***Keep checking back for updates!

This will be the 12th year for The Big Squeeze Accordion Contest. We are excited to find and showcase accordion talent! Accordionists can enter by performing two songs at any of the below showcases where they will be videotaped by Texas Folklife or they submit a video entry digitally, by mail or e-mail. They do not have to do both, unless they feel like it! 

***Accordionists can enter by performing two songs at any of the below showcases where they will be videotaped by Texas Folklife OR they can submit a video entry digitally, by mail or e-mail. They do not have to do both, unless they feel like it! 

Why do we allow digital submissions? Because we want everyone who wants to apply to get that chance to, even if they are unable to travel to a city for a showcase! However, if they make it to finals, they must trek to Austin to compete at the Finals at the Bullock Texas History Museum.***

The Big Squeeze is a statewide contest where accordion players ages 21 and under will showcase their performance abilities in three main accordion genre categories: Polka, Cajun / Zydeco and Conjunto. The Polka genre will include German, Czech, and Polish traditions. Cajun / Zydeco will include Creole, Cajun and Zydeco musical traditions. Conjunto will include Norteño and Tejano. Please contact Texas Folklife if you are unsure which category pertains to you.

All showcases are open to the public and feature performances by local musicians.

The Big Squeeze Contest and Texas Folklife strive to represent the state's geographic and cultural diversity. Since 2007, 266 young musicians from more than 32 Texas towns and cities have participated. Contestants represent communities across this Great State, including the Rio Grande Valley, Houston, Greater Dallas Area, San Antonio, Lubbock, the Permian Basin and more!