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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Beale Street Meets Tuxedos for ATG in Minneapolis
AAA Dinner and Concert to Honor Faithe Deffner
Cory Pesaturo's North American Appearances
Cory Pesaturo to Represent the USA in the 2009 Coupe Mondiale
www.Diatonic-News.com 3rd Edition - Internet
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
AAA Master Class and Concert Series – The 15TH Smash Year – A Great Success
Austin Kawa: KIOTAC Winner
Milwaukee Accordion Club Welcomes New President - USA
Killeen Mariachi/ Music Festival
Joe Soprani Arrangements - USA
Over 150 Gary Dahl eSheet Works Online
Future events |
Cotati Accordion Festival, California – USA
1st Annual Creole Music Festival in Texas
2010 Frank Marocco Accordion Event (FMAE)-SOLD OUT!
Mario Pedone in California Concert Tour
Victor Prieto in NYC Performances
New Accordion Studio Grand Opening in Texas
Bayou to the Bahamas Ships Cruise - USA
Pedone - Ballarini Accordion Clinic Cruise in July 2010
Highlights |
Editor’s Noteby Rita Barnea |
| I recently came across a fascinating article which talked about the elements for being successful in life, traits that high achievers have in common. And....... I realized that people who play, learn and love the accordion also have these traits as follows: 1. Have a positive attitude………….everyone I ever met who plays the accordion, loves it. 2. Create their own opportunities……….Just read in this month’s news about accordion people who do great things! A BIG THANK YOU TO FAITHE DEFFNER FOR HER LIFELONG DEVOTION TO THE ACCORDION! 3. Feel passion for what they do…………. We all have heard wonderful accordionists and they certainly are dedicated and devoted to their instrument! 4.Take action……………Every month you read about all kinds of accordionists at every level and the activities they are involved in. Get busy playing your accordion!! 5. Set compelling goals……………BEST WISHES TO CORY PESATURO WHO REPRESENTS THE USA AT THE COUPE MONDIALE THIS MONTH!! 6. Know the value of serving others…………Share your music with everyone!! You will make others and yourself………HAPPY!! Please remember to check USA News at www.accordionusa.com frequently for updates!! |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
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Beale Street Meets Tuxedos for ATG in Minneapolisby Dee Langley |
 Blues singer, Abby Burke, from Tennessee joins National Champion and Nashville recording artist, accordionist Jeff Lisenby, and World Champion accordionists "Skeets" Langley and Alexande Sevastien for “Accordion Renaissance” presented by the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota August 13-16, 2009.The ATG festival will include informational and educational workshops, concerts, forums, displays, performances and competitions. Workshops included topics and demonstrations by Drs. Helmi Harrington & Marion Jacobson, Dan Newton, MusikGarten, Orkestar Bez Ime with Dee Langley, Alexander Sevastien, Don McMahon, and Michele Boddicker Scheffler among others. James Touchi-Peters, Conductor Emeritus of the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, is the guest conductor for the ATG Festival Orchestra. The festival/convention concludes on Sunday with a sightseeing tour that includes a special behind the scenes tour of the Science Museum of Minnesota, entrance to the Titanic Artifacts Exhibit and a Sunset Mississippi River Dinner Cruise. What: "Accordion Renaissance" presented by the Accordionists and Teacher Guild, International When: Thursday, August 13 – Sunday, August 16, 2009 Where: Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America 3800 American Blvd East, Bloomington, Minnesota, United States 55425-1658 More information available at the ATG website, accordions.com/atg Package pricing is extended until August 9th. |
AAA Dinner and Concert to Honor Faithe Deffnerby Linda Soley Reed, AAA Second Vice President |
 On Sunday, September 20, at 12:30 PM at Tavern on the Green in New York City, the AAA will honor long-time member and former AAA president Faithe Deffner for her extraordinary contributions to the accordion world. The event planning committee, headed by Dr. Salvatore Febbraio, includes Frank Busso, Sr., Dr. Joseph Ciccone, Kevin Friedrich, Joan Grauman, Marilyn O'Neil, Dr. William Schimmel, and AAA President Linda Soley Reed. The committee is organizing a star-studded concert that will start immediately following dinner. Faithe Deffner served as AAA president from 1985 to 1986 and again from 1995 to 2000. Most recently she coordinated the 2007 Coupe Mondiale, held in Alexandria, Virginia, and co-hosted by the American Accordionists' Association and the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG). This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Ernest Deffner, Inc., manufacturers of Titano and Pancordion and the North American distributor for Pigini Accordions. In addition, the firm maintains a catalog of accordion parts, accessories, and accordion music. You can read a Celebrity Interview that was made in 1999. Tickets for the event are $95 per person and will include an assortment of Hot and Cold Hors D’Oeuvres and Canapes, complimentary White and Red Wine, Imported & Domestic Beers served throughout the event, Salad, main course of Filet of Beef or Roasted White Sea Bass, Dessert and Coffee as well as the Concert. A program book will be distributed and individuals may purchase either quarter ($40), half ($65) or full ($110) page ads. Concert performers include: The Busso Trio, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Karen Fremar, Guy Klucevsek, Dee Langley, Dr. William Schimmel, Mary Tokarski, a Strolling Trio from Washington, DC, a Video presentation by Grayson Masefield of New Zealand and others to be announced. Kevin Friedrich will act as master of ceremonies for the event. Reservations are due no later than August 22nd. Please make checks payable to AAA and mail to: M. Kendrick, 120 Valley View Road, Stratford, CT 06614 or fax credit card information to the AAA office at 203-335-2048. |
Cory Pesaturo's North American Appearancesby Rita Barnea |
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| Cory Pesaturo and his music is heard everywhere these days including TV. In early June he played at various events for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Canada. His playing and original compositions are used for Formula 1 races on SPEED TV and FOX's national broadcasts. He recently completed a three and half week tour that began in Los Angeles in early July where he performed for a special Jazz Dinner for the Los Angeles Accoridon Club and at "Grand Performances" in Downtown Lost Angeles for over 2.000 people with Drummer Ralf Penland who has performed with artists such as Herbie Hancock and Frank Sinatra. The, Cory went to Kimberley, BC, Canada for his fourth appearance with polka superstar and close friend, Alex Meixner. He then went to Calgary with young talent Michael Bridge to perform and record. On July 23rd Cory performed at the Chicago Accordion Club and jammed with local contemporary musicians in downtown Chicago. Cory performs in Monterey, California at various events for Pebble Beach Concour week from August 14-20 ranging from Ferrari to Hagerty, private events and the concours themselves. Cory will continue his collaborations with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Details to follow in future articles. Cory will also play the National Anthem at Fenway Park in Boston (no date set yet} to further market the CD he performed on for the 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park. 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the Boston Red Sox's famous Fenway Park.The baseball team has put together a festive and fun album of songs recorded by current and former players, along with the help of some notable guest musicians. Cory Pesaturo is the accordionist on this unique CD! You can read more details about it in the May 2012 www.accordionusa.com news. For further information: CoryPesaturo@corypesaturo.com |
Cory Pesaturo to Represent the USA in the 2009 Coupe Mondialeby Rita Barnea |
 Cory Pesaturo who just won the JAZZ OPEN division at the Kimberley Old Time Accordion Championship Competition in July, will represent the USA at the the 62nd Coupe Mondiale hosted by the New Zealand Accordion Association from August 25-30, 2009 inAuckland, New Zealand. For the first time, the Coupe Mondiale has included a digital division and Cory Pesaturo, who participated in the NAMM convention using a Roland FR7, will have a great opportunity to bring home a gold medal for the USA. Cory Pesaturo is a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA, where he was the first musician ever to major and graduate in the accordion. Pesaturo's extensive resumé includes appearances at the White House for President and Mrs. Clinton on four different occasions, along with six other appearances for Mr. and Mrs. Clinton. On one of those occasions, he became the youngest person ever to perform at a State Dinner. He is also featured in Mrs. Clinton’s book “An Invitation to the White House”. At 11, Pesaturo opened at the former Warwick Musical Theater for the ill Myron Floren. He has also opened at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, the Waterfires in Providence, and as a guest star at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, CT. For nine consecutive years he has performed at the Sergio Franchi Memorial Concert in North Stonington, CT. Other past concerts include Festa Italiana in Milwaukee, numerous appearances with crossover Tenor Aaron Caruso, and Duo performances with World Champion Accordionist Mario Tacca. In July 2002, Cory became the youngest ever National Accordion Champion and went on to Copenhagen, Denmark for the Coupe Mondiale World Competition. A win in a concerto competition at the New England Conservatory of Music gave Pesaturo the rare opportunity to perform at the 2003 Christmas Pops Concert with the Brockton Symphony Orchestra as a featured soloist, where he became the youngest accordionist to ever solo with a symphony orchestra. Concerning his Jazz side, Cory has recently recorded two CD’s with saxophone legend George Garzone and his famous band “The Fringe”, and has been performing with them in the Boston and Providence region. 2 years ago at the Coupe Mondiale World Competition, Cory was hailed as the world’s best young Jazz Accordionist. Mr. Pesaturo is also heavily involved with the weather and motor sports worlds as well. From 2005 to 2006, he composed the Official list of records set by the inconceivable record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. Furthermore, his music is regularly played on Formula 1 broadcasts and he is currently working on a Formula 1 book that will change the way people look upon the sports history and its champions. In addition, Cory is one of the "Best Sticker's" in the world wide #1 video game HALO 3, and is noted for his skill in any racing video game. He is also known to have odd yet amazing records, the most prominent of this type being that if you type "Paul Kocin" in google (Cory's Hero in weather, and arguably the Most Respected Meteorologist in the Country's history of meteorologists), a blog Cory wrote about him comes up as the first written link! Cory also won the Open and Jazz divisions at the 2009 Levenworth International Accordion Celebration in June 2009. Cory's upcoming performances are: Rocky Mountain Accordion Festival July 31st, 2009 to August 2nd, 2009 in Missoula, MT The 2009 Pebble Beach Concourse August 12th, 2009 to August 16th, 2009 in Monterey, CA Cotati Accordion Festival August 20th, 2009 to August 23rd, 2009 in Cotati, CA Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships August 24th, 2009 to August 29th, 2009 in Takapuna, NZ Best wishes, Cory, for Success at the Coupe!!! |
www.Diatonic-News.com 3rd Edition - Internetby Werner Weibert |
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| The 3rd edition of the Diatonic News (www.Diatonic-News.com) is now online. This is a site dedicated to diatonic, concertina, button box, bandoneon type instruments and a new edition is published on the 1st of each month. The Diatonic News site is unique, in that contributions are published in the language there are sent and viewers can use an online translation if they need. Please send news to: Holda Paoletti-Kampl or Werner Weibert email: weibert.werner@tele2.at |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
2009 AAA Competition and Festival Success, Memphis - USAby Linda Soley Reed, AAA Second Vice President |
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 2009 Photos The American Accordionists’ Association 2009 Festival was held in Memphis, TN at the Holiday Inn Suites on the campus of the University of Memphis from July 15-19, 2009. Highlights of the Festival included performances by Riders in the Sky featuring Joey Miskulin; Jeff Lisenby and the NashVegas Jazz, Tony Lovello, Bruce Gassman, Joe Natoli and Mary Tokarski. Comprehensive workshops in every possible subject kept Festival goers busy throughout each day. Workshops included: Mary Kathryn Archuleta – “Teaching Strategies for students with Special Learning Needs”; Randy Martin – “You can play jazz, too!”; Dominic Karcic – “Embellishing Made Easy”; Beverly Roberts Curnow & Dr. Robert Young McMahan – “The Accordion Novelty”; Dr. Helmi Harrington – “A World of Accordions Museum”; Tony Lovello – “The Entertainer”; Bernard Metais – “100 Years of Musette Style in Paris”; Joan Grauman – “AAA Archivist” and Joe Natoli – “Learn to Compose Yourself” and the “Roland V-Accordion – Right out of the box!” Contest chairman, Mary Tokarski, announced the winners in the top categories which included the Maddalena Belfiore Competition for Female Accordionsts – 1st place - Angel Liu of China; The Vivian Vivio Stolaruk Entertainment Competition – also won by Angel Liu; The International Piano Accordion Competition (Carmen Carrozza Scholarship) – 1st place - Martynas Levickus of Lithuania; A Tribute to the King – The Elvis Presley Category – 1st place – John Moceo of Staten Island, NY. This year, the AAA introduced the Elsie M. Bennett Composition Category and received three wonderful entries all of which were performed at the Awards Concert. 1st place went to Martynas Livickus for his piece entitled Quiver; 2nd place was Memphis native, Linda Warren for “The Hire Fest Polka” and 3rd place to Kathryn Archuleta for a 6 part psalm entitled “Psalm 141”which was performed by members of the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra including Mary Tokarski, Kathy DiCocco, Marilyn O’Neil, Sandy Zera, Linda Soley Reed and Bob Vitale. Congratulations to all! Special thanks to our exhibitors including A World of Accordions Museum, the AAA Archives, MusicMagic USA, Roland Accordions and Squeezin’Art for bringing their wonderful displays to Memphis. Thank you for your support. Friday’s sightseeing tour of Memphis was culminated by the mass band performance at Graceland under the direction of Frank Busso, Sr. A myriad of newspaper reporters and TV cameras recorded the performance of Love Me Tender and Blue Suede Shoes which was broadcast on all the local TV stations as well as the “Elvis” channel on Sirius radio. The group then enjoyed a tour of Graceland before heading back for the evening’s festivities. The 2009 guest conductor of the AAA Festival Orchestra was California’s Randy Martin of the Martin School in Fullerton, CA. The ambitious program which included Lesginka, Galop, Furiant and a Rock & Roll Trilogy kept orchestra members busily practicing their parts. The magnificent performance at the Saturday evening banquet was enjoyed by all the attendees who are looking forward to the 2010 Festival which will be announced shortly. Thanks to Mary Tokarski, Faithe Deffner, Frank Busso, Sr. and Linda Soley Reed for their untiring efforts to make the Festival a great success. See you in 2010! 2009 Photos |
AAA Master Class and Concert Series – The 15TH Smash Year – A Great Successby Dr. William Schimmel |
 The AAA seminars were a great success. We received great press in “Time Out New York” including a three minute promo video spot on their blog. There was an overflow crowd on Friday, a capacity house on Saturday and, due to storm conditions on Sunday, a small house.We held the curtain quite a long while and due to a late finish – well over our time limit, I didn’t get to say what I needed to say which is first, and most of all, I want to thank my wife, Micki for her support. The seminars would not happen without her. She contributes artistically with a new video and performance each year as well as direction in many of the Saturday night dramatic works and contributes kind encouraging words and valuable information to the participants. Micki also oversees the dramatic flow of the entire weekend. Thanks to our son, Michael whose enjoyment and presence gives me more strength than one could ever imagine. I can’t imagine the seminars without him. I want to again apologize for a few errors on the program. Some performers were not listed. They were announced twice with full apologies by me on the spot. We had a few rough moments in some of the workshops. To avoid chaos and an uncolleagial spirit, I made decisions that may seem unusual in my tone and in my vibe but that’s my job – to make those decisions and we navigated the rough waters to shore. I want to thank the loyal AAA seminars participants: Paul Stein – whose heartfelt performances and social conscience gives us much to enjoy and ponder; Dr. Robert Young McMahan – whose lectures and performances always inspire; Dr. Mark Birnbaum – the true king of ragtime and brilliance beyond; Kathleen Tipton – adding her beauty to the dimension of theatre; Rachid Eladlouni – putting us in cyberspace; Godfrey Nelson – always fresh, always edgy, always current; Lorraine Nelson Wolf – otherworldly vocals, harp, piano and accordion; Lee Mc Clure – composer and digital flutist and director of eclectix; Mary Tokarski – virtuoso accordion personified; David Stoler - whose composing and accordion playing gets better and better each year; David First – guitarist and composer - always getting to the essence and basics of things; Will Holshouser – jazz accordionist and composer; Brian Dewan – performance artist supreme (the funniest person alive); and to non-attending participants: Degorah Magocsi – video editor; Cristina Speligene – installation artist. I would also like to thank our new AAA seminars participants: Mr. Fukui, from Tenri – sho player; Doug and Diane Makofka – accordion and violin duo team; John Foti – rock accordionist and composer – also with Dan Zanes; Carl Riehl – accordionist and arranger; Ken Laufer – pianist and humorist; Art Bailey – concert and jazz accordionist and composer; Michael Century – composer/accordionist - also willing to take the hot seat; Hugo Goldenzweig – concert pianist from Argentina; Ingrid Kvale- bajan player from Norway; Dr. Rocco Jerry – bajan player from Troy, New York; George Balog – clarinetist; and the brave souls who took the hot seat: Martina Li – a firefly from China; Marty Hill – yes, it really was planned – it really was; Father Tim Lyons – hopefully finding the mystical grace in “La Vien Rose”. Thanks to the American Accordionists' Association, the Tenri Cultural Institute and to I-Park. We will see you next year – and thanks again! William Schimmel |
Austin Kawa: KIOTAC Winnerby Rita Barnea |
 Austin Kawa is the Happy Hans Winner 2009 at the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championship Festival which was held in July. He won $1500.International Old Time Accordion Champion, Austin Kawa’s style reflects that of Grammy winners Frankie Yankovic and Walter Ostanek. Austin captivates his audience with an invigorating stage performance. An excellent instrumentalist and vocalist, Austin can keep his audience enthralled with a dynamic and delightful approach. Raised in Edmonton, Alberta with the music of Frankie ringing in his ears, Austin knew what direction to pursue. His musical passion leans toward the older classics from the thirties to the fifties. Along with the old accordion classics, Austin includes a wide variety of contemporary music in his show. Austin has won many local and international awards including the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Festivals. It was during one of these festivals that he participated in a mass accordion band, setting a new Guinness World Record. Austin was the winner of the Happy Hans Open Competition in 2005 at the age of 15 and repeated his win in 2006. Austin’s talent as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist is not his only gift. He has produced and recorded all three of his own CDs: “Almost Frankie,” “Laying on the Tunes,” and “For the Girl Next Door.” Austin is a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local #390 and the Performing Arts Society SOCAN. He will participate in the Edmonton Accordion Extravaganza from Sept. 25-27, 2009 in Edmonton, Alberta. The Accordion Extravaganza 2009 is a competition in a number of categories hosted by the Edmonton Accordion Society. For more info: sptinc@telusplanet.net |
Milwaukee Accordion Club Welcomes New President - USAby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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 The Milwaukee Accordion Club (MAC) welcomes Sherry Huiras (picture left) as their new President. The long time President Shirl Barry will continue to support the MAC in her new role as Secretary.The Milwaukee Accordion Club was founded in March 1991 and currently has a membership of approximately 250. Their mission is to stimulate a positive attitude toward the performance of music on the accordion by strengthening relationships with fellow musicians, expanding knowledge of the accordion and accordion playing, and by developing various musical programs to acquaint the general public with the education and entertainment values of the accordion. Monthly meetings are held at the Root River Center in Franklin, WI with a typical evening consisting of Pre-meeting Music provided by accordionists from within their membership; a Young-Artist Performance presented by an accordion student; and the Featured Program - which over the years has included performances by many national and international accordion artists. The genre of music runs the gamut from classical to jazz - with a mix of ethnic, polkas, big band, Cajun, country, etc. - something for everyone! Upcoming concerts at the MAC include the Australian born International artist Bernadette Conlon Zabawa (September 28th), the Johnny Matt Trio from Chicago, (October 26th), the new age Polka group Copper Box (November 23rd). For more information, we invite you to visit the newly branded MAC website. |
Killeen Mariachi/ Music Festivalby Rita Barnea |
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| The Roland V accordion FR-1 was featured at the Killeen Mariachi/Music Festival 2009 held last month. A video demonstrating its various capabilities was produced during the festival by MECA featuring Chris Rybak. Many of the features of the Roland such as voices, drum section, and the embedded learning songs were included. Another video series included Shelia Lee teaching lessons on the button box accordion. Several other videos were produced during the festival including: “How to play the Guitarron”, “How to Play Mariachi Violin”, “How to Play the Button Box Accordion”, and “How to Dance the Mexican Folkloric Polka Nortena, Evangelina”. In the photograph from right to left: Shelia Lee, an accordionist and teacher who has a studio in Pasedena, Texas; Dr. Daniel Kott,, Director of the festival and MECA, in a Mexican charro suit; Chris Rybak, a professional accordionist from Halletsville, Texas and Ruby Williams, the MECA queen. For more information: please email dfkott@aol.com |
Joe Soprani Arrangements - USAby Harley Jones |
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 Joe Soprani is a noted accordionist, educator, arranger-composer whose reputation among professionals places him in the first ranks of contemporary accordionists. He has dominated the accordion scene in Philadelphia for over forty years playing in major concert halls, theatres, TV Shows and Hotels. He holds the distinction of being the only accordionist in the history of the Philadelphia Orchestra to appear as a featured soloist under Eugene Ormandy. The following Joe Soprani eSheet arrangements are available on the MusicForAccordion.com website and are emailed to you after your purchase by credit card. These arrangements include concert favorites, always popular with audiences. catalog: js503.htm" target="_blank">js503 La Danza by Rossini catalog: js502.htm" target="_blank">js502 William Tell Overture by Rossini catalog: js501.htm" target="_blank">js501 Merce, Dilette Amiche by Verdi catalog: js508.htm" target="_blank">js508 Liebesfreud by Fritz Kreisler catalog: js509.htm" target="_blank">js509 Liebesleid by Fritz Kreisler catalog: js510.htm" target="_blank">js510 Schon Rosmarin by Fritz Kreisler catalog: js511.htm" target="_blank">js511 Three Old Viennese Waltzs being the three works above grouped as a book Another group of Joe Soprani arrangements will be released next month. |
Over 150 Gary Dahl eSheet Works Onlineby Gary Dahl |
 Gary Dahl - Mel Bay publishing author, composer, arranger, Mel Bay recording artist and music educator announces that there are over 150 eSheet compositions and arrangements published on his MusicForAccordion.com website. Gary Dahl has recently published the following titles: catalog: DH0037 Just Because Polka catalog: DH0219 Port Orchard Blues catalog: DH0209 Crazy catalog: DH0221 Ride Of The Valkyries The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. It is easy to purchase with your credit card. |
Future events |
Joel Guzman’s Tex-Mex Accordion Workshop in Augustby Rita Barnea |
 An Adult Tex-Mex Accordion workshop presented by Joel Guzman will take place: Aug 18: 1-3PM; Aug 20, 1-3 PM and Aug 22, 10-12 PM at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, Austin TXThere is also a FREE Kid’s Camp Recital and open to public on Aug 22 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM. Joel Guzman is very enthusiastic about this special event. He spent the last month training a small group of Accordion Kids who will perform a twenty minute set of traditional accordion tunes. If you do not have a box (button), ten GCF Hohners will be available. You may also bring your own accordion. The fee is $30 per session. There will be 3 sessions. Having grown up in a musical family and playing the accordion all of his life, Joel Guzman realized that the accordion had no limits. Born into a dual identity, both Mexican and American, Joel continues to merge both cultures into his accordion style. He and his wife, singer/songwriter Sarah Fox, have been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center, Washington D.C, The Lincoln Center (NYC) The Arena (Seattle, WA) and the annual Festival International (Lafayette,LA). After the release of Grammy Award winning Super Seven RCA/Nashville in 1999, Guzman & Fox's band Los Aztex joined the late Freddy Fender, Joe Ely, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas at The Bowery (NYC), House of Blues (L.A) and the Conan O'Brian show. Most recently both artists were invited to perform for Lydia Mendoza at San Antonio's Esperanza Center and "Road to Austin" with performances with Stephen Bruton, Bonnie Raitt and Kris Kristotofferson. Their debut album "Latinology" was released in January 2007. They released their latest CD, “Conjuntazzo” in June 2009. There will be a feature article about the life and music of Joel Guzman in the September USA News. For more info about the workshop and recital in August: Call 512-478-6222 or contact Angel.Quesada@ci.austin.tx.us |
Cotati Accordion Festival, California – USAby Rob Howard |
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  The 19th annual Cotati Accordion Festival takes place on August 22nd and 23rd at La Plaza Park, Cotati, California.This is a two-day event of non-stop accordion music and the program includes numerous guest concert spots, dance parties in the polka tent, a trade show, and the annual ‘Lady of Spain’ ring. Guest artists include Frank Marocco, one of the world’s leading jazz and recording studio session accordionists, and Flaco Jimenez, legendary accordionist of the Tex-Mex tradition. Performers this year include the diverse talents of Those Darn Accordions, Ginny Mac, Mario Pedone, Cory Pesaturo, Bella Ciao, Jason Webley, Gaucho (featuring Rob Rauch), Jessica Fichot, Tara Linda, The Great Morgani, Big Lou's Polka Casserole, The Golden State Accordion Club Band, Gabby La La, Copper Box, Culann's Hounds, and The Mad Maggies. For further information email: info@cotatifest.com |
1st Annual Creole Music Festival in Texasby Harley Jones |
 The 1st Annual Creole Music Festival on August 8th will be held at New Caney Fairgrounds, 245 McClesky RD., New Caney, TX.The event is organized by Brian Jack of the Zydeco Gamblers. For further information email: brianjack@att.net |
2010 Frank Marocco Accordion Event (FMAE)-SOLD OUT!by Joan and Dan Grauman |
 The 2010 Frank Marocco Accordion Event (FMAE), which will be held in Mesa, Arizona in January 2010, sold out about 15 hours after the preliminary “early bird” notice went out to previous attendees. There is a waiting list of nearly 30 people, who will be disappointed. This is the 4th year of the event, and its popularity keeps growing. Earlier this year, Stas Venglevski was named Assistant Musical Director of the FMAE. Stas will be an active participant in all future events. The 2010 FMAE will culminate with a concert on Sunday, January 17. An extra bonus this time will be a concert by Frank Marocco somewhere in the Phoenix area on Monday, January 18. As more details become available, they will be posted on USA News. For more information, please contact Dan & Joan Grauman at: f-m-a-e@comcast.net. |
Mario Pedone in California Concert Tourby Rita Barnea |
 Mario Pedone will be on a concert tour of California in August 2009.Mario is very well-known in music circles. He is an accomplished accordionist and keyboardist who plays every style of music including jazz, Latin, European, country, folk, big band, traditional and much more. Mario was a member of the Valencia Accordion Club and Co-founder of the Orquesta Latina. Together with the famous Spanish singer, Esteban Abarca, the Orquesta Latina performed across Venezuela. He has performed professionally in many countries including Colombia, Venezuela, Sweden, Italy and Canada. Mario has his own recording studio in Sugar Land, TX where he has arranged and recorded hundreds of tunes including many of his own compositions. He also produces CDs and background music for other musicians and singers. Mario founded the Fort Bend County Accordion Club. Mario is currently the president of the Houston Accordion Club and teaches accordion. Mario Pedone was born in Valenzano, a small town near Bari in Southern, Italy. In an effort to improve the family's financial situation, they immigrated to Valencia, Venezuela in 1959. Mario's older brother Ludovico had begun to study the accordion and Mario was always watching him hoping that one day he also would play this wonderful Instrument. He persistently begged his father to let him start accordion lessons too and eventually succeeded. His first teacher was Franco Cupertino a great professional accordion player. After a few years, Professor Miguel Casas Auge from Spain the Founder of the Valencia Accordion Club and the conductor of the Valencia Symphony Orquesta assumed Mario's accordion education. He was followed by Professor Roberto Ruscitti, a renowned classical accordionist who provided his education for the next 7 years. In 1972, Mario graduated as a Concertista from the School Academia de Acordeon Smith, directed by Roberto Ruscitti. In March 1974 he earned a Cum Laude diploma in accordion from the same school. In 1976 he graduated with a degree as Professor of Accordion. After graduation Mario founded his own accordion school, Academia Latina de Acordeon where he had over 125 students. Most of his former students are now playing professionally. In 1981 in search for better future, Mario moved to Sugar Land, Texas USA with his wife Marbella and two children. He has performed professionally in many Countries including Colombia, Venezuela, Sweden, Italy and Canada. Mario has his own recording studio in Sugar Land, TX were he has arranged and recorded hundreds of tunes including many of his own compositions. His musical range includes, but is not limited to Classical, Latin, European, American Standards. In 2002 and 2003 Mario was invited to perform in the famous Accordion Festival celebrated in Ransäter, Sweden and now Mario’s composition " Bergen’s Polka " is well known in the Scandinavian Countries. Others performance venues include: San Antonio Accordion Club in Texas, special performance sponsor by Jack Stankus in Austin, TX, National Accordion Convention in Dallas, TX, Arizona Accordion Club, Accordion Smash in Orlando, FL, Oklahoma Accordion Club, TV Channel 22 in Houston, TX, Las Vegas Accordion Convention, Salt Lake Accordion Club in Utah, Accordion by the Sea Festival in Victoria, BC Canada, Performance in Montreal Canada, Accordion Club in Natick Massachusetts , Viking Hull in Massachusetts, Accordion Connection in Concorde, NH, Ageless Dreamer in Dover, NH , Accordion Festival in Kimberley BC Canada, Calgary AB Canada and performance with Houston Symphony. On December 14, 2003 Mario founded the Fort Bend County Accordion Club and in December 2004 the Club sponsored the First Great Accordion Concert in Sugar Land, TX featuring: Frank Marocco, Anatoly Yegorov, Mario Pedone and Singer Liberty Palileo. On February 2007 the Houston, Fort Bend and Bay Area Accordion Clubs sponsored an Accordion Concert Tribute to the great accordionist Joe Vento. His concert dates are: August 2nd: Silicon Valley Accordion Society - San Jose CA August 12: Good Time Accordion Club - Escalon, CA August 16: San Francisco Accordion Club August 17: Accordion Club of the Redwoods - Petaluma, CA August 22: Great Accordion Festival in Cotati August 26: Golden State Accordion Club - Sacramento, CA August 29: Accordion Workshop in Pittsburg, CA with the great Lou Di Maggio. August 30: Italian Festa in San Jose, CA For more info: marioaccordion@gmail.com |
Victor Prieto in NYC Performancesby Rita Barnea |
 Victor Prieto has a busy August performance schedule. Here are his scheduled dates: August 3rd: Blue Note NY with the Tessa Souter Group August 20th: Smalls New York featuring the Victor Prieto Trio + One and presenting Chris Cheek on sax, Jorge Roeder on bass, and Vince Cherico on drums. August 28th: 7pm and 9pm at Smalls New York featuring the Victor Prieto Trio with Jorge Roeder on bass and Vince Cherico on drums. A new CD with Chris Cheek and Victor Prieto will be available at the end of September. For more info: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
New Accordion Studio Grand Opening in Texasby Rita Barnea |
 Houston Accordion Performers will have a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting all day event on Sept. 12, 2009. The day will start with an “Accordion Band” appearance in the Fiestas Patrias International Parade in Houston and ending at the studio, 1547 S. Richey, Pasadena, TX with a parking lot concert and celebration.The brand new accordion music school, named Houston Accordion Performers, has opened in the Houston, TX area. The owners, Shelia Lee and Mark Ropel, are no novices to the accordion world. They both have played piano accordion since age 5 and were raised in the “accordion studio” environment with private and band lessons. They both have years of teaching experience starting with studies with such teachers as Willard Palmer and Anthony Galla-Rini. Shelia formerly owned Shelia’s Accordion Conservatory in Dayton, Ohio. Houston Accordion Performers opened in June 2009 and already can boast that they are teaching Chromatic (Bayan), piano accordion, and GCF Button Diatonic accordion lessons. They have a roster of over 5 instructors and 6 consulting performing musicians. Shelia and Mark are promoting the “studio environment” with private, group, and band lessons - with an emphasis on the ethnic influences that have occurred in the past years with the accordion becoming so prominent in Tex/Mex, Norteño, Tejano, Conjunto, Zydec, Cajun, and Cumbia music. In the photo are the following teachers: Shelia Lee, owner, who teaches theory, advanced workshops, piano keyboard and button diatonic accordion; Mario Pedone who teaches theory, advanced workshops, and piano accordion; Ross Witte who teaches piano keyboard, C Chromatic, and button diatonic accordion and Mark Ropel, owner, who teaches piano keyboard and button diatonic accordion. Houston Accordion Performers has been contracted by Heritage Arts Productions, Inc. to create an instructional environment for all types of accordions to be taught with an emphasis on the ethnic and cultural heritage of the instrument. Heritage Arts Productions has filed for 501 3c non-profit status and plans full programs for the accordion, folk dance, and mariachi ensemble instructions. For further info: slee736@comcast.net or phone: 281-780-8656. |
Bayou to the Bahamas Ships Cruise - USAby Harley Jones |
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| The ships cruise Bayou to the Bahamas Zydeco Party 2009 featuring Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers sets sail from New Orleans on 14 November on the ship Carnival Triumph. Ports being visited are Key West, Freeport and Nassau Bahamas, returning to New Orleans. Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers will be playing 5 live Zydeco Shows on the 7 night cruise. For further information, email: kermit@travelmachine.net |
Pedone - Ballarini Accordion Clinic Cruise in July 2010by Rita Barnea |
| The Pedone-Ballarini Accordion Clinic Cruise will take place from July 17-24, 2010 from Seattle, Washington to Alaska. This Seven Day Scenic Alaskan Iside Passage Cruise features seven fun-filled days at sea, including Ketchican, Junea, Skagway & Prince Rupert. During the cruise there will be many fun and exciting accordion activities including: Group Lessons; Workshops; Jam Sessions; Beautiful Learning Environment; Good Food & Drink; Participant's Concerts; Solo performances daily; Concert daily; Study Groups/Bands of 4-6 persons and more! More information about additional performers and workshop presenters to follow. For more info: Nick Ballarini:Phone: 972-247-0071 or email: Ballarini@sbcglobal.net |