T.C. costello

TC Costello is bringing the accordion into the 21st century, playing traditional European music with the energy and vigor of rock ’n’ roll, a skill he learned in his years as a street musician. 

With gigs ranging from opening for Robert Plant in rural England to a peace festival in Korea's Demilitarized Zone, TC has played all over the world, picking up languages and instruments along the way.  

“Good Lord! Whatever you do, don’t stop!” 

Akie Bermiss, keyboardist from Lake Street Dive.

During the pandemic, he found himself in Galicia, a Celtic region in Northwestern Spain. He also found himself in a exploitive employment situation.   So rather than losing 56 hours a week for 250 euros, he said adios to his job and dedicated himself to being a full time musician, and immediately started playing on street corners, in medieval squares and under Galicia’s ancient Roman walls.

He played classic rock covers and Spanish pop songs, but also local Celtic folk songs, leading many locals to think he himself was Galician, which they quickly learned was not the case when they heard his accent. 

“You are the most Galician Yankee I have ever met.”

-A concertgoer who didn’t know “Yankee” meant people from the North. 

TC is currently planning the 2025 Oktoberfest season and another Spanish tour.