Rodney Carrington LIVE 2026
2026-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Rodney Carrington is a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades.
A platinum-recording artist, Rodney’s recorded eight major record label comedy albums, followed by three albums on his own record label, Laughter’s Good Records. Rodney is fresh off the release of his latest album, “Get Em Out,” (released 2019) which hit #1 on iTunes. His album “Here Comes the Truth” (released 2017) climbed to #3 on the comedy charts, accruing tens of millions of streams on Spotify and even spawned a Netflix special.
Rodney broke through with his major label comedy CD debut “Hangin’ With Rodney” in 1998. The next few years saw nine more Top 10 comedy albums: Live, Morning Wood, Nutsack, Greatest Hits, King of the Mountains, El Nino Loco, C’mon Laugh You Bastards, Laughter’s Good and The Hits, all of which continue to receive radio airplay and regularly place on the national comedy charts. “Hangin’ With Rodney” and “Morning Wood” earned RIAA gold record certification, and his Greatest Hits (a double CD) album reached platinum status. Rodney also released “Make it Christmas” which features his original song “Camouflage and Christmas Lights,” a tribute to our military.
Mature Audiences ONLY!

El Mante Fest - Black Gold Event Center
2026-02-13 20:00 | La Hacienda Event Center, 12600 TX-191 Hwy, Midland, TX, 79705, United States

Basin PBS Palentine
2026-02-14 11:00 - 12:30 | Basin PBS Studio, 203 N Main, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Be a Pal! Celebrate Pal-entine’s Day with Basin PBS Education!
Saturday February 14 from 11am – 12:30pm
at Basin PBS, 203 N. Main St, Midland

Have a heart and be a part of our Pal-entine’s Celebration! Families are invited to a
fun-filled Saturday featuring:

• a PBS KIDS episode screening,
• sweet treats,
• and hands-on arts and crafts

All centered on kindness, friendship, and togetherness.
A perfect way to share the love with your favorite pals!

Scan the QR code above to say “I’m in!”

Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour
2026-02-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Ages 12 and up recommended.

Gary Owen has been entertaining audiences for more than two decades with his sharp observational humor and fearless storytelling. Known for his unapologetic, rule-defying style, his material draws from his personal life, time in the military and the everyday absurdities that connect people across backgrounds. With a fanbase that has grown by the millions in recent months and continues to surge across social media, Owen’s reach has cemented his place as one of the most in-demand touring comedians today.
Beyond stand-up, Owen has appeared in a wide range of feature films including BACK ON THE STRIP with Tiffany Haddish and Wesley Snipes, MEET THE BLACKS and its sequel THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR, THINK LIKE A MAN and THINK LIKE A MAN TOO, RIDE ALONG with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, LITTLE MAN opposite the Wayans Brothers, and DADDY DAY CARE with Eddie Murphy. He is also widely recognized for his scene-stealing role as “Bearcat” in the MGM film COLLEGE.
On television, Owen starred in his own BET series THE GARY OWEN SHOW and co-hosted TruTV’s sketch series UPLOAD WITH SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. After meeting Tyler Perry on THE TOM JOYNER MORNING SHOW, he was cast in the recurring role of Zach the barber on the TBS comedy series TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE.
Owen continues to write, produce and perform his own groundbreaking comedy specials, including BLACK FAMOUS, #DOIN’ WHAT I DO, I GOT MY ASSOCIATES, I AGREE WITH MYSELF, TRUE STORY, URBAN LEGEND, and BREAKIN’ OUT THE PARK. Most recently, he recorded two specials back-to-back—BROKEN FAMILY and GARY OWEN…NO S, released this past spring on YouTube.
In addition to his on-stage and on-screen work, Owen hosts his own podcast, #GETSOME WITH GARY OWEN, and has appeared on numerous others, including FLAGRANT PODCAST, TIGERBELLY, YOUR MOM’S HOUSE with Tom Segura & Christina P., CLUB SHAY SHAY and WE PLAYIN’ SPADES PODCAST with Nick Cannon, among others.
Following a wave of record-breaking, sold-out performances at comedy clubs across the country, he recently announced his first major North American theater tour, NO HARD FEELINGS, which kicks off in early 2026.

Grovee City - Flair Taverna
2026-02-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Flair Taverna, 2701 JBS Parkway, Odessa, Texas
The night comes alive at Flair Taverna This Friday, Feb 20, Groove City brings live music to set the mood, enjoy dinner, and let the night flow with great sound and amazing vibes. Flair Taverna – Odessa, TX (432) 653-5154

TIG NOTARO: OUT OF NOWHERE
2026-02-21 19:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Ticket Info

TIG NOTARO: OUT OF NOWHERE

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

February 21, 2026 7:30 PM
Doors Open: 6:30 PM

TICKET PRICES $193.19 – $48.23All In Pricing Includes Convenience Fees

RESERVED SEATING

ALL PERSONS, INCLUDING LAP CHILDREN, INFANTS & BABIES, WILL REQUIRE A TICKET FOR ENTRY FOR ALL TICKETED PERFORMANCES.

• TO SELECT YOUR SEATS, CLICK ON ANY SECTION IN THE MAP BELOW
• PLEASE REVIEW CART CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING YOUR PURCHASE
• NOTE: ORCH RIGHT IS EVEN NUMBERED SEATS
• NOTE: ORCH LEFT IS ODD NUMBERED SEATS
• ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES

Drum Tao
2026-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
DRUM TAO explodes on stage with a captivating performance full of flash and fire! Renowned for powerful and athletic drumming, their newest show, The Best, blends traditional “Wadaiko” (Japanese Drums) with modern energy and theatrical flair. Seen by 10 million spectators across the globe, DRUM TAO shows feature vibrant costumes, dramatic synchronized drumming and movement with a variety of traditional Japanese instruments including flutes and harps alongside the massive taiko drums. They have captivated audiences worldwide – selling out shows in 26 countries – garnering critical acclaim and accolades along the way.

The Best Drum Tao
2026-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Sunday, February 22, 2026
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

DRUM TAO explodes on stage with a captivating performance full of flash and fire! Renowned for powerful and athletic drumming, their newest show, The Best, blends traditional “Wadaiko” (Japanese Drums) with modern energy and theatrical flair. Seen by 10 million spectators across the globe, DRUM TAO shows feature vibrant costumes, dramatic synchronized drumming and movement with a variety of traditional Japanese instruments including flutes and harps alongside the massive taiko drums. They have captivated audiences worldwide – selling out shows in 26 countries – garnering critical acclaim and accolades along the way.

In Celebration of Black History Month: A Choir Performance by Saint James Missionary Baptist Church Choir - FREE Event
2026-02-26 18:00 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States

Kodak Black is coming this Feb 27
2026-02-27 20:00 | La Hacienda Event Center, 12600 TX-191 Hwy, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
THE COWBOY BILL TEXAS TAKEOVER TOUR! 🔥 KODAK BLACK CROSSES STATE LINE AND TARGETS ALL OF TEXAS BRINGING THE SOUTH TOGETHER!

West Texas Symphony Double Trouble
2026-02-28 19:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
John Gilbert, Violin
George Work, Cello
Double Concerto – JOHANNES BRAHMS
Symphony No. 5, “Reformation” – FELIX MENDELSSOHN
SYMPHONY SOUNDBITES DINNER AVAILABLE

Double Trouble - West Texas Symphony
2026-02-28 19:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Saturday, February 28, 2026
7:30 PM | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Gary Lewis, Conductor
John Gilbert, Violin
George Work, Cello
The Impresario Overture – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Concerto for Violin and Cello in A Minor “Double Concerto” – Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 5 in D Major “Reformation” – Felix Mendelssohn
Tickets $12 – $83, Students $12 (plus venue fees)
CLICK TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
800-514-3849
Scheduled programs and individuals are subject to change. Ticketing is handled by the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center – all ticketing, security, and venue policies apply.

2025-2026 SEASON SPONSORED BY:
Sharon & John Webb
CONCERT SPONSORED BY:
Diann & John McKee

Music at the Marriott by the West Texas Jazz Society
2026-02-28 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-03-07 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-03-14 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-03-21 19:30 - 22:30 | Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 305 E. 5th Street, Odessa, Texas, 79761
7:30-10:30 pm
Every Saturday
In The Odessa Marriott Lobby
co-sponsored by the Jazz Society and Odessa Arts

K-Pop Warriors- Live Show!
2026-03-03 16:30 - 21:00 | Ector County Coliseum Barn G, 4501 Andrews Hwy, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Location: Building G
A show full of music, excitement, and action to the rhythm of K-Pop, the live experience that’s already a worldwide sensation!
K-POP WARRIORS Live Show!
A show packed with music, excitement, and action to the rhythm of K-Pop. Experience stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and the contagious energy of your favorite hits. The live show that’s thrilling audiences worldwide, an experience you simply can’t miss!
March 3, 2026 Showtimes: 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM

NEEDTOBREATHE: The Barely Elegant Acoustic Tour With Special Guest Tall Heights
2026-03-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Despite a 20-year history filled with accolades, GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum band NEEDTOBREATHE approached their latest studio album with a renewed mindset — a band still feeling they have something to prove. Over the years, they’ve carved out a distinctive space across multiple genres, blending modern rock, purpose-driven soul, and pop appeal into a rare and impressive track record. With five Number One albums spanning the Billboard Rock, Alternative, and other charts, over three billion career streams, and multi-platinum hits like “Brother”, “Who Am I,” and “Let’s Stay Home Tonight,” NEEDTOBREATHE has captivated audiences worldwide. Their music reflects two decades of masterful songwriting and musicianship, exploring life’s profound emotions and experiences. Working with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, the band’s latest offering “Momma Loves Me” featuring The Red Clay Strays, continues this journey, diving into themes of personal struggle, redemption and resilience.

First Friday ODTX!
2026-03-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Odessa, 79761, United States
First Friday ODTX is a monthly gathering every first Friday of the month for residents and visitors of downtown Odessa. Each month, the streets are lively and colorful with music, games, and delicious food. There are unbeatable deals from local businesses and exciting opportunities to collect amazing giveaways. The event is open to all ages and caters to everyone’s interests. For music lovers, there are live performances by local bands and artists, while foodies can indulge in a diverse range of street eats. Downtown shops and eateries will offer special promotions. First Friday ODTX event brings vibrancy and community spirit to downtown Odessa, making it the perfect place to spend a Friday evening.

Chicago LIVE in Concert
2026-03-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era,” the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest-charting American band in Billboard magazine’s Top 125 Artists of All Time. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.
Chicago’s debut album Chicago Transit Authority was inducted into The National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2025. The Registry archives audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Chicago IX: Chicago’s Greatest Hits, the band released Chicago IX: Greatest Hits Expanded, in August 2025.
In 2024, Chicago released Chicago at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C. (9/16/1971), a 26-track live collection recorded at the historic venue. The show covers all three studio albums from their 1969 debut to 1971 and more than two hours of live music by Robert Lamm (keyboard, vocals), Terry Kath (guitar, vocals), Peter Cetera (vocals, bass), Danny Seraphine (drums), Lee Loughnane (trumpet, vocals), James Pankow (trombone), and Walt Parazaider (woodwinds, vocals).
Chicago released Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits, a new collection combining songs from all three of its beloved Christmas albums, in 2023 via Warner Music Group/Rhino.
Chicago released their 38th studio album, Born for This Moment, in 2022, which included the hit single “If This Is Goodbye.”
In fall of 2022, Gravitas Ventures released Chicago’s documentary The Last Band on Stage directed by Peter Curtis Pardini and narrated by the band’s longtime friend and actor Joe Mantegna. On March 14, 2020, Chicago is the last band playing in the U.S. as COVID lockdowns begin and The Last Band on Stage tells the incredible story of how the 58-year-old band survived a pandemic that stopped the world in its tracks.
“We’re excited to be bringing The Last Band on Stage to audiences worldwide. This funny and informative documentary offers an inside look at how the legendary band Chicago were able to produce content even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gravitas Ventures’ acquisition coordinator, Mackenzie Maguire.
Chicago received The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys. The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates performers who have made outstanding contributions of artistic significance to the field of recording. A special award ceremony and tribute concert celebrating the honorees was held in 2020.
Chicago was inducted into the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was their first nomination. They’ve been eligible since 1994. A long time coming!
Chicago’s first album, Chicago Transit Authority, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. Chicago managed to fuse pop, rock and jazz together perfectly in this double album.
Robert Lamm and James Pankow have become inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. These legendary songwriters wrote mega-hits such as “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” “Make Me Smile,” and many others.
The International Trombone Association presented its 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award to James Pankow. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes people who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to the trombone profession over a long career.
Chicago’s lifetime achievements include two Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, Founding Artists of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor, and keys to and proclamations from an impressive list of U.S. cities. Record sales top the 100,000,000 mark, and include 21 top 10 singles, five consecutive No. 1 albums, 11 No. 1 singles and five gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 38 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 48 gold and platinum awards.
Chicago have toured every year since the beginning — they’ve never missed a year. The original three band members are Lee Loughnane on trumpet and vocals, Robert Lamm on keyboards and vocals, and James Pankow on trombone. The band lineup also includes Wally Reyes Jr. on drums, Tony Obrohta on guitar, Loren Gold on keyboards and vocals, Ray Herrmann on sax and flute, Neil Donell on vocals, Eric Baines on bass, Ramon “Ray” Yslas on percussion, Carlos Murguia on keyboards and vocals and Nick Lane on trombone.
From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, their iconic vocalists, and a few dozen of ever-classic songs, this band’s concerts are celebrations. 2025 marks the band’s 58th consecutive year of touring!
Chicago continue to be true ambassadors for their beloved hometown, carrying the city’s name with pride and dignity around the world.

MidAtlantic Men Presented by Live on Stage Permian Basin
2026-03-08 14:30 - 16:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Please note for all events we have a clear bag policy with a size limit of 12x6x12″ or a non-clear bag/wallet with a size limit of 8x3x5″. This policy includes diaper bags.
Introducing the MidAtlantic Men a mesmerizing trio who’ve dazzled audiences on Broadway stages with their captivating vocals and magnetic charm. Comprising two endearing Americans and one witty Brit, they’ve set out on a musical quest to settle a timeless debate: which side of the pond, Britain or the US, truly has the superior tunes? Dive into an auditory adventure as they bring iconic hits from legends like Elvis, The Beatles, Madonna, and Queen to life, seamlessly weaving in classics from Elton John, Billy Joel, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and more. As they blend their voices in harmonious perfection, their playful banter and delightful humor have left audiences around the world entertained and enthralled. The MidAtlantic Men finally settle the score…. who does it better?”
This group have toured the planet and first met on the stages of London and Broadway where they continue to delight crowds when they aren’t together as MidAtlantic Men. Notable credits like Les Miserables, American Idiot, Dear Evan Hansen, Sweeney Todd and Billy Elliot to name just a few. The trio also have the unique honor of having performed concerts on every continent, including Antarctica. Currently, they all reside in NYC and, despite their different accents, have formed a bond over their love of performing. Not only are they singers in the MidAtlantic Men, but they are “multi-hyphenates” in their own right with talents ranging from voiceovers (the voice of Burger King and Covergirl), film acting (Billions, Nurse Jackie), composing original off-Broadway musicals (I Love My Family But…), writing and comedy (UCB

Disney The Movies, The Music
2026-03-09 - 2026-03-12 | Basin Theatre Works, 310 W. 42nd Street, Odessa, TX, 79764, United States
Spring Break Camp March 9-12, 2026
Calling all K-8th graders!
Join us for a magical week exploring classic Disney movies and music.
Sing, dance, and bring some of your favorite Disney characters to life!
Get ready for a week filled with Disney magic! Students will sing, dance, and act their way through the music and stories inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved films, from timeless classics like Mary Poppins to favorites The Lion King, all leading up to a special performance for family and friends.
🗓 Dates: March 9–12, 2026
⏰ Times:
• March 9–11 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• March 12 | 9:00 AM – after the performance
📍 Locations:
• March 9–11 at First Presbyterian Church, Odessa
• March 12 performance location TBD
🥪 Students will need to bring their own lunch each day (March 9–12).
🎟 Limited spots available!
Reserve your place today with a $100 non-refundable deposit due at registration. The remaining balance is due by February 1, 2026.
Don’t miss this chance to make magical memories during Spring Break! 🌟

TEXFEST 2026
2026-03-12 - 2026-03-14 | The Globe of the Great Southwest, 2308 Shakespeare Road, Odessa, TX, 79761, United States
Registration for TEXFest 2026 is open! Lock in on our price of $200 for TNT Members or $240 for Non Members by registering now!

Registration for TEXFest 2026 includes –

PERFORMANCES – Theatres across the state bring one acts to be adjudicated by theatre professionals.
WORKSHOPS – Workshops to help you run your theatre from theatre folk across the state. Submit your request to present a workshop to our Programs Manager – Preston Isham – preston@texastheatres.org
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS – Discussing issues relevant to the current climate.
NETWORKING – Theatrical vendors available to help you navigate the many options in running your business.
STATE AWARDS – Nominate someone from your theatre who you think deserves state wide recognition
COMPETITIONS – Submit your set/prop/promotional designs from shows within the last 18 months
LUNCH MEETINGS – Quad and Annual Membership meeting to discuss issues involving your area.
LIVE AUCTIONS – Help the TNT Endowment, Operating costs and Internship by participating in the ongoing auctions throughout the festival
And so much more!

Learn more about TEXFest 2026 at www.texastheatres.org/texfest-2026

SEE YOU IN ODESSA!

Disney on Ice: Let's Dance!
2026-03-12 18:00 - 2026-03-15 21:00 | Ector County Coliseum, 4201 Andrews Highway, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Mickey and pals are rocking the DJ table at Disney On Ice and you’re on the guest list!
Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds. Wish upon a star with Asha as she and Valentino save the Kingdom of Rosas from King Magnifico. Roar with delight as Simba, Timon and Pumbaa step into the spotlight. Groove to ocean beats with Ariel and friends, harmonize with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, and sway to the rhythm of the waves with Moana and Maui. And the party really goes off the charts when guest DJ Stitch takes control.
Get ready to turn up the fun at Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance!
*Note: Costumes not permitted for guests 14 years & older.
Visit DisneyOnIce.com for more information.
All guests age 2 & older are required to have a ticket.
No costumes for guests 14 & older.
Character Experiences Available. Access to a private event with interactive time and photo opportunities. Adults & children, ages 2 and up, must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend the Character Experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please monitor the venue website for venue policies, including health and safety protocols, which are subject to change.
All tickets are subject to availability.
Prices are subject to change.
Visit DisneyOnIce.com for more event info and Ticket Terms and Conditions.

Violin Recital - Odessa College Visual & Performing Arts
2026-03-17 18:00 | Jack Rodgers Fine Arts Center, 201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX, 79761, United States
Lowell Hohstadt received his Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School in 1986 and his Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in 1989. He studied composition with Samuel Adler and violin with Dorothy Croft, Margaret Pardee, and Dorothy DeLay. While at Juilliard, he premiered his first original violin concerto, winning the school’s Composition Competition. He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in Romania and Spain, at Prague’s House of Culture, and with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra in the Musikverein Hall in Vienna, Austria.
He has also performed as soloist with the Midland–Odessa Symphony, toured Mexico, premiered a second original violin concerto, and been featured on New York City’s WQXR classical music station. His recent activities include participation in the Seal Bay Festival and premieres of his compositions by the Cassatt Quartet, the Allegro Chorale, faculty from Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University, The University of Texas Permian Basin, the Lone Star Brass Quintet, and the Permian Basin String Quartet.
He served as Music Director at Odessa Christian Faith Center from 1987 to 2025, and he and his wife Kathy are the founders of the Dulce School of Music.

A Night In Old Ireland Presented by White-Pool House
2026-03-17 18:30 - 22:00 | Historic White-Pool House Barn & Event Center, 112 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. St., Odessa, TX, 79761, United States

West Texas Winds
2026-03-17 19:30 | Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall, 1310 Farm to Market 1788, Midlan, TX, 79707, United States

2026-03-17 19:30 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Event by West Texas Symphony and West Texas Winds

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Public · Anyone on or off Facebook

West Texas Symphony Presents…
WEST TEXAS WINDSSpring RecitalTuesday, March 17, 2026 | 7:30 pmRea-Greathouse Recital Hall at WNPAC
* Serenade – Karl Pilss* Wind Quintet in F Major, Op.81 – George Onslow* Quintet No. 1 for Winds – Endre Szervánszky
$25 General Admission, Students $12https://www.wtxs.org/concerts/wtw-spring.html800-514-3849 or at the door
Proudly Sponsored By Shari Santorelli

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
2026-03-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Art-loving preschoolers ages 3-5 and their grown-ups are invited to join us at the Museum for a beautifully illustrated story and art activity. Free!
On March 18, join us for a special edition of Art Tales featuring the story Aladdin & the Magic Lamp, followed by a special dance performance by Midland Festival Ballet. All ages welcome!

Little Joe Y La Familia
2026-03-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
The traditional Tex-Mex style of norteño was fused by Little Joe (born Jose Maria DeLeon Hernandez) with influences of country music, blues, and rock to create the up tempo hybrid known as “Tejano.” Together with his band, Little Joe Y La Familia, his music has reached far beyond the Texas and Mexico borders and has been one of the most popular Tex-Mex bands in the music industry. Little Joe has been entertaining more than 50 years and has been described as the “KING OF THE BROWN SOUND”.
Jose Maria DeLeon Hernandez “Little Joe” was born to Salvador “La Cotorra” Hernandez and Amelia DeLeon Hernandez in a three wall dirt floor car garage in Temple, Texas on a cold stormy night on October 17,1940. The seventh of 13 children, Little Joe began playing music in 1953 with his cousin David Coronado’s band, David Coronado & the Latinaires. Two years later, he performed his first paid gig with the band at a high-school sock hop in Cameron, Texas. In 1958, Little Joe made his recording debut with the song “Safari,” released by Torrero Records in Corpus Christi, Texas. The following year, Little Joe’s brother Jesse joined the band on bass and vocals. When Coronado left shortly afterwards, Little Joe assumed leadership of the group. Throughout the early ’60s, Little Joe led the band through a series of recordings on small independent labels. He underwent a personal transformation after Jesse died in an automobile accident in 1964. Determined to achieve commercial success, he altered his musical approach to include more rock and blues influences.
Songs of the Polka King, Vol. 1 In 1968, Little Joe formed two labels of his own: Buena Suerte for recordings in Spanish, and Good Luck for recordings in English. He later added a third label, Leona Records. His musical approach shifted again in 1970. After performing in the San Francisco Bay Area, he became enchanted by “Latinismo” and changed the name of his band again. In 1985, Little Joe y la Familia signed their first major-label recording deal with WEA International. Two years later, Little Joe formed his fourth label — Redneck — and released the double live album 25th Silver Anniversary. After releasing two albums for WEA, Little Joe switched to Sony International, where he remained until 1983, when he launched his fifth label, Tejano Discos. His first release on the label, “Que Paso,” earned him his third Grammy nomination. In 1996, Little Joe performed on the Frankie Yankovic album Songs of the Polka King, Vol.1, singing a duet with Yankovic of “Just Because/Si Porque.” Little Joe has appeared in two films: Proposition 187, a Deadly Law and Down for the Barrio.
Fifty Years…and over 50 albums later, Joe continues to tour the world, trailblazing, looking forward to new challenges, breaking down cultural and musical barriers and innovating his musical style. As always, Joe strives to bring many people together to make a more peaceful and harmonious world.

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