Music

Bohemian Rhapsody

Czech out an evening of squeezebox tunes in Cadott

Tom Giffey |

The Bohemian Hall was built outside Cadott in 1907
The Bohemian Hall was built outside Cadott in 1907

Are you an accordion aficionado? A concertina connoisseur? Or are you simply craving some kolachy? If you’ve answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, plan a trip May 5 to Cadott for one of the Valley’s most unique annual musical events: “Long Live the Squeezebox” begins at 7pm at the Bohemian Hall on Highway 27. In the early 20th century, Czech immigrants built the historic hall to help preserve their culture, and 110 years later it’s still fulfilling that role for their descendants and others who are interested in a night of music, food, and fun. “We’re just trying to keep the history alive,” says Dana Carlson, one of the event’s organizers. The concert helps bring visitors in to admire the hall – which features a stage with hand-painted canvas curtains – and raise money for its preservation. The “squeezebox” entertainment will be provided by a lineup of performers from Wisconsin and Minnesota playing vintage music on the accordion and the concertina (the accordion’s compact cousin). Hot beefs, beer, soda, and popcorn will be available, but if you’re interested in something authentic, try a kolachy – a Czech pastry topped with a dollop of fruit. (Here they specialize in a poppy seed-and-prune combo, but you can also get the likes of apricot, cream cheese, and lemon.) And while this is a seated concert, not a dance, you’ll still want to bring along your main squeeze for the squeezebox fun. 

“Long Live the Squeezebox,” an evening of accordion and concertina music • Friday, May 5 • 7pm (doors at 6pm) • Cadott Bohemian Hall, 26054 135th Ave. (about 7 miles north of Cadott on Highway 27) • $10 • hdcjcarlson@gmail.com • (715) 271-4454