a crowd, the rush that rides every highway
in me when a neighbor asks for help: to chop down trees after a storm or to gather in solidarity outside of city hall. I’m reminded of the fight-or-flight my body begs of me—my blood’s birthright trip towards every pulsing limb pleading to be moved.
Still, it is a practice to drive the lifted foot in front of the other, then again. No matter your instinct, leaving behind what you know to seek a safety you don’t takes an exercise of the imagination, in believing there to be solid ground wherever you place your feet. Step Afrika! is one entryway into that exercise. Whether a community decides to migrate to a new city or to migrate towards new waves of thought and direct action, both require movement that is prepared, practiced and people-powered. When we synchronize our steps and
match each other’s breath, we better our ability to build a future worth protecting. I dare you to imagine these dancers as your neighbors; every clap: a hand held, every stomp: a safe landing. There are as many good reasons to leave Houston as there are to stay, and here we are again, despite all, because of one another. I ask you: what moves you to sweat, towards a staggered breath? What can knock the wind from you and carry you still? What more do you need to take that first step?
Aris Kian is a Houston enthusiast and student of abolition. Her poems are published with Button Poetry, West Branch, Obsidian Lit, The West Review, Write About Now and elsewhere. As an Inprint C. Glenn Cambor Fellow, she received her MFA from the University of Houston and received the 2022 Inprint Marion Barthelme Prize in Creative Writing. Her team Smoke Slam ranked #1 at the 2025 Bigfoot Regional Poetry Slam and #1 at the 2024 Southern Fried Poetry Slam. She ranked #2 in the 2023 Womxn of the World Poetry Slam. Kian previously served as the 20232025 Houston Poet Laureate and was selected as a 2025 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellow. about the author
introducing 2025-26
Every year, Performing Arts Houston’s New/Now commissioning and premieres, supports, promotes, and presents new works from Houston's most promising artists. We're thrilled to announce this year's commissioned artists: Mezclada Dance Company led by Joel Aguilera, Kay Prince, and Kinetic Ensemble.
These three visionaries create artistic programs that illuminate the stories and creative spirit thriving throughout our city. As they develop their premieres, they join a distinguished lineage of Houston artists who continue to shape our city's uniquely diverse and dynamic cultural landscape.
artists
is sponsored in part by
and
Additional support comes from
New/Now
Wells Fargo
the Powell Foundation.
the Performing Arts Houston through the Mattox Fund for New Works.
This piece couldn't exist without Houston. I want my work to be a mirror image of the Houston audience—what they look like, how they move, and how they live.
Mezclada Dance Company, led by Joel Aguilera
Joel Aguilera is a Houston-based choreographer, educator, and Olympic breaking coach. He has performed on global stages, from NBC segments with Snoop Dogg to international tours in Paris, Albania, and Montenegro, sharing the stage with artists like Lil’ Wayne, Pitbull, and GRAMMY® winner Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Joel is the founder of Mezclada Dance Company, a collective blending breaking, modern, and Latin dance to celebrate cultural diversity. Under his direction, Mezclada premieres eveninglength concerts and community outreach programs across Houston.
Joel’s New/Now work, De Aquí! (“From Here”), is a fusion of dance, live music, and short film. Drawing on salsa, breaking, and modern dance, the piece celebrates the voices of Houston’s Latin communities and their essential contributions to the city’s cultural fabric. De Aquí! features Mezclada dancers, live Latin musicians, and documentarystyle films spotlighting local stories of heritage, resilience, and creativity.
Photos by Claire McAdams
Kay Prince
Kay Prince is a composer and classical pianist whose work spans solo, chamber, and orchestral music. Her compositions blend emotional depth with formal clarity, often highlighting the expressive voices of piano, viola, and cello.
As Founder and Executive Director of B&W Classical Academy, Kay champions accessible music education and supports underrepresented composers through teaching, curriculum, and public programming. At the core of her work is a commitment to musical clarity, form, and emotional depth—whether composing for one instrument or many.
Kay’s commissioned work, The City Sings, is a five-movement orchestral suite inspired by Houston’s layered histories and communities. Written for strings, the piece captures both intimate and expansive dimensions of the city’s identity.
I don't think I look like a typical composer. I have locs; I wear nails and lashes, but I hope that at least one kid in the audience can see me and know that they can be a composer too, and still look like Houston.
Kinetic Ensemble
Jaylin Vinson, Composer
Kinetic Ensemble is a conductor-less, artist-led string orchestra redefining classical music in Houston. Named “Best Chamber Orchestra of 2023” ( Houston Press ), Kinetic is known for its vibrant sound, innovative programming, and commitment to diverse and underrepresented voices. Since its founding in 2015, the 16-member group has premiered over 30 new works and earned national acclaim for its dynamic performances. Their 2023 debut album, Kinetic , debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Traditional Classical chart. Their New/Now commissioned work Dark Matter , composed by Jaylin Vinson, blends classical, Gospel, and Afro-diasporic traditions, and reflects both Houston’s status as a hub for space exploration and its role in advancing Black artistic futures.
This piece is just my way of participating in a long practice of Black artistic expression that's so entrenched in our city's culture.
Jaylin Vinson, Composer
New/Now is your front-row seat to the creative pulse of Houston today. Discover art rooted in our city's diverse cultures. Connect with bold voices from your own community. Experience boundary-pushing performances you won't see anywhere else. See them take the stage with brand-new world premieres, March 20-21, 2026—only at Performing Arts Houston.
Eldorado Ballroom Houston
In June, we partnered with Solange Knowles to present the Eldorado Ballroom Houston —six nights of music, performance art, and film celebrating the legacy and revolutionary creativity of Black artists. A homegrown homage to Houston’s Third Ward and a bold step toward amplifying underrepresented voices in the performing arts.
Relive the series through photos by 2025 Salazar Arts Intern Sara Buchsbaum.
With great appreciation to the sponsors and partners. “Eldorado Ballroom Houston” was made possible in part by Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro, Roxann Thomas Chargois, Charlene and Tym Tombar, the Creuzot Family, Tejuana L. Edmond, Sis and Hasty Johnson, Eileen and Kase Lawal, the Performing Arts Houston Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, the Humphreys Foundation, the Vivian L. Smith Foundation, the Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts, and the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.
h-town showed up in
If there’s one thing our audiences have mastered, it’s pulling off the coolest looks in the Houston heat. Check out some of the standout looks from Eldorado Ballroom Houston.
individual supporters
$50,000+
Linda and Willie Chiang
Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro
Janet and Bill Swanstrom
Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
$25,000-$49,999
Jen and Doug Bosch
Nancy G. and Charles D. Davidson
Mignon and Stephen Gill
Lisa and Mustafa Parris-Cochinwala
Mari Salazar
Margaret Alkek Williams
Syma and Walt Zerkow
$10,000-$24,999
Anonymous
Ernesto D. Baca
Rachelle and Jeff Ball
Leah R. Bennett
Margaret and Brian Bravo
Janet and John Carrig
Roxann Thomas Chargois
Kourtney and Vijay D'Cruz
Tejuana L. Edmond
Theresa A. Einhorn and Donald Yurewicz
The Ensell Family
Wendy K.D. King and Warwick King
Jenny Koehler and Jason P. Wells
Emily T. Kuo and Michael Chu
Cara and Chad Michael
Judy and Scott S. Nyquist
Beverly and Jim Postl
Leslie Elkins Sasser and Shannon Sasser
Charlene and Tymothi O. Tombar
$5,000–$9,999
Norah G. Adams
Martha and S. Kris Agarwal
Charles and Casey Boettcher
Daniel Boss
Kathryn and Eric Brueggeman
Pamela and Ryan Castleman
Sig and Patricia Cornelius
Carl and Mary Sapp Fischer
Susan and Sean Gorman
Melinda and Jeffrey Hildebrand
Yvonne and Mark Jacobs
Curt and Stephany Karges
Sarah and Joel Lambert
Ellen and Joseph Levy
Mimi Lloyd
Theresa and Edward Mallett
Marilyn Maloney and Paul Longstreth
Ginni and Richard Mithoff
Katherine Easterby Murphy
Miki Lusk Norton and Ralph E. Norton
Kathryn O'Brien
Alifiya and Salvador Pareja
Laura and Daniel Pears
Corina and Armando Perez
Amy Marlyse Plato and Kelly Plato
Ann V. Rogers
Andrew B. Smith
Paola and Fernando Vizcaino
$3,000-$4,999
Oscar Burkholder
Elizabeth Collins
Susan E. Denson
Katrina L. Dibala
Timothy G. Green
Mary Van and David Grindle
Rachell L. Hill
Jesse H. Jones II and Terry Wayne Jones
Taylor and Daniel Kaufman
Amy LeBlanc
Performing Arts Houston gratefully acknowledges the individuals who support our performances and programs through generous membership contributions, donations, and special event support. For more information on member and donor benefits or to explore all the ways you can support Performing Arts Houston, please visit performingartshouston.org/support or contact Nicole Oliva at 713.632.8117 or noliva@performingartshouston.org
Larissa Lindsay and Stuart Bailey
Robert Santana
Whitney Wall Weighter and Jason Weighter
$1,000-$2,999
Anonymous (5)
Karen and Darren Beyer
Meg and Brandon Booth
Ignacio Carrion
Nancy Chafe
C.C. Conner and David Groover
The Creuzot Family
Carl R. Cunningham
Emily and Damon Daniels
Krista and Michael Dumas
Susan Guthrie Dunn
Diane Felder
Joe J. Fisher Jr.
Katherine and Walker Hale
Arianda and Richard Hicks
Jeffrey Hopkins
Sis and Hasty Johnson
Shane Kimzey
Susan and Michael Klaveness
Kirsten and Taylor E. Landry
Eileen and Kase Lawal
Sarah Lee
Jane and Steve Malashock
Barbara and Patrick McCelvey
Vickie L. Milazzo and Tom Ziemba
Linda C. Murray
Jim Oswald
Christina and Troy Porter
William S. Reynolds and Kathleen Williams
Gary Rodriguez and Michael Ball
Regina J. Rogers
Jason Ryan
Stephen Schwarz
Susan L. Thompson
Lisa and Saul Valentin
Wilson Van Tine
$500-$999
Anonymous (2)
Mari Alcala
Michael Bell
Rebekka and Damon Chargois
David and Carol Cooper
Catherine and Nick Dunbar
Sarah and Reza Ebrahimi
Jourdan Goode
Ted Harwood
James H. Hazen
Scott P. Howard
Ken and Tracy Janda
Susan Jarosz
James Johnston
Darryl King
Leticia Maldonado
Mavin H. Martin and Neil E. Mellen
Chris Montealegre
Leslie and Kent Nelson
Susan Snider Osterberg and Edward Osterberg
Tricia and Alan Ratliff
Terry Reasonover
Kristin and Lance Reynolds
George Rissky
Patrick Ryan
Molly Smith
Debbie and Gene Straka
Ashley Bales and Lee V. Strickland
Toya Terry
Mechelle Tran
Chris Truman A. and T. Waterhouse
Randy Williams
Atarayah Ysrayl
$250-$499
Anonymous (5)
Kipp W. Baxter
E. Brietzke
Carol Brooks Berglass
Ralph Burch
Annie and Will Cooper
Francisco Cruz
Stephen Cunningham
Khoa Dao
Kathy Beck and John Egbert
John Eldridge
Leslie Gassner
Mary Gleason
Kirksey Gregg
Jennifer Hardy
Janice Hale Harris
Rina Harris
Debra Gatison Hatter
Craig Hauschildt
Isabella Hawkins
Patrick Healy
Susan Hightower
Rick Hurst
Mitchell Karlson
Janice Kemp and John Kling
Farrah Kheradmand
Allyson Kinzel
Kelle and Chris Lambert
Juliet Lawrence
Christine Lloyd
Linda Lorelle and Lou Gregory
Ryan and Lindsey MacLeod
Matt Main
Vincent Malouf
Joaquin Martinez
Nisha Mathews
Ali McHenry
Kathryn McNiel
Jody and Gwendolyn Meraz
Rise Montrell
Ruben Nava
Rajat Parashar
David L. Peavy and Stephen R. McCauley
Juan Pena
Sharon Peoples
Christy Rawls
Jennifer Reed
Melissa Reihle
Leanne and Keith Reynolds
Michell Rios-Ordonez
Julia and Thomas Pascal Williams Robinson
Bryan Scrivner
Jay Sears
Vicki and David Sharp
Sarah Shull and Sabi Balkanyi
Jennie Simmons
Randal Smith
Roger Smith III
Thomas Smith
Jeremy B. Sochol
Sean Stewart
Nicole Stirling
Catherine Taylor
Edda Tinis
Melicia Tjoa
Karyl Van Tassel
Jennifer Waggoner
Kirk Wilhelmus
Herbert Willett
$100-$249
Anonymous (36)
Amr Abouleish
Sarah Adame
Robert Addington
Adelaide Adjovu
Minerva Agustin
Cecilia Alatriz and Layla Tobar
Cassy Albrecht
Gary and Yvonne Alden
Jackson Alford
Hedda Altamirano
Maria Elena Alvarez
Robert and Gloria Anderson
Pharr Andrews
Rachel Ansari
Evette Aranas
Tanya Arora
Monica Basiden
Alex Balbuena
Kimberly Ballew
Kimberly Barta
Janice Beal
Armando and Vanessa Benitez
Annie H. Bernstein
Claudine M. Bhandari
Maryana Bilenka
Carlos Bolanos
Greg Bowden
Jalisa Bracker
Ramona Brady
Richard Braverman
Lisa Brenskelle
The Bright Family
James Britton
Jim Hall and Linda Broocks
Julianne Brooks
George Brown
Jamie Buehler
Tinh D. Bui
Rian Butler
Linda Calles
Alicia Cannady
Brandon Cantu
Sherry Carmouche
Patricia Carnes
Gwendolyn Carsten
Charity Carter
Richard Carter and Elizabeth Sjoberg
Paolo Castagnoli
Carl Chargois
Lan Chen
Kannan Chockalingam
Doris Cleveland
Thomas Clingenpeel
John Clutterbuck
Renay Cohen
Phil Colvin
Irina and David Cook
Lawson Cooper
Kelly Corbin
Fred Corsiglia
Gigi Cox
Stephen Craig
Theresa Craig
Oriana Cruz
Elvis Cuevas
John Curtin
Pud Cusack
Tia Daniel
LaTonya Dansby
Janet Davis
Lisa and Alan Davis
Nikita Davis
Edgar De La Rosa
Peter Dear and Wendy Prater Dear
Charles Deaton
Michael and Carla Deavers
Sheila Diombala
Leslie and Ron Dragg
Diane Duff
Dan and Kathleen Duncan
Vance Edgar
Russell Edgington
Sandra Eguia
David Elizondo
The Elizondo Family
Alexandra Emsley
Fred Endelman
Kelly Epega
Jesse Erickson
Gabriel Espitia
Gracie Ricks and Scott Fagot
Margarita Farias
Chad T. Farley
Morris Farr
Shantau Fellows
Kelli Fereday
Jesse Flores
Suzanne Fong
Bobbie Fontenot
Ashley Fredericks
Mozell Funchess
Vanessa N. Gaona
Melvin Gardner
Mark Gartner
Cee Cee Gaunty
Magda Ghobashy
Kidada Gilbert-Lewis
Vanessa Gilmore
Richard C. Glass
Kristi and Martin Gollwitzer
Mark V. Goloby
Breona Gonzalez
Alayna and Zander Gorman
Seth Gravesmill
Kimberly Green
William Green
Susan Greenfield
Mark Guerra
Lilac and Felipe Guzman
MaryScott Hagle
Bambi Hall
Ryan Haller
Kathleen Harper
Deborah Harris
Darian Harrison
Yousuf Hasan
Clarissa Hinojosa
Ashley Holloway
Rachel Holton
Linda and Barry
Andrew F. Icken
Alfred Idem
Katherine Jackman
Cynthia Jackson
Denise Jackson
Michael Jackson
Rafael Jarquin
Corrie Jenkins
Casaundra Johnson
Margaret Jones
Angela N. Joseph-Ball
Elsa Kapitan-White
Indra Kartawidjaja
Lori Kennedy
Alexis Kiker
Sohyen Kim
Danny Kirkpatrick
Ashlee Knight
Jennifer Kocian
Miguel Kremenliev
Kanzeana and Sean Lamb
Jillian Lara
Stephanie Lawrence
Curtis Lea
Tina Lee and Joel Smith
Ann Leoni
Elizabeth Leos
Amber Lewis
Crystal and Donald Lewis-Brown
Cynthia Li
Alexis E. Lockhart
Dolores Lopez-Cardenas and Eduardo M. Lopez
Sommer Louie
Donielle Lozada
Courtney Lyons
Terence Ma
Ana MacNaught
Roger Maldonado
Neha Malik
Ari Malka
Michael Mandola
Valdete Manfron
Paul Manino and Elizabeth Cloninger
Natalie Marsh
Alex Martinez and Anita Shahani
Javier Martinez
Kim Martin-Long
Anna Matynia
Jeff McFarland
William H. McGrath
Heather McGriff
Brian Meigh
Rosalinda Mendez
Valerie Mendoza
Bobbi Jo Miller
Kara Mings
Emily Mitchell
Annette Moise
Curtis Monroe and Kelli Woody
J. Montelongo
Yessenia Montes
Tiara Nata
Andrew C. Navarre
Kharyne Neptune
Patrick Nguyen
Ihuoma Nwaogwugwu
Sylvia Ocampo
Leah Oren-Palmer
Brenda Orozco
Ronke Osibajo
Kathy Overly
Michele Owens-Johnson
Kim Padgett
Michael Palmer
Adecia Parker
Christine Patton
Lorena Perez
Chadwick Peters
Andrea and Carl Peterson
Evette Naaykens
Jerry Petrizzo
Charlotte Phillips
Jontel Pierce
Kim Pilcher
Marie and Douglas Polega
Casey Potter
Katherine and Tim Pownell
Michelle Presley
Ronda Prince
Diana Quintanilla
Diana Reyes
Ragan Rhodes
India Richmond
Nicole Ridgway
Jane and Alex Robinson
Julio Isaac Rodriguez
Debbie Roesler
Ryan Rongone
William Rubio
Desiree Samei
Rabia and Omar Samji
Michael Sanchez
Nayeli Sanchez
Melissa Sandefer
Dionna Saravia
The Saucedo Family
Tomi Scantlebury
Beth and Michael Schneider
Beth Scimemi
Soren Boyd
Andrea and Charles Seay
Dionel Segura
Babak Sepahyar
Nadia Serrano Simental
Mariyam Shagirova
Jeffrey Shaw
Robert Sheen
Samara Shepherd
Yvonne Shilow
The Siggers Family
Maxine Silberstein
Tonia Silcott
H. Colleen and Michael B. Silva Jr.
Victor Simms
Jennifer Simons
Katherine Singleton
Merrilyn Skelton
Andrew Smith
Beverly Smith
Denisa and Thomas R. Smith
Rodney Smith
Edna W. Saunders planned giving society
Dominic Cellitti* Andrew B. Smith* Sheri & Gary Winston*
*Charter Member
Launched with the 25/26 Season, the Edna W. Saunders Planned Giving Society celebrates those who remember Performing Arts Houston through estate or planned gifts. The Society is named in memory of Houston’s first impresario, Edna W. Saunders, who programmed and presented performances and events throughout Houston for over 45 years. To learn more about legacy giving to Performing Arts Houston and Saunders Society benefits, contact Jordan Drum, Director of Development , at 713.632.8104 or jdrum@performingartshouston.org or visit performingartshouston.org/support/planned-giving.
Listings as of August 1, 2025
John Spelman
Amritaa Sreeram
Galen Staats
Jasmine Stevens
Haley Steward
Ronda Stieber
Ebone Stowers
Joycelyn Streator
Andrew Sung
Hellen Sutley
Sandra Swofford
Jordyn Anderson and Cydni Talton
Jennifer Taylor
Karen Terrell
Kerry-Ann Thompson
Brianna Tillman
Elizabeth Troxler
Laura Tyson
Monica Valdez
Raymond Valdez
Nizete-Ly Valles
Mary and Martin Vandenbrook
Mary Vargo
Jane Vaselenak
Naomi Ventura
Irma and Julio Villatoro
John M. Vitucci
Sixto Wagan
Janice Wagner
David Wainwright
Marquel Walker
Emily Weinstein
Marcia West
Susan West
Jennifer Westbrooks
Shantel Wetherall
Carlyle White
Edward Willey III & Aramis J. Willette
Jennifer Williams
Julisa Williams
Teri Williams
Cathy Williamson
Chris Williamson
Juliet Wilson
Cecilia Winters-Morris
Carrie Wirsing
Margaret Wische
Kimberly Wisner
Christine Wong
Melissa Yarborough
Jasmine Young
Kyuson Yun
OCT 21
Lila Downs: Día de los Muertos
institutional partners
corporate partners
$100,000+
ExxonMobil †
$50,000-$99,999
Admiral Transfer & Rigging
CenterPoint Energy
ConocoPhillips †
H-E-B†
$25,000-$49,999
Lé Meridien Houston Downtown*
WM*
$10,000–$24,999
711 FIT*
City Kitchen*
Performing Arts Houston is proud to recognize our corporate, foundation, and government partners for their exemplary community leadership and support of our performances and programs. To learn more about partnership opportunities and benefits, please contact Jordan Drum at 713.632.8104 or jdrum@performingartshouston.org.
Ernst & Young LLP
Motiva Enterprises LLC
Plains All American
TD Securities
Troutman Pepper Locke†
Truist
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Wells Fargo†
Westwood Wealth Management
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
$5,000–$9,999
Bracewell LLP
Collaborate
The Friedkin Group†
Goldman Sachs
foundations & government agencies
$100,000+
Houston Arts Alliance through the Cit y of Houston
Houston Endowment, Inc. †
The Humphreys Foundation†
Texas Commission on the Arts † The Wortham Foundation, Inc. †
$50,000-$99,999
The Brown Foundation, Inc. † Powell Foundation
matching supporters
Apple Inc.
Chevron Corporation
The Coca-Cola Company
ConocoPhillips
Corebridge Financial
Coterra Energy Inc.
Phillips 66
Plains All American
Shell Truist
*Includes in-kind support
†Indicates 10+ years of consecutive support
Listings as of August 1, 2025
Houston First Corporation*
J.P. Morgan
Legacy Community Health Services
StoneTurn Group
$1,000-$4,999
Bright Star Productions*
Corebridge Financial
Coterra Energy Inc.
LD Systems*
POST Houston*
$25,000-$49,999
The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts †
M.D. Anderson Foundation†
Vivian L. Smith Foundation
Wasserman Foundation
$10,000-$24,999
Heimbinder Family Foundation
Kayser Foundation
$5,000-$9,999
George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation†
MAR 14
Lúnasa
houston creates
We could talk for days about how the arts change lives. Instead, we’ll let a few dear friends make the case.
José Longoria
Director of Mariachi Imperial de America, UH / Mariachi Pumas / Mariachi Las Chabelitas / Houston HS Allstar Mariachi
"I always tell my students that I’m not just here to make them into mariachis. I’m here to show them something unique, something different, and something to help them express themselves. I’m going to show them how to be teammates and how to be responsible for something even bigger than themselves. They’ll use that in real life. It doesn't matter what career they have, they’ll use those lessons. "
Jessie
Ferguson
Former Salazar Arts Intern / Dancer / Founder & Artistic Director, BOOT Dance Project
"There are times I felt scorned by the arts. It’s hard to audition over and over again, face so much rejection, and pick yourself back up every time. In one of my courses, a really great professor talked about all the different paths in the arts. She was actually the one who encouraged me to apply for the Salazar Arts internship. She said, ‘spread yourself thin,’ you know, do whatever you can to stay in the arts world.
That really helped me—seeing that I can still make an impact in the arts, even if I’m not on stage in New York or something. It helped me reevaluate my priorities, you know, I’ve been able to find my own special niche in the arts community. I can have my own cool way of growing in the arts. "
See more Houston Creates, including our video series by CLICKON, at the QR code.
Amanda Clayton
Director of Backstage Operations, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
"As art makers, we talk about our connection with the audience, but what's always been the most rewarding for me is our connection with each other as we're creating something together. And so, what I'm excited about, is when I'm working on a project with a really good team, and when we get to build something together. I mean, obviously how we connect with the audience is also very important, but I think that when the audience has a really good experience, it's because they can feel what we've made together. "
