The third annual competition invites young Texas and Louisiana players to compete for cash, an all-expenses-paid trip to perform in Germany with Hohner, Inc. and a day-long session at legendary SugarHill Recording Studios

The contest was started in 2007 as a way to promote the growth and development of young accordionists in the region. Any genre of music, including Cajun, German, Czech, and Polish polka, Tejano, Western, and Zydeco, to name a few, that incorporates the use of the accordion, will be accepted and all are encouraged to apply.

Finalists will perform at Texas Folklife’s highly acclaimed Accordion Kings & Queens concert at Houston’s Outdoor Miller Theatre on June 6, 2009, where the Big Squeeze winner will be announced.

The 20th annual Accordion Kings and Queens concert, will feature accordion greats Sunny Sauceda, Santiago Jimenez Jr., Cedryl Ballou, Mark Halata, and Lady “D,” and will be emceed by popular Texas journalist Joe Nick Patoski.

The contest is open to non-professional musicians and will be divided into two categories based upon age: one for those ages 18 and under and one for ages 19-25. Contestants will be judged on song interpretation, technical skill, originality, execution, and stage presence.

The complete contest rules and entry forms are available by emailing: info@texasfolklife.org or by calling (512) 441-9255. The entry closing date is March 2, 2009.