If you have had the chance to check out the Houston Zoo, as featured in a previous EaDo Life article, you may have noticed a sweet looking building and large grass hill close by. That is the Miller Outdoor Theatre which my girlfriend, Laura Strawn, and I had the privilege to check it out this past Saturday night. The Miller Outdoor Theatre is host to live free events for the public to enjoy. There is a pavilion and a large grassy area to sit in so bring your coolers and be ready for entertainment every Friday and Saturday night.
When we arrived a little over an hour before and picked up our tickets (to sit under the pavilion) at the theatre’s box office. Tickets are also available for pickup during the day but we were unable to make it downtown during the designated time frame. You too can also pick up tickets at the time frame the day before or get leftovers starting an hour before the event. Also, after talking with some of the other attendees it was concluded that tickets are generally available, so no worries if you can’t get there. Be sure to take your seats when told because the empty seats immediately before the show are opened up for everyone! Luckily, there isn’t a crazy stampede of people rushing to seats so no need to be intimidated. If you are worried about what you will do for the hour before the show, don’t be. There is plenty of beautiful scenery to take in and the area is well shaded so you can walk around and take in the nice environment. I actually really recommend bringing a cooler and a blanket to have a picnic or just lounge a little after walking around the park.
What about the show?
Regional Youth Orchestra
Saturday’s show just happened to be a National performing Artists Conrad O. Johnson Regional Youth Orchestra’s Big Band Jazz Tribute, which was absolutely phenomenal
The National performing Artists Conrad O. Johnson Regional Youth Orchestra showcased some extreme talent and I do not think words can do their performance justice. It was incredible to see people from elementary through high school play with such emotion and vigor.
Conrad O. Johnson otherwise known as “Prof” was a renowned music educator in Houston. He was a well-respected saxophone artist and Jazz musician. Although he had opportunity to travel and play with many bands he stuck to Houston to work in music education. The foundation he started continues to help youth throughout Houston experience opportunities and experiences like no other. Definitely check out their website if you have a child interested in music. We watched them give out more than $150,000 in scholarships to students during the function which goes to show how much the foundation does for the community.
I highly recommend checking out the Miller Outdoor Theatre. It is a family friendly environment and you are sure to find something on the schedule of events listed on their website to interest you. There is something for everyone and I am sure you will enjoy it at much as I did. Check out The Miller Outdoor Theatre website to see upcoming events. I know that we are definitely going to be back.
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