Video 1: Fans of the accordion gathered in Dallas to celebrate its impact on Texas culture – and the players taking the instrument into the future.
Video 2 Elena Fainshtein and student Elijah Clements

Texas Folklife organized the Big Squeeze Showcase concert in Dallas,Texas on May 18, 2024 to help keep traditions alive and to bring new performers to the instrument. That goal was shared by many of the performers including Elena Fainshtein who attended with two of her students, Elijah Clements and Elayne Doggett and hopes more players will take up the accordion.

Elena shared, “ My dream? I would like to have the accordion be popular in American again because, honestly, this is the best instrument!”