"We Are The Best In The World At We Do"

'Big Squeeze' semi-finalists announced
3 finalists will be chosen to perform
at Accordion Kings & Queens show

Texas Folklife is pleased to announce the names of seven accordionists who made it to the semi-finals round of The Big Squeeze, our first contest for up-and-coming players. They are:

Juan Longoria Jr., of Brownsville
AJ Castillo, of Austin
Robert J. Vega, of Missouri City
Matt Tolentino, of Dallas
George Arechega, of Mission
Craig Zuniga, of Seguin
Jose Recardo Calleros, of Mission

Each will perform Friday, June 1 at 1 p.m. at Talento Bilingüe de Houston, 333 Jensen Drive, Houston. Three finalists will be picked to perform Saturday, June 2, at 7 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre, Hermann Park, Houston. They'll kick off our 18th annual Accordion Kings & Queens concert, featuring Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Mingo Saldívar Y Sus Tremendos Cuatro Espadas and Ginny Mac & the Road to Texas Band. Come cheer on your favorite contestants. The public is invited to attend the semi-final round -- and of course, we hope every accordion fan will join us for more mighty pleasin' squeezin' at the concert. Both events are free.

Congrats to all the semi-finalists!  www.texasfolklife.org