VINENNA — On Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. The Maine Squeeze accordion ensemble will perform at the Vienna Union Hall, 5 Mountain Road. 

The Maine Squeeze includes five accordionists and one percussionist playing eclectic, ethnic music from around the world. Members Alina Blakesley (from Boothbay Harbor), Nancy 3. Hoffman and Janine Blatt (from Peaks Island), Peter Blackstone, Sally Trice and Barbara Truex (from greater Portland), bring their lively music to summer fairs, parades, and concerts throughout Maine. Polkas, waltzes, Zydeco, jazz and folk standards, and original tunes are just the tip of the iceberg for the Squeezers. 

Musical biographies of the group are as diverse as its accordion music.

Alina Blakesley was born in England to Polish immigrants. She honors her roots through Polish songs and dances. Her motto is “Look to your roots and find a jewel shinning bright in your being.” 

Nancy 3. Hoffman is a singer, accordionist pianist, and musical director. In addition, she is the instigator, director, and curator of the World’s Only Umbrella Cover Museum.www.umbrellacovermuseum.org. Spending part of the year on Peaks Island, Hoffman also is a member a member of The Casco Bay Tummlers, www.cascobaytummlers.com a klezmer band.

Janine Blatt made her accordion debut in 1996 with Squeeze, Please! a homegrown Peaks Island group, and has been playing ever since.

Peter Blackstone is an avid composer of original music on accordion and guitar. He first studied the accordion in 4th grade. He has played in a Zydeco band, an African band, and the Poor Valley Salvation Society, an old-time gospel band. He also plays steel drum with the Blueberry Pancakes. 

Sally Trice started playing accordion as a child. She was drawn to the instrument then and still finds it fun to play. She also teaches accordion. She has beecn playing with the Maine Squeeze for 10 years.

Barbara Truex lives in Windham and splits her time between playing, composing, teaching, theatrical sound design, and doing community radio. Her primary instruments are mountain dulcimer (acoustic and electric), ukulelee and guitar, but her second love is accordion.  

Part of the main floor will be set aside for dancing.T ickets are $8. FMI:  call 293-2674 or email [email protected].