Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador Alyssa Villarreal | Courtesy: Texas Folklife
The Big Squeeze, Texas Folklife’s premier youth accordion contest, is back for its 19th season — and this year’s celebration promises to be bigger and bolder than ever before.
From the Rio Grande Valley to the heart of Austin, The Big Squeeze honors the bright young stars shaping the future of accordion music in Texas. This statewide tradition uplifts the rich tapestry of Tejano, Conjunto, Norteño, Zydeco, and Cajun music by shining a spotlight on youth musicians who keep these cultural sounds alive.
This Saturday, April 26, all eyes turn to Edinburg, Texas — a certified Music Friendly Community — for the 2025 Semi-Finals at the stunning Promenade Park Amphitheater. The event runs from 6PM to 10PM and is completely free to attend.
The night will be emceed by the always-energetic Bumper Gomez and features a powerful lineup of live performances by La Calma, The Ybarra Boyz, and vibrant folklórico dancers, alongside a larger-than-ever slate of young accordionists competing for a spot in the finals.
Sunny Sauceda Talks The Big Squeeze and His New Role
This year also marks an exciting shift behind the scenes. Tejano Nation caught up with three-time Grammy winner Sunny Sauceda, recently named Director of Music and Heritage at Texas Folklife.
“It feels good,” Sauceda shared. “In the beginning, it was a little overwhelming — there’s a learning curve. But it’s coming together. And under the leadership of Dr. Oliver, we’ve been making it work. I’ve usually been on the other side of the events, so this has been a new muscle to flex. But it’s exciting.”
Sauceda emphasized the event’s true purpose: “The most important part of this is the kids. This is a semi-final for The Big Squeeze — our 19th annual! It’s exciting to be working with the city of Edinburg and bringing in organizations I’ve worked with, like Texas for the Arts, Guitar for Vets, Texas Music Office, and the Grammy Youth Organization. It’s about bringing people together and cross-pollinating ideas and communities.”
Why Edinburg?
Nestled in the culturally rich Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg is the perfect backdrop for The Big Squeeze Semi-Finals. The city’s vibrant music scene blends traditional Mexican sounds with American genres, creating a unique sonic landscape. From Tejano and Mariachi to the modern indie scene fueled by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg lives and breathes music.
More Than a Contest — A Cultural Movement
Since its inception, The Big Squeeze has amplified the voices of young musicians while celebrating Texas’s deep-rooted musical diversity. This initiative is more than a contest; it’s a cultural movement dedicated to preserving heritage while inspiring the next generation of accordion greats.
So grab your family, your friends, and your love for Texas culture, and join us in Edinburg this weekend — or in Austin next month — to witness the next wave of musical talent.
Admission: Free
Edinburg Semi-Finals: Promenade Park Amphitheater, April 26 | 6–10 PM
Finals: The Bullock Museum, Austin, May 17
Stay tuned to TejanoNation.net for coverage and behind-the-scenes moments from this year’s Big Squeeze!
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