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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Josh Groban and His Accordion on Broadway
Air France Presents: The Django Reinhardt NY Festival with Accordionist Ludovic Beier.
Pauline Oliveros in Concert at the Jewish Museum in NYC
Slavic Soul Party Releases New CD
JP Jofre to Perform for Brooklyn Accordion Club
Stas Venglevski Featured on 2016 Honors Accordion Cruise
$8,000 in Cash Prizes at 2017 Carmen Carrozza Memorial Competition
Victor Prieto at Terrazzo 7
Bachtopus Accordion Ensemble Perform in NYC
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain by Anita Collins
The Accordion Takes Over Gracie Mansion in NYC
Alex Meixner Hormel Pepperoni Commercial plus Tour Dates
Martín Elías and Rolando Ochoa Nomination for Latin Grammy - USA
Gary Dahl Arranges Wienerschnitzel Polka, Polka Book Coming
Debra Peters in November Programs
Long Island Accordion Alliance Meets November 2
Very Be Careful in November Performances
Ken and Mary Perform in Central America
Sam Falcetti Presents Workshop
Chapter 20 Released, 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain' by John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP)
An Accordion in the Airport!
Dominic Karcic in Octoberfest Celebration
Future events |
36th Annual Tejano Music Awards - USA
Accordion Babes 2016 Cabaret Revue in California
New and Updated Sites |
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! This month features many videos and special interest articles about people who love the accordion.Remember to share your music especially during the holidays. Music is always uplifting and very special to all. Please continue to send me your ideas and comments for future articles. Send to Ritabelll@aol.com |
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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Josh Groban and His Accordion on Broadwayby Rita Barnea |
  Famous singer Josh Groban learned to play the accordion for his new Broadway play “The Great Comet" The video is from CBS News Sunday Morning which aired on October 30, 2016. In a studio on New York's 42nd Street, the cast of the new musical adapted from Tolstoy's "War and Peace" rehearses for opening night. Twenty-four members of this production will be making their Broadway debuts, including the leading man, Josh Groban. "I'm coming from another world," the 35-year-old singer told Anthony Mason, "and I wanted to make sure that it was known, right off the bat, that I was coming to this world with the maximum amount of respect for it."In order to be in the show, Josh Groban had to learn the accordion. So he bought one. “I came into the store, like I had sucker written all over my face!” he laughed. “I’m just like, ‘Hi, listen. I know this is gonna be a real pain in the butt. But I have a lot of money and I’ve never played before. And I need and instrument ‘cause I’m in this Broadway show.’” He named the accordion “Olga,” and took her on tour with him this summer to train. “The accordion that I walk out with at the top of the show, that I play throughout the show, that accordion has been to New Zealand, it has been to South Africa, it has been to Australia. That accordion has been on my back for the last year learning these songs.” Mr. Groban, 34, will star in the Broadway premiere of “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” a musical adaptation of a 70-page section of Tolstoy’s masterwork, “War and Peace.” Excerpt from the show’s website:"Mr. Groban, who has sold more than 30 million records and maintains a busy touring schedule, is best known as a traditionalist, whose success has been built around soaring interpretations of classics and love songs. “The Great Comet,” on the other hand, is an electro-pop opera born of the experimental theater movement; the initial production was a boisterously immersive gambol set in a makeshift supper club at which vodka and pierogi were served to the audience." Josh Groban is making his Broadway debut in this show. He will also be making his “accordion debut”!! What a great combination! For more information on the broadway musical please visit www.greatcometbroadway. |
Air France Presents: The Django Reinhardt NY Festival with Accordionist Ludovic Beier.by Rita Barnea |
 Video: Django Reinhardt Festival in NYCAir France Presents The Django Reinhardt NY Festival featuring Gypsy Guitar Legend Dorado Schmitt with Amati Schmitt, Ludovic Beier, Pierre Blanchard, Francko Mehrstein and Xavier Niki and special guests. The program takes place nightly from Tuesday, November 15, 2016 until Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, New York, New York, 10036. Doors open at 7:30 PM. The show begins at 8:30 PM. Dinner is served between 5:PM-1:AM. The Django Reinhardt Festival carries on the legacy of legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, with original music keeping it fresh, exciting, cutting-edge! .…along with some old favorites.. the music, Hot Jazz, 'swiging and romantic' has exploded across the US and it all started at Birdland in 2000, with the launching of the Festival with tours now 2X a year at prestigious venues...to standing ovations: Kennedy Center, Disney Hall in LA, SF Jazz, to name a few. Dorado Schmitt is a legendary Manouche gypsy guitarist from the Strasbourg region of France, a Django look- alike with pencil thin mustache, returns to Birdland to adoring fans. Schmitt started coming to the US in 2002 and is now a star attraction at major festivals as well as at Birdland. He is joined by his son, Amati Schmitt, a brilliant guitarist at 20 years old, plus other talented musicians appearing regularly as part of the Festival: Virtuoso accordionist/accordina player Ludovic Beier, Pierre Blanchard on Violin, Francko Mmehrstein on rhythm guitar, and Xavier Niki on Bass. The Festival is produced by Pat Philips Stratta , founded by Ettore Stratta and Pat Philips. The excitement continues at Birdland with the Django Reinhardt NY Festival going into its 17th year. There will be on a cross country tour after Birdland: The Dakota in Minn., SF Jazz, The Athenaeum in San Diego, Mizner in Boca Raton Florida, and ending at the Faena in Miami. Special thanks to: Air France, RD Wright, INC., John Pearse Strings, The Joan and John D'Addario Found. |
Pauline Oliveros in Concert at the Jewish Museum in NYCby Rita Barnea |
 Pauline Oliveros will perform in "Bang on a Can” on Thursday, November 10, 7:30PM at the Jewish Museum in New York City."Bang on a Can" and the Jewish Museum are presenting the second concert of their 2016-2017 concert season featuring seminal American composer Pauline Oliveros. Accompanying the exhibition, Take Me (I'm Yours), the concert will feature Oliveros performing The Sound of Meditation on V-Accordion, an instrument that produces both accordion and orchestral sounds. Like the exhibition, the concert also blurs the boundary between the performer and the audience by asking the listener to participate in the making of music. Since the 1960s Pauline Oliveros has influenced American music profoundly through her work with improvisation, meditation, electronic music, myth and ritual. In the 1950s she was part of a circle of iconoclastic composers, artists, poets in San Francisco. She is the recipient of the John Cage award for 2012 from the Foundation of Contemporary Arts, and serves as Distinguished Research Professor of Music at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY and Darius Milhaud Artist-in-Residence at Mills College. She has been as interested in finding new sounds as in finding new uses for old ones - her primary instrument is the accordion, perhaps an unexpected visitor to the musical cutting edge. Pauline is the founder of "Deep Listening," which she describes as a way of listening in every possible way to everything possible to hear no matter what you are doing. Such intense listening includes the sounds of daily life, of nature, of one's own thoughts as well as musical sounds. "Deep Listening is my life practice," she explains, simply. Oliveros is the founder of the Center For Deep Listening at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, formerly the Pauline Oliveros Foundation. "Take Me (I'm Yours)" at the Jewish Museum, on view through February 5, 2017, is an unconventional exhibition featuring artworks that visitors are encouraged to touch, participate in, and even take home. Forty-two international and intergenerational artists are featured, many of whom are creating new and site-specific works for the exhibition. In a traditional museum visit, people may experience art only by looking at the paintings, sculptures, or photographs on view. You are not usually allowed to touch the works, and certainly not able to take them home. "Take Me (I'm Yours)" aims to create a democratic space for all visitors to take ownership of artworks, and curate their personal art collections by subverting the usual politics of value, consumerism, and the museum experience. Visitors constantly transform the landscape of the galleries, bit by bit, through direct engagement. Tickets: $18 General; $15 Students and Seniors; $12 Jewish Museum and Bang on a Can Members. Located on Museum Mile at Fifth Avenue and 92nd Street, the Jewish Museum is one of the world's preeminent institutions devoted to exploring art and Jewish culture from ancient to contemporary, offering intellectually engaging, educational, and provocative exhibitions and programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Jewish Museum is located at 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, New York City. Museum hours are Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, 11am to 5:45pm; Thursday, 11am to 8pm; and Friday, 11am to 4pm. |
Slavic Soul Party Releases New CDby Rita Barnea |
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 Slavic Soul Party Releases New CDVideo 1: Slavic Soul Party! celebrates 50 years since Duke Ellington’s and Billy Strayhorn’s masterpiece, The Far East Suite was released. The band re-imagines the sounds encapsulated in this timeless classic. Matt Moran sat down with us to discuss his upcoming show here on October 29, 2016 @ 7pm natsaw.co/slavicsoulparty Slavic Soul Party released a their newest CD, “Slavic Soul Party plays Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite. It is a creative re-imagination of a classic recording, capturing the essence of the Ellington Orchestra’s timeless sound while offering new arrangements and a refreshing liveliness. Musicians on the CD are: John Carlson - Trumpet Kenny Warren - Trumpet Peter Hess - Saxophone / Clarinet Peter Stan - Accordion Matt Musselman - Trombone Tim Vaughn - Trombone Ron Caswell - Tuba Chris Stromquist - Snare / Percussion Matt Moran - Tapan / Goč / Bubanj Excerpts from SSP website: In September 2016 Ropeadope Records released Slavic Soul Party! Plays Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite. SSP! re-imagines Duke Ellington’s iconic Far East Suite as an Eastern European brass band discovering an exotic American sound, reversing the “exotic tinge” and reveling in this subtle, funky, and brilliant music. Ellington’s suite (created with Billy Strayhorn) was inspired by a 1963 State Department tour that was cut short – they didn’t make it to the “Far East” – and serves as a perfect foil for SSP!’s blend of East European, Romani, and American sounds. Critics call it “a pretty heavenly match” (TimeOut NY) and say “parts of SSP’s reinterpretation sounds like a Bulgarian wedding, others like a gypsy jazz funeral in New Orleans. And yet… it all sounds like Duke Ellington.” (Wall St Journal). Slavic Soul Party! is an ensemble formed by percussionist Matt Moran that bills itself as “New York’s official #1 brass band for Balkan Soul Gypsy Funk.” The band’s new album, Slavic Soul Party! Plays Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite, is a 50th-anniversary remake of Ellington and Billy Strayhorn compositions inspired by their big-band tour of the Middle East. The music was collected on an album of that name after the ensemble’s return to the States. SSP celebrated the release of their latest album with a concert at Williamsburg’s National Sawdust on October 29, 2016. National Sawdust (NS), an unparalleled, artist-led, non-profit venue, is a place for exploration and discovery. It is a place where emerging and established artists can share their music with serious music fans and casual listeners alike. Slavic Soul Party will perform on November 5, 2016 from 5-7:PM at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY. SSP performs every Tuesday night from 9:PM to midnight at Barbes, 376 9th Street, Brooklyn, New York. Top Photo by Monkey Dart Photos For further information: peter@peterstan.com |
JP Jofre to Perform for Brooklyn Accordion Clubby Rita Barnea |
 Tango Movements (Adagio) for Symphony Orchestra and Bandoneon JP JofreVideo:Tango Movements (Adagio) for Symphony Orchestra and Bandoneon composed and performed by JP Jofre The Brooklyn Accordion Club presents JP Jofre in a workshop, "Bandoneon: Four Keyboards in Two" on Sunday, November 13, 2016 from 3-5:PM at 61 Local (61 Bergen Street, Brooklyn). Admission: $5.00 (kids under 18 - free!). The afternoon includes: 3:00-4:PM - Open Mic (interested in performing a piece or two? please reserve your spot!) 4:00-4:45PM Presentation by JP Jofre "Argentinean bandoneon player and composer “J.P.” Jofre has been repeatedly highlighted by the New York Times and praised as one of today’s leading artists by Great Performers at Lincoln Center." Excerpts from his website: JP Jofre’s music has been recorded by 16 Grammy Winner Paquito D’ Rivera and choreographed and performed by ballet star Herman Cornejo (Principal Dancer of the American Ballet Theatre). A recipient of the National Prize of the Arts grant in Argentina, Mr. Jofre has taken his form of contemporary tango to some of the most important venues in Asia, Europe, America and the Caribbean as soloist and composer. He has collaborated with many famous musicians in a wide range of musical styles, including Paquito D’Rivera, Kathryn Stott, Gloria Estefan, Symphony Silicon Valley, Santa Rosa Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Argentina, Sacramento Philharmonic, Philippe Quint, Fernando Otero, Westchester Jazz Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Napa Symphony, Michael Guttman and Fred Sturm among others. Mr. Jofre has received commissions and been part of many prestigious festivals including the Celebrity Series of Boston, Umbria Jazz Festival, Great Performers at Lincoln Center, Seattle Town Hall’s Global Rhythms, Borislav Strulev’s Belgorod Music Festival, Sudtirol Jazz Festival, American Virtuosi, Nina Beilina and Bachanalia Taiwan. For the world premiere of his Bandoneon Concerto, the Mercury News wrote: “…he is an electrifying composer-bandoneon player.” In 2012, Jofre was invited by the Free University of Bolzano and SudTirol Festival (Italy) to perform for the homage to Argentinean Nobel Peace Prize winner, Adolfo Perez Esquivel. He proudly uses the New AA by Bandonion Fabrik Klingenthal J.P. Jofre began playing percussion and guitar at the age of 14 and later attended the the Escuela de Musica de la Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Argentina, where he studied, drums, guitar, piano, voice and composition, before deciding to dedicate himself to the bandoneón. In 2003, Jofre gave his debut performance as arranger and solo bandoneónista at the First International Festival of Chamber Music. For this event, Jofre arranged pieces for 12 Cellos and Bandoneon. In 2004 Jofre took privates classes with Martin Ferres and one year later auditioned for Daniel Binelli, one of the world’s most sought after bandoneonists and composers. With Binnelli’s recommendation, Jofre studied under Julio Pane, world-renowned educator and former bandoneónista for the legendary “Astor Piazzolla Sextet” through the financial endorsement of the Juan Victoria Auditorium and Autotransportes San Juan Mar del Plata. At the 2005 Clasura Concert of the Master Class given by Ingrid Zur and George Heyer (Germany) in San Juan, Jofre performed solo works of Bach and Piazzolla. That same year, he performed alongside Latin America’s most important musical figures Jairo, Horacio Ferrer, and Garello at the presentation ceremony for the book Adventures and Triumphs of Argentines in Paris at the Hall Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires. After winning the National Prize of the Arts Grant, Jofre traveled to Florence, Italy, performing as a soloist and arranger. In 2006, he toured Spain with the Mendocino Tango Sextet, giving both solo and group performances at the International Tango Festival of Granada and the International Tango Festival of Alméria. At the inauguration ceremony for the Granada School for the Bandoneón, Jofre performed with bandoneon master Rodolfo Montironi.In 2008 Jofre appeared on NBC’s Rosie O’Donnell Live, performing alongside the Lombard Twins and violinist Nick Danieson. He is the founder of the JP Jofre Hard Tango Chamber Band, one of New York City’s hottest in-demand ensembles, it focuses on his own works, as well as authentic interpretations of legendary composers such as Astor Piazzolla.Recently, the band has welcomed four outstanding performers to its ranks. Violinist Eric Silberger, prizewinner at the Tchaikovsky Competition, cellist Amy Kang, Double Bassist Ron Wasserman, principal bass of the New York City Ballet Orchestra, and Argentinian pianist Pablo Cafici with guests Christopher Johnson (double bass) and Siyi Fang (piano) For further information: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
Stas Venglevski Featured on 2016 Honors Accordion Cruiseby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Stas Venglevski will perform, teach, and conduct on the 2016 Honors Accordion Cruise from November 6-13, 2016. The cruise leaves from Galveston, Texas and will sail to Cozumel, Mexico and the Grand Cayman Islands. There will be an additional concert presented by Stas on Sunday, November 13 in Houston, Texas. Royal Caribbean has also invited the accordion orchestra to perform on board the ship in another concert.Stas is an accordionist, musician, arranger, entertainer, conductor and a teacher. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of "Concerto No. 2" by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of "Bayan and Beyond", composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. He is a regular participant the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced numerous recordings including a transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions. For further information on the cruise: slee@accordionhonors.com For more information on Stas: stas@stasv.com |
$8,000 in Cash Prizes at 2017 Carmen Carrozza Memorial Competitionby Rita Barnea |
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| The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) announces $8,000 in cash prizes for the 2017 Carmen Carrozza Memorial Award Competition to be held July 12-16 at the 2017 AAA Annual Festival. The competition venue will be: The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village in New Jersey, Princeton, NJ 08540. To further popularize the AAA Commisioned repertoire, the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Committee is offering $8,000 in cash prizes to the winners of this competition open to all acoustic accordionists. The Open Division and the Junior Division of this competition require accordionists to choose one of the listed Commissioned pieces , one of the Standard Repertoire pieces (selections to be announced on the AAAwebsite) and one or more pieces of entertainment value - all to be performed in a single program, to demonstrate well rounded musicianship. For full rules and performance requirements, please contact the AAA office. International contestants requiring invitations for Visas are encouraged to request this information before March 1, 2017. |
Victor Prieto at Terrazzo 7by Rita Barnea |
 Video: Victor Prieto: The Checkout Live at Berklee on November 4, 2015Victor Prieto, accordion; Chris Cheek, saxophone; Carlo de Rosa, bass; Vince Cherico, drums Simon Rentner, Host and Producer David Tallacksen, Audio Mix, Technical Director Accordionist Victor Prieto will perform with the Cuadro Latino at Terraza 7 on Friday November 4th, 2016, at 9:30 PM. Excerpts from his website: Spanish-born, NYC-based composer and accordion player Victor Prieto has discovered a whole new language for his instrument. In his hands, it trips and dances, growls and laughs. It captures all the luminous fluidity of a perfect jazz line, or bursts with dance-ready sensuality and wry humor. From the town of Ourense in Galicia, Prieto’s roots extend into everything he does. Yet they do not limit his wild creativity, which springs from a love of jazz, a childhood spent in South America, surrounded by its sounds, and a willful fascination with pushing the boundaries of keys and bellows. “The accordion is the instrument that gathers people together to have fun. Even though in jazz, it’s not a popular instrument, everyone who came to the US, say, they listened to the accordion all the time,” Prieto muses. “The importance of the accordion in American musical history is huge.” And Prieto is determined to write the latest, unexpected chapter in that history. Performing on November 4:: Alex Kautz / Drums Richar Padron / Guitar Carlo De Rosa / Bass Victor Prieto / Accordion $10 cover charge for mezzanine. Free admission for Children 12 and under. Terrazzo 7 is located on 4019 Gleane St. Elmhurst, New York Call: (718) 803-9602 For information on Victor Prieto: info@victorprieto.net |
Bachtopus Accordion Ensemble Perform in NYCby Rita Barnea |
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| Video 1: Bachtopus "Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080" by J.S. Bach Video 2: Bachtopus "High Summer: Brood V" by Peter Flint What is Bachtopus? Bachtopus Accordion Ensemble performed on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at St. Peter’s Church in Chelsea, New York, NY. Music by Peter Flint, Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, and J.S. Bach. Excerpts from their website: Bachtopus is a contemporary accordion ensemble from New York City that performs music by living composers and Johann Sebastian Bach. The ensemble was borne out of a fruitful musical duet between Robert Duncan and Mayumi Miyaoka, who partnered during the Winter of 2011. Denise Koncelik and Peter Flint, who were members of the Brooklyn Accordion Club, joined the duet to play Bach’s organ music, which is well suited to the accordion. The group soon shifted focus to become one of the few accordion ensembles in the United States that plays new music. Having established a large repertoire in just a few years, Bachtopus seeks to play more original compositions, commissioned works, and contemporary music that is interesting, accessible, and grounded in traditional folk music. The ensemble has performed for diverse audiences, and previous performance highlights include: Make Music New York, Bach in the Subways, The New Museum, Accordions Around the World, Meetup.com, and the American Accordion Association Seminars. Bachtopus performs music by and is inspired by Accordion Tribe, Motion Trio, the Kronos Quartet, Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, Stas Venglevski, the Bang On a Can All-Stars, and Jacques Cousteau. The group features original compositions by Peter Flint and Sy Kushner, and arrangements by Robert Duncan and Denise Koncelik. The members of Bachtopus are Robert Duncan, Peter Flint, Denise Koncelik, Jeanne Velonis, and Mayumi Miyaoka. Robert Duncan, is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the City University of New York and received a BA in Music Humanities at the University of California at San Diego. He is the founder and director of Bachtopus. Peter Flint has degrees in electronic music, history, and composition from Oberlin College and Conservatory and New England Conservatory. He has studied accordion with Walter Kuehr, William Schimmel, and Rob Curto, Conrad Cummings, Michael Gandolfi, Scott Wheeler, and Lee Hyla. He is deeply interested in Afro-Cuban music and recently had an orchestral composition performed in Havana, Cuba by the Camerata Romeu.He is on the board of directors at the Third Street Music School Settlement. Denise Koncelik, DMA, is a freelance musician and arranger with degrees in music theory/composition, pedagogy, and performance, and taught at Midwestern State University and Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Koncelik played piccolo/3rd flute and jazz piano with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra for 13 seasons, and has performed at Symphony Space, Joe’s Pub and le poisson rouge. She is co-director of the New York Flute Club Ensemble Program, a member of the Chelsea Musica, and plays bass accordion in NYC’s Main Squeeze Orchestra Mayumi Miyaoka, is an Academic Librarian/Archivist by day, and accordionist by night. She is the founder/organizer of Brooklyn Accordion Club, and is the compiler/editor of a self-published magazine, SqueeZine! – Chronicles of Accordionists. Mayumi studied with Stanley and Joanna Darrow at ACME Accordion School in NJ, and with Dr. William Schimmel in NYC. Jeanne Velonis is a classical recording engineer and the newest member of Bachtopus. Initially self-taught, she has studied accordion with Leah Barkan and Mary Tokarski. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
"Bellows Open: The Great Squeeze Project" Opens in Connecticutby Marilyn O'Neil, Youth Involvement Program Coordinator |
 Exciting news from Connecticut! AAA Youth Involvement Program Coordinator Marilyn O'Neil, who is also Acting President of the Connecticut Accordion Association, applied for a grant through the Arts and Culture Collaborative, Waterbury, CT Region at the end of July. Marilyn was notified on Tuesday, September 19, 2016 that the grant for $3,800.00 was approved! This grant is supported in part by the Arts and Culture Collaborative, Waterbury Region, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Waterbury Regional Arts and Culture Collaborative is one of nine regional arts organizations across the State of Connecticut that administers this program for the Connecticut Office of the Arts. The grants are intended for small arts organizations and programs, including those in schools, municipalities and community service organizations, for projects taking place between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. O' Neil developed and applied for the program as an individual, representing both the Connecticut Accordion Association (CAA) and the Youth Outreach Committee of the American Accordionists' Association. Both organizations are committed to reintroducing the accordion to young people. T The AAA's Youth Outreach Committee, chaired by Don Gerundo, has already taken strides in this direction, with newest AAA board member Dallas Vietty presenting the accordion to classes at Lehigh Valley Charter School for the Arts this past May. Similar outreach efforts in early July with radio station WQRX in NYC involved Don Gerundo and Dallas Vietty assessing some 100 accordions for AAA's youth programming efforts. Ten of those instruments were donated to the AAA by WQRX. Connecticut's program is called "Bellows Open, The Great Squeeze Project.” It is a collaborative effort between members of the Connecticut Accordion Association and Wolcott, CT Public Schools, specifically the High School, where students ASKED to learn more about the accordion. CAA member Saverio Romanelli's grandson attends Wolcott High and he brought the request to his grandfather. An initial "test run" took place last Spring when CAA member Bob Vitale brought a video of the Youth Involvement Program's 2015 jazz ensemble performance to Wolcott High for the students to view. It was met with an enthusiastic response which eventually prompted the idea for the grant. The Grant's program is extensive, and will run from October, 2016 through the end of September, 2017. It will provide up to 6 classes (90 minutes each) of instruction by Music Teacher and CAA Member Peter Peluso. Following the classroom work, up to 7 students will join the CAA orchestra in rehearsals either on accordion or their own instruments and, along with the CAA orchestra, deliver 2 concerts to their peers and the general public respectively. Mr. Peluso's extensive career as a certified music teacher in Connecticut and New York includes teaching positions in Edwards, New York, as well as Farmington, and Plainville, CT. The last 25 years of his formal teaching career were spent in Hartford, CT at the Greater Hartford, CT Academy for the Arts, where he taught musical theater with high school students. Peter is an accomplished accordionist, pianist, vocal teacher and conductor of community bands, choruses and youth theater groups. He recently directed The Plainville, CT Choral Society's Youth theater production of the Broadway musical “Starmites.” His career includes working with local bands as an accordionist. He acts as conductor for the CAA orchestra upon request. His many accomplishments include working with composers to premier new works. Vocal students and colleagues of Peter's have graced the CAA orchestra's performances. His musical colleagues performed at the AAA Festival in Tarrytown in 2014. As each of us who are committed to seeing the accordion flourish for years to come do our work, it has become obvious that not only is the NEED there, but the DESIRE is evident in the enthusiastic responses we are getting from youth. One of the areas in the grant proposal required O'Neil to provide an explanation of how the proposed project will apply the arts in new and imaginative ways. Her response is quoted below: “This will be the first time in decades that accordionists will venture out into the community to provide direct educational and experiential opportunities to youth. We have been stuck in the closet, “preaching to the choir” for over 40 years and suffered innumerable insults even as talented accordionist musicians have performed with symphony orchestras, in countless movie soundtracks and on the albums of famous rock musicians.” “In short, this project is about breaking through the barriers and confronting stereotypes that much of society has held onto for too long. Young people do NOT carry those stereotypes. They WANT to learn about the accordion. We're meeting them on their turf and giving them a chance to see just what this instruments' capabilities are.” |
How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain by Anita Collinsby Harley Jones |
 Video by Anita Collins. When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What's going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians' brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout. |
The Accordion Takes Over Gracie Mansion in NYCby Rob Trietsch |
 On the evening of October 6th, 2016, Mayor Bill Di Blasio welcomed members of New York City’s Italian American community to Gracie Mansion for a reception celebrating Italian Heritage and Culture Month in New York City. This event is the precursor to the Annual Columbus Day Parade held on 5th Avenue. The Mayor was joined by nearly 1,000 guests, including representatives from Italian American business, civic and cultural groups, as well as visiting dignitaries from Italy. Entertainment at this spectacular event, highlighting the contributions of the Italian American community to NYC and America, was provided by Emilio Magnotta. Emilio played many beloved Italian classics along with folk music native to specific regions of Italy, much to the pleasure of his audience. About Emilio - from the moment an accordion was placed in his hands at the young age of 5, a passion awoke in Emilio to play it. He studied the accordion for 18 years under the accomplished accordion player Cliff Scholl, who himself was a student of Pietro Frosini. Today, in addition to performing, Emilio is the owner of a thriving accordion repair and sales business, serving accordionists in the Tri-State area and beyond. Emilio Accordions specializes in repairs and state-of-the-art installation of microphones, midi systems, and upgrades to existing electronics. Currently, he is also collaborating on several projects with Paul Ramunni, Director of the New England Accordion Museum. Reach Emilio at www.emilioaccordions.com |
Alex Meixner Hormel Pepperoni Commercial plus Tour Datesby Rob Howard |
| American accordionist Alex Meixner has appeared as a one man band in a TV commercial for Hormel Pepperoni. Alex Meixner comes from a musical family going back four generations. He began performing when he was 6 years old, with his father, Al, in the family band, and he has appeared on more than 50 recordings, including the 1994 Grammy winning ‘Music and Friends’ by Walter Ostanek. Since 1995 he has led his own band. His main instruments are accordion and trumpet, although he can also play keyboards, bass, drums, and many different horns. ‘Polka Freak Out’, his 2007 release, was nominated for a Grammy in 2007. The latter is described on the CD cover as "A collection of songs mixing elements of polka styles from around the world ... on top of a Tex-Mex rhythm section and enveloped in a pop-rock aesthetic." His latest, ‘Three Ring Circus’, mirrors the variety in his live shows. His original songs are mixed in with polkas from many cultures. There is even an Irish dance rocker. And to ensure the disk's polka authenticity, one of the 23 tracks is titled "Is Anything Better than Beer?" His upcoming performances are: October 19th to 23rd – Linde Tulsa Oktoberfest, Tulsa, Oklahoma November 4th to 6th - Wurstfest, New Braunfels, Texas For further information email: info@alexmeixner.com |
Martín Elías and Rolando Ochoa Nomination for Latin Grammy - USAby Harley Jones |
 With the recent release of his music video "Cancelada de Mi Vida", Martín Elías and Rolando Ochoa, received the nomination for the Latin Grammy in the category of Best Album Cumbia/Vallenato for the album "Imparables." This project was done at the R8 Sound studios in the city of Valledupar, being produced by Rolando Ochoa and with the musical direction of Marlon Escobar. The CD "Imparables" has proven to be a big hit through its four singles that have reached the first positions at radio stations in Colombia: "Loco por tu amor", "El Latigo", "Mi ex" written by Omar Geles and "Cancelada de mi vida" written by Rolando Ochoa, with a video of latter having been officially released last Tuesday, September 27, where Martín Elias is acting for the first time, becoming the main character in his new audiovisual production. |
Gary Dahl Arranges Wienerschnitzel Polka, Polka Book Comingby Harley Jones |
  Popular accordion arranger and teacher Gary Dahl has just released an arrangement of Wienerschnitzel Polka (picture left), available in eSheet .pdf format, able to be emailed to you. Catalog: DH0256 Wienerschnitzel Polka $6.Gary Dahl has also announced: "My latest book of arrangements titled 'Polka!' is nearly ready for release. All 8 titles in eSheet .pdf format for only $18.50 is great value. Release date is 11th November in time for the Christmas Market for these quality arrangements." Titles will be: Ferryboat Serenade Achtung Los Beer Barrel Polka Beer Barrel Polka (Advanced) Champagne Polka Clarinet Polka Just Because Liechtensteiner Polka This article will be updated when the book is released so you can purchase by clicking a link from here. |
Debra Peters in November Programsby Rita Barnea |
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| Share in some real fun with Debra Peters at the Heritage Grill on Nov 5, 2016 with 'Monster' Marty Bernard on guitar, 'Rollin' John Nolan on drums and Jack Lavin playing the low notes Debra Peters is a versatile and busy accordionist who not only performs but also maintains a busy teaching schedule. Her music teaching includes classical music, fold, blues pop, country music theory, ear training and more. Debra's November schedule includes: November 3rd, Debra Peters and Doug Thordarson, accordion and fiddle at Seton Villa, 2:PM in Burnaby, BC. Accordion Round-Up on November 29,Honky Tonk Tuesday at the Broken Spoke, Austin, Texas. The first Accordion Round-Up was held on October 30, 2016 in Vancouver, BC. For further information: dp@debrapetersmusic.com |
Long Island Accordion Alliance Meets November 2by Dominic Karcic |
 The next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) sponsored by La Villini Restaurant is on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - 6 PM Come hear the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) orchestra plus featured guest artists Bud and Linda Gramer. Place: La Villini Restaurant 288 Larkfield Road. East Northport, NY 11731 631 261 6344 Reservations recommended. Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2016 Time: 6 PM |
Very Be Careful in November Performancesby Rita Barnea |
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| Very Be Careful (VBC) is a Los Angeles band that plays Colombian vallenato music, a traditional cumbia]sound that centers around the accordion, backed with percussion and bass. The group was started in 1998 in Los Angeles by accordionist Ricardo"Ricky G" Guzman and his bass playing brother Arturo "Brickems" Guzman. They were soon joined by Richard "Mil Caras" Panta on Caja Vallenata, Craig "Peabody" Martín on Guacharaca and Dante "The Rip" Ruiz on Cowbell. Very Be Careful celebrates the Day of the Dead in Long Beach, CA. on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Alex’s Bar, 2913 East Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA. 90804 at 8:PM. The evening includes Son Jarocho, Cumbia, Vallenato, Rocksteady Reggae, Boogaloo to Babalú, Face Painting, Dancing and more. Very Be Careful have independently released 7 full-length studio albums mixed with equal parts traditional covers and original material and also toured to Japan playing one of the largest festivals there with over 100,000 people attending in 2005, The Fuji Rock Festival as well as one of London's largest, The Glastonbury Festival. In 2006, Very Be Careful completed a European tour. Their November performance dates are: Nov. 2 at 9:PM, Dia De Muertos 2016, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach, CA Nov. 4 at All Souls, AZ Nov. 5 Clandestino Presents: VBC at Valley Bar, Phoenix, AZ For further information: parranda@downtownpijao.com |
Ken and Mary Perform in Central Americaby Rita Barnea |
 Ken and Mary Turbo Accordions Express from Ohio performed their 4th International tour for the Miller Brewing Co. Pilsener Oktoberfest El Salvador, Central America in October 2016. Video compliments of TV 21 San Salvador 2015.Ken and Mary have worked as an accordion duo for many years, playing all varieties of music for events mostly around the Midwest. Ken brings over 40 years of music experience to the accordion duo. His music background includes not only playing the button-style accordion but also the tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, and mandola. He taught in the Creative Arts program at Ohio State University from 1979 through 1984. He was even bestowed the title “Baron of the Banjo”by Frankie Yankovic. Ken had his own rag/jazz band for many years, playing in and around Ohio as well as performing in the German Pavillon at Disney’s Epcot Center and at the Altstadt Fest in Goslar/Harz, Germany. He adds to the “Ken and Mary” duo his expertise on the 5-row diatonic harmonika, also called the button box or button accordion. Mary’s music career has spanned over 30 years, playing both the organ and the piano accordion. She has performed at numerous festivals, banquets, and for parties. She currently brings to “Ken and Mary” her magical talent on the standard piano accordion. For further information: kenandmarymusik@yahoo.com |
Sam Falcetti Presents Workshopby John Gaunt |
 Sam Falcetti of Falcetti Music, Springfield, MA hosted a seminar on "How To Play By Ear" for the Tampa Bay Florida Accordion club on October 19, 2016.He was invited by John Gaunt of Accordions & Keyboards, 1248 S. Highland Ave. Clearwater, FL to visit the club. Sam graciously offered to do a seminar which was enjoyed by the members. He also entertained with a Roland FR3x. Sam is a graduate of the Hartt College of Music and is founder and conductor of the Springfield Accordion Orchestra with performances at the Osaka World's Fair, toured throughout Italy was on national television with Daivd Frost and Roberta Flack., performed at the Coupe Mondiale in New Zealand, at Disneyland and Disney World. Sam is the founder of Falcetti Music a five sore chain in Connecticut and Massachusetts providing Roand accordion sales and service in New England. Sam is a board member of the American Accordionists' Association and past president of the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts. The Tampa Bay Accordion Club meets the 3rd Wednesday during the months of October to April at The American Legion, 6999 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. All are welcome. No dues or entry fee. We have people from all over the US and Canada who attend during the winter months. For additional information call John Gaunt: 727-443-4113. |
Chapter 20 Released, 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain' by John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP)by Harley Jones |
  Chapter 20 now released, is titled: Other Arm/Hand Conditions Which Affect Playing Your Accordion.John Bonica writes: "There are many medical conditions that can affect your ability to play your accordion both mechanically and neurological." The chapter ends with the advice: "Finally I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of not ignoring pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your extremities. Seek medical help and advice sooner rather than later." A teacher wrote: "I'm busy reading the book of John Bonica and I find absolutely interesting the information over the working of our mechanisms and the patologies from the medical point of view of an expert. From this point of view I really find this work important for the accordion community. I'm an Italian classical accordionist based in Belgium and also accordion teacher. Luca Pignata" There will be a minimum of 24 chapters, 20 chapters released so far. Special offer: You can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by e-mail as it is released. For more information, and to purchase: John Bonica |
An Accordion in the Airport!by Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Elizabeth Wisler entertains passengers from all parts of the globe each week at the Portland International Airport as part of the Port of Portland Musical Entertainment group. Since 2009, Elizabeth has been performing her "Music Around The World" repertoire for travelers from all parts of the globe. Every Saturday, she volunteers and plays her accordion in the secured area of Concourse D and the ABC Lobby. People stop to listen, chat, and learn about the accordion.Her repertoire includes"Music Around the World”with French, Italian, German, Spanish, Latin, Bossa Nova, Jazz Standards, 50's and 60's Rock and Roll, light Classical, and Ethnic. Elizabeth has been playing the accordion most of her life. She studied with Luigi Rangan for many years. For twenty years, she was an employee of the state of Oregon as an insurance claims adjustor. Her greatest joy, however, is playing the accordion for people. Elizabeth says, “Long live the accordion! Keep practicing and don’t ever give up!" For further information: elizabethwisler31@gmail.com |
Dominic Karcic in Octoberfest Celebrationby Rita Barnea |
 On Friday, October 14, 2016 accordionist Dominic Karcic supplied the musical entertainment for the "Octoberfest Celebration" at the Central Island Healthcare Facility in Plainview, NY. His one hour performance of mostly German music was very warmly received by the residents and also the staff. Some of the German melodies played included his "stylistic and lilting arrangements" of Ein Prosit, Blue Danube, Tales From the Vienna Woods, Happy Wanderer, Schneewalzer, In Munchen steht ein Hofbrauhaus, Die Dorfmusik, Du Kannst Nicht Treu Sein etc. Looks like a fun afternoon was had by all! Ein Prosit! Photo:(left to right) accordionist Dominic Karcic, Christine Cardinali (Directory of Recreational Therapy, CTRS), Alan Johanson (Recreation Leader) at the Central Island Healthcare Facility in Plainview, NY |
Future events |
Future Accordion Festivals 2016-2017by Rita Barnea |
 Get your calendar out and start filling in important accordion festival dates for next year!A Valtaro Celebration will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2017 at the Magnanini Winery in Wallkill, NY featuring traditional Valtaro and French Musette Music. NAA (National Accordion Association) March 9-11, 2017 in Plano, Texas. The Leavenworth International Accordion Festival sponsored by the Northwest Accordion Society is scheduled from June 15-18, 2017 in Leavenworth, Washington. The 26th Annual Cotati Accordion Festival takes place on August 19 and 20, 2017. Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon takes place from August 31-September 4, 2017. The 18th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention will be held from October 23- 26, 2017. More festivals and information will be included in future publications. |
36th Annual Tejano Music Awards - USAby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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| on Saturday 12th November 2016 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio 78205 Nomination & Voting Process 2016 – 36th Annual Tejano Music Awards TMA does not nominate any group, artist or song for any categories. Do not expect or assume TMA will nominate anyone. Nominations are submitted to TMA and originate from Artists and Record Labels. If an Artist is not represented by a Record Label, the Artist can nominate themselves. TMA reviews and submits the nominations list to the Nominating and Screening Committee consisting of top select record producers, managers and record label personnel for verification and eligibility. The Nomination and Screening Committee returns the verified nominations to TMA for the creation of a ballot. This ballot will then be sent out to the Tejano Industry consisting of Artists, Record Labels, Managers, Radio and News organizations. TMA sends the voting results to a Certified Public Accountant for tabulation. The CPA submits the results to TMA. The top 12 nominees from each category will be included in a General Ballot to be sent out to the General Public and Tejano Industry. Artist or Record Labels must submit their material for nomination. TMA does not select nominees nor do they select the Award winners. TMA invites all Tejano groups to submit their material. If material is not submitted for consideration, then they are not included in the Award selection process. Artist are not required to submit any material or may choose not to submit their material. OFFICIAL VOTING Top twelve (12) nominees are placed, by qualifying category, on the General Ballot and published on the TMA Web site for qualifying voters. If there are tie votes for the 12th nomination, all tied nominees will be listed on the General Ballot to decide who will be the top nominees. This will sometimes make a category have more than 12 nominees. If there are less than 12 nominees that qualify, TMA will list all nominees that are eligible. If nominees in a category are less than 8, TMA will either eliminate that category or if it makes sense to keep the category will list the category with at least 5 nominees. Categories with 4 or less nominees will automatically be eliminated. It is possible for categories to be combined such as for example: Female and Male Entertainer Category or Album Tejano and Album Conjunto Category to make up the top 12 nominees. QUALIFICATION CRITERIA All entries must have been released between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. |
Accordion Babes 2016 Cabaret Revue in Californiaby Rita Barnea |
 The Accordion Babes Revue takes place on Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 8-11:PM at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda, CA.The cost is $25/advance, $30/day of show. All seating is General Admission. Tickets are non-refundable. For information: info@rhythmix.org, (510) 865-5060. Excerpts from their website: The Accordion Babes are BACK for a night of squeezebox whimsy featuring Women of the famous Accordion Babes Pinup Calendar. After a short hiatus traveling states and Provinces, evading authorities, accepting marriage proposals and touring the world—all with accordions in tow. This special show features several “babes” in celebration of the 2017 Accordion Babes Pin-up Calendar/CD—now in its 8th year with new musical releases! Join them for an evening of seriously fun musical diversity, where the accordion rules the night while crossing musical landscapes as varied as French border towns, Tex-Mex cafes, Absinthe parlors, and Cajun and Rock dance halls. Featuring 4 acts, and 5 Accordionistas, come see how the accordion has evolved in the arms of these seriously talented female-fronted bands. The accordionists include Tara Linda, Jet Black Pearl, Skylar Fell and Renee De La Prada. |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: Milwaukee Accordion Club Future Dates - USAby Sherry Huiras, Milwaukee Accordion Club |
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| Milwaukee Accordion Club (MAC) Future Events Dates: November 28, 2016 - Featured Program: ‘THE TOM BRUSKY BAND’ Monday - December 11, 2016 - Mac Annual Christmas Party For further information, visit the website: Milwaukee Accordion Club |