2026 Finalists:
Rising Stars (12 & Under)
Jesus Lopez, 12, Mission, TX
Marco Martinez, 11, Floresville, TX
Ages 13-15
Nelson Guillen, 15, Edinburg, TX
Valentina Alanis, 14, Penitas, TX
Ages 16 & Up
Christian Zapata, 17, Mission, TX
Rafael Alfaro, 17, San Benito, TX
When the Big Squeeze launched in 2006, the goal was simple: give young musicians a statewide stage to share the traditions they carry. Twenty years later, that vision has only grown deeper. From Zydeco and Cajun to Polka, Conjunto, Tejano, and Classical, this program has helped launch the journeys of artists who have gone on to perform, record, teach, and keep their traditions alive for the next generation.
As we mark this milestone year, we are proud to welcome a new chapter in the program’s story with the Texas Folklife Accordion Music Advisory Council, a group of tradition bearers and genre experts committed to stewarding the future of this beloved competition.
As we mark this milestone year, we are proud to welcome a new chapter in the program’s story with the Texas Folklife Accordion Music Advisory Council, a group of tradition bearers and genre experts committed to stewarding the future of this beloved competition.
In March, students brought their very best to Edinburg. Judges selected six finalists, two from each category, who will now take the stage in Houston. And closing out the evening, Grammy and Cannes Film Festival-winning artist Sean Ardoin will perform, bringing the full power of Zydeco to the Final stage.
The 20th Annual Big Squeeze Finals
May 30, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6 PM, Performances begin at 7 PM
Rockefellers Houston
3620 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007
Performers: Sean Ardoin
RSVP: https://texasfolklife.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F42216
Sponsors/Supporters:H-E-B, Hohner Accordions, Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), Texas Folklife, The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, The Summerlee Foundation, Texas Music Office, Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Medical and Trauma Specialists-RGV
2025-2026 Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador
Emiliano Soto
Edinburg, TX
2024-2025 Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador
Alyssa Villarreal
Houston, TX
The Big Squeeze is supported by Texas Folklife Board Members, members across the State, Hohner, Inc., H-E-B, and TCA. Additional support is provided by regional partners: The City of Edinburg, and other stakeholders dedicated to the preservation and continuation of the accordion tradition.
Support the Big Squeeze by becoming a Texas Folklife member or purchasing Texas Folklife merch online.
The Big Squeeze offers a variety of opportunities for individuals and organizations to become sponsors of this distinguished program. For more information on becoming a Big Squeeze Sponsor, please email mfreire@texasfolklife.org or call 512-441-9255.
