The thing weighs 20 pounds, and so when he plays out in public, he's much more likely to bring his banjo to the party, as he did Friday night at the old Lumberjack Saloon west of Lolo.
It may seem odd that Reineohl, who's been playing the banjo since his teen years, is a founder and full member of the Five Valley Accordion Association. But strumming and picking his instrument with a half-dozen accordionists on Friday night, the Missoula resident proudly jammed alongside his fellow musicians as his wife of 63 years, Madelynne, looked on.
Instead, the group of FVAA members called out tune after tune on Friday as the annual weekend-long gathering of members celebrated its 22nd year in western Montana.
“The Tennessee Waltz,” “Candy Kisses” and “I Can't Stop Loving You” filled the outdoor air at the Lumberjack - aka The Jack - a woodsy cabin off of Highway 12, 18 miles west of Lolo on Highway 12.
It was a freestyle jam on an old porch under a blue sky, with young and old squeezing out some classic tunes - age 17 to age Reineohl. The only thing missing was an old bloodhound cuddled up next to someone's feet, but the chorus of stringed and aerophone instruments kept young and old dancing and clapping.
With more than 200 dues-paying members, the FVAA is filled with accordionists and accordion fans across western Montana. Most, said FVAA secretary Nancy Kopszywa, are folks who just love to show up and dance. In fact, there are only about 20 or so members of the FVAA who actually play the accordion, though all play an instrument of some sort.
Mike Jones, of Victor, serves as this year's FVAA president. The group gets together a couple of times a month, but the annual picnic and weekend jam is the most important gathering of the year.
“We get together twice a month, but this is definitely the highlight,” he said.
Reineohl, who was born in 1914, picked up the accordion and the banjo at a young age.
Though the average age of those at Friday's jam session was probably approaching 65, Reineohl said the accordion is definitely making a comeback.
“It's coming back to life fast,” he said. “A lot of country western bands around are using them. They're a good lead instrument.”
Notably absent at Friday's performance was any hint of a polka. And that's just fine with Reineohl.
“The main thing with the accordion is that you think polka,” he said. “But you can play anything on an accordion.”
Reach Jamie Kelly at 523-5254 or at jkelly@missoulian.com.
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