The familiar wheeze of bellows and buttons filled the air at the Norsk Hostfest as the Accordion Club took the stage this week, bringing a wave of nostalgia and toe-tapping energy to the festival crowds.

Dozens of visitors gathered to hear the group perform a mix of traditional Scandinavian tunes, along with polkas and waltzes that have become staples of their repertoire. The Accordion Club, a longtime favorite at Hostfest, has built its reputation on celebrating the cultural traditions of northern Europe while adding a dash of local flair.

Audience members, young and old, swayed, danced and clapped along as the players traded melodies and harmonies, showcasing both solo and ensemble numbers. For many in attendance, the music was a reminder of family gatherings and heritage celebrations passed down through generations.

Organizers said the Accordion Club’s performance highlights one of the main purposes of Norsk Hostfest: preserving and sharing cultural traditions through food, crafts and especially music. The warm, lively sound of the accordions carried across the festival grounds, pulling in curious newcomers as well as longtime festivalgoers who look forward to the performance each year.

The group’s set closed with a rousing rendition of a Scandinavian folk dance tune, earning cheers and applause from the crowd. As one audience member remarked while leaving the hall, “It just wouldn’t feel like Hostfest without the accordions.”