Texas Folklife is hosting its 14th annual Big Squeeze Finals Concert online this Friday from 3-4 pm to crown the state's top youth accordion players in the traditional Texas accordion music genres including conjunto, polka, Cajun, and zydeco.
The Big Squeeze Finals - originally programmed to feature live youth accordion competitions and a live concert at the Bullock Texas State History Museum - was reimagined and moved to a Facebook Live event in response to state social distancing mandates. The virtual Big Squeeze Finals will feature live Grand Prize winner announcements, special performances by 2019 Big Squeeze Champions Elijah Clements, Chloe Johnson, Perla Hernandez, and Eduardo Garza with a surprise duet with two former winners.
2020 Big SQUEEZE FINALISTS AND RISING STAR AWARDS:
Conjunto Finalists:
Johnny Joe Gutierrez, Mission;
Jorge Ramirez, Roma;
Jose Angel Torres, Roma;
Jose Vasquez, Farmersville;
Manuel Tovar, Brownsville;
Nathan Gonzalez, Mission;
Roberto Flores, Mission;
Yarely Gomez, Roma
Conjunto Rising Star Awards (12 and under):
Annie Gutierrez, Houston;
Giovanni Guerrero, Mission;
Vianey Villarreal, Houston
Polka Finalists:
Isaak Wolfshohl, Seguin;
Nick Heatly, Dallas;
Timothy Regheta, Plano
Cajun Rising Star Award:
Bridget Roberts, Bridge City
Dance and festival cancellations are listed on
polkabeat.com. The list represents cancellations that I know about. If dances/live music are still on the schedule, please call the venue before heading out.
Live streams:
Sean Orr Live from the front porch of Chateau D'Orr tonight (Thursday), 7:30 pm New time!
Cody Ray Henry will be streaming LIVE from Mullins Prairie Store in La Grange this Friday from 5:30-8:30 pm! $1 domestic beers/$1.50 premium beers/ $6.50 cheeseburger and chips. DRIVE THRU TO-GO ONLY!!! They will be accepting debit/credit cards and cash for food and drinks. C
all in orders at 979-247-4220.
Grab your brunch and mimosa or post-brunch beer...or sippy cup of milk, and join Alex Meixner for live stream concert on Sunday at 1 pm CDT. Check Faceboook for more info.
You have several polka options on YouTube, which by the way, is celebrating its 15th year in existence!
Did you miss Brave Combo's set from live stream Denton Arts and Jazz Festival? No worries. Watch it
here.
Check out polka beat
Facebook often as Gary shares artists' live stream info. Enjoy performances by Sean Orr, Das Ist Lustig, Jerry Haisler, Al Sulak, Brian Marshall, and more!
Also support polka radio. Check out the radio station ads on polkabeat
homepage.
Latest cancellations of festivals/events:
Burton Cotton Gin Festival April 18, rescheduled to June 13, 2020
Brenham Maifest, May 1-2, postponed TBA
Hostyn Church Picnic, May 3, canceled
Elgin SPJST Lodge 18 dances, May 3 & 17, canceled
Gedenke in Weimar, May 8-9, canceled
Happy Cousins Dance, May 16, canceled
Slavnost May Fest at TCHCC in La Grange, May 17, canceled
Swiss Alp Dance Club Dance, May 17, canceled
Bluebonnet Opry Polka Show, May 21, canceled
National Polka Festival in Ennis, May 22-24, canceled
Sts. Cyril/Methodius Picnic in Shiner, May 23-24, canceled
Sacred Heart Picnic in Hallettsville, May 24, canceled
Wall Dance Club in San Angelo, May 30, pending
Becksterfest in Iowa, May 29-31, canceled
Boerne Village Band Concert Series, June 6-July 25, postponed; Date TBD
Kolache-Klobase Festival in East Bernard, June 13, canceled
Bremond Polish Days, June 26-27, canceled
Pulaski Polka Days, Wisconsin, July 16-19, canceled
Also, Texas Polka Museum in Schulenburg closed through April.
Check out these TPN/polkabeat advertisers when live music returns!
