THE STORY BEHIND CONCERTINA MUSIC
Concertina Music was imagined, designed, and created by Ken Yagelski (Jagielski), a proud second-generation Polish-American. Ken grew up just southeast of Chicago, Illinois, in a rural community near Michigan City, Indiana—a region rich with Polish-American heritage and home to many remarkably talented musicians.
Ken’s family has long cherished the traditions passed down through generations, especially the joy of Polish-American music and the beloved Chemnitzer concertina. In 1996, he created the first version of this website to help preserve and promote an important part of that cultural legacy—the music and the instrument that continues to inspire so many. Over the years, managing Concertina Music has connected Ken with wonderful people from around the world and has brought him great joy in providing a meaningful resource to others who share his love for the concertina.
Ken’s father, Stanley Yagelski, was a gifted concertina musician and an honored member of the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame. More than fifty years ago, Stanley passed his knowledge and passion for the instrument to Ken and his brother, beginning a lifelong family bond through music.
Today, Ken makes his home in Southeast Virginia, where he continues to play for his own enjoyment, to entertain family and friends, and occasionally to perform publicly. He delights in attending festivals and jam sessions across the country, learning from the artistry of fellow musicians—and discovering, with every squeeze of the concertina, something new to appreciate about this truly special instrument.
Below is a look back at the Concertina Music home page from May 1999 when this little corner of the internet was just getting started!
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Additional information can be found by browsing the Concertina History feature. Please see the Glossary of Terms feature for simple definitions for many chemnitzer concertina related terms. If you have other concertina related questions, please visit the community supported Facebook Group.