Oklahoma Squeezins

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.

— Myke Dixon, Acting Secretary