Press Release: 2010 Cajun Squeezebox Shootout

The 5^th Annual

Cajun Squeezebox Shootout Accordion Championship

Saturday, February 13, 2010          HIGH NOON

Strand Theatre         432 N. Main Street        Jennings, Louisiana

For the past 18 years, Jennings, Louisiana has been the proud home of Cajun Country’s Mardi Gras “Kick Off” event: The Jennings Mardi Gras Parade and Festival.  Each year, the parade and the Main Street after-party street dance has grown tremendously and the event is now recognized as a Mardi Gras season highlight.

In 2006 the Cajun Squeezebox Shootout Accordion Championship was born.  The fifth annual Shootout is scheduled for Saturday, February 13th at the Historic Strand Theatre on Main Street in Jennings.  Cajun diatonic accordion players will meet to shoot it out at High Noon.  Doors to the Strand open at 11 a.m. and the competition begins at noon.  Admission is $5 general admission, those 12 and under get in free.

The Shootout is a family event designed to expand and promote Cajun music and culture.  The contest is open to diatonic nine-and-ten-button Cajun accordion players of all ages.  A panel of five judges from the Cajun Music industry will evaluate each player.  Judging is based on overall Cajun music skill; command of accordion voicing; traditional song playing and style; hammering accuracy; knowledge of modern modes; and finally, on performance and presence.

There is no entry fee for the contest, but accordionists must register in order to compete.  A registration form and details are available on the Shootout site: jeffdavis.org .    Competition features three divisions.  The Youth Division includes players age 13 and under, on or before Feb. 13, 2010.  The Junior Division includes players age 14 – 20, on or before Feb.13, 2010.  The last division is the Adult Division including players age 21 and older, on or before Feb.13, 2010.  The deadline to register to compete is Thursday, February 11 at 3 p.m.

The prizes include recognition as the 2010 Cajun Accordion Champion, as well as trophies and a $500 Grand Prize in each division.  $100 second prizes and $50 third prizes will also be awarded.  To register for competition or learn more about the Shootout go to the website:

www.jeffdavis.org or call (337) 821-5532 or email polly@cityofjennings.com.

Proudly sponsored by the Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission, the City of Jennings and the Jennings Festival Association.