PREVIEW Don't call it a comeback — this dandy little instrument has been popping up in punk rock (The Pogues) and geek rock (They Might Be Giants) for years. From the charming indie rock of the Decemberists to the sweeping grandeur of a Nick Cave or Calexico disc, the accordion has more street cred than Weird Al ever dreamed of. With a variety of accordion-driven bands and even an audience-judged pageant, the 16th annual San Francisco Accordion Festival celebrates all things squeeze, from more traditional acts like the Italian lounge of Bella Ciao to the rocking repertoire of Those Darn Accordions — this instrument spans genres gracefully. Squeezebox goddess Renee de la Prade forsakes the traditional lederhosen for fishnets to propel San Francisco's own Culann's Hounds (formerly the Irish Bastards) from traditional Irish folk to raucous, furious punk rock. When you're feeling sufficiently inspired (six hours of accordion should be enough), head over to Mama Buzz Café in Oakland for the Punk Rock Accordion Beginner's Workshop, where you can learn tunes by the Clash and Sex Pistols on the box. (K. Tighe)

SAN FRANCISCO ACCORDION FESTIVAL Sun/4, noon–6 p.m.

The Cannery, 2801 Leavenworth, SF

Free. (415) 440-0800, www.ladyofspain.com

PUNK ROCK ACCORDION BEGINNER'S WORKSHOP Tues/6 and Tues/20, 7–8:30 p.m.

Mama Buzz Café, 2318 Telegraph, Oakl.

$20. (510) 465-4073