Tuesday

10-21-2025 Vol 2120

ZM3 Live Productions Closes Its Doors with Heartfelt Farewell Show

After more than two decades of enriching the Austin artistic landscape, ZM3 Live Productions has announced it is closing its doors, marking the end of an era.

Zell Miller III, the founder and driving force behind the production company, shared this poignant news during the announcement of his final event titled ‘From A to Z and All Parts In Between,’ scheduled to take place at Hyde Park Theatre.

“We didn’t get funding again, so this is a farewell show. It’s A to Z, all things in between,” Miller explained, reflecting on his lengthy tenure in the Austin arts scene.

In what he describes as an intimate performance, Miller will take the stage alongside musician Thomas Wheeler, sharing personal stories and experiences drawn from his 50-plus years in Austin and over 26 years as a performer.

Among the stories, Miller recalled a memorable encounter with former Texas Governor Ann Richards, which transpired while waiting for a bus near the old Ronald McDonald House.

“Her limo pulls up, she rolls the window down. She’s like, ‘Hey!’ and I’m like, ‘Hey!’ So we started having this conversation. When the light turned green, she told her driver, ‘Don’t you leave, I’m talking.’ That was an amazing conversation,” he reminisced fondly.

However, not all interactions with local politicians were so fortuitous. Miller plans to also recount a more heated encounter with Kirk Watson during Watson’s first mayoral campaign, which almost escalated into a physical confrontation. “I’ve had some ups and downs!” he added with a chuckle.

Miller’s performance will include intimate and personal narratives, such as the births of his children and the complexities of his second marriage. While Miller shares these heartfelt stories, Wheeler will accompany him by creating live soundscapes, enhancing the overall experience.

Despite the closure of ZM3 Live Productions, Miller is determined to continue his artistic journey. He emphasized that this transition is not the end but a chance for rebirth and exploration.

“I’m tired of fighting in Austin, and for money,” Miller said, shedding light on the financial challenges he faced as an artist.

He is exploring new avenues, including the potential for nonprofit ventures and touring opportunities. With his recent appointment as the city’s first poet laureate, Miller feels this is the first time he is operating as a full-time artist.

“I’m looking at every avenue and every door and starting to look at things I didn’t look at before about how to move work around and how to do it,” he stated, while also revealing that he is working on publishing a book.

Miller anticipates that this book will be part of a broader effort to hit the road, with plans for 2026 through 2028. However, specific details on touring have yet to be finalized.

For Miller, ‘From A to Z’ is not just a performance, but a testament of love to the city of Austin.

“We’re just saying bye. We’re saying thank you. We’re saying we hope you appreciated what we’ve done for over 20 years,” he expressed.

He hopes the audience will walk away appreciating the unique voices that have woven into the fabric of Austin while also recognizing the stories that capture the essence of American love amidst the city’s diverse backdrop.

Reflecting on his production company’s legacy, Miller stated, “We were a unique voice for Black people, but we also told American love stories in the city of Austin, Texas.”

Miller reiterated that this event signifies the closure of a chapter, not the conclusion of his artistic endeavors.

“I will continue to do art. I’ll continue to write. I’ll continue to perform. Where and how that looks, we’re not sure,” he concluded.

As Austin prepares to say goodbye to ZM3 Live Productions, the legacy of Miller and his contributions to the local arts community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.

image source from:kut

Charlotte Hayes