Oklahoma Squeezins

If you looked into Yukon Czech Hall last weekend, you witnessed some fellow Oklahoma Accordion Club members performing the historic chicken dance with friends. That night celebrated the Hall's 125th anniversary. Looks are deceiving, as this place has been in existence for well over a century providing Saturday night dances, yet its indoor and outdoor décor hasn't changed much over that time. Framed photos on the wall show past Oktoberfest celebs and Czech Royalty, each person wearing his or her elaborate, authentic costume. It's like watching a merry-go-round to see the people polkaing by in their tennis shoes on the big wood floor. Sister with brother, dad with toddler, a skilled teen showing the girlfriend how it's done. Between songs, kids slide unhindered a hundred miles an hour across the room. Children under 10 are admitted free and adults pay a measly $5. Snack bar plus popcorn and bevs are on hand. We all love seeing co-founder Dick sit in with the band. He squeezed the bellows for the Bohemian Knights, while our member Milo Shedeck handled the brass. (See pix .) Some other things I recall our members doing as a group over the past decade include: attending a Riders in the Sky concert downtown featuring accordionist Joey Misculin; carpooling north to join the Tulsa Accordion Band, whereupon they fed us and let us practice with them; diving into Dick's swimming party (his rule: "No accordions in the pool"); several times playing for a member's funeral; playing an outdoors fundraiser for runners passing by (yes, they bribed us with matching t-shirts!); Frank and I dressed in Bavarian costume to dance with residents at a home for seniors while Diana and Lois kept the German music flowing; playing patriotic and military songs at a senior home on veterans day or flag day. A juicy part of our monthly meetings is the jam session. Often that consists of two to four people, some experienced and some just brave, playing whatever songs come to mind. We have rote players jamming with note players, some by the book and some by ear. We try and see what goes smooth. Certain people provide warm-up music, that is, they practice while we're setting up the room. Or clean-up music after the meeting. Their playing keeps us in high spirits as we put the room back in order. You're invited to "czech" us out this Sunday at Messiah Lutheran Church. Optional snack-bringing is encouraged. Small percussions are placed on the tables for spouses and newbies to join in. Be there or be square!