Illinois Polkfest 2009 - Let's talk about the buttonbox

The dancing and band playing went on and on until our feet hurt and still we jumped up to danced around to the great music.

In the lobby and in one of the conference rooms the talent continued. People gathered to listen and other brought their instruments. One time when we peeked our head in the door we heard the most mellow sound of about 20 button box accordions, a couple of banjos and a trombone jamming.

It was such a treat. They all knew the music.

We meet a man from Minnsooota who was heading down the hall to join the jammers. The music they play is Slovenian tunes. They all know the music from heart. There on buttons on both the left and right hands. Each button provides the tone of a couple of notes as the bellows are opened up. As the bellows are pushed back in a new couple of notes are played. It is not the easiest instrument to learn, but this group of folks had it down pat.

Button Box Accordion Jamming - 20 accordions playing in a large circle all moving in and out together to the music







Button Box Jamming
Martin Mavec age 17 and Rock Churnovic age 13





Rock Churnovic - Age 13



By the second day a couple of young people joined. Martin Mavec was 17 and had been playing for 10 years. He was terrific. He had taken lessons for about 3 years and caught on so quickly he just started learning on his own. He really had command of this difficult instrument. Another youngster, Rick Churnovic, was age 13. He would need to grow into the size of this button box. His skills were amazing.

What a group of interesting talented people.

Here is a sampling of their jamming over the weekend.


Martin Mavec - Age 17