Accordions aren’t just for polkas anymore.
The Eighth Annual LSCO Accordion Festival is returning to the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization, Oct. 15 with an Oktoberfest theme.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with an Oktoberfest feast of German favourites including Weinerschnitzel and sauerkraut followed by accordions and lots of them in the gym.
Like last year, there are a variety of accordion players coming from all over Southern Alberta from Carstairs to Coaldale, plus quite a few of the players who competed in the Kimberley Oldtime Accordion Championships , July 4-9.
“This isn’t a competition, this is all about fun,” enthused Annabelle Herle, who will back playing banjo in the backing band backing all of the performers.
There are a couple younger performers involved this year including violinist Helena McNeil who will be playing during dinner as well as later in the evening. Teen accordionist Dan Layton, who competed in Kimberley, will be playing the accordion festival.
“We‘re here to be entertaining, not compete. It’s about having fun,” Herle continued.
“It’s fun music. there will be polkas and lots of other music,” Herle said.
Organizers expect 200 people to come out to the vent, but still need to sell more tickets.
“We need to sell at least 50 more,” Herle said.
Ed Herle said Al Sandheim and Diane Schebel began the event eight years ago, but recently passed away.
“We want to keep this going. We don’t want it to die,” he said.
“More people are playing the accordion,” he observed.
Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
