It’s extremely evident in every note the Lewistown native plays.

“My dad used to play records on Sunday after church,” the 77-year-old DeVecchis recalled. “He played a lot of polkas, and I fell in love with them.

DeVecchis learned how to play the instrument by taking lessons when he was just a boy — at age 9 or 10 — and he learned how to read music.

“I really enjoyed listening to them,” DeVecchis added. “I practiced and practiced and wondered why I didn’t sound like the record.”

Photo courtesy of CHRIS RUBLE Country artist Chris Ruble, pictured here before a show at the Bloomsburg Fair in September, has been a household name in the local music scene for many years.

The young DeVecchis stuck with the Accordion and has been playing it for nearly 70 years. He is scheduled to perform at the Ellen Chapel Church at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, for its Live Music Series in the church’s Fellowship Hall, located at 11764 Ferguson Valley Road, Lewistown.

The second act for the concert series on Saturday will be country artist Chris Ruble, of Reedsville. Admission is free, and the general public is invited.

The Accordion has been a staple in folk music for centuries. The curious instrument is known for its versatility and complex sound, but despite its popularity it is often overlooked or thought of as outdated.

When thinking of the Accordion, most people might think of street musicians on the sidewalks of European cities, but it’s also been performed by virtuoso musicians on primetime TV, concert halls and venues all over the world.

DeVecchis has a huge repertoire and often plans his list of instrumentals to match his audience. He has played for Ellen Chapel audiences three or four times previously.

“It’s a fun thing to do,” DeVecchis said.

Well, almost always fun. He admits he put the instrument down in high school while focusing on other priorities.

“When you’re a kid, you don’t want to practice,” DeVecchis explained. “You just want to come on stage and do your thing. In high school, I wanted to chase girls.

“After graduation, I got it out again for my own enjoyment,” DeVecchis added. “The church asked me to play some music for them, and it just grew from there.”

Word got out about DeVecchis’ musical talents and he started getting more and more requests.

“People started calling me to play,” he said. “People knew my dad, so I played at the grange a little bit and locally around here. I’d do reunions, church picnics and ice cream socials.”

DeVecchis saw the effect that music had on those in attendance.

“I like to see people have a good time,” he added. “It’s a fun hobby.”

DeVecchis said it’s a stereotype that accordionists only play polkas. Case in point, his song list is very diverse.

“I enjoy all kinds of music,” he said. “Mostly songs that you don’t hear on the radio. I play country songs like “Tumbleweed” and “Home on the Range,” military songs and patriotic songs with a few polkas and marches mixed in.

“They’re well taken and people enjoy them,” DeVecchis said of his choices in music.

His musical influences come from the classic country artists like Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams.

“It’s nice to hear the old songs,” DeVecchis added. “I get a lot of good feedback. People tell me, ‘I haven’t heard that song for years.’ It makes me feel good, and I like to keep that genre alive a little bit.”

Ruble loves what he does, especially country music

The second set features Ruble, who began singing with a busy traveling gospel ensemble, InSpirit, at the age 4. Born in 1984, Ruble has been singing, playing and continuously fine-tuning his piano skills since the age 5 and grew up learning and loving all kinds of music, especially country.

Now one of the most recognized, awarded and fastest growing artists in Pennsylvania, Ruble is loving what he does and has his sights set on a full-time career of singing and performing nationwide.

His stage shows are energized, passionate and full of great music with originals and covers. He loves his audience and wants them to really enjoy themselves. As stated numerous and oftentimes by show attendees, Ruble’s vocals are some of the best vocals you’ll hear live.

An accomplished pianist and guitarist, Ruble plays the keyboard and guitar in his performances as a country music artist and inspirational vocalist. He writes and publishes his own music, and has been singing professionally for decades.

Ruble has a dynamic five-piece band that travels the road with him. Their stage shows are full of energy, passion, and original and hit songs. The band is stacked with experience in playing and performing.

As a widely acclaimed true performer and someone who has the right tools to make it in the business, Ruble, whether doing a solo show or with his band, never disappoints.