I ran across this teaser video for “A Few Accordions Short of a Record” — an upcoming documentary on the annual Kimberley International Old-Time Accordion Championships in Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada. It’s one of the largest accordion festivals in the world, drawing thousands for a week full of concerts and competitions. In 2005, attendees set a Guinness world record for the largest accordion ensemble with more than 644 players. (That record was broken a month later at the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival where 989 accordionists participated.) The video suggests the film will be complete by the summer; I’ll keep my eye out for more details.

Today we’re featuring another Grammy-nominated track, this time from the polka side of the aisle. Although she’s been nominated five times for Best Polka Album — and was the first female nominee in that category — LynnMarie’s music stretches far beyond the boundaries of polka. Working with longtime collaborator, guitarist Charlie Kelley, Speechless is an instrumental record incorporating rock, country, Tex-Mex, and Cajun flavors. No matter what the style, though, LynnMarie’s bouncy button accordion is always at the center of the action.

Like so many other great artists in the polka category, she’s been continually thwarted in her Grammy quest by 17-time winner Jimmy Sturr. Will this be the year she breaks through?

LynnMarie and Charlie Kelley as the Boxhounds: Pinch the Tails mp3

Buy Speechless by LynnMarie and Charlie Kelley as the Boxhounds