Helen Kiesel's Accordion: Music from Southwestern Indiana

Abstract

Recorded live at the home of Helen & Bob Kiesel in Haubstadt, Indiana, February 14, 2022.

Growing up, accordion player Helen Kiesel went to the dancehall and tavern across the road from her parents’ home in Hornville, in rural Vanderburgh County. The old waltzes, schottisches, polkas, and fiddle tunes sparked her musical interest. She took accordion lessons from Sister Johnette Finis, a Benedictine nun from nearby Ferdinand. She later studied at the Campbell Accordion Studio in Evansville. From a young age, the accordion was Helen’s passion: “I don't know what I would do if I couldn't play…I just love it. I love playing for the people” (Kiesel 2022). Helen regularly plays at area senior centers and nursing homes at least sixteen times per month, not counting the weekly church services she accompanies at Saints. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Haubstadt. She still enjoys playing at nursing homes, where residents sing along and even leave their wheelchairs to dance to familiar tunes. “I never get bored…I like what I’m doing, and I like the people I play for” (Kiesel 2020).

Track List:

Medley - There’ll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight; Hail Hail the Gang's all Here

Red Wing

Over the Waves

Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree With Anyone Else But Me

Beer Barrel Polka

Medley – Lauterbach

You Are My Sunshine

Mockingbird Hill

Red River Valley

Wooden Heart

Bicycle Built for Two

Medley - Polly Wolly Doodle; Oh, Them Golden Slippers; Oh, Susanna; Turkey in the Straw

Goodnight, Irene

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Under the Double Eagle

The Old Rugged Cross

In The Garden

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

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Jon Kay, Project Director, Producer, and Field Recording Engineer

Kyle Fulford, Field Recording Engineer, Audio Editing, Technical Support and Liner Notes

Mike Bridavsky, Mastering Engineer

Emily Bryant, Graphic Designer