Courtesy of Texas Folklife

Texas Folklife announced the return of the Big Squeeze competition for its 19th season, celebrating the future of accordion music across the Lone Star State. As part of this year’s festivities, Texas Folklife will host a series of live virtual Q&A sessions with Grammy-winning musician and Texas Folklife Music & Heritage Director, Sunny Sauceda. These sessions will offer young accordionists valuable insights and advice on applying for the Big Squeeze, helping to guide the next generation of musical talent.

The Big Squeeze is an annual competition that highlights the diverse voices shaping the accordion tradition in Texas, with young musicians from across the state vying for the title of Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador. The competition serves as a platform for emerging accordionists, celebrating their unique contributions to Texas’ vibrant musical legacy.

Key Dates for 19th Big Squeeze Season:

Applications Due: February 15, 2025
Semi-Finals: April 26, 2025, Edinburg, Texas
Finals: May 16-17, 2025, during Texas Folklife Weekend at the Bullock Museum in Austin

The Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador will be awarded a unique opportunity to perform at the Accordion Kings & Queens (AKQ) showcase, along with an exciting year of engaging with Texas Folklife audiences through content creation and participation in events across the state.

Live Virtual Q&A with Sunny Sauceda

If you’re interested in applying for the Big Squeeze, or if you have any questions about the competition, don’t miss your chance to join one of Sunny Sauceda’s virtual Q&A sessions. Sauceda, who joined Texas Folklife as Music & Heritage Director in January, brings over 40 years of musical expertise and passion for preserving Texas’ cultural heritage.

The virtual sessions will be held on:

January 27, 2025
January 29, 2025
February 3, 2025

All sessions will begin at 7:00 PM CST here.

Sunny will be available to provide guidance on your application, offer tips for standing out in the competition, and share his extensive knowledge of Texas accordion music and culture. This is a great opportunity to interact directly with one of Texas’ most respected musicians and learn from his experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned accordionist or new to the scene, Sunny’s insights will help ensure your application is polished and ready for submission by the February 15 deadline.

A Legacy of Music and Heritage

As Texas Folklife’s new Music & Heritage Director, Sunny Sauceda brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the state’s musical traditions. With a career spanning several decades, he has been a driving force in promoting Tejano and conjunto music and preserving the diverse cultural landscape that makes Texas unique. Under his leadership, Texas Folklife’s programs will continue to elevate and support the next generation of musicians who are carrying the torch of Texas’ musical heritage.

This year’s Big Squeeze competition promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with new opportunities for young accordionists to showcase their talents and connect with a wider audience. Apply today, and don’t miss your chance to learn from one of Texas’ finest musicians in Sunny Sauceda’s upcoming virtual Q&A sessions.

Get more details on the Big Squeeze competition and submit application here.

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