Main Squeeze Orchestra at the Bowery Poetry Club

Last week I took a trip to Main Squeeze accordion shop and met the owner, Walter Kühr. Walter told me about his unique 14 women accordion orchestra called, appropriately enough, The Main Squeeze Orchestra. I was quite intrigued by this unusual musical orchestra idea and decided to go check them out tonight at The Bowery Poetry Club and Cafe. I’ve never been to the Bowery Poetry Club and have always wanted to check it out, so tonight we kill two birds with one stone and fourteen accordions!

I came here early to get a ticket, because I had a feeling it might sell out, but they told me that they don't sell tickets in advance and to come back a little bit before the show, which is about an hour and a half away. Okay, time to improvise.

I was going to go to Milano's bar and have a few beers, but as I passed by Emilio's Ballato Italian restaurant, I decided to have a Sunday dinner in here instead. I've always wanted to stop in here and tonight's the night.

Inside it's a classic, old-school red sauce joint.

This is my table armed with fresh bread and Peroni beer. My waiter told me he thinks this restaurant has been on the block since 1956.

A view from my table, there's pictures all over the place and you could spend the entire evening looking at them.

Here's a signed photo of Andy Warhol who once proclaimed that everyone would be Italian for fifteen minutes.

And here comes dinner, I started off with the house salad and it was as good as it looks.

One of the specials of the night was spaghetti and meatballs, so I had to order that. It was the best I've ever had!

Burp! Delicious, now let's see if they're letting people into the Main Squeeze Orchestra show.

Okay, let's try this again.

They're still not selling tickets, so I hung out in the front coffee house area.

The lovely and friendly Bailey was working the counter and was happy to pose for a photo. Great smile!

There's tables, chairs and a booth opposite the coffee counter to sit and relax in.

And sitting at one of the tables is part of the Main Squeeze Orchestra, Rebecca and Stephanie. After a quick chat, I decided to check on the ticket situation.

Well, I'm glad i got there when I did,  shortly after I approached the ticket area a line formed out the door.

Finally, they started letting people into the theater.

Inside the orchestra was getting in place on stage.

As you can see, it's a full house. The Main Squeeze Orchestra packs them in!

It looks like the orchestra is in place and waiting to begin the show.

And here's conductor and band leader, Walter on stage checking things out.

Here he is giving out last minute instructions and chatting with the women of the orchestra.

Okay, the left side is ready...

And the right looks ready to start squeezing and playing away...

The conductor's sheet music is in place on the stage, front and center.

Walter takes his place...

And, boom, they're off and the concert has begun. It's amazing to hear all these accordions at once, with the way it's arranged, it sounds like a full orchestra.

The concert is an all Russian-themed show. The songs are all Russian tunes written by Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. In between the music, Russian Studies scholar Alexa Voytek gives an introduction of the upcoming song. Educational and very entertaining.

This is one of the most unique and fun shows I've ever been to.

Lots of photos are being taken in the crowd.

And this woman was video-taping the whole show, maybe you'll be able to get a copy in the future, keep your eyes on the MSO website!

But even when there's something so unique and fun as this show, some people just can't stop checking their phones. Sheesh!

The Main Squeeze Orchestra is projected on the screen behind the musicians.

After the show, Walter thanked the crowd and introduced each member of the orchestra.

He gives a final bow and the show is over. It was really a great and unusual evening of music and fun and I highly recommend seeing them if you get a chance.

Further Reading: New York Magazine, Paris Review and NPR.

Sweet dreams are made of this.

Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!

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Bonus Letter of Reference by Tim “Clacky” Clack!

My mate in Australia, Clacky threatened promised to write a letter of reference for me, since I’m job hunting these days. And he came through with his threat promise for me and here it is! Thanks, Clacky!...I think?

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 To Whom It May Concern:
 
I’m writing in regards to offering a sound character and professional employment reference for my esteemed acquaintance and friend, Marty Wombacher.
 
I’ve only known Marty for a very brief number of years, and have only been in his immediate presence on a mere 4…maybe 5 occasions, but I feel that I am highly qualified to offer my positive endorsement, even though 4 or maybe 5 of those occasions I was indeed under the influence of, not only Marty’s generous hospitality, but full strength alcohol….(hiccup!).
 
From what I can recall, Marty is a fully focused and driven individual that kicks goals and makes friends wherever he goes, but lets face it, bar flies will talk to anyone. They even talked to me!
 
Marty is a hard worker and will not kiss your ass in fact, he’ll tear you a new one. If that is what it is that your desire, but don’t let that deter you, he also has a soft side. I don’t know where it is though. I assume it is kept in the fridge next to the mustard and cheese whiz.
 
I would have no hesitation offering Marty full time employment with your company. That’s because it is your company.  Not mine. I don’t have a company.
 
Please don’t call him in to work on the weekends or public holidays. That would just piss him off. Pissing Marty off is usually not the best option. Just because he is a Midwestern native is no reason to assume that he hasn’t developed a strong New York personality.  
 
All in all, Marty is the freakin’ Peoples Champion!! Give him a crack!
 
If you would like to contact me for further discussion, please feel free to go eat a shit. I’m not available.
 
Cheerio!
 
Tim Clack
 
Owner proprietor (unlicensed)
Bunt’s Bar and suburban Resort and Spa

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Bonus Beatnik Art From Jaws!

Jaws the Cabbie sent in this kooky beatnik art to accompany the fantasy he described in his comment. Cool beans, Jaws, thanks!