The Main Squeeze
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Since 1996, the Main Squeeze at 19 Essex Street has been the neighborhood source “for all your accordion needs.” The narrow shop, owned and operated by Walter Kuhr, is certainly worth a visit, even if you’re not a music-head. Stepping off the street, the consumer is at once greeted by walls lined with accordions, cases of sheet music, shelves of random CDs, and well worn wooden floorboards. Definitely not the typical music store experience.
Being somewhat obsessed with so-called “squeeze boxes,” we stopped in over the weekend to drool over peruse the selection. In the process, Mr. Kuhr spent quite a bit of time explaining the art and intricacies of the instrument, as well as the differences between Cajun (no keys, “your grandfather teaches you to play”) and classical (piano keys) styles. After the lesson, and subsequent performance, he told us of his exploits as both conductor of the 14-piece house orchestra and member of the Last of the International Playboys ensemble. Lessons start at $65…
Main Squeeze, 19 Essex Street, (212) 614-3109
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