Some are shy on stage; others are natural performers. Some feature technical playing; others draw on their emotions. They’re all budding accordion slingers aiming for the title in this year’s Big Squeeze competition.

Eight of the state’s best young accordionists are traveling to Austin this weekend for the semifinals of the Big Squeeze. The semifinalists, ranging in age from 11 to 18, will perform a free show at Lonestar Plaza of the Bullock Museum from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday

Johnny Ramirez, the 2008 Big Squeeze champ, and Keyun Dickson, the 2010 winner, jam together at a Houston show.

Texas Folklife, an Austin-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving and showcasing Lone Star culture, started the accordion competition in 2007 as an educational arm of its annual Accordion Kings & Queens concert in Houston (June 1 at Miller Outdoor Theatre).

“We’re interested in preserving the traditional music of Texas, and we wanted to make sure the younger generations were picking up the accordion, so we set out to see how many young people we could find,” says Sarah Rucker, program and events manager for Texas Folklife. “We figured the most fun way to do that would be a contest, and through that we found the most talented young players in Texas in a range of musical genres, including conjunto, zydeco, Tejano, polka.”

This year’s competition, which is limited to players 21 and younger, started in February with opening-round performances in Houston, Edinburg, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Tomball, Dallas, and Los Fresnos. Other interested contestants had the option of sending in videotapes of their playing.

The judging panel that selected eight semifinalists from the field of 33 entries was made up of a big-name list of professional accordionists, including Joel Guzman, Sunny Sauceda, Anthony Trevino and Juan Tejeda.

At the semifinals, Susan Torres, accordionist for the Austin band Susan Torres y Conjunto Clemencia, will help select the four finalists who will compete for the championship at the June 1 Accordion Kings & Queens concert. Torres and her band will also perform at the Saturday show.

So who qualified for the semifinals? The accordionists are Juan Longoria, III (12) and Juan Dueñes (11), both of Brownsville; Yesenia Garcia (17) of Houston; Rito Peña (14) of San Antonio; Michael Ramos (17) of Dallas; Luis Gonzalez (17) of Grand Prairie; Oscar Gomez (14) of Elsa; and Juan Antonio Garcia (18) of Mission.

Ignacio “Nachito” Morales of Dallas, the 2011 Big Squeeze champion, shows how it’s done.

The Big Squeeze has fostered a network of up-and-coming accordion players across Texas. In some cases, competitors have ended up forming groups together.

“We want to create a community of this music,” Rucker says. “When they meet these other kids that are playing in other parts of the state, it’s a bonding experience. … It’s building not only a network of family and friendships, but eventually a network of performing musicians.”

If you’re interested in learning more, check out the Saturday show, or the finals in Houston. There’s also a 2009 documentary by filmmaker Hector Galán about the Big Squeeze, featuring contestants from the 2007 and 2008 Big Squeeze competitions.

The success of past Big Squeeze champions affirms the competition’s purpose of promoting the young accordionists. “I’m proud to say that all of them are performing musicians, and almost all have released CDs of their own at this point,” Rucker says.

No doubt, these young accordionists can play, and it’s a joy to watch them take the spotlight.

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Photos by David Dodd, Courtesy of Texas Folklife.

In Austin, artists and musicians are finalizing prepwork for this weekend’s Arts City Austin Festival (April 13-14), which transforms the streets surrounding City Hall and the 2^nd Street entertainment district into an outdoor art fair. Among the reasons to go: Hundreds of artists will display their works throughout the festival grounds, more than 150 pieces of art enliven the galleries inside City Hall, local food trailers offer sustenance and libations, musicians perform non-stop, and perhaps best of all-the weather promises to be spectacular!  Tickets cost $8; free admission for kids age 12 and younger. It’s also free if you ride your bike!

Interactive kids’ activities at Art City Austin

First produced in 1951 as the Texas Fine Arts Association’s Spring Juried Art Fair, the event—renamed Art City Austin— moved downtown in 2008. It’s organized by Art Alliance Austin, which works to advance the city “by integrating art, culture, and creativity into public life.” See www.artallianceaustin.org,

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend, with the weather cooperating just in time for several wildflower festivals and peak blooms still to come in some areas.  

On April 13-14, Chappell Hill hosts its 49^th annual Bluebonnet Festival, named the Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas by the Texas Legislature. The event features live entertainment, historical tours, food and vendors from 9 a.m. until the early evening, when you’ll want to get out for a sunset drive of wildflower country. The surrounding area tends to put on an impressive show  each year, and the area visitor bureau’s Wildflower Watch shows lots of ongoing blooms.

Indian blanket, coreopsis and a few bluebonnets put on a colorful show between Brady and Llano last year along SH 71.

Not to be outdone, Burnet and Llano counties share the title of “The Bluebonnet Capital of Texas”—and Burnet is where you can also find this weekend’s 30^th annual Burnet Wildflower Festival. Visitors can enjoy an air show, grand parade, carnival, car show, live music and entertainment, street dances, a pet parade, doghouse races, wiener dog races and vendors from April 12-14.

Also in the Hill Country, the Wine and Wildflower Trail makes a great case for visiting some of the region’s wineries at the height of spring scenery. Through April 14, visitors can sample wines at any of the area’s 32 participating wineries (remember to bring a designated driver!), get discounts on wine bottles and take home a packet of wildflower seeds as a reminder of the trip. Tickets are available on the Texas Hill Country Wineries website. If your journey takes you to Fredericksburg, also plan to make a stop at the Wildflower Celebration at Wildseed Farms or join the fun at the  Bluebonnet Tractor Ride on April 13.

In Ennis (which claims the official Bluebonnet City title), Texas Bluebonnet Trails season has begun, with the estimated peak for bluebonnets coming next week. Last year there was a breathtaking field of bluebonnets just east of town, which you can see in this video–there’s no guarantee that area will give an encore performance this year, but you never know!  Maps and updates on the best current driving routes in the area are available from the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau website. The city also hosts the Bluebonnet Trails Festival on April 20-21.

Resources for wildflower sightings

Visit TxDOT’s Drive Texas wildflowers page at  or call the 24-hour automated hotline at 800/452-9292 for reports on the locations of scenic spring wildflowers.

User-submitted tips and maps on wildflowers also are available at www.texasbluebonnetsightings.com.

The United States and Mexican governments opened the Boquillas border crossing on Wednesday, reestablishing tourist access between the two countries in Big Bend National Park.

A rowboat will ferry visitors across the Rio Grande at the Port of Boquillas, which is in the southeastern section of the park near Rio Grande Village. The crossing had been closed since 2002, when the United States shut it down in the aftermath of 9/11.

Boquillas is the only port of entry between Presidio and Del Rio, which are about 300 miles apart. For visitors entering Mexico, the crossing provides access to the village of Boquillas and the protected areas of Maderas del Carmen, Ocampo, and Cañon de Santa Elena.

Big Bend National Park has pushed to re-open the crossing to foster both tourism opportunities and resource management cooperation with its Mexican counterparts.

The port is open to pedestrians only—no vehicles—from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, according to a joint press release from the National Park Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

For travelers entering the United States, the National Park Service is staffing an interagency facility that houses two kiosks with a remote link to Customs & Border Protection officials in other locations. Border agents can interview crossers and examine their documents via the remote link.

The press release from the U.S. agencies did not contain details about documents required for American travelers entering Mexico. However, it said that travelers returning from Mexico to the U.S. must have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative approved document , such as a U.S. passport.

It’s also worth noting that travelers returning from Mexico to Big Bend are only permitted to cross during the aforementioned hours of operation.

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Both photos by Robert Hart

Texas wildflowers are so delicately beautiful that it’s no surprise their annual blooms are subject to the whims of spring weather.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin says spring showers bode well for some wildflower blooms, while cool spring temperatures are delaying others.

“Look for the wildflower season to improve as we get deeper into spring and into the early summer, when wildflowers that need less rainfall traditionally reach their peak,” Damon Waitt, the center’s senior director, said in a press release.

Here are some highlights from Tuesday’s press release:

• “Cool temperatures have also encouraged Texas bluebonnets, blackfoot daisies and other early bloomers to stick around longer in locations where there was enough fall rain for them to flower.  In other areas, the cool weather delayed the peak of some blooms.”
• “Among the good viewing options are: bluebonnet patches along roadways near Brenham, Texas. Other Washington County sightings include many coreopsis along Highway 290 East near Hempstead and winecups and other wildflowers where that highway intersects with FM 1488.”

Be sure to check out our April cover story about beautiful wildflower drives, and join us May 4-12 for the Texas Highways annual wildflower photo exhibit at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 27 years since musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Fabulous Thunderbirds started showing up on TV and radio with songs to discourage littering as part of the Don’t mess with Texas campaign.

The campaign was a big success and grew into a household slogan in Texas, and even beyond. But at the same time, the state’s population has grown (at a pace of 1,000 people per day currently), and a younger generation of Texans doesn’t necessarily relate the slogan with its anti-littering message.

That’s why the Texas Department of Transportation on Tuesday launched a makeover of Don’t mess with Texas, including a special emphasis on the iconic red, white, and blue trash barrels—the same cans that first showed up in early commercials with the likes of Randy White and Ed “Too Tall” Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.

“We want to remind all Texans and visitors that trash belongs in a trash can and not along our roadways,” says Phil Wilson, TxDOT’s executive director. “That’s why trash barrels are playing a key role in the re-launch of Don’t mess with Texas, our state’s most critical and successful anti-litter campaign.”

TxDOT held a press conference on the State Capitol grounds to introduce the makeover, complete with dancing trashcans (performed by Austin comedy group Esther’s Follies), a new anti-littering song performed by local musician Shakey Graves, and penguins from SeaWorld San Antonio.

The department plans to distribute more than 300 branded trash barrels across the state in the coming months, including at state Travel Information Centers, to drive home the message of the Don’t mess with Texas campaign. Let’s hope people get the point and start curtailing the estimated 1.1 billion pieces of litter thrown each year along Texas roadways.

Sometimes, part of the fun of taking a vacation is the planning—researching itineraries, hotels, restaurants; making plans for special activities; even reconnecting with friends in a different environment. On the flip side, then there are the pleasures associated with last-minute travel—the fun and freedom of spontaneity, the relaxation of expectations, and the refreshing sense that all is right with the world when something serendipitous unfolds.

I recently took an overnight trip to Houston, and since I had business to accomplish, I didn’t want to splurge on a hotel. Hoteliers will tell you that to get the best deal on rooms for leisure travel, it’s best to establish a relationship with a property or hotel group so that you’re made aware of specials. But for no-frills lodging, I sometimes take advantage of services such as the company lastminutetravel.com, which act as brokers for unsold rooms. Going this route works best for, wait for it….last-minute travel. I booked a room two days before my departure and managed to score a $61 room rate at a property (Crowne Plaza River Oaks, in this case) not far from Rice Village, the Houston Museum District, and the behemoth Medical Center.  The room was just fine, and even had a small fridge and a nice view of the full moon, but the hallways seemed a little timeworn-but for $61 I’m  not complaining.

Here’s how it works: You request your destination and date, and then you choose which general area of town you’d like to stay in. The name of the hotel stays hidden until you book, but you can see images of the rooms and public spaces, and you can also see a list of amenities. After you book the room, you’ll see where you’ve ended up. In Houston alone, I’ve used this service to reserve rooms at the Hyatt downtown, the Hampton Suites near the Galleria, and now the Crowne Plaza at Kirby and US 59. We’ve used lastminutetravel to book rooms in Saint Louis, Plano, and Oklahoma City, too. Highly recommend.

Have you ever tried this or a similar website to reserve travel?

We may be hard at work finishing up the summer edition of the Texas Highways Events Calendar, but our eyes are always on what’s coming up next weekend. Now that spring is officially here, there are great annual events popping up all over the state, plus plenty of Easter activities happening this weekend.

Wildflowers are starting to bloom along Texas roadways, but if you’re in East Texas, don’t forget to look up in the trees. In Palestine, the dogwood trees are putting on their best show for the last weekend of the Dogwood Trails Celebration, which features a lively roster of activities including wine tastings, cooking classes, historical tours, train rides, a gospel music festival and Easter celebrations. Tips on the best places to see dogwood blooms can be found at Dogwood Bloom Watch, or find the local visitor center at www.visitpalestine.com for more information.

About an hour northeast in Tyler, the Azalea and Spring Flower Trails is another great place to see a Texas spring in bloom, with additional events through April 7.

This weekend also marks the final days of the South Texas State Fair in Beaumont, which features a carnival, midway, live entertainment, livestock shows, and car and boat displays. Saturday is Kids Day, so all children age 17 and younger get in for free and pay only $1 per ride on the midway between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

It’s also Easter weekend, and there are plenty of opportunities to make the holiday special (and get in some extra egg-hunting practice for the kids). Here are just a few:

Amarillo: Easter EGG-citement, March 30

Beaumont: The Last Days of Christ Outdoor Passion Drama, March 28-30

Fairfield: Annual Easter Eggstravanganza , March 30

Fredericksburg: Easter Fires of Fredericksburg Pageant, March 30

Mount Vernon: Easter in the Park and Community Egg Hunt, March 30

Stonewall: Easter at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, March 30

The Dallas Film Society is busy preparing for this year’s Dallas International Film Festival, which kicks off next week.

The event runs April 4-14 and features 175 films at venues across the city. I had a chance to interview Lee Papert, festival executive director, by email recently, and here’s what he had to say about the event.

How many film submissions did the festival receive?

This year, overall, we received just over 1,300 film entries.

What distinguishes DIFF from other film festivals?

The Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) is an “encyclopedic” festival. We offer a little bit of everything—which isn’t unusual. But, most importantly (and why we are different) is the atmosphere. We strive mightily to create an ambiance that celebrates film—and all the creativity that goes into it. No matter whether you’re the director of a blockbuster or you’ve just screened your first short film; whether you’re a costume designer, cinematographer, producer, or grip—we celebrate the artist. The passion we have for the process and the people involved, well, it makes for a truly welcoming atmosphere—one that also embraces the people attending the movies, participating in the panel discussions, or having their faces painted at Family Day! (Family Day features a free screening of The Sandlot at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Klyde Warren Park.)

Has the festival grown from last year, by how much?

While we certainly won’t know attendance figures till after the 2013 DIFF is completed, we have grown in respect to our “footprint.” We’re bigger in scope and facilities. This year, we’re adding new facilities, including the Klyde Warren Park, and we’re returning to Plano for a special Centerpiece Screening at the “absolutely incredible place to watch a movie” Cinemark West Plano theater.

What are some exciting or interesting aspects of this year’s event?

As mentioned, we’re expanding our “footprint” geographically—and are partnering with a couple of brand new venues. One of those, the new LOOK Cinemas offers a wonderful new multi-theater complex and an incredible new take on the “in-theater dining” theme. LOOK is our Opening Night venue and we’ll happily show at least five different movies that night—and then treat our guests to fine dining from Nick & Sam’s Grill. Finally, we continue to embrace the word “International” that is part of our name by striving to show wonderful films from all over the world. Last year we featured films from 27 different countries. We expect even more this year.

What is the festival doing to honor Italy (this year’s featured nation)?

Each year, we like to shine a spotlight on the films and filmmakers of a different country. Last year it was Korea—this year, Italy—a country rich with film in her blood. Home to Fellini, the spaghetti western, Franco Zeffirelli’s classic Romeo & Juliet, and so much more. We will show at most seven films—showcasing everything from a classic Fellini film to one or two new movies. Throw in some classic Italian food and drink—and you have our Italian Spotlight!

What are some of the films being screened this year?

We are thrilled to be screening Java Heat with Mickey Rourke and Kellen Lutz; Midnight’s Children—Deepa Mehta’s film written by Salman Rushdie from his book of the same name; Mud with Matthew McConaughey; and many, many others.

How many people attended the festival last year?

The 2012 Dallas International Film Festival saw more than 35,000 people attend more than 180 different movies, multiple parties, our panel discussions, Family Day, our High School Day and all of the Festival’s offerings.

Who were some of the movie stars/celebrities that attended last year?

Last year, we were thrilled to bring to Dallas Laura Linney, Gabourey Sidibe, Peter Weller, Michael Weston, Famke Jannssen, Don & Donnie Nelson, Julie White, Glen Keane, and many others.

Who are some of the movie stars/celebrities expected to attend this year?

This year, we fully expect to welcome award-winning director William Friedkin, Indian director Deepa Mehta, Twilight heartthrob Kellen Lutz, the first woman to ever run a major movie studio Sherry Lansing, and a host of other stars and fan favorites.

What’s a special tip you would give to someone visiting Dallas for the festival?

Dallas is an incredible city for film. But, it’s also a great city for art and dining. Come to Dallas for the Film Festival, but each day, before the movies start, why not check out our incredible museums like the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Dallas Museum of Art in the downtown Dallas Arts District. Or, if you’re here for the second weekend of the Festival, explore the many galleries attending the Dallas Art Fair. All that art appreciation is sure to make you hungry—so don’t miss our many, many FANTASTIC restaurants. There’s definitely something for everyone!

In Houston this Saturday, March 23, from 11-2, the always zany and creative Orange Show Foundation hosts its annual Easter Orange Hunt, when kids of all ages can tour the Orange Show site—a veritable playground of whirligigs, moats, and brightly tiled and painted structures—and collect eggs, candy, and (of course) oranges. Also on March 23, the Orange Show will also host its first annual PEEPS Art Contest. Using Peeps marshmallow treats, contestants will make sculptures, costumes, and other works of art, following the lead of similar contests in Washington, D.C., Denver, and Westminster, Maryland. If you’d like to submit an entry, bring it to the Orange Show for judging by noon on Saturday. Winners will receive Peeps prizes, gift cards, and recognition on the Orange Show website, www.orangeshow.org.

a Peeps creation from the Westminster competition