Seen/Scene: So many accordions to play, so little time to squeeze 'em

What the heck is that sound coming from the Center House?

Could it really be a bunch of sqeezeboxes?

Accordion aficionados are gathering at Seattle Center House on Sunday for the Day of the Accordion. Starting at 11 a.m., accordion sounds will echo from the stage as local bands perform music ranging from folk to Tex-Mex. People can take a shot at their accordion skills or listen to student performances in the third-floor conference rooms.

Mainstage performances run all day, featuring Ken Olendorf, the Steve Rice Duo, Einar Tapio and Rod Miller, the Folk Voice Band, Juan Barco's Tejano/Conjunto Band, the Happy Hans Band, the Bonnie Birch Band and the Northwest Accordionaires Band.

This annual event started 15 years ago when members from the Northwest Accordion Society decided to showcase the skills and music of the instrument they hold close to their hearts.

"For many years, people made fun of the accordion," said event organizer Bonnie Birch, "but we wanted to show what can be done on the accordion."

There are free workshops throughout the afternoon and free lessons will be given noon-4 p.m.

"We provide the accordion," Birch said.

Student performances are divided into two sessions: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3:30-5 p.m.

At 4:35 p.m., the day's events culminate in a jam session for all accordionists and musicians.

Each of the mainstage acts display the versatility of the accordion in music genres, Birch said.

"I think making fun of the accordion is on its way out," she said. "People are realizing you can play serious music on it."

Some of today's rock bands, such as The Decemberists, Arcade Fire and Flogging Molly, incorporate the instrument into their sounds.

"The accordion can stand on its own," she said. "It's really a powerful instrument."

SCENERY

WHAT: Day of the Accordion

WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Seattle Center House

INFORMATION: nwasnews.com