Performing Arts Houston presents New/Now 2025: The Houston Artist Commissioning Project

(HOUSTON, February 11, 2025) – Building on the commitment to support Houston’s working artists, Performing Arts Houston presents the fourth annual installment of New/Now: The Houston Artist Commissioning Project. This year’s winning artists, singer-songwriter Ben Chavez, Afro-Caribbean percussionist Marlon Simon, and hip-hop performer and choreographer YUNGCHRIS will unveil their commissioned works at the Wortham Theater’s Cullen Theater March 6-7. Pick Your Price tickets are available from $0, at performingartshouston.org.  

“We’re always in conversation with the working artists in our city,” says Performing Arts Houston’s President & CEO Meg Booth. “What we’ve found is that most artists just need support, and we’re proud to provide that, without restraints on creativity and artistic vision. New/Now is the leading edge of Houston artists, no rules, just art.”

2025 NEW/NOW WORLD PREMIERES

Ben Chavez’s Last Day, County Fair

Last Day, County Fair is the newest collection of songs by Ben Chavez. This concept album documents an important day in the life of a celebrated hometown performer. Presented as a live concert event with storytelling, the piece follows the journey of a young man grappling with his identity in a small town where he doesn’t seem to fit in. The piece is driven by a passion for uplifting the queer community, featuring flavors of Ben Chavez’s “old soul” music background, inspired by piano legends like Billy Joel and Elton John with notes of R&B, County, and Soul. The soundtrack, accompanied by a live band and vocalists, is ultimately a celebration of life, otherness, and hope for unity.

A Houston-based recording artist, actor, and musician, Ben Chavez has made waves both on stage and in the studio. He gained widespread recognition for his breakout role in the Broadway National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin, performing at iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, and The Kennedy Center. As a recording artist, he has released a collection of songs that chronicle his journey through life, love, and self-acceptance. Ben also composed music for the 2024 feature film Intermedium alongside collaborator Yianni Papadimos.

Marlon Simon’s On Different Paths

In recent years, events have further divided our country, transforming the ways we connect and interact with one another. On Different Paths was created as a reflection on this ongoing conflict, blending elements of classical and jazz music through the lens of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and techniques. The piece serves as a representation of the integration and harmony that our society so desperately needs.Born in Venezuela, Marlon Simon has built a career as a distinguished educator, percussionist, and composer. Leading his band, Nagual Spirits, he has released seven albums and performed his original music worldwide. A specialist in Afro-Caribbean rhythms and Latin jazz composition, Simon has conducted masterclasses and seminars at universities across the U.S. and was honored with the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in 2022.

YUNGCHRIS’ My Posse’s on Broadway

My Posse’s on Broadway is a tribute to the vibrant Houston Hip-Hop dance movement and the trailblazing artists who shaped the style in the early 1990s. Anchored in the four core elements of Hip-Hop—music, art, poetry, and dance—this piece celebrates the roots of Houston’s Hip-Hop culture while inspiring young creatives to drive impactful change in the city’s arts scene. It aims to promote equity and enrich the audience’s appreciation of Hip-Hop dance culture. All performers in My Posse’s on Broadway are Houston-based and deeply connected to the local Hip-Hop community.

Globally recognized as an educator, DJ, choreographer, and performer, YUNGCHRIS has shared stages with iconic artists like Sugar Ray, Pitbull, Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, and Beyoncé. Honored as a Cultured Millennial by Rémy Martin Cognac and named a Houston Cultural Influencer by Red Bull, he has become a leading voice in dance and culture. As the director of Sonkiss’d Dance Concepts, he has trained dancers who have gone on to work with stars such as Taylor Swift, Lizzo, and Lady Gaga.

NEW/NOW BEYOND THE STAGE

As part of the project, New/Now artists work alongside Performing Arts Houston’s Education & Community Engagement team to create educational programs that coincide with their commissioned works.

  • Following the opening night performance on March 6, all three artists will participate in a Westwood Creative Chat moderated by President & CEO Meg Booth to discuss their creative processes, artist missions, and answer questions from the audience. Additionally, each New/Now artist recorded a Westwood Creative Chat with a former New/Now artist, available on Performing Arts Houston’s YouTube channel.
  • On December 2, Ben Chavez led a songwriting workshop at the Montrose Center for LGBTQ+ identifying teens.
  • On February 22, YUNCHRIS will lead a hip-hop dance workshop and discussion open to the public. Location and time to be announced at performingartshouston.org.
  • Marlon Simon will host a free percussion performance for the community. Date and location to be announced at performingartshouston.org.

Each year, one New/Now artist is selected to have their commissioned work featured in the Hobby Center’s ExxonMobil Discovery Series. Past New/Now artists chosen to participate in the series include:

  • Harrison Guy’s Colored Carnagie, commissioned by Performing Arts Houston in 2021
  • ShaWanna Renee Rivon’s Emancipation, commissioned by Performing Arts Houston in 2024

Continuing its mission to make participating in the arts more accessible, Performing Arts Houston will offer Pick Your Price tickets, allowing audience members to pick their ticket price starting at $0. Tickets are available now at performingartshouston.org.

Ticket Information
Pick Your Price tickets ranging from $0 to $250 in support of new works by Houston artists available at performingartshouston.org or by calling the Performing Arts Houston Box Office at (713) 227-4772.

ABOUT PERFORMING ARTS HOUSTON
Performing Arts Houston is a leading non-profit performing arts presenter dedicated to connecting audiences with exceptional artists from around the globe. Founded in 1966, the organization remains committed to advancing artistic innovation, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Performing Arts Houston has presented many of the most influential artists of our time.

Each year, Performing Arts Houston presents a multi-disciplinary season of over 60 performances across Houston’s historic Theater District and venues citywide and creates a wide range of programs and opportunities for students and lifelong learners to engage with and experience the arts, including masterclasses, workshops, talks, student matinees, performance avenues for local arts groups, paid arts administration internships, a commissioning series for working Houston artists, and in-school residencies. Learn more at performingartshouston.org.

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CALENDAR DETAILS
Performing Arts Houston
presents
New/Now
March 6-7, 2025
Thursday and Friday, 7:30 pm
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Tickets start at $0
performingartshouston.org

Ben Chavez
Last Day, County Fair

Marlon Simon
On Different Paths

YUNGCHRIS
My Posse’s on Broadway

For media inquiries, please contact:
Caroline Senter, Public Relations Manager
Email: csenter@performingartshouston.org
Phone: 713-632-8105