Miller Outdoor Theatre6000 Hermann Park DriveHouston, Texas 77030 Phone: 281-373-3386

Media Contact:Lydia Baehr Public Relations www.LTBaehr.comLydia Baehr 713-208-3421 Lydia@LTBaehr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2015

Miller Outdoor Theatre May scheduled performances

All performances are always freeFun facts and frequently asked questions at the bottom

HOUSTON ─ Houston's Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park is unique in the United States, offering an 8-month season of professional entertainment that is artistically excellent, culturally diverse and always FREE of charge to the public. This is the largest "always free" program of its kind in the country.

 Miller offers the most diverse season of professional entertainment of any Houston performance venue, and it's all FREE! Classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, classic films, and much more are included in this year's outstanding line-up. Relax in the covered seating area or enjoy a pre-performance picnic on the hillside. All performances at Miller are family-friendly!

Pablo Ziegler Trio for New TangoMay 1, at 7:45 p.m.

Society for the Performing Arts (SPA), bringing the world’s best to Houston, presents Latin Grammy-winning pianist, composer and arranger Pablo Ziegler and his Trio for New Tango.

With stripped-down, intimate arrangements of his essential Nuevo Tango repertoire, Pablo Ziegler offers a raw, elemental concert music program. He returns to Houston for one night only with a performance that will feature Hector Del Curto (bandoneon) and Claudio Ragazzi (guitar)

“To the devotee of Nuevo Tango, a performance by Pablo Ziegler is a deep experience, a trip to the heart of this music... He is a sort of musical brujo, a conjurer who can make all within earshot a believer in his message." -NY Jazz Report.

"It is called Nuevo Tango for its blending of jazz and the more traditional tango. But in the hands of Pablo Ziegler, it is, above all labels, transcendent music." -Montecristo Magazine.

“Just as a really suave tango dancer seems not to move with feet but on wheels, Ziegler skates the keyboard.” -The Los Angeles Times.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Produced by Society for the Performing Arts, this performance is sponsored in part by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, as well as Reliant, an NRG company; H-E-B; United; and JW Marriott.

-more-

Miller May performances/2

H-Town Get DownMay 2, at 8 p.m.

Top-notch dance crews. DJs. Live graffiti art. Spoken word. Get ready to get down at Houston's biggest—and best—hip-hop extravaganza! 

The city’s best crews, breakers and poppers take the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre with MC Outspoken Bean. With performances from So Real, Wyld Styl, Riot Squad, Soul Street, and HIStory, what's not to love? (Seriously.) Save the date and start packing your picnic — this one-night only event is jaw-dropping fun for the entire family.

Oh, and did we mention it's FREE? Yep, totally free.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Produced by Dance Houston.

Cinco de Mayo at Miller featuring Los LobosMay 3, at 8 p.m.

The celebration of Cinco de Mayo at Miller continues with a concert featuring the Grammy Award–winning group Los Lobos.

Louie Perez - Drums, Guitars, Percussion, Vocals Steve Berlin - Saxophone, Percussion, Flute, Midsax, Harmonica, Melodica Cesar Rosas - Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin Conrad Lozano - Bass, Guitarron, Vocals David Hidalgo - Vocals, Guitar, Accordion, Percussion, Bass, Keyboards, Melodica, Drums, Violin, Banjo Enrique "Bugs" Gonzalez - Drums/Percussion

More than three decades have passed since Los Lobos—known for their signature blend of Latin soul grooves, roots rock, Mexican folk, traditional Spanish, blues and R&B—released their debut album, Just Another Band from East

L.A. Since then, they’ve repeatedly proved that they aren't "just another" anything — they are, in fact, a band that has consistently evolved artistically while never losing sight of their humble roots.

Los Lobos video

Opening the festivities will be Mariachi Luna Llena from Rice University.  

Mariachi Luna Llena, Rice University’s first mariachi band, was founded by Alberto Rodriguez and became an official Rice University organization on October 3, 2013, with the generous support of Dr. Richard Tapia and Mr. David Medina.  Since its beginning, Mariachi Luna Llena has delivered high quality performances, including their first public appearance where Mariachi Luna Llena won first place at the Rice International Fest on October 19, 2013. Since then, Mariachi Luna Llena has been featured in local, national, and international news. 

-more-

Miller May performances/3

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston.

Our Feet Can Tell a Story: An African-American Cultural CelebrationMay 4, at 11 a.m.

A poetic and musical journey through time, this production celebrates the rich cultural heritage of African-Americans by tracing the many pathways and passages their feet have traveled — from ancient Africa to modern day Houston.

Written by Express Theatre’s longtime contributing playwright, Thomas Meloncon.

No tickets are necessary for covered seating area. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Produced by Express Theatre.

The Pastry PrinceMay 6, 7 and 8 at 11 a.m.

A comic story of a group of actors who put on a play for the noble Duke of Bologna—but things do not go quite as expected!

By Mark Buller and Anthony Silvestri, The Pastry Prince is a wonderful introduction to opera, and connects with students in grades 2-6. 

No tickets are necessary for covered seating area. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Produced by Houston Grand Opera.

Photo Credit: Lynn Lane - courtesy of Houston Grand Opera

-more-

Miller May performances/4

Movies at Miller – Houston Ballet’s Sons de L'âmeMay 8 at 8:30 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston Cinema Arts Society, and Houston Ballet present the stunning documentary dance performance film Sons de L'âme (“Sounds of the Soul”) choreographed by Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch and set to piano pieces by Frédéric Chopin performed by Lang Lang. Taped in Paris, and broadcast on television in several European countries, Houston Ballet’s performances premiered to standing ovations at the historic Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France in October 2013.  

The world premiere of the documentary originally appeared at Miller Outdoor Theatre as part of the 2014 Houston Cinema Arts Festival. Due to

unseasonably low temperatures that prevented many from attending in November, the film is being presented once again for those who missed the premiere (and, of course, for those who attended and want to see it again).

Reviewing Sons de L'âme for the Houston Press, critic D.L. Groover observed, “Welch has pared his distinctive choreography to match the refined music. The overall mood is clean and elegant, technically brilliant and powerfully emotive. Is there another contemporary choreographer who can move dancers on and off stage with such proficiency and know-how? The classical vocabulary he uses doesn't only express the music but also illuminates. He makes us see Chopin. The view is hypnotic.” 

No tickets are necessary for covered seating area. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston Cinema Arts Society, and Houston Ballet.

Photo Credit: Ian Casady and Jessica Collado | Photo: Sébastien Mathé - courtesy of Houston Ballet.

Day of Europe Celebration May 9, at 8 p.m.

6 p.m.: Small Stage and Miller Outdoor Theatre Plaza8.p.m.: Main Stage (ticketed)Music, dance, and merriment commemorating the 65th anniversary of the historical Schuman Declaration. From 6-7:30pm, enjoy folk dancing on the plaza, and at 8pm, a special musical concert on the main stage.

Tickets for the covered seated area are available for the 8.p.m. celebration ONLY.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the

day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre and the European Union Consulates in Houston.

-more-

Miller May performances/5

GiselleMay 15, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m.

Houston Ballet presents a full-length version of the classic tale of love and betrayal, Giselle.

One of the most famous and widely performed works of the Romantic era, Giselle tells the story of a beautiful peasant girl deceived by Count Albrecht, her subsequent transformation into a Wili (the ghosts of women betrayed on their wedding day), and her forgiveness of her errant lover which results in his salvation. 

Choreographed by Marius Petipa, after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, and set to music by Adolphe Adam, Giselle is a haunting, beautiful journey into an ethereal world filled with love, ghosts, and mystery. 

Also included on this program is Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch’s abstract work Clear, a poignant ballet danced to the moving music of Bach. Created for seven men and one woman, Clear showcases the amazing technical prowess and virtuosity of Houston Ballet’s male dancers.  

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Produced by Houston Ballet.

The Magic FluteMay 22 and 23 at 8 p.m.

Mozart's genius is supremely evident in his last opera, The Magic Flute. The fairy tale is matched with some of the most stunningly beautiful music ever written.

From the coloratura pyrotechnics of the Queen of the Night to Pamina's anguished lament, to the comic love duet of Papageno and Papagena, the music illustrates what set Mozart apart from his many rivals — a unique and profound understanding of humanity.

Replete with magical flutes, evil queens and dancing bears, Houston Grand Opera's The Magic Flute is a family-friendly feast for the eyes and the ears.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last)

at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Produced by Houston Grand Opera.

-more-

Miller May performances/6

Golden Dragon AcrobatsMay 27 at 8 p.m.

The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. World renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premier Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Cassandra Wilson Coming Forth By Day: a Celebration of Billie HolidayMay 29 at 8:30 p.m.

Join Cassandra Wilson as she celebrates Billie Holiday's 100th birthday. 

Showcasing her powerful blues, country and folk-tinged delivery, Grammy Award-winner Cassandra Wilson offers a special tribute concert to Billie Holiday on the centennial of Lady Day’s birth.

Wilson is a jazz musician, vocalist, songwriter and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. Described by critic Gary Giddins as “a singer blessed with an unmistakable timbre and attack who has expanded the playing field” by incorporating blues, country and folk music into her work.

She began playing piano at six, guitar by the age 12 and was working as a vocalist by the mid-70s, singing a wide variety of material. After moving to New York City in the early 80s, Wilson met saxophonist Steve Coleman and became one of the founding members of the M-Base Collective. She signed with Blue Note Records in 1992 and released a landmark album, Blue Light ‘Til Dawn, which would pave the way for a new generation of jazz singers seeking an approach and repertoire that challenges the supremacy of the American Standard songbook.

-more-

 

Miller May performances/7

Wilson has continued interpreting—in fresh and creative ways—vintage blues, country and folk music up until the present day. Her awards include: two Grammys, the Django D’Or, The Edison Music Award, a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail, and the 2012 Echo Award for Jazz. She also performed one of the leading roles in Wynton Marsalis’ “Blood on the Fields,” the first jazz work to receive a Pulitzer Prize.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Karma: The Wheel of LifeMay 30 at 8:30 p.m.

The wheel of life is spinning constantly, creating a lush, vibrant landscape of love, loss, laughter, tears, successes, and failures. A moving story of love, passion, and integrity, Karma: The Wheel of Life emphasizes the importance and impact of the everyday actions and choices that shape and create our life path.

Discover how—and why—love is the ultimate karma in this dynamic, colorful Bollywood dance production from India House and Naach Houston.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If

tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Produced by India House.

Photo credit: Jayanth Rahul Photography.

Fun Facts and Frequently Asked Questions about Miller Outdoor TheatreWhere is everyone going?Since 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has been one of Houston’s most beloved cultural treasures, a gathering place for the community and the site of thousands of memorable free performances.  That’s over 90 years of memories!Miller is unique in the United States, offering an eight month season of professional, artistically-excellent and culturally diverse entertainment completely FREE of charge to the public. This is the largest "always free" program of its kind in the country and it attracts hundreds of thousands each season.  From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, popular concert artists, films and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value.

What to expect at Miller Outdoor Theatre?Leave the neckties and high heels at home. Expect quality entertainment from around the world without the daunting dress code of a traditional theater. Miller Outdoor Theatre offers audiences a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy one another’s company as well as a great performance.

The price is right. All performances are always free!

-more-

Miller May performances/8

To the Right, or to the Left on the hill?Take a family vote on where you’d like to sit to enjoy the performance. Tickets are not necessary for hillside seating. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Please note that lawn chairs must be placed on the left side of the hill. Sit on the right side of the hill if you prefer to sit on a blanket.

How do you get a seat in the covered seating area for evening performances?Approximately 1,700 new seats were installed under the canopy in 2009. Admission is free for all performances. All evening shows (except movies) require tickets for admission for seats under the canopy. For those performances, assigned seat tickets are available, on a first-come basis and while supplies last, on the day of performance only between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the box office behind the theatre.  A maximum of four tickets per person over age 16 is allowed.  Any remaining tickets are released one hour before curtain. TICKETS MAY NOT BE RESERVED BY PHONE.

Can I lose my seat even though I had a ticket?All unclaimed seats are released 5 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin. We encourage all patrons to be in their seats 15 minutes before show time to insure that their seat will not be released. Again, there is NO charge for tickets.Please note: At management’s discretion, all unoccupied seats may be released at any time for any reason.  

How do you get a seat in the covered seating area for daytime performances?The Daytime Children’s Series offers teachers and parents alike an excellent opportunity to expose youngsters to the delights of the performing arts with a series of productions designed especially for children.  Performances begin at 11 a.m. and last approximately 1 hour. No tickets are necessary for covered seating area. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Paper or Plastic?You choose. But, definitely NO glass containers of any kind are allowed.

You’ll never go hungry hereMiller Theatre’s concession stand offers refreshments and other supplies for picnics. Purchasing concessions at Miller Theatre supports the free performances.

No SmokingMiller Theatre is a NO SMOKING zone.  Smoking is not allowed in any City of Houston Park, including Hermann Park. No smoking at the theatre, on the plaza or on the hill. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

What to packDecisions, decisions…there are so many choices. Pack a picnic basket with fried chicken or caviar. It’s up to you. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Definitely bring the whole family.  Yes, you may even pack alcohol.  But please, leave the glass containers at home.

###