The Annual Big Squeeze Youth Accordion Contest is BACK!
The Big Squeeze is a celebration of the bright stars shaping the future of accordion music in Texas. We are dedicated to supporting and showcasing the diverse talents of young accordionists statewide, highlighting the rich musical traditions that make Texas unique.
Apply Now:
Applications are open through March 1, 2025 11:59 PM CST.
Submit your application here.
The newly crowned Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador will have a unique opportunity to perform at the Accordion Kings & Queens (AKQ) showcase. Additionally, the ambassador will engage with our audience and inspire future participants by creating content for our social media platforms and participating in Texas Folklife events throughout 2025-2026.
Thank you for being part of The Big Squeeze community. Together, we celebrate the remarkable talents of accordion enthusiasts across Texas. Stay tuned for more updates!
¡The Big Squeeze vuelve en su 19ª temporada!
The Big Squeeze es una celebración de las estrellas brillantes que dan forma al futuro de la música de acordeón en Texas. Nos dedicamos a apoyar y mostrar los diversos talentos de los jóvenes acordeonistas de todo el estado, destacando las ricas tradiciones musicales que hacen de Texas un lugar único.
Solicite ahora:
Las solicitudes están abiertas hasta el 1 de marzo de 2025 23:59 CST.
El nuevo Embajador Juvenil de Big Squeeze tendrá la oportunidad única de actuar en la exhibición Accordion Kings & Queens (AKQ). Además, el embajador se comprometerá con nuestro público e inspirará a futuros participantes creando contenido para nuestras plataformas de medios sociales y participando en eventos de Texas Folklife a lo largo de 2025-2026.
Gracias por formar parte de la comunidad de The Big Squeeze. Juntos, celebramos los notables talentos de los entusiastas del acordeón en todo Texas. ¡Manténgase en sintonía para más actualizaciones!
Big Squeeze 2025: Important Dates to Remember
January 1, 2025 – March 1, 2025
Registration for online submissions opens and closes.
March 1, 2025
Video submission deadline – due by 11:59 PM (CST).
March 2–7, 2025
Online submissions review by the panel of judges.
April 2, 2025
Semi-finalists announced via live broadcast, hosted by Sunny Sauceda, Director of Music and Musical Heritage.
Semi-Finals – April 26, 2025
Location: Edinburg, TX.
Finals – May 17–18, 2025
Held during the all-new Texas Folklife Weekend at the Bullock Museum in Austin, TX.
June 7, 2025
The Big Squeeze winner will be featured at the world-famous Accordion Kings & Queens at the Historic Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston, TX.
Big Squeeze 2025: Fechas Importantes para Recordar
1 de enero de 2025 – 1 de marzo de 2025
Apertura y cierre de inscripciones para envíos en línea.
1 de marzo de 2025
Fecha límite para el envío de videos – hasta las 11:59 PM (CST).
2 – 7 de marzo de 2025
Revisión de envíos en línea por el panel de jueces.
2 de abril de 2025
Anuncio de los semifinalistas a través de una transmisión en vivo, presentada por Sunny Sauceda, Director de Música y Patrimonio Musical.
Semifinales – 26 de abril de 2025
Ubicación: Edinburg, TX.
Finales – 17 y 18 de mayo de 2025
Durante el nuevo Texas Folklife Weekend en el Museo Bullock en Austin, TX.
7 de junio de 2025
El ganador de Big Squeeze será presentado en el famoso evento Accordion Kings & Queens en el Histórico Miller Outdoor Theatre en Houston, TX.
The Big Squeeze 2025 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: Bullock Texas State History Museum, Rancho Alegre, The City of Edinburg, The City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, 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.
Make a Tax-Deductible Donation to Support The Big Squeeze
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.
