“The Big Squeeze”, the 3rd Annual Orange County Accordion Festival takes place again at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa, California, on Sunday, October 9, 2011. The event will run from 10 AM to 4 PM in conjunction with all of the swap meet activities.
Top photo of Chris Rybak, the Accordion Cowboy.
Five stages of accordion based entertainment in a variety of music genres. Cajun and Zydeco bands featured on the Mardi Gras Stage with Bonne Musique Zydeco at 11 AM; Grammy nominated Lisa Haley & the Zydekats with Gee Rabe on Accordion (right photo) at 12:45 PM; Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic at 2:30 PM; Mardi Gras parade at 12:15 PM with New Orleans “Traditional” Jazz Band ,the Laissez Les Bon Temp Rouler Second Line Dancers and Circus Joy’s Mardi Gras on Stilts.Free face painting and mask crafts to prep for the parade with the Ukulady.
Tex Mex Stage featuring Los Fabulocos and Miguel Garcia and the Vaquetones. Other performers include Fred Mlakar and the Oberkrainers, Jim Gilman-The Squeezinator, Bobby Dietsch, Roberto Rosa, L.A.’s Accordion Diva “Gigi” Gee Rabe, Button Accordionist Otono Lujan, “Mr. Squeeze” Phil Parlapiano, Ketchup Soup with Mrs. Hobbs- L.A’.s “Post-Pop Cabaret Squeezebox Diva” and Miss December in the 2011 Accordion Babes Calendar and Bryan J, the rock and roll strolling accordionist.
Accordion Cowboy Chris Rybak, World Champion Accordionist Alicia Baker, Internationally acclaimed musician Steven Albini and Linda Herman, One Woman Dance Band, presented by the Roland Corp.
Accordion Road Show presented by Jeffrey Iacono from Borsini Accordions: Bring any accordion for a FREE LIVE professional appraisal and ask the expert about repair, tuning, building and other burning squeezebox questions.
FREE Zydeco and line dance instruction by AJ Gibbs. Bring your button or piano accordion for a FREE lesson and open jam session. Free accordion storage provided. Gourmet Food Truck Alley, Beer Garden and Market Place vendors.
If you have never been to the Orange County Accordion Festival, then 2011 is the year to be there! Line up of musicians features all your favorite accordionists!
The Big Squeeze and admission to the swap meet are free with the donation of a canned food item to support the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Or $2. Children 12 and under are always free. Parking is free, or preferred parking is available for $5. Swap Meet is located at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds, (88 Fair Drive) runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Orange County Market Place is on Facebook. More information also by calling 949-723-6660.
Bottom photo of Linda Herman, One Woman Dance Band
