Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Celebrate conjunto and accordions at International Accordion Festival
Conjunto music defines Texas' Mexican-Americans, and the accordion is the standout instrument.
If ever there was a genre of music that defines Texas’ Mexican Americans it is conjunto music.
You know you’re listening to conjunto when the dance floor is filled with couples dancing elbow to elbow and the standout instrument is the accordion.
Conjunto is uniquely Texas while at the same time a musical hybrid comprised of Mexican, Polish and German influences. The bottom line is once that accordion starts playing the feet can’t stop moving!
So, if you appreciate conjunto music and the role accordions have in it, you might want to take a little road trip this weekend down to San Antonio for the International Accordion Festival.
The three-day event features lots of accordion music. From workshops exploring the different influences on accordion music to open mic sessions where anyone with an accordion is invited to jam.
There are even three stages to keep the entertainment non-stop by such legendary accordionists like Santiago Jimenez (brother of Flaco Jimenez), Chango Spasiuk of Argentina and Southern Scratch, members of the Native American tribe Tohono O’odham Nation.
There’s also a special area for families and kids in addition to food and drink booths and a photo exhibit. On the weekend, the event has free admission.
Festival organizers promise lots of music and dancing and the opportunity to gain a better appreciation for the accordion as an instrument that can bridge cultures.
The International Accordion Festival runs from October 12-14. Check their website for location, event schedule and list of performers.
