From Vegas to Virginia, this week is all about festivals — accordion festivals, polka festivals, Cajun festivals — you name it, we’ve got it on the calendar. Here are some highlights:
- Las Vegas International Accordion Convention (Mon-Thu in Las Vegas, NV)
For four days, Vegas becomes the accordion capital of the world as hundreds of accordionists participate in master classes and workshops (“Left Hand Latin Rhythms”, anyone?) and enjoy concerts by headliners Tony Lovello, Art Van Damme, Walter Ostanek, and more. - Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration (Thu-Sun in Leavenworth, WA)
Is Vegas too glitzy for you? Head north to the Bavarian village in Leavenworth for their 16th annual accordion festival. There’ll be competitions, workshops, concerts, and even an accordion parade down Leavenworth’s main drag on Saturday afternoon. - Polish Fest (Fri-Sun in Milwaukee, WI)
The biggest names in polka, including three of last year’s Grammy nominees (Jimmy Sturr, Eddie Blazonczyk, and Lenny Gomulka), take the stage at the 26th annual Milwaukee Polka Fest. - Long Beach Bayou Festival (Fri-Sun in Long Beach, CA)
Bourbon Street moves west this weekend, with performances by C.J. Chenier, Geno Delafose, nine-year-old Guyland Leday, and many more.
And there’s more, including the Polka Spree by the Sea in New Jersey, Bayou Boogaloo in Virginia, and Ironworld Polkafest in Minnesota.
If there’s an accordion festival in your neighborhood and it’s not on our calendar, let us know!