Jess Adkins Accordion

When you book me for a solo accordion performance, you’re getting a customized musical experience designed to fit the atmosphere of your event. I carefully curate my repertoire to match the setting, audience, and theme—whether it’s an elegant soirée, a lively festival, or a nostalgic gathering.

Specialized Repertoire by Event Type:

1) French Café & Parisian Themes (Musette and Waltzes)
Perfect for French restaurants, wine bars, or Parisian-inspired weddings, I play classic accordion favorites like "La Vie en Rose," "Sous le Ciel de Paris," and lively valse musette tunes to transport guests to the streets of Montmartre.

2) German & Oktoberfest Vibes (Polkas, Waltzes, German and Czech style)
A hit at breweries, cultural festivals, and German-themed parties, my setlist includes rousing oom-pah tunes, "The Happy Wanderer," and sing-along favorites that get toes tapping and steins raised. These events can be strolled or stationary

3) Wedding Cocktail Hour & Romantic Ambiance (Classic Standards, Love Songs, & Elegant Instrumentals)
For weddings, I provide a refined backdrop of romantic accordion music—think "Autumn Leaves," "Milord," and timeless melodies that create a warm, sophisticated atmosphere.

4) Nursing Homes & Senior Gatherings (Nostalgic Favorites & Sing-Alongs)
A mix of folk tunes, golden-era standards ("Edelweiss," "Que Sera, Sera"), polkas, and gentle waltzes—plus some sung numbers ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "You Are My Sunshine") when the crowd wants to join in.

Flexible & Engaging Performances
Strolling Accordion: Ideal for mingling guests at receptions or festivals.

Themed Sets: Music tailored to your event’s cultural vibe or era.

Light Vocals (Upon Request): A few well-placed sung melodies can add an extra touch of charm.

Whether you need a refined ambiance or festive energy, my solo accordion performances bring warmth, nostalgia, and a personal touch to any occasion.

Hi, I’m Jess, I’m a musicianbased in St. Louis, Missouri. My main love is the accordion, which I’ve been playing since I was 15. (People always ask, "Why accordion?" The answer? I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where polka is very much alive).

These days, you can find me performing solo accordion sets (French musette, polka, folk, and cocktail-hour ambiance for weddings) or playing with The Goldenrods, The Opera Bell Band, and The So Grand Polka Band around St. Louis.

Beyond accordion, I also play piano, guitar, saxophone, xylophone, and dabble in flute and clarinet. I moved to St. Louis in 2014 to pursue a PhD in philosophy, but music quickly took center stage. What started with casual open mic nights soon turned into joining bands, exploring new genres, singing, and composing original music.

I am typically able to bring with me all that I'll need - accordion (either acoustic or digital, depending on event needs), amplifier, cables, music stand, and chair.