Daniel Ho and Taiwu Children's Ancient Ballads Troupe

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HOUSTON, August 14, 2015 — The ingredients for a perfect August night in Houston: melodic ukulele, a small choir of angelic voices, and Miller Outdoor Theatre. A large crowd braved the summer heat at Miller to welcome the return to Houston of Daniel Ho accompanied by Taiwan’s Taiwu Children’s Ancient Ballads Troupe. The Grammy-winner and the Troupe performed music from their collaboration, To & From the Heart, which they released in 2013.

Daniel swiftly moved between ukulele, piano, and guitar, seamlessly leading and accompanying the Troupe’s beautiful singing. The masterful Steve Billman and Randy Drake joined the ensemble on bass and percussion, respectively. For over two hours the rapt crowd enjoyed nearly 20 songs, including an encore sing-along led by the Troupe’s teacher and mentor Camake Valaule. A skilled performer and lover of culture, Daniel spent time between songs to speak with the audience about his creative journey with the Troupe, and the importance of presenting their music and history with the world. The artists kept busy around Houston prior to the Miller performance, including an engaging workshop for nearly 50 young learners at Neighborhood Centers’ Ripley House location.

The artists’ visit to Houston was part of Asia Society’s Spotlight Taiwan series, generously supported by the Ministry of Culture, Republic of China (Taiwan), special patron Dr. Samuel Yin, and the City of Houston through Miller Theatre Advisory Board. Asia Society is also grateful to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston for their leadership.