The
Oklahoma Squeezins
“Our squeezin'...is pleasin'”
The Oklahoma Accordion Club Newsletter
The Oklahoma Accordion Club meets on the Second Sunday of each month from 3:30pm–5:30pm at Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
Messiah Lutheran is at the intersection of NW Expressway and Portland Avenue, just west of I-44 and Baptist Hospital, and north of Deaconess Hospital on Portland Avenue. Use the south entrance—there is a covered portico at that doorway if the weather turns.
Can't attend in person? Join us on Zoom at the same time. Open the link below on your phone, tablet, or computer.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5236709799Zoom
Prez sez
Maggie Abel
I was thinking today about Oklahoma Accordion Club, what it is like. Somehow it reminds me of a concept from old TV westerns, of the hitching post. A place where the townsfolk can park there for a while, tie up their hosses, sit back and see what local news the others have, and pass on some information of their own, as well. We show up each month and admire the loyalty we are surrounded with, for one thing. Our VP/Treasurer who is already serving two board positions, on top of that drives 80 miles to be present at the meeting. (Thanks, Ron!) Word gets around regarding the accordion hitching post. This month we had a guest who was selling an accordion that belonged to a dear friend of his family. At a previous meeting two ladies came bearing an instrument. We could be kind of an instrument swap place! Some players have returned from a hiatus of some kind, vacation, medical, or family business, and we're so glad to see them again. The songs we choose to play and hear, often come from some distant time. Our high school days, or some television show (remember how so many were devoted to music?). But this Christmas party coming up will feature youth student performers bringing a variety of tunes. Students of Dick Albreski, who has taught many a squeezeboxer, constantly dot our musical landscape at the hitching post. The upcoming party involves bringing warm gloves, hats, scarves, socks, etc. They'll be delivered to services who supply them to the needy. Also bring snacks to delight the palate, if you are able. Bring children. Bring accordions if you have them. Bring loose dollars for the raffle tickets you will use to vote for "silent auction" gifts and white elephants that will be on display. Bring your own unneeded items to be raffled off thusly using the tickets. Proceeds go to our accordion students who'll be attending the March convention. Bring $20 for your annual dues, if you're able. That's only $1.66 per meeting! Or a nickel a day! Join us at the hitching post this Sunday the 8th for a memorable day! Maggie
Mark those calendars! — Dick Albreski
Accordion music
Check out the following sites for new and free accordion music:
- Don Quattrocchi — https://donquattrocchi.com/
- 8notes — accordion — https://www.8notes.com/accordion/
Try em! You'll like em!
NAA will initiate a collaboration invitation to request other musicians who play string, reed, and brass instruments to join in the convention. This will be a tremendous leap forward to all instruments playing all music. You can also participate in the program. There will be jam sessions, an adult FUN Band plus other chances to play for your old and new friends. Consider this something to do in 2025. If you are not familiar with the program, drop me a note: I'll get you started. ALBUQUERQUE ACCORDION EXTRAVAGANZA and BAND CAMP is scheduled May 14 to 18, 2025, at the Hyatt Place Albuquerque Airport in Albuquerque, NM. There are special room rates for those who attend, and you can also pick your desired dates. This event hosts Zoom meetings prior to the event that will help you to play the required music. You must register prior to the meeting to obtain both the Zoom meetings schedule and music. Registrations are open until March 15, 2025. This event will cost $269 per person. For registrations and additional information please write to kdcstudios@ Dick! You'll like em!
https://gmail.com
Meeting minutes
Sunday, November 10, 2024
The Oklahoma Accordion Club held a meeting on Sunday, November 10, 2024. The location was Messiah Lutheran Church in OKC. Before the meeting began, Anne Lopez played "Kiss of Fire." Great "warm-up" music! A small accordion was presented for sale, and several players took turns trying it out. The owner, Steve Corbin, is with a band. He gave our group tickets to their November 23 show in El Reno. Later, a member purchased his accordion. aggie Abel called the meeting to order. Thirteen members and three guests were present. Our Treasurer and VP Ron Shearon led the Pledge of Allegiance. We sang the first verse of "America the Beautiful." Ron showed us a large accordion that he bought at an estate sale. It originally weighed 75 pounds! He removed all the electronics and reduced it to a 31-pound instrument. He played "Song of the Volga Boatman." Karen West performed "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy From Company B." Karen had been unable to play for many weeks, and it was good to hear her again. Dick Albreski played his accordion for us. Songs included "Besame Mucho," White Christmas," "Fascination," and "Just Because" with vocals. Dick joined Anne and Lois for two Spanish songs: "South of the Border," and "Spanish Eyes." Lou Bennett Dec 9 Lucy Shedeck Dec 13 Maggie Abel Dec 21 Maggie announced the plans for the December 8 Christmas party. There will be an auction to raise money for our Youth Group. And we will collect winter accessories for charity-socks, hats, gloves, etc. Dick will bring three of his students to play for us. And there will be raffle tickets for a silent auction. Music continued with a solo by Anne: "Say Si Si." She dedicated the song to Nancy Swanney who had donated her sheet music collection to OAC. The sing-along songs were two golden oldies from World War I: "Smile, Smile, Smile" and "Til We Meet Again." Then the audience enthusiastically helped with "Mexican Hand Clapping Song." Accordion accompaniment was provided by Anne Lopez and Lois Roth. Sil Lopez sang "Quizas Quizas Quizas" with Anne on accordion. Anne played "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" (a song made famous by Herb Alpert). She followed with "La Raspa" (The Mexican Hat Dance). Anne and Lois performed "Ashokan Farewell", "La Paloma," and "A Gay Ranchero." Anne soloed with "Tico Tico" and "Jarape Tapatio." They closed with several polkas, and the traditional "Autumn Leaves" (solo by Lois). The meeting was adjourned, and there was jamming afterward. Our Christmas meeting will be Sunday, December 8, at 3:30 PM. Come and enjoy the fun and the music!
— Lois Roth, OAC Secretary
Birthdays
December birthdays
- Ellen JonssonDecember 1
- Lou BennettDecember 9
- Lucy ShedeckDecember 13
- Maggie AbelDecember 21
- Alex KnightDecember 29
- Larry GeringDecember 29
Birthday list updates: Karen West (okaccordionclub@gmail.com)
Photos
Look back at Sunday, November 10, 2024
More in the album: November 2024
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hdKM67pEdjB9DyiZ9
Photos
Look back at Sunday, November 10, 2024
More in the album: November 2024
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hdKM67pEdjB9DyiZ9
Oklahoma Accordion Club Membership & Renewal Form
Make checks payable to: Oklahoma Accordion Club
Mail your membership dues to: Oklahoma Accordion Club c/o 209 South 2nd, Bison, OK 73720
I prefer to receive the monthly newsletter, “The Oklahoma Squeezins,” by: E-mailConventional Mail
Please check all that apply:
- Primary Membership: $20 per year per individual
- Family Membership: $10 per year for each additional family member
- Lifetime Membership: One-time fee of $300
- Youth Membership: Complimentary for accordion-playing youth through age 18
7109 NW 102 Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73162
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