Oklahoma Accordion Club: members and accordions at a club gathering.
Oklahoma Accordion Club logo: accordion over an Oklahoma state silhouette.

Oklahoma Accordion Club

“Our Squeezin' is Pleasin'!”

Visit

At a Glance

Next meeting: Sunday, October 11, 2026 · 3:30pm–5:30pm Central Time

This month's theme

Oktoberfest meetup

Join us Sunday, October 11 at 3:30 PM for Oktoberfest — hot dogs, potato salad, drinks and apple strudel for those who reserved (and their guest), plus a polka jam. Snacks welcome — bring your accordion or come as you are.

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When
Second Sunday of each month · 3:30pm–5:30pm CT
Where
Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Join remotely

Cannot attend in person? Join on Zoom:

Open Zoom meeting

About

About the club

The Oklahoma Accordion Club is a volunteer group of accordion players and friends who have gathered in the Oklahoma City area since 2000. Whether you perform, are picking up the instrument again, or simply enjoy listening, you are welcome at our monthly meetups.

On the Second Sunday of each month we meet at Messiah Lutheran Church for themed programs, member performances, sing-alongs, snacks, and informal jamming afterward. Some meetings draw a crowd of players; others are a chance to hear a few polished sets and visit with people who share the same slightly unusual hobby.

We stay in touch between Sundays through The Oklahoma Squeezins, the club's online newsletter—“Our Squeezin' is Pleasin'!” Board messages, meeting minutes, birthdays, and festival dates from the newsletter are posted in News and Calendar as each issue goes out. Browse the newsletter archive for past issues.

Membership

Visitors & membership

Visitors are welcome at no charge. Optional dues are $20 per year per individual and $10 per year per family add-on. Lifetime membership is priced in The Oklahoma Squeezins. Open volunteer roles are listed further down in Connect— contact the club to volunteer.

Videos

On YouTube

Performances, clips, and Shorts from the club channel. Prefer photos? Jump to meeting photos above.

Blue Hawaii 07/12/26 - Oklahoma Accordion Club Meeting Performance

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More from the channel

Watch on YouTube →Browse Shorts →

Community

Officers & local resources

Officers

President

Maggie Abel

Vice President

Ron Shearon

Acting Secretary

Myke Dixon

Proofer, snacks & birthdays

Karen West

Webmaster & photographer

Diana Richard

Founder; lessons & repair

Dick Albreski

Just Accordions (sales, repairs & instruction) — contact under Connect.

Open volunteer positions

  • President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Livestream tech
  • Historian
  • Librarian
  • Newsletter editor

Interested in an open role? Speak to the president at a meeting or contact the club.

Lifetime members
  • Maggie Abel
  • Jim Butricks †
  • June Butricks †
  • William "Rusty" Dolton
  • Frank Gesinski †
  • Janet Haskin
  • Roland Lohmann
  • Frankie Martinez
  • Bob Mansfield
  • Tom Phillips
  • Phil Scibelli
  • Ophelia Woody

Past presidents: Barbara Duer †, Dick Albreski

Organizations
National Accordion Association logo

National Accordion Association

National organization for accordion players.

Local shop & instruction

Just Accordions

Sales · Repairs · Instruction

Dick Albreski

juaccord@hotmail.com
(405) 721-0564
7109 N.W. 102nd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73162

Performers

Sounds Unlimited

Robert Mansfield

Accordion · Vocals · Keyboard · Gypsy jazz · Instruction

bobmansfield@cox.net
405-364-0037 · cell 405-550-2663
Norman, Oklahoma 73071

Live music

The Bohemian Knights

Featuring master accordionist Dick Albreski

Music for parties and special occasions — polkas, waltzes, pop tunes & folk dances.

Booking: Milo Shedeck
405-748-5376
miloshedeck@cox.net

Often at the Czech Hall in Yukon, Oklahoma — check the hall site for dates.

Red Monarch Special accordion with silver scrollwork

Club notice · Dick Albreski

Silent auction — Monarch accordion

Play and examine it at the September meeting. Bids open at the October meeting.

The Oklahoma Accordion Club will offer in a silent auction at the October meeting a 37/96 Monarch semi-pro accordion. This accordion has 37 treble keys with 4 treble reed blocks plus multiple switches containing a full master, bassoon, and musette voices (LMMM). The 96 bass has 4 bass reed blocks containing a standard Stradella system and 5 switches. It comes with a hard-shell case and shoulder straps. The accordion weighs 23 pounds. A similar Monarch accordion recently sold for $1995.00.

Can't make the meeting but still interested in bidding? Email the club and we'll help you place a bid. okaccordionclub@gmail.com

Silent auction · October 11 meeting

News

The Oklahoma Squeezins

Current issue below. Newsletter archive — past PDFs and print editions.

October 2026 cover

Open October 2026, cover

October 2026 page 2

Open October 2026, page 2

October 2026. Tap a thumbnail to open a sheet, or view the full newsletter / download the PDF.

Also in this issue

October 2026Vol. 26, No. 2

The Oklahoma Squeezins

October 2026

A Little Oktoberfest History

By Myke Dixon

Did you know the first Oktoberfest didn’t have any accordions? It’s true. Oktoberfest started in Munich in 1810, almost 20 years before the accordion showed up. And it wasn’t really about beer, either. It started with a wedding. Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese on October 12, and instead of keeping the celebration to themselves, they invited the people of Munich to join in. The festivities lasted several days and wrapped up with a big horse race on October 17. Apparently everyone had a pretty good time, because they decided to do it again the next year. Over the years, the horse races were joined by food, carnival rides, music and, yes, quite a bit of beer. So why is most of Oktoberfest in September? Simple: Munich has nicer weather in September. Organizers gradually moved the festival earlier while keeping the name. As for the accordion, the first instrument bearing that name was patented in 1829. So Oktoberfest had already been partying for nearly two decades before somebody thought to bring an accordion.

— Myke Dixon

Meeting recap

Latest minutes

Sunday, September 13, 2026

September meetup

The Oklahoma Accordion Club met Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by musical performances from club members and guests.

Members were reminded that annual membership dues should be submitted to Vice President Ron Shearon in January.

Lois Roth and Anne Lopez opened the musical portion of the meeting with "Happy Birthday."

Dick Albreski performed several selections of Polish, Czech, and Slovak music in preparation for Oktoberfest: "Julida Polka," "Jasiu, Jasiu," "Annie Did It Wrong," and "Twelve Angels Waltz."

Dan Newton brought two accordions, including a café accordion and a 72-bass Planet accordion. His performances included Mozart's "Prune Song" and a polka taught to him by John Warren.

Shayla Chavis-Smith performed "Can Can."

Denise performed "My Wild Irish Rose." Denise shared that she has played accordion for approximately 20 years. She grew up in a Nebraska neighborhood with a strong Bohemian community and previously performed with two other girls.

John Warren performed "Too Fat Polka" (also known as "Vegetables on Parade"), "Notre Dame Fight Song," and "By the Sea."

Lois Roth and Anne Lopez returned to perform "Lili Marlene," "Edelweiss" (accompanied by a club sing-along), and "Rain Rain Polka."

Dick Albreski and Dana Kroutil performed "Country Garden."

Dick Albreski, Dana Kroutil, and Rod Kroutil performed "Diamond Waltz."

Rod Kroutil performed "Rock, Rock, Rock and Roll."

Job Elliott, who has been playing accordion for approximately 18 years, performed the first movement of Bach/Vivaldi's Concerto in A Minor, arranged for accordion by Job Elliott, and "Magic Fingers" by Monnette.

Ron Shearon and Bob Mansfield performed "A Little Doodah" from the 1949 film "Samson and Delilah," with Bob Mansfield playing free-bass accordion.

Lois Roth and Anne Lopez performed "Twinnies," with President Maggie Abel adding to the entertainment by dressing in a wig and skirt.

Lois Roth and Anne Lopez also performed "Blue Skirt Waltz."

Members were reminded that annual membership dues should be submitted to Ron Shearon in January.

The club discussed preparations for its upcoming Oktoberfest celebration in October, including information about signing up to participate.

Members were reminded of the blind auction scheduled for the October meeting.

An opportunity to perform for residents at Iris Memory Care was shared with the club. Interested members were encouraged to contact Iris Memory Care for additional information.

The September meeting featured a variety of musical styles, including traditional polkas, waltzes, classical arrangements, and familiar favorites.

Who played

Lois Roth, Anne Lopez, Dick Albreski, Dan Newton, Shayla Chavis-Smith, Denise, John Warren, Dana Kroutil, Rod Kroutil, Job Elliott, Ron Shearon, Bob Mansfield, Maggie Abel

Download the original PDF if you prefer that format.

Calendar

Dates & birthdays

Member birthdays

October birthdays

Membership roster

  • Karen WestOctober 8
  • Sharon FoxOctober 14
  • Anne LopezOctober 22
  • Jocelyn PedersenOctober 25
Birthday list updates: Karen West

Upcoming

All our events

Club meetings and festivals — soonest first

October 2026

  • Sun, Oct 11Club meeting· 3:30pm–5:30pm CT

    Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112

    3:30pm–5:30pm Central Time. Players and listeners welcome.

November 2026

  • Sun, Nov 8Club meeting· 3:30pm–5:30pm CT

    Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112

    3:30pm–5:30pm Central Time. Players and listeners welcome.

December 2026

  • Sun, Dec 13Club meeting· 3:30pm–5:30pm CT

    Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112

    3:30pm–5:30pm Central Time. Players and listeners welcome.

March 2027

  • Mar 18–20NAA Convention

    Hampton Inn and Suites, 1700 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149

    National Accordion Association Convention for 2027. This will be in my mind one of the very best conventions for 2027. It will be held in Mesquite, Texas, at the Hampton Inn and Suites located at 1700 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149. The dates are Thursday, March 18th to Saturday, March 20th, 2027. This will be the 41st year for the NAA, and I am proud to announce that world-renowned Peter Soave and Cleveland-style polka pioneer Joey Miskulin will be the featured artists. I will again conduct the Fun Band for those accordionists (acoustic and digital) who want an easy, relaxing, musical adventure. And for those who want a more intense opportunity, Gordon Kohl will provide the music. Jamming will be encouraged plus there will be workshops. This event is still in planning and there will be more added to the event as it progresses. For contact information currently go to NatlAccordion@sbcglobal.net or call Norman Seaton direct at 214-938-5984. Also visit . As I learn more so will you. Keep watching this article and keep squezzin'. More info

Mark those calendars

Dick Albreski

Accordion music

Check out the following sites for new and free accordion music:

Try em! You'll like em!

The Oklahoma Accordion Club (OAC) is going OCTOBERFEST! What does that mean for you? It means we are going to party and play. Party means at the October meeting we will serve Hot Dogs, Potato salad, drinks and apple strudel. But we only serve to those who make a reservation. Remember, your one guest is always welcome. Reservations are a must because we must know who is coming. Please let a Board member know you are coming, or you can even let me know you are coming and better yet how many of you are coming? Now the Play part. You can receive four prepared sheets of Polkas and waltz arrangements. How do you receive them? You ask for them. Dick Albreski has them ready and waiting for you. Our goal at the October meeting is to have a POLKA JAM with a BUNCH of members playing together. The arrangements are not challenging and can be site read the first time. The intent of the arrangements is to have a bunch play with confidence. Last Sunday there was one rehearsal, and it went well. We will have some great music at the October Octoberfest. DANKE.

Festival dates from Dick's notes also appear in All our events above.

FAQ

Common questions

Your question may already be answered here before you contact the club.

When and where does the Oklahoma Accordion Club meet?

Second Sunday of each month, 3:30pm–5:30pm Central, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Use the south entrance when possible. See Meetings for map and Zoom.

Do visitors have to pay to attend?

No. See Membership for optional dues.

How much does membership cost?

See Membership for current rates and lifetime pricing in News.

Can I join a meeting remotely?

Yes—Zoom details are under Meetings.

How do I contact the club?

Read the FAQ above first—your question may already be answered. Still need help? Use Ask the Club below, or email okaccordionclub@gmail.com. Tell us how you found us if you're new.

What is The Oklahoma Squeezins?

The club's monthly newsletter—published on this site in News and Calendar.

What happens at a typical meeting?

Performances, sing-alongs, snacks, and informal jamming—often with a monthly theme. Recent minutes in News describe what members played.

Should I bring anything?

Your accordion if you play, or come to listen. Snacks to share are welcome.

I'm new to accordion—any advice on getting started?

Founder Dick Albreski recommends renting with an option to buy and learning with a teacher. Ask about lessons and local help, or browse local contacts further down on this page.

Where can I find free accordion music online?

Links from Dick's column are in Calendar.

Does the club connect to national or regional accordion events?

Festival and conference notes are in Calendar; the club also links to the NAA further down on this page.

How do birthdays get listed in the newsletter?

From the membership application when you opt in. Updates go through Karen West—see Calendar or contact the club.

Are volunteer roles available?

Open positions are listed further down on this page. To volunteer, contact the club.

Where are meeting photos?

In Gallery, and linked from meeting minutes when an album is posted.

Contact

Ask the Club

We're glad you found us

Whether you're buying or selling an accordion, looking for lessons, need a repair tip, or hope to hire a performer, send us a note. We'll do our best to put you in touch with the right people in our community—players, teachers, and local contacts who can help.

Pick a topic

Visit a meeting

Common questions are answered in the FAQ. Officers and local shops are listed earlier on this page.

Ask the Club

Still need help? Tell us what you need and a volunteer will review your message when available.

Fields marked required cannot be left blank. We need your name and email to reply, and a message so club volunteers know how to help.

Or email okaccordionclub@gmail.com