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 and is working with students of all ages. She has been playing with the Maine Squeeze for 10 years.

Barbara Truex lives in Windham and splits her time between playing, composing, teaching, theatrical sound design, arts administration, and community radio. Her primary instruments are mountain dulcimer (acoustic and electric), ukuleles and guitar, but her second love is tapping away for accordions! She is also plays with world music band Loopin’ http://www.shamou.com/loopin.htm, hosts a weekly global music program on WMPG in Portland http://www.wmpg.org, composes for radio drama with award-winning FinalRune Productions http://www.finalrune.com and is the Executive Director and resident sound designer of the Mad Horse Theatre Company http://www.madhorse.com. Her hobby is napping. Find out more at http://www.barbtruex.com.

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. As a cabaret singer, Ms. Three is well known for singing in six or seven languages on any given program. Spending part of the year on Peaks Island, Maine, Nancy 3. is a member of two ethnic musical groups: The Casco Bay Tummlers, www.cascobaytummlers.com a klezmer band, and The Maine Squeeze

Janine Blatt made her accordion debut in 1996 with Squeeze, Please! a homegrown Peaks Island group, and has been playing ever since. Her day job with the Department of Education takes her to schools throughout Maine where she brings accordion music, songs and dance to preschool children.

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. He teaches elementary school in Portland. In his spare time he is an avid gardener, growing rare orchids.

Alina Blakesley. Born in England to Polish Immigrants she honors her roots through Polish songs and dances. With colorful costumes many children have swirled to the lively Polish dance music which she has taught for school and church programs throughout Maine, especially at the St Lois Polish church in Portland. She is a classically trained singer and has produced many shows including London Pride and The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan to celebrate her British heritage. Her motto is “Look to your roots and find a jewel shinning bright in your being.”

THE MAINE SQUEEZE

 The Maine Squeeze is an accordion ensemble.  We play eclectic ethnic music from around the world, from traditional foot-tapping polkas to waltzes to zydeco, as well as original tunes - on stage, as a part of your parade, or as a band of wandering minstrels! 

Some favorite past events and venues include:
Portland’s Festival of Cultural Exchange, Lewiston’s Festival de Joie, La Kermesse Festival Parade, the Fryeburg Fair, Casco Days Parade, Bath Heritage Days, The Maine Festival, Full Circle Fair, New England Folk Festival, The Wooden Boat Show, Great Balloon Fest, Yarmouth Clam Festival, Rockland Lobster Festival, Rockland Boat Show, the Common Ground Fair, Bates College Harvest Festival and Summer Performance Series, Portland Museum of Art, Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, Portland Downtown District Performance Series, Portland Sea Dogs Friday Night House Band, New Year’s Portland, a Blaine House Dinner, the Peaks Island Fest, and Op Sail 2000.  

We also perform at senior citizen events, recreation and library programs, parties, weddings and special events.  We delight in bringing smiles and a sense of fun to any venue and to all ages! 

“They roved about the grounds; drawing crowds wherever they went…people sang and danced along with the music….” Common Ground Fair 

“They are always a crowd pleaser…as the band strolls through the ballpark you can hear the comments from the fans that appreciate the music….” Portland Sea Dogs 

“There were 440,000 people in Portland for OpSail Maine 2000…your strolling shows charmed the crowd with smiles and finesse...our office received wonderful feedback about Maine Squeeze performance….” Portland’s Downtown District+ 

Individual members also perform in bands such as the Casco Bay Tummlers (Klezmer music) and are teachers of music, drama, dance and voice for children and adults. 

As you plan for 2010, keep us in mind.  We can perform as a full or partial band, depending on your need.  Individual members are available for those smaller, more intimate occasions.  The band rate begins at $300 -$1000.  Rates are negotiable based on your budget guidelines. 

More than ever, music can bring a sense of hope, joy and community to our lives and we’d like to share that with you.