Jess Adkins Accordion
Petite Fleur (example of French style accordion music)
sous le ciel de paris (example of French style accordion)
At Last (jazz standard example)
Somebody Loves You (love song example)
Down in The Valley w/ vocals (traditional american folk song example)
Apples, Peaches Pumpkin Pie w/ vocals (Polka example)
L.O.V.E (romantic pop song example)
playing accordion in Costa Rica
World Accordion Day festival at the Focal Point
Strolling accordion gig at TedX
Overview
Looking for something a little different for your event? I’m a St. Louis accordionist who loves adding a unique musical touch, whether it’s the romantic vibe of French musette, energetic polkas, traditional and jazz tunes, or Italian accordion. Great for weddings, parties, or any gathering where you want live music that’s engaging but not overwhelming. Let’s chat about how we can make your event a bit more memorable! 🪗
While I am happy to travel for gigs, please note that the client is responsible for travel costs outside the St. Louis area. Additionally, due to high demand locally, I am unable to travel during the months of September and October.
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Write a reviewBooking information
Price range: $125 and up
Languages: English, German
Insurance: $25,000 - Liability insurance can be added for an extra fee if the event requires insurance.
What to expect
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.
About
Hi, I’m Jess—a multi-instrumentalist based 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 and folk traditions keep the instrument alive!)
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.
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—and sometimes on tour across the country.
Additional booking notes
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.