Saturday, March 24, 2012

TEXAS FOLKLIFE’S BIG SQUEEZE ACCORDION CONTEST; Auditions to be held

Texas Folklife ushers in its sixth annual statewide Big Squeeze accordion contest with auditions in varied towns in Texas.  The non-profit is looking for young squeezeboxers—21 years or younger—in any genre of accordion-based music, including Cajun; German, Czech, and Polish polka; Tejano, Conjunto and Norteño; Western; and Zydeco. The lucky winner of this year’s competition will win $1,000 cash, a new Hohner accordion, recording sessions, and other great prizes.

Auditions are open to the public and are free. Contestants will be judged on song interpretation, technical skill, originality, execution, and stage presence. The auditions will be held March 25, 4-5pm - Latino Cultural Center in Dallas and March 30, 6-7pm - Gallista Gallery in San Antonio. Contestants should arrive one hour early to register or pre-register by phone or email. Contestants may register on site or in advance by calling Texas Folklife at (512) 441-9255 or online at http://texasfolklife.org. Those who cannot attend the audition may mail or e-mail their entries to arrive at Texas Folklife no later than April 2, 2012. The complete contest rules and entry forms are available online.

"The Big Squeeze has proven to be one of our most popular programs at Texas Folklife,” says Cristina Ballí, newly appointed Executive Director. “Audiences love to hear young talent from all over the state and they love to hear their stories. The participants and their families take a wonderful experience with them that they’ll never forget.”

Semifinalists selected by audition or mailed entries will be hosted in Austin to take part in the semifinals held on April 28 at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. At that time, up to four finalists will be selected and awarded $300 each as well as having their hotel stay paid in Houston to compete before a large, enthusiastic audience of accordion fans at the Accordion Kings & Queens Festival on June 2. The Big Squeeze 2012 grand-prize-winner will be selected at the concert by the panel of judges with help from the audience. The grand-prize-winner will receive a prize package valued at $4500, including a $1000 cash prize, a brand new Hohner accordion and recording time at the historic Hacienda Records in Corpus Christi, as well as promotional support from SugarHill Recording Studios, Hohner, Inc., Hacienda Records and Texas Folklife, and other professional opportunities.
The Big Squeeze is supported by the members and Board of Texas Folklife, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, the Houston Endowment, the Still Water Foundation, the Austin Latino Music Association, the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Additional support is provided by regional businesses including Hohner, Inc., SugarHill Recording Studios, Hacienda Records, FBA Design, Sign Effects and Embassy Suites Hotel in Austin.
About Texas Folklife
Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. For more than 25 years, Texas Folklife has honored the authentic cultural traditions passed down within communities, explored their importance in contemporary society, and celebrated them by providing accessible and joyful arts experiences. It is located in Austin, Texas, in the SoCo neighborhood—one of the city’s vibrant commercial and arts districts.
1317 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78704

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