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—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.

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.