Visit our web site at www.3can.net

In 1997, a handful of local Austin accordionists started keeping in touch with each other via the Internet. After a while, some form was given to the group and the name, Third Coast Accordion Network was adopted. By definition, 3CAN, as the network is commonly called, is a loosely organized group of accordionists and accordion aficionados that participates in promoting the accordion and getting together to share the common bond that they have with each other because of their interest and love for the versatile instrument.

Participants in the Third Coast Accordion Network are generally referred to as Squeezenetter's. The nickname refers to the Squeezenet, an Internet e-mail list set up and maintained by Steve Wise. The Squeezenet provides a quick messaging medium and an in-depth discussion forum of accordion issues. It goes out to a wide population of accordionists and aficionados, not only locally, but across the US and in several countries throughout the world.

Each month the Squeezenet posts the 3CAN Accordion Roundup, Accordeon Rendezvous, and other accordion activities. If you would like to host an event, please contact us.

The Accordion Roundup is held on the last Tuesday of every month at the Broken Spoke, a historic and world famous C&W dance hall in Austin. Owner James White and accordionist and band leader Debra Peters are our hosts. We begin each Roundup with a jam session where local accordionists are joined by other musicians in playing the country western classics, blues, jazz, and ethnic favorites. Debra begins her band set with the jam participants playing with the band for a few numbers. We often have foreign visitors stop by for the festivities.

The Accordion Rendezvous lists a venue that features an accordion based band. Squeezenetter's are highly encouraged to show up and support the performer. Sometimes the setting is right for a jam session and audience participation. We always have fun while exposing accordionists to the wide variety of music played on the accordion and demonstrating to club owners that there is an active audience for accordion music.

We also notify members of jam sessions, workshops, concerts and festivals where accordions will be prominent. We hope to help sponsor or host some of these during 1999.

SORRY! Because we are a network, not an organization, we have no dues, no officers, AND no members...only participants. You can become a participant!

HOW?...by Participating!

1. Subscribe to the Squeezenet by sending us your e-mail address.
   
2. Come to the next Accordion Roundup or Rendezvous or to any 3CAN activity of which you will be notified.
   
3. Support local accordion based bands.
   
4. Bring your accordion or accordion interest
   
5. Tell your friends about 3CAN and the Squeezenet.
6. Send us your accordion jokes
   
7. Keep Squeezing!