During that time, he learned how to play every conceivable kind of music, from tangos to traditional Eastern European folk music. He also learned to play guitar and piano, and has since been a professional musician and teacher for over 30 years.

Though he is incredibly knowledgeable about the accordion, the Fontana resident and music teacher at San Bernardino’s Valley College, is not a devout traditionalist. In fact, he enthusiastically embraces the new generation of digital accordions.

“I know some accordion players look down on digital accordions, they don’t think they’re ‘real’ accordions, but I love both kinds,” said Lavruk, who plays serious music like Beethoven and Chopin on a 40-year-old handmade Italian accordion and more contemporary music on his year-old Roland digital accordion,” Lavruk said.

“We still have the traditional, handmade accordion, that is every musician’s dream to have the best of the best because of the craftsmanship and the sound. But at the same time, we now have digital accordions, which make the instrument more powerful and even more diverse. It’s really a much more entertaining way to expose people to the accordion,” he added.

At 1st Annual Orange County Accordion Festival aka The Big Squeeze, Lavruk will demonstrate some of his expertise by playing a selection of Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Jewish, Russian, French and Polish songs.

The Festival will be held Sunday, October 11 at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa, the weekend swap meet at the fairgrounds, where Lavruk and more than 40 other accordionists and musicians, ranging in ages 8 to 91 will showcase a variety of music styles to demonstrate the squeeze box’s versatility and cross cultural appeal including Cajun, zydeco, folk, jazz, gypsy, French, German, tango, Russian, Tex-Mex, Latin, blues, rock and much more

Lavruk was exposed to the accordion at the age of 5. A group of accordion players visited his school and, when he came home, he told his father that he wanted to play the strange-looking instrument. “I don’t remember exactly why I took to it, but it did seem fun and enjoyable and it’s something that gets a lot of attention right away.”

Lavruk, who has played small clubs and huge festivals, believes the demand for accordion players is on the rise in California, something he says is long due.

“Not a lot of people play accordion in California, relatively, and I think many people think of it only as something that is used in polkas. But the accordion is actually a very romantic and passionate instrument. My favorite music to play is the tango and I can see when I use the accordion that people feel it differently than other instruments. Even the faces of the people who aren’t dancing are excited. It’s much more interesting and vibrant than many people realize, but it’s been stereotyped for so long. But I think that is slowly changing, which I am very appreciative about, “ he said.

There is nothing else like an accordion and people who think of it just as something they heard on “The Lawrence Welk Show” a long time ago are really missing out on something wonderful.”

The Big Squeeze will feature four stages of accordion music and accordion based bands and orchestras performing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition there will be free dance lessons and a section for specialty vendors in the Main Squeeze Stage area. Along with the Festival is the regular base of Market Place vendors which includes nearly 1,000 merchants offering a variety of products and services. fresh produce, gourmet foods to go, artisans and crafters, manufactured homes, kid’s play area, inflatable attractions, hair salon, food concessions and more.

Though the talent is rich, the Accordion Festival will not put a squeeze on your wallet. All activities including entrance to the swap meet are included in the price of Market Place admission, which is $2 or FREE with a canned food item to help the Orange County Food Bank. Children 12 and under are free. A complete schedule for “The Big Squeeze” is available at the website www.ocmarketplace.com.

All attendees will have the opportunity to win a FREE Hohner Bravo 48 II accordion donated by Hohner USA. Free sign up to win the accordion, which is ideal for beginners, will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Big Squeeze information booth. The winner, who must be present to win, will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

In its 40th year the Orange County Market Place is held every weekend (except during the Orange County Fair) at the O.C. Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information on these events may be obtained by visiting www.ocmarketplace.com or calling 949-723-6660.