The 20th Annual Big Squeeze Finals
Date: May 30, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6 PM, Competition begins at 7 PM
Location:
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
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.
This milestone year also marks a new chapter with the formation of 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 age category, who will take the stage in Houston for the chance to be named this year’s Big Squeeze champion. Closing out the evening, Grammy-nominated and Cannes Film Festival-winning artist Sean Ardoin brings the full power of Zydeco to the Finals stage.
Join us and be part of the celebration!
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
Support the Big Squeeze: A general donation helps us continue nurturing the next generation of accordion musicians.
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