{"id":10339,"date":"2019-05-31T20:18:50","date_gmt":"2019-05-31T20:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/losfresnosnews.net\/?p=10339"},"modified":"2019-05-31T20:18:50","modified_gmt":"2019-05-31T20:18:50","slug":"texas-folklife-crowns-2019-big-squeeze-youth-accordion-winners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/losfresnosnews.net\/?p=10339","title":{"rendered":"Texas Folklife Crowns 2019 BIG SQUEEZE Youth Accordion Winners"},"content":{"rendered":"
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2019 Big Squeeze Winners, L to R: Eduardo Garza, Chloe Johnson, Elijah Clements, Perla Hernandez. Photo: David Dodd\/Texas Folklife<\/p><\/div>\n

AUSTIN \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Texas Folklife has crowned four 2019 Big Squeeze youth accordion champions in the traditional Texas accordion music genres: polka; Cajun and zydeco; and conjunto. The gifted young musicians were chosen at a lively concert and showcase at the Bullock State History Museum on May 11, where hundreds of fans gathered to support the accordionists and celebrate one of Texas\u2019 most cherished and culturally diverse musical traditions.<\/p>\n

The 2019 Big Squeeze Youth Accordion Champions:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Conjunto 17 and under:\u00a0Perla Hernandez \u2013 Roma, TX<\/b><\/p>\n

Conjunto 18-21 Anthony Ortiz Jr. Prize:\u00a0Eduardo Garza \u2013 Mission, TX<\/b><\/p>\n

Polka:\u00a0Elijah Clements \u2013 Little Elm, TX<\/b><\/p>\n

Cajun & Zydeco:\u00a0Chloe Johnson \u2013 Moscow, TX<\/b><\/p>\n

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Eduardo Garza of Mission, Texas won the Conjunto 18-21 Anthony Ortiz, Jr. Prize. Photo: David Dodd\/Texas Folklife<\/p><\/div>\n

Each of the four winners received a prize package valued at more than $4,000, including a Hohner accordion, cash prize, performance opportunities with Texas Folklife, publicity, professional development and other professional opportunities.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the Big Squeeze champions will perform onstage with legendary Texas musicians at Texas Folklife\u2019s\u00a030th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert,<\/a>\u00a0held at Houston\u2019s Miller Outdoor Theatre on June 1. Thousands of fans are expected to attend this revered community event.<\/p>\n

The search for the 2019 Big Squeeze champions began in February and stretched thousands of miles across Texas. Competitions were held in nine communities across the state and, in total, 49 young musicians showed off their accordion skills for a chance to play on the Austin stage. This year as part of the Big Squeeze programming, Texas Folklife also hosted its first-ever Cajun youth accordion workshop and the first Conjunto category semi-finals.<\/p>\n

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Perla Hernandez of Roma, Texas won top honors in the Conjunto 17 and under division this year. Photo: David Dodd\/Texas Folklife<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe are so proud of our 2019 Big Squeeze champions, finalists, and all 49 contestants from across Texas,\u201d said Texas Folklife Executive Director Charlie Lockwood. \u201cThese talented youth accordionists express an undeniable joy, passion, and high level of musicians through their playing.\u00a0 It has been wonderful to see the tremendous amount of family and community support each of them has throughout the Big Squeeze season. Through our Big Squeeze program, Texas Folklife strives for diversity and inclusion, community engagement, and continued support for these young Texas tradition bearers. Catch them performing alongside established accordion stars at our 30th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens on Sat June 1st at Houston\u2019s Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park!\u201d<\/p>\n

SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONTENT<\/strong><\/p>\n