Held in San Antonio each year, this rollicking festival showcases world-wide talent.  I came expecting accordions - and lots of them - but what I found was an A-to-Z array of exciting musical traditions, from Argentinian chamamé to Louisiana zydeco. 

Above, Jeremias Martin of Brandan, a group from the Canary Islands, a place with historical links to San Antonio.  Brandan was the first band I heard perform, and it was immediately evident there would be more than stellar accordion playing - Brandan's timpale player, Benito Cabrera, (left) made that abundantly clear.

Chango Spasiuk (left and below) was a revelation.  I'd never heard the folk-based music from Argentina, chamamé, that he and his compatriots play, but since hearing it I've become obsessed.  After returning home, the first thing I did was track down as many of Spasiuk's CD's as I could find.

Music of the Roma was another highlight of the festival.  The Yuri Yunakov Ensemble (left) had the audience up and dancing at virtually every performance.  Yunakov, on saxophone, was a mesmeric presence on stage.   The interaction between him and members of his ensemble spoke volumes about the power of this music.  

The Yuri Yunakov Ensemble featured a guest artist, virtuoso accordionist Milen Slavov.  His  breathtaking solo runs as well as "call and response" sessions with Yunakov brought the audience to its feet.

I was also quite taken with the Yunakov Ensemble's drummer, Rumen Shopov, yet another dynamic performer.  Aside from being eminently photogenic, his tapan playing imbued every set with a festive, ceremonial feel.    

From Quebec came the infectious Yves Lambert and his Bébert Orchestra.   A striking feature for this group was the use of feet as percussive instruments.  Le Bébert Orchestra's music ranged from boisterous sing-alongs to pensive melodies. 

From California came a suitably quirky group, Those Darned Accordions.  Their retro costumes alone set them apart, not to mention their entertaining onstage antics.  Their theme song?   "We're an Accordion Band"  (Clearly, someone out there still listens to Grand Funk Railroad!)  

From the Tohono O'odon Nation of Arizona came the Native American band, Southern Scratch (right).  I had also hoped to hear conjunto star Santiago Jimenez Jr, but unfortunately Mr. Jimenez was taken ill during in the festival.   However, the young accordionist shown below, whose name I regrettably didn't get, did an admirable job of filling in.

As can be seen, audience participation was a major component in this festival.  I saw everything from the Texas two-step to sultry tangos performed by members of the audience.  At one point, an enthu- siastic dancer actually fell in the River Walk canal.   He climbed out, shook himself off like a wet dog, and continued dancing.

From Dublin (by way of Oregon) came button accordionist Johnny Connolly, shown right.  Connolly was one of several international performers who now makes a home in the US.

As far as homegrown accordionists go, it doesn't get much more authentic than Louisiana's Ed Poillard and Lawrence Ardoin, shown here performing on the scenic waterside Arneson stage. I might mention that San Antonio's La Villita is a fabulous venue for a festival.  I enjoyed some wonderful meals at nearby restaurants, not to mention a relaxing time strolling the famous River Walk, seen to its best advantage at night with the thousands of twinkle lights reflected in the canal.

I'm already looking into making arrangements to attend next year's festival.  Rumor has it that the line-up will feature more Romany musicians.  But no matter what the final billing is, it's sure to feature plenty of  incredible musicians.