Accordion USA
home articles organizations
Search on site

Translate









































































































































































































































































































































































































Yellow Pages Events









































































































































































































































































U.S. National Accordion News - 01-Nov-2023
Previous News | Past News Index | Next News


Titano Accordion Company

Highlights

Editor's Note
Accordion Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Family
ATG 2024 Festival Honoring Joan Cochran Sommers, July 23-27 in Kansas City
2024 National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention
2024 AAA Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition
Free Postage from France, Super Value Christmas Gifts Books - France
Professional Development by Marie Andree Joerger Live from France
Cory Pesaturo Records Viral Video with Nahre Sol
Patricia Bartell’s New Book Release in January
Joe Soprani: ”My Thanksgiving Story"
Christmas Sheet Music by MusicForAccordion.com
World Accordion and Tango Festival November 15 - 19
John Smoltz, FOX MLB Lead Game Analyst Played the Accordion!!
Maria Telesheva Awarded Special Scholarship: Interview on October 4 for KEZI 9 TV News
Eddie Monteiro and Warren Vache Perform at Shanghai Jazz on November 1

Voci Armoniche

Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc.

Latest Article on AAA Commissioned Series, Toccata by Ernst Krenek
Emerald City Accordion Camp Concert on November 1
Stas Venglevski and Murl Allen Sanders in Concert Celebrating 100th Anniversary of Petosa
Maria and Sergei Teleshev Release New Album "Blue Bossa"
Long Island Accordion Showcase on November 1
Tamburitzans Program Features the Accordion
Squeezebox Circle November Vancouver Accordion Events
Silicon Valley Accordion Society Presents Sunday Seven Band
Retirement Recital by Dr. Lou Persic
London Scholle Performs in Tango Duo, Accordion and Violin
Public School in Queens, NY Needs 12 Bass Accordions
Dan Newton “Daddy Squeeze” in Concert

Pigini USA distributor Ernest Deffner

Future events

Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert in NJ on November 26
Innovative Accordion Music Productions Presents Winter Accordion Wonderland Performance


Over 2,100 titles of eSheet music, sent to you by email, secure server bank online payment

Highlights


PANcordion

Editor's Note

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Welcome to the November USA News! Each month there are so many fascinating events to report! There is always an event for you to attend.

It is very encouraging to see so many young people learning and enjoying the accordion. Remember that it is never too late to begin to study the accordion at any age!

Please remember that the USA News is here for you! If you as an individual or your accordion club, band, group is planning an event, please send the information and photos/videos to me at Ritabelll@aol.com. We want to know what you are doing out there in the accordion world! So, enjoy the November edition of the USA News and best wishes for continued successes in all your accordion endeavors!

Accordion Repairs Made Easy by John Reuther

Accordion Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Family

by Harley Jones
Musicforaccordion.com logo
Merry ChristmasChristmas Gift ideas for friends and family at: 2023 Xmas Gift Ideas

These ideas have been compiled to hopefully attract your Xmas gift money to be spent with accordion artists, composers, arrangers and publishers.

Please support accordion artistry and choose from over 2,400 eSheet pieces, 310 CD/DVD’s, 2,000 eTracks, 1,000 plus printed works and numerous books (text) to choose from. 2023 Xmas Gift Ideas

The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by famous accordion repairer and tuner Thierry Benetoux

ATG 2024 Festival Honoring Joan Cochran Sommers, July 23-27 in Kansas City

by Mary Ann Covone, ATG President
ATG header
Click each picture to see full size
ATG PosterOur 2024 Festival Extravaganza, celebrating Professor Joan C. Sommers 90th year, in Kansas City is shaping up beautifully. For this special celebration, ATG will be offering a total of $10,000 in prize money and an additional $5,000 in financial aid for youth in need to help them attend our 2024 Festival and Competition. Decisions are still in process as to how that prize money and financial aid will be distributed, so watch our website for more information as the details develop. In the meantime, spread the word!

So many performing artists want to be with us to celebrate Joan Sommers’ 90th year, so the line-up of featured artists is truly an extravaganza of talent beginning with our esteemed Joan Cochran Sommers conducting our Festival Orchestra in new works composed for her by Gorka Hermosa (Spain) and Ian Watson (London). Many international guests will be playing in the orchestra, so be sure to visit our website and reserve your seat at this link https://www.atgaccordions.com/event-details/2024-atg-festival-orchestra-registration

The Festival Orchestra and all of our evening concerts will be presented at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Performing Arts Center where Joan Sommers served as chair of the Accordion Department for 40 years and Assistant Dean for the last 12 years prior to her retirement. After retirement, Joan Sommers was awarded the title of Professor Emerita.

In addition to conducting the Festival Orchestra, Professor Sommers will conduct the UMKC Community Accordion Ensemble in a special program at our 2024 Festival. The other artists programmed at UMKC are coming from all over the world including Gorka Hermosa from Spain, Bridge and Wolak from Canada, Grayson Masefield from New Zealand (who will join with some Kansas City players to present his new tango project), Das Duo Kollektiv (flute and accordion duo from Austria), our own United States star, Stas Venglevski, and Mirco Patarini (CIA President from Italy).

Titano Accordion Company

2024 National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention

by Richard Custer
NAA Logo
Click picture to see full size
Rick CusterThe National Accordion Association (NAA) annual convention will be held March 20 – 24, 2024 at the Hilton Gardens, 785 State Highway 121, in Lewisville, Texas. For those arriving early, Wednesday evening will be a relaxed time of “meet and greet” and perhaps jam a bit with old friends.

Download: 2024NAA-Schedule.pdf
Convention Coordinator is Rick Custer (picture right)

This 2024 Convention will be the most exciting convention ever. Lewisville is diligently working to identify itself as a Music City. To that end we are partnering with the city of Lewisville and the Texas Music Association to promote the convention inside Texas and the surrounding states. Texas music style as well as other genres will be represented.

Most dramatically, our emphasis will focus on the overall education of accordionists regardless of their musical skill levels. The objective is to contribute to the success of the musician in training and teaching basic theory and physical skills, practicing those skills, and performing what has been learned. Whether the musician plans public performances or simply for personal enjoyment, we will offer the tools necessary for them to achieve their goals.

We wish to give new birth and incite new interest in what we regard as the world’s only complete instrument. It needs no power source, plays significantly more than one note at a time, carries both the tune and accompanying chords, is all-occasion, any-occasion, and is easily transported.

Musicians of all skill levels are invited to play popular and familiar music in a band consisting of two or three accordion parts in easy to play arrangements.

Throughout the day in individual classroom settings, what is taught will be practiced and performed by individual students. Evening jam sessions will be facilitated by teaching professionals using downloadable, printable, easy-to-moderate arrangements of popular genres.

Thursday night will be open mic night featuring any conventioneer wishing to perform a couple numbers publically. Friday night is Party Night! Saturday night after the banquet will feature professional presentations (performances).

We will have a Dealers’ room where you can try out and purchase different brands and sizes of accordions. And we have a technician on premises to make repairs on your accordion.

All in all, it will be a stimulating, informative, and participative three days. Over the next several weeks we will be publishing on our website the event daily schedule, class sessions and presenters, downloadable music for band and jamming, Convention and Hotel registration, and other information about the organization. Simply type into the URL Accordions.com/NAA

For complete information, visit the National Accordion Convention website at http://www.accordions.com/naa

Voci Armoniche

2024 AAA Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition

by Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair, AAA Composers Commissioning Committee
AAA Header
Elsie BennettTo all composers, whether accordionists or non-accordionists:

The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) cordially invites your participation in the 2024 Elsie M. Bennett Accordion Composition Competition. Contribute to the growth of contemporary concert works for solo accordion or for the accordion being featured with other instruments.

Full information including the entry form at: 2024Bennett.pdf

Elsie Bennett established the AAA Composers’ Commissioning Committee (CCC) in 1954. As its permanent chair, she succeeded over the remainder of the century up to a short time before her death in 2005, in commissioning 55 works from 33 composers, many of whom were world famous. Shortly after her retirement from the CCC she appointed Robert Young McMahan to be her successor at which time she was unanimously appointed CCC Chair Emeritus by the AAA Governing Board through their deep respect and affection for her and her amazing accomplishments over the past half century. See the memorial tribute to Elsie M. Bennett by Faithe Deffner.

For further information, and the AAA list of commissioned works, visit http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php
where you will also be able to hear many of the AAA commissioned works by noted composers performed by acclaimed accordionists. In addition, you may read about the history and analyses of these works in the articles about them by Robert Young McMahan at http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions2.php

Past Bennett Composition Competition winners and their works may be seen and, in some cases, heard at http://www.ameraccord.com/bennett.php

Entries are welcome from all countries. The entry closing date is April 12, 2024. Winners will be notified by email after July 01, 2024.

For non-accordionist contestants unfamiliar with the accordion, study the manual "Composers Guide to the Piano Accordion" by Robert Young McMahan at
http://www.ameraccord.com/commissions/ComposersGuide.pdf
for assistance.

Accordion Jazz Chords

Free Postage from France, Super Value Christmas Gifts Books - France

by Harley Jones
Benetoux accordion book covers
Merry ChristmasFree Airmail Post From France Special:
The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog benetouxen00). A quality book about accordion repairs, tuning etc. that is very popular indeed. In English

Free Airmail Post From France Special:
In French. Comprendre et Reparer Votre Accordeon (catalog benetouxfr00).

Free Airmail Post From France Special:
Sounding Out The Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog bthierryen). A very quality book that cares of the sounding and tuning up your accordion. In English.

Free Airmail Post From France Special:
In French. L’Accordeon & SA Diversite Sonore (catalog bthierryfr).
Benetoux accordion book covers, French language

PANcordion

Professional Development by Marie Andree Joerger Live from France

by Mary Ann Covone, ATG President
ATG logo
ATG Presents Professional Development by Marie Andree Joerger Live from France

ATG Professional Development Lecture takes place on Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 1-3 PM CT on Zoom. Professor Marie-Andree Joerger from France will discuss "Teaching Accordion to Young Children"

"Teaching Accordion to Young Children
*Repertoire and International Trends (France & Beyond)
*Presentation of the “Zou Accordion Method”

Marie-Andrée Joerger, in 2013, founded the accordion program at the Académie Supérieure de Musique de Strasbourg. She is the quintessential concert-accordionist-pedagogue of the 21st Century: she brings passion, energy, and experience to her teaching of all levels (from children to university graduates), touring her own ensembles, making groundbreaking recordings, and research projects and arts advocacy.

An accomplished accordionist who graduated with honors from the hight schools of music Freiburg, Germany (studying with Teodoro Anzellotti) and Basel, Switzerland (Master’s degree specialized in contemporary music), Marie-Andrée Joerger performs as a soloist, as well as with orchestras and other ensembles over all the world.

Marie-Andrée Joerger has been teaching at the Conservatoire de Strasbourg and the Académie Supérieure de Musique de Strasbourg. She is often invited to give master classes and as a jury in International competitions in Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Germany. She played in festivals such as "ÖGZM" in Vienna-Austria, "Festival Folia" in Montreal-Canada, “Festival International de Musique” in Colmar-France, "Zelt-Musik-Festival” in Freiburg-Germany, "Festival Musica" in Strasbourg-France, "Akordeono Festivalis" in Vilnius -Lithuania, “Festival Manifeste” in Paris-France, "Venice Biennale" in Italy, “Upol” in Nova Gorica-Slovenia, “Artsmondo” in Strasbourg-France, to collaborations with ensembles such as the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Freiburg, the Toulouse Chamber Orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Nancy and Strasburg. She has performed alongside several renowned soloists such as Armand Angster, Marc Coppey, François Kubler, Daishin Kashimoto, and Pierre Strauch. She has also won several international competitions in Geneva (Swizterland), Atri (Italy), and Montrond les Bains (France).

An active member of the contemporary music scene, Marie-Andrée Joerger has collaborated with composers such as Bernard Cavanna, Daniel D’Adamo, Thierry Escaich, Beat Furer, Martin Matalon, Misato Mochizuki, Alberto Posadas, Annette Schlünz, premiering new pieces as a soloist or within an ensemble as Thierry Escaich's first solo work for accordion at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall.

Join us on Zoom on Sunday, November 5 (1- 3:PM CT), for a lecture plus Q&A about teaching young children accordion, international repertoire trends, and a presentation of Marie-Andrée own method. We are sure to learn a lot!

For further information: atg.accordioniststeachersguild@gmail.com

Gary Dahl eSheet music, sent by email, secure bank server system

Cory Pesaturo Records Viral Video with Nahre Sol

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Video: Cory Pesaturo and Nahre Sol

Cory Pesaturo recently recorded a video with Nahre Sol which, in days had millions of views and, as of this publication, is now at 8 million views and 800,000 likes on Instagram,YouTube and Tok Tok.! 

Who is Nahre Sol? Nahre Sol performs, composes and teaches an eclectic mixture of music that draws from aspects of improvisation, the avant-garde, traditional Western forms and harmony, jazz, and minimalism. She runs a notable series of videos on Youtube that distill her distinct perspective as a classically-trained pianist with an insatiable appetite for new ideas about music theory, harmony, practicing, and composition. She has gained notoriety and over 380,000 subscribers through her videos breaking down the stylistic elements of great classical composers and documentaries that share excursions into various genres she explores.

She runs a notable series of videos on Youtube that distill her distinct perspective as a classically-trained pianist with an insatiable appetite for new ideas about music theory, harmony, practicing, and composition. She has gained notoriety and over 380,000 subscribers through her videos breaking down the stylistic elements of great classical composers and documentaries that share excursions into various genres she explores.

Nahre holds degrees from The Juilliard School and The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed at venues across North America and Europe, including The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Gusman Theatre in Miami, in addition to numerous spaces in many countries. In 2013 she was a recipient of the Harriet Hale Woolley Grant, which enabled her to study in Paris under Gabriel Tacchino and Narcis Bonet, pupils of Francis Poulenc and Nadia Boulanger.

Nahre's music has been premiered in New York City, Buenos Aires, Paris, and Toronto by artists such as Julian Martin, Han Chen, Jaewon Bang, Jeremy Smith, and Griffin McMahon. She has given performances, masterclasses, and talks at institutions such as the Carnegie Mellon University, Boston University, M.I.T., Syracuse University, University of Costa Rica, among others. In 2019-2020, she was the co-host of Sound Field, a music channel by PBS Digital Studios alongside drummer L.A. Buckner.  Recently, she released her debut album of original works for keyboard, “Alice in Wonderland,” which features a mix of compositions for solo piano, synthesizers, and prepared piano.  Also in 2021, she has been contributing to video game and film projects that will be publicly announced in the near future.  

Cory Pesaturo (“C Pez”) believes in pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the accordion. Cory has won international accordion competitions for acoustic and digital accordion and is an accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. Cory’s main contribution is his visionary thinking of how the accordion should be used, played, taught, and presented in modern music.  He has given 2 TED Talk’s and 2 Google Talk’s. Pesaturo is also developing his own electric accordion, and has made a skinned accordion which includes a symmetric lighting system attached to the keys.

For further information: Cory.pesaturo@gmail.com

Pigini USA distributor Ernest Deffner

Patricia Bartell’s New Book Release in January

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Book cover: From Crutches to Crushing It: A Journey from Pain to Power
Patricia BartellPatricia Bartell’s New Book, “From Crutches to Crushing It: A Journey from Pain to Power”, Patricia’s inspirational memoir and guidebook will be released on January 30, 2024.

In her upcoming book, Patricia Bartell, a polio survivor, business mentor and accomplished musician, presents an extraordinary memoir of her life’s journey and an invaluable guide for individuals striving to harness their unique narratives an “Crush It’ in personal and professional domains. From an orphan to a successful businesswoman, she has proven the only thing that limits us is our minds. Patricia has defied all odds as a polio survivor proving that if we change what we see, what we see changes.

Patricia is a graduate of Whitworth University with a B.A. in Music Education and Accordion Performance and is known throughout the US Northwest and western Canada as an adjudicator, professional performer and teacher. Patricia is a certified Simply Music Piano and Accordion teacher. She has studied piano with Dr. Judith Schoepflin of Whitworth College and with Kendall Feeney of the Golandsky Institute, the preeminent center for the Taubman Technique Approach. Patricia has also studied “The New Technical Approach” with world-renowned teacher Frédéric Deschamps in France. This technique approach has helped produce positive results for all ages.

Patricia is on an amazing journey. Patricia Bartell's road to success has not been easy. Orphaned as a baby in a third-world country, she rose to an award-winning musician and CEO. Her pursuit of excellence has taken extreme perseverance against all odds. Patricia survived polio, an abusive upbringing, and the near loss of her business. Her story of tenacity in the face of these trials has captured and inspired hearts world-wide. She has shown the world what it means to stand in your power and not your pain.

Patricia owns and manages several companies as a successful business entrepreneur. Her brick and mortar company is Bartell Music Academy. Other ventures include Accordion Life Academy and The Diamond Legacy Business Mentorship program. Patricia is also a Dr. Amen licensed Brain Trainer, Neuroencoding Specialist, and a certified High Ticket Coach. As an accomplished musician, she performs on accordion with Tango Volcado, an Argentine tango quartet.

For further information: support@bartellmusicacademy.com

James O'Brien eSheet music, emailed to you, secure bank server

Joe Soprani: ”My Thanksgiving Story"

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Joseph Soprani
Accordionist Joseph Soprani shares his amazing adventure and miraculous survival of a plane crash: "My Thanksgiving Story”. It is a true and inspirational story:

"The story that I am going to write about is similar to the one I presented at the Kimmel center for Peter Nero and the Philly Pops in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the USO and I might add that my presentation and performance was voted the best program of the 2005 season.

As you know the purpose of the USO was to bring a touch of home to our service men and women and it has been written that few events have left a more lasting emotional impression on them than USO shows. The USO has brought top quality entertainment to millions of US military personnel throughout the world since 1944 and i am proud to have been a part of that development. My relationship with USO dates back to the beginning of my career and at age 11 I started doing USO shows for our service men and women. Many of you, I’m sure, remember Jack Steck(Starlite stairway), Stanley Broza of the children's hour, Bailey Goss(Balt. MD), and Paul Whiteman(right after the incident I was invited on his New York radio show to perform with his 50 piece orchestra and tell my story. He then presented me with a gold watch for my services with USO).

Over the years many articles have been written about my USO days such as:" The Longest Hour", "Lucky to be Alive", "Songs in the Key of Life", "Accordionist Plays and Lives with Gusto", "Musician 18 Safe After Plane Crash"; and the most recent one called "Not Everything Goes Accordion to Hoyle" appeared in the official publication of Korean war veterans called the Graybeards.

This is my story: On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1953 I survived a plane crash while traveling with the USO. after winning the Arthur Godfrey talent scouts show I was called by the USO organization in New York to headline a USO unit: “Broadway Ballyhoo", made up of ten performers, was formed and I was chosen as band leader and accordion soloist. and at 18 I became the youngest USO entertainer. the tour which was scheduled for Japan, Korea and the Pacific Islands for 17 weeks began quietly and without fanfare. We left from La Guardia airport in New York on August 31, 1953 and arrived in Tokyo, Japan 4 days later. after rehearsing for 3 days we were ready for the 17 weeks that lay ahead. And for the next 70 days we performed 2 and 3 shows a day in different towns and military bases in Korea(30) and Japan(15). We never did get to the Pacific Islands.

The Broadway Ballyhoo unit collectively had many years of show business experience with such names as Bob Hope, Woody Herman, Ed Sullivan, the Dorsey Brothers, Xavier Cugat not to mention stage and screen and TV experience. Our show ran two hours and was a top notch variety production from beginning to end. It consisted of a guitar and banjo act(Bill Roberts), a magician(Norma Krieger), a dance act consisting of mother, father, sister, brother(the evans family), and my accordion solos. our trio consisted of accordion(Joe Soprani), trumpet(ed house), and drums(Mel Zelman)… and comedian, Joe Wong…ten people in all. I remember on one occasion when it got so cold(all performances were outside) we wore gloves during the show. but, I managed to play “Flight of the Bumble Bee with gloves.

On November 26, 1953, which started out like any other day on the tour was to be a day that I will remember for the rest of my life. We had just completed our first show at Iwakuni Air Base and was scheduled to fly to Miho, Japan, less than an hour away. We were treated to a Thanksgiving Day dinner before departing and were scheduled for two more shows in Miho. The military flight was routine and was scheduled to depart at 1:30 PM. However, because of engine problems our flight(c-47) was canceled. Another plane(c-46) was available for our use. We finally boarded the plane at 4:PM. By that time, however, we picked up 15 more passengers and many bags of US mail.

After having performed over 100 shows in 73 days in 15 cities in Japan and 30 cities in Korea for over 200,000 troops and traveling over 15,000 miles, it was not difficult to determine that this plane was overcrowded and overloaded. but, we were assured by the officers in charge that "everything is fine".

We were five minutes away from Miho, but it was raining and getting dark, making it difficult for the pilot to find the runway. He circled and tried again. This time he was instructed to come in on GCA(ground control approach). When the pilot realized that he overshot the runway, he tried to gain altitude but couldn't. We sensed trouble. At that moment there was a tremendous jolt. We did not know it at the time but, we were traveling 140 miles an hour when we hit water. We came to a halt approximately 4 miles from shore. Lights inside the plane had gone out and for a moment it looked like the end.

There was a pause after impact. No explosion! No fire! There was quiet calm. All of a sudden crewmen came flying by passing over all the mail and baggage that had been strapped in the center of the plane and shouting at us to get out of the plane! Split-second decisions had to be made from this point on. One of the crewmen managed to open the four escape hatches. Two life rafts were tossed out and inflated. Each life raft, we were told, can hold twelve people. Thirty people were aboard the plane. It didn't take much to figure out that some of us would not fit in the raft. 30 people were aboard the plane; 10 USO members, 5 crewmen, and 15 other passengers. Most of the passengers were out of the plane by now, but our trumpet player, our unit manager and I were still on the wing trying to make up our minds what to do next.

The plane was sinking fast. Our manager suddenly realizes that he left his briefcase on the plane with our passports and important documents so he decides to go back in to retrieve it. When he came back out he realized what he had just done and almost threw the briefcase back in. Then our trumpet player, who was a camera buff, decides that this was a good time to record these moments for posterity and from the sinking plane he began to grind his camera like mad. It was amazing! I had never experienced anything like it. The three of us finally jumped from the plane into the icy waters. There we were in the very cold sea not knowing what was going to happen next. Were we going to survive? Did we have to worry about shark?

in less than 5 minutes we had evacuated the plane which was disappearing before our eyes. We lost all of our possessions; including our wardrobe, music, our instruments and my $1200 accordion which was a gift from my grandfather. Everyone was calm at first but by now, an hour later, some of us began to panic and became hysterical. Shock was beginning to set in. We thought we would freeze to death. Suddenly from a distance we could see a light coming in our direction. It was one rescue boat to bring in the 30 survivors. The Air Force rescue team expected the usual; no survivors.

We were all taken to the base hospital and a week later we were making arrangements to get back to the USA. Needless to say after that experience no one wanted to fly. It took us 14 hours by train from Miho to Tokyo, 14 days on the USN general O. Darby military troop ship from Yokahama to Seattle, and from Seattle everyone went their separate ways. It took me 3 days by train to Phila. It was the longest and lonliest 3 days of my life. I arrived home at 30th street station in Phila. on December 27, 1953 to the waiting arms of my loving family.

After the crash I promised myself that I would never fly again as long as I lived. Two years later I auditioned and was accepted into the United States Air Force as accordion soloist with the United States Air Force band in Washington, DC for 4 years and traveled the globe. How you asked? By plane, of course.
* * * * * * *
This story has been reported many times over the years and has appeared in many
newspapers and magazines, but, I am still asked about it. even after all this time, especially around this time of year, I relive every minute of that Thanksgiving Day of 1953.

………………………………………………………………………………………

In addition to performing in Broadway shows such as "Fiddler on the Roof", "Zorba", "Cabaret" and "Irma la Douce", Joe has performed in world premieres of "Frida,” a musical that called for a virtuoso accordionist and "Another Kind of Hero,” a musical which featured him on stage for an entire scene.

Joe, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and won the Arthur Godfrey Show, appeared with TV Star Nell Carter in a "Colors of Freedom" production at the Convention Center in Philadelphia in 1995. He also appeared with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops playing a special arrangement by Nero with Soprano Evelyn de LaRosa.

In November of 1997, Soprani became the first accordionist to perform in "La Traviata" by Verdi presented by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Klaus Arp, the opera conductor from Germany, decided to use the accordion in the small ensemble on stage during "La Banda" sections.

Joe has also performed with Russell Watson on Good Morning America, and continues to promote the accordion as a serious instrument at various clubs and organizations. His workshops at schools and colleges, where he demonstrates his skills as performer and arranger to young composers and arrangers, have been well received.

Presently he is planning to perform his unique arrangement of Eugene Ettore's "Manhattan Concerto" with a symphony orchestra. See future publications for more information on this exciting project!

For further information: joesoprani@gmail.com

The Art of Playing the Accordion Artistically by Friedrich Lips

Christmas Sheet Music by MusicForAccordion.com

by Harley Jones
Musicforaccordion.com logo
Merry ChristmasSanta plays accordionView the list of Christmas sheet music and books available in eSheet format (pdf file sent to you by email) or printed (sent to you by post).

With each order you will receive free of charge, a copy of the Gary Dahl arrangement of 'Angels We Have Heard on High'.

View at: 2023Christmas
Christmas Sheet Music graphic

Titano Accordion Company

World Accordion and Tango Festival November 15 - 19

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
World Accordion and Tango
The World Accordion and Tango Festival takes place November 15 - 19, 2023 in Victoria, BC. Canada. Various venues in Victoria will be vibrating with the world-class music and dance. This year they are presenting an amazing roster of internationally acclaimed performers, such as tango maestros Maja Petrovic and Marko Miljevic; Bandonegro Tango Orchestra, the world-class tango ensemble from Poland; the award-winning dance company Pointetango , returning to Victoria with their new show "Tango in the Dark"; Taraf Syriana, a cross-cultural popular group from Montreal and many more amazing events. Apart from ticketed concerts and workshops, the festival will offer hours of free programs, such as accordion and tango introductory lessons, movie screenings, lectures etc.

Some of the schedule includes:
Nov 15: Solwood studios at 6:30 PM
Free2Tango. Free introductory tango lesson with Kelly Henderson, tango instructor from Alive Tango Victoria.

Nov 16, Church of Truth at 7:30: Steve Normandin chante Edith Piaf
The most iconic songs by Edith Piaf presented by accordionist Steve Normandin. This concert is presented in collaboration with La Societe francophone de Victoria.

Nov 17, Kirk Hall (Ballet Victoria) at 7:PM: Tango in the Dark
Award-winning dance company PointeTango returns to Victoria with their new show, pushing the boundaries of Argentine tango.

Studio 4 Athletics at 8:15 PM: Welcome Milonga with DJ John Dewhirst

Nov 18, White Eagle Polish Hall at 1:PM:
Tango workshops with world-class tango maestros Maja Petrovic and Marko Miljevic.

Nov 19: Studio 4 Athletics 1;30 PM until 7:30 PM
Tango workshops with world-class tango maestros Maja Petrovic and Marko Miljevic.

Accordion Masterclasses with Michael Bridge 
7:30 PM, Closing Concert – Taraf Syriana

Tickets, workshop registrations and information via email 2023watf@gmail.com

For information on BC Accordion and Tango Society: contact@watf.ca

Larry Malmberg eSheet music, sent by email, secure bank server

John Smoltz, FOX MLB Lead Game Analyst Played the Accordion!!

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
John Smoltz
Video: John Smoltz on his father's passing and the greater meaning to 'Field of Dreams' | Will Cain

Does John Smoltz play the accordion? Yes, the same John Smoltz who is calling the World Series. In the booth, lead play-by-play announcer Joe Davis is joined by first-ballot Hall of Famer and Emmy Award-winning analyst John Smoltz, with Rosenthal and Verducci covering all the action as FOX Sports steps into the batter's box for its 26th season of World Series coverage.5 days ago

How fast did John Smoltz throw?
Smoltz not only won a Cy Young Award in 1996, but was possibly the best closer in the game from 2002 through 2004. Smoltz average fastball in relief was over 95 MPH, though it did drop to 92 MPH when he moved back to the rotation as expected.

Is John Smoltz a Hall of Famer?
Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz compares the Orioles' trajectory to the rise of the Atlanta Braves during the 1990s. Smoltz pitched for the Braves from 1988-2008 and won a World Series with them in 1995.

John Smoltz, a first-ballot MLB Hall of Famer, eight-time All-Star and National League Cy Young Award winner, is FOX MLB’s lead game analyst. In addition to calling the network’s marquee regular season games, Smoltz is in the booth for the All-Star Game and a full slate of postseason matchups which include Division Series, League Championship Series and World Series assignments.

Smoltz joined FOX Sports in 2014, and after just two seasons was elevated to the network’s lead broadcast team. He called his first World Series in 2016 alongside Emmy Award-winning play-by-play announcer Joe Buck, and together they have been the voice of the Fall Classic for four consecutive years. An MLB Legend,right-handed pitcher, Smoltz gained first-ballot admission into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015, a testament to the excellence of his memorable playing career. He played 21 seasons in the major leagues, tossing 3,473 innings over 723 games (481 starts) and posting a 213-155 record and lifetime 3.33 ERA, with 3,084 strikeouts. Impressively, Smoltz also registered 154 saves over a four-season stint as a closer from 2001 to 2004, becoming the first player in MLB history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves in his career.

Remembered as one of the cornerstone pieces of the Atlanta Braves dynasty that ruled the National League throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Smoltz joined fellow Hall of Famers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux atop a fearsome starting rotation that helped deliver the Braves 14 division titles, five National League pennants and the 1995 World Series championship. Smoltz was voted to eight All-Star Games and enjoyed his finest season in 1996, when he won the National League Cy Young Award after posting a 24-8 record and 2.94 ERA, leading the National League with career highs in both wins (24) and strikeouts (276).

What is his accordion background?
John Smoltz's 2015 induction into the MLB Hall of Fame Sunday included a speech with a bunch of fun stories from his life and career. One of the best was him talking about his parents, how they met and what they originally wanted him to be.

John Smoltz could have been an excellent accordion player. But instead of pursuing the interests of his musically inclined parents, he set down the squeezebox at age 7, announced to his family that he was going to be a professional athlete — and then did it.

John shares about his parents in his induction into the MLB Hall of Fame speech, “You didn't know much about sports or baseball. You pretty much knew about what you knew, and that was playing the accordion because that's how you guys met. You were accordion teachers, and I thank you for the opportunity that you started me in my quest to be the next Lawrence Welk at the age of 4. I played until the age of 7 and then I hit you with the ultimate whopper of all whoppers.

At the age of 7 I said, "I know what I'm gonna be in life and I'm gonna be a Major League Baseball player." You loved me enough to give me room to go after my dream. That's all they knew. My mom and dad are accordion teachers. That's how they met. They played for 50 years. They played in a band. I went to all the weddings and polkas you could go to and all the parties and dancing that you could imagine and I was supposed to be the heir apparent. And I guess I was good ... I got trophies and I was competing in contests. You've got to remember that I didn't come from a prototypical family with athletic genes. Because of that, I learned a lot from my parents in that they let me go in a direction that I was passionate. You loved me enough to give me room to go after my dream. You didn't discourage me from leaving the accordion for Major League Baseball. You just told me to have a backup dream.”

John’s parents knew about Welk, though, the noted band leader who had his own television show for more than 30 years and was the king of the accordion. In fact, when Smoltz's father, who also was named John, wasn't at one of his several jobs around Lansing, he was engaged in the family business of playing the accordion during various functions. He spent more than 50 years in a band, and he was joined by his brothers, who also played the accordion. Not only that, Smoltz's mother, Mary, played the instrument, and that's how she met his father. Smoltz's parents taught others how to play the accordion, including Little Smoltzie at 4 years old.

"Since my dad's dad played the button box, I was going be the heir apparent," Smoltz said. "It's a dying art, but that's how I grew up, listening to polkas on eight-track tapes. We'd go watch my dad play at weddings, and he'd play at family functions. We had a lot of fun, because that was the culture back then, and I guess I was pretty good."

"I competed in tournaments all over, and the accordion was always bigger than me, all the way to the age of 7," Smoltz said, chuckling. "The whole experience taught me a lot. I learned about discipline and about how you can't miss practice. You have to put a lot of time into playing, and it prepared me for other things I didn't think it would prepare me for."

So you see, that the discipline involved in learning the accordion, can prepare a person for many rewarding opportunities in life. And John Smoltz is a perfect example of that!

Gary Daverne CD's and eSheet music available online

Maria Telesheva Awarded Special Scholarship: Interview on October 4 for KEZI 9 TV News

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Maria Telesheva
Video: Maria Telesheva Interview for KEZI 9 TV News October 4, 2023

Maria Telesheva, a North Eugene High School student is one of 15 recipients of a new scholarship fund established in memory of a NEHS staff’s son. The Elijah Taylor Memorial Grant was established in honor of librarian Amary Taylor’s son that passed away in a car crash when he was 11 years old about seven years ago. In a matter of weeks, Taylor and school staff established the fund, raised more than $5,000, took in applications, and handed out 15 awards to the selected winners, one for each student who applied.

“All of the proposals reminded me of him in some way or another,” said Taylor. “There wasn't a single one… that didn't feel like he had a little hand in it… somehow or would at least appreciate it, if he were here still.”

The grants allowed students to pursue a passion project this summer, ranging from a summer academy program with the New York Times to a youth search and rescue program. Maria Teleshev, who seeks to pursue her dream of a career as a musician received an Elijah Taylor Memorial Grant scholarship. “One of the most important things in life is to pursue your dream,” Maria said. “I have been told many times in life when I was younger that music is just a hobby… and it might be for some people… but for me I truly believe I can have a career… in music.”

Maria, a sophomore, is already a well known accordion player and spent part of her summer creating a music video thanks to the scholarship. She has been playing since she was six years old, having been taught by her father, Sergei. Maria said she practices daily. “I travel all around the United States, we travel a lot here in the northwest,” Maria said. “And I've traveled internationally as well… over to Canada, Russia, Mexico.”

Sergei said that his daughter’s musical roots go back to her early childhood, and she asked him to teach her how to play the accordion specifically. Sergei’s a veteran musician himself, and was first invited to the Oregon Bach Festival in 1996. The next year he was asked to play at Silva Hall, and the rest is musical history. “Music is very important to me as my job and my passion,” Sergei said. “It's beautiful thing to do… and I'm very lucky to be able to teach my daughter to be musician as well.”

“I would like to perform everywhere,” she said. “All around the world. Whether it be small venues, big venues, I just want to spread happiness and love through music.” Maria and her father performed at the grand opening of North Eugene High School, on October 10, 2023. To donate to the Elijah Taylor Memorial Grant, visit nehsbooster.com. Read more about Maria Telesheva in the October and November www.accordionusa.com news.

AWW wishes Maria continuing successes as an accordionist, singer, and musician.

4 Music Books by Stas Venglevski

Eddie Monteiro and Warren Vache Perform at Shanghai Jazz on November 1

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Click picture to see full size
Warren VacheEddie MonteiroAccordionist Eddie Monteiro will perform with trumpet player, Warren Vache on November 1, 2023 at 7:PM at Shanghai Restaurant and Jazz Club, 24 Main Street, Madison. NJ, 07940. They will be joined by joined by Earl Sauls on bass.

About Warren Vache: ”In Vaché, jazz has found a creator whose prodigious, hard-earned skills enable him to craft swinging performances of beauty, emotion and surprise."  Warren is a tremendous trumpet and cornet player and, with his acerbic wit between songs he keeps the entertainment rolling. 

Eddie Monteiro is an internationally recognized musician and educator with 30 years of musical performance in classical, jazz, dance, theater, cabaret and choral ensembles. He is well known for his harmonic skills and talent. He won several accordion championships as a youth and was also the youngest honoree elected to the American Accordionist’s Hall of Fame. He was a member of Bobb Rosengarden, Skitch Henderson, Peter Duchin, Ray Bloch, Michael Lanin and Marty Ames orchestras. Eddie performs in the New York Metropolitan area and worldwide.

Monteiro shares that the instrument itself has often been misrepresented. “The accordion has been maligned far too often in the numerous jokes and cartoons,” he said. “The Lawrence Welk image with Myron Floren showed the accordion but in a somewhat 'corny' musical idiom. In addition, I think there are many accordionists who have continued to play at less than professional level. Others are just so outlandish in their presentations that people take note and think they're great. The accordion, far too often, isn't played for the public in a very positive way.”

Eddie Monteiro was a featured member of the pit orchestra on stage in Broadway revival performance of "Carnival" and "Evita" and recording of radio and television jingles for Sesame Street, General Foods, Colgate Palmolive, Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Bennigan’s Restaurants, Pontiac and more.

Lead artist of innumerable society bands performing throughout the world at social events, political gatherings and corporation conventions. Eddie recently retired as the Music Teacher, Choral Director, Vocal and Instrumental Music Director for the Ann Street Elementary School. Eddie Monteiro has performed at Jazz Festivals throughout the world. National performances include the JVC Jazz Festival and the Toyota Jazz Festival in New York City, Salishan Jazz Festival and the Centrum Jazz Festival both in Washington. Internationally Eddie was a guest at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, the Jakarta Jazz Festival in Indonesia, Sea Jazz Festival in Helsinki, the Norwegian National Accordion Competition, Sweden's Annual Accordion Festival in Ransatter and in January of 2000 Eddie closed the Jazz In El Tambo Festival in Punta del Esta, Uruguay performing with Paquito D'Rivera, Leny Andrade, John Patitucci and Benny Golson.

He has conducted workshops and seminars at the Manhattan School of Music, Kansas City Jazz Workshop, Artists in Jazz at Pace University, Topeka Jazz Workshop and a Harmony & Improvisation Clinic in Norway. His numerous recordings include Double Standards, The Real Thing, A Perfect Match (with Nancy Marano featuring Gerry Mulligan, Roger Kellaway and Claudio Roditi), Under Paris Skies (with Karen Akers), A Walk on the Wilde Side (with Ronny Whyte), Jazz Influence and  Arkadia Jazz All Stars: Thank You John! (a tribute to John Coltrane) and was featured on the album with the vocal group ‘String Of Pearls’. His work has also included numerous jingles for Colgate-Palmolive, Budweiser, General Motors, Folonari Wines, General Foods a soundtrack recording with Marvin Hamlisch and an appearance on film ‘Mortal Thoughts’ with Bruce Willis.

A graduate of NYU with a B.S. in Music Education, Eddie studied accordion with Charles Nunzio, (one of the founding members of the American Accordionists’ Association), piano with Madame Olga Van Till and advanced harmony studies with Marty Holmes. Eddie is a Certified Teacher Member of AAA as well as a member of Music Educators' National Conference, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Technology Institute for Music Educators, National Education Association, Jazz Educators Association the Sommelier Institute and is an Amateur Radio General Class Operator.

The Shanghai Jazz is a jazz club/restaurant with an Oriental influence. The focus here is mainly on three things, namely, the food, music and lovely atmosphere. It serves excellent Asian varieties, the chefs also include seasonal menu with flavors and veggies as per the season; every dish is prepared with utmost care and served in huge portions. Shanghai Jazz also has a bar that features wines, beers and cool cocktails. As far as music is concerned, the restaurant hosts live music concerts without any extra cover charge. You can also hire this establishment for private events and celebrations; off-site catering services are also offered. I have been there many times. The entertainment, food, and service is always consistently superior.

No music charge, $25 food and drink minimum, performance begins at 7 - 9:30 PM. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Phone: (973) 822-2899

For further information about Eddie Monteiro:
Chordean.changes@gmail.com

Amy Jo Sawyer CD titled According to Amy

Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc.


Titano Accordion Company

Latest Article on AAA Commissioned Series, Toccata by Ernst Krenek

by Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair, AAA Composers Commissioning Committee
AAA Header
Dr Robert Young McMahanErnst KrenekIt is once again my pleasure to announce my latest updated and expanded edition and html conversion of one of the twenty-two articles I wrote for the annual AAA Festival Journal between 1997 and 2019.

In this instance, it is from the 2008 issue and about the internationally famed and highly revered composer Ernst Krenek (1900-91 - picture right), who wrote two excellent solos for accordion commissioned respectively by the AAA (Toccata, 1964) and later on, the ATG (Acco-music, 1976) during his long and final settling in America.

In both works I had the pleasure and honor of personally associating with Krenek, being the first to play for him and then commercially record the Toccata at his request; and, secondly, serving via many letters back and forth between our respective homes in the Baltimore area and Palm Springs, California, as an accordion advisor during his composing Acco-music in early and mid-1976.

Krenek’s Toccata is composed in the grand and somewhat thunderous style of works under that traditional generic title, falls into four highly contrasted sections that are joined together attacca, and makes marvelous and highly idiomatic use of the accordion’s technical and expressive capabilities. An indispensable and proud “must” for inclusion in every classical accordionist’s repertoire.

View the latest article about Toccata by Ernst Krenek at:
http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions17.php
and hear my recording of Toccata at
http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php

Jeff Lisenby CD A Spy In Tortuga

Emerald City Accordion Camp Concert on November 1

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Gabe and JamieVideo 1: Gabe rehearses with Emerald City Accordion Camp participants
Video 2: Foleada: Foleada Forró - Seattle Pé De Serra

The Emerald City Accordion Camp was held at the Kirkland Performance Center in Kirkland, Seattle, USA from October 26th to 29th, 2023.

The camp included:
• Instruction from Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall Rodrigues, accordionists with years of experience (who were married in September 2023).
• Accordion Orchestra arrangements for the group. Chance to perform with a trio (bass and piano).
• Ample hands-on practice time to solidify your skills and technique.
• Collaborative learning environment fostering musical friendships and camaraderie.
• Workshop materials and resources to continue your learning beyond the camp.

A final orchestra performance will be held on November 1, 2023 at 7:30 PM. at the Kirkland Performance Center. Additionally, special guest band, Foleada, will perform. Foleada is a six-piece band based in Seattle that plays forró, the rhythmic Brazilian music and the popular partner dance of the same name. Featuring the charismatic Brazilian vocalist/percussionist Adriana Giordano, the music is led by accordionists Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, joined by percussionists Jeff Busch and Sam Esecson on pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine) and zabumba (Afro-Brazilian drum).

Emerald City Accordion Camp 2024 will be announced soon! Be sure to sign up for an informative and fun learning environment

PANcordion

Stas Venglevski and Murl Allen Sanders in Concert Celebrating 100th Anniversary of Petosa

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Stas and Murl in Concert
On November 11, 2023 at 7:PM, Stas Venglevski and Murl Allen Sanders will perform together for the first time. The program will feature classical, jazz, original music and more.

The concert honors the 100th anniversary of Petosa Accordions. The concert takes place at:
Chapel Theater
Good Shepherd Center
4949 Sunnyside Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103

Tickets:
Adults: $25 in advance. $30 at the door
Seniors: $10 in advance. $15 at the door
Students: Free

You can read learn about the 100th Anniversary of Petosa in the December 2022 USA news.

For more information: Megumi Hada: meghada33@gmail.com

Maria and Sergei Teleshev Release New Album "Blue Bossa"

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Maria and Sergei Teleshev
Blue BossaVideo: “Blue Bossa”

Their new album, “Blue Bossa" by Duo Two Accordions - Maria & Sergei Teleshev - is here and available now. It includes music in various styles from Bach to jazz, including original works.

You can order it as a CD or digital copy: https://www.2accordions.com/

The direct link to order the CD (Free shipping, US only): https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=532HBUQ45QX5L

The direct link to order a digital copy (Worldwide, Sent to your email):
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5LDAKJU2999G2

You can learn more about Maria and Sergei Teleshev by reading an article about them in the October USA news, “Duo Two Accordions”. There also is more information about them in this months USA news in the article “Innovative Accordion Music Productions Presents Winter Accordion Wonderland Performance.”

Enjoy the music of this talented and versatile family.

The International Trio, CD Available online, secure server

Long Island Accordion Showcase on November 1

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Long IslandThe Long Island Accordion Showcase presents an entertaining program on November 1, 2023 at 6:PM:
La Villini Restaurant
288 Larkfield Rd, East Northport
New York

Sing and stroll with guest artist Frank Rapuano.

Accordionists in the photo include: From top L to R: Ray Oreggia, Frank Scardino, Claudio Aprile, Gregory Zukoff, Bob LaBua. Bottom L to R: Joe Campo, Papa Joe De Clemente. Guest Artist: Frank Rapuano

The aim of the Long Island Accordion Alliance is to promote a love for the accordion and accordion music, bring former accordionists back

For reservations: 631-261-6344

For further information: longislandaccordionists@facebook.com

Pigini USA distributor Ernest Deffner

Tamburitzans Program Features the Accordion

by Dan Grauman
Tamburitzan
CodyVideo: Cody McSherry and the Tamburitzans. Excerpts from the Tamburitzans 2022 program. Thank you to Dan Grauman for the video.

The Tamburitzans, formerly the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, have been performing worldwide for over 85 years. This year’s program, “Reflections”, features music from Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine, as well as a Jewish segment, and an Alpine segment, which was arranged by accordionist, Cody McSherry. The program is on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at The Rose Theatre, 9301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO.

This year’s program, according to Tamburitzans “regulars”, is one of the best in ten years. I couldn’t agree more. Many of the program’s segments feature the accordion, beautifully played by Alexei Blagonadezhdin and Cody. Alexei and Cody have solos, a duet, and they also accompany other Tamburitzan musicians and singers. Cody not only performs on piano and diatonic accordions, he also sings and plays the keyboard, Hackbrett (hammered dulcimer), Bulgarian djura gaida (bagpipe), and Turkish zurna (woodwind instrument).

The two-hour program includes beautifully choreographed dances with traditional costumes, instrumental and vocal music, and some amazing acrobatics. November performances include: Pittsburgh and Meadville, Pennsylvania; Rochester, New York; Edwardsville, Illinois; and Kansas City, Missouri.

Early next year the Tamburitzans will be performing in Monroeville and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, followed by performances in Maryland, Florida and other locations to be announced on the Tamburitzans’ website. If you are anywhere near a performance venue, be sure to attend – you’ll be glad you did.

Over 2,100 titles of eSheet music, sent to you by email, secure server bank online payment

Squeezebox Circle November Vancouver Accordion Events

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Squeezebox
ScheduleaccordionVancouver, Canada has a busy, vibrant accordion community. Since March of 2007, Rowan and Bruce from Accordion Noir Radio along with Alan Zisman have hosted a monthly get-together to bring squeezebox enthusiasts together in a room to demonstrate variances among their instruments, share hard-earned technical, historical, technological and musical knowledge with newer players, and learn and perform accordion music both solo and together.

These events are happening in November 2023:
* New Location! Nov 1 (now the 1st Wed of the month) 7-. 9 pm: Vancouver Squeezebox Circle, Longhouse Church, 2595 Franklin (corner of Penticton), East Vancouver - lots of free parking!, donations requested
*
* Nov 1, 8 pm: Royal Cajun Band - Princeton Pub, 1901 Powell
* Nove 2, 8 pm: Taras Luka - Ukrainian jazz accordionist - Frankie's Jazz Club, 755 Beatty, $16
* Nov 4, 8 pm: Chutzpah Fest presents Michael Winograd and the Honorable Mentshn featuring John 'Socalled' Dolgin, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, 950 W 41st $40
* Nov 5 3 pm: Heart of the City Fest closing concert with Vancouver Ukrainian Folk Orchestra and more, Ukrainian Hall, 805 E Pender
* Nov 10, 8 pm: Newfoundland's Rum Ragged - St James Hall, 3214 W 10th
* Nov 11, 8 pm:; Victoria's Clanna Morna, The Painted Ship, 2884 W Broadway
* Dec 20, 8 pm - Nuvo Zydeco, Princeton Pub, 1901 Powell
* Nov 15, 8 pm - Nuvo Zydeco, Princeton Pub, 1901 Powell
* Nov 21, 8 pm: Caravan World Rhythms + Chutzpah Festival present Montreal's Taraf Syriana w. accordionist Sergiu Popa - 950 W 41st
* Nov 26, 8 pm: Rogue Folk presents Mad Pudding - St James Hall, 3214 W 10th
* Dec 20, 8 pm - Nuvo Zydeco, Princeton Pub, 1901 Powell
* March 29, 8 pm - Dakhabrakha - Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave, New Westminster
The Vancouver Squeezebox Circle also maintains a Facebook group.

For further information: squeezeboxcircle@gmail.com

The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by famous accordion repairer and tuner Thierry Benetoux

Silicon Valley Accordion Society Presents Sunday Seven Band

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
The Silicon Valley Accordion Society presents Sunday Seven Band on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at the Christ Episcopal Church, 1040 Border Road in Los Altos, CA.

The program begins with the SVAS Jam Band followed by the Sunday Seven Band. Songs include: “ Ain’t She Sweet”, “Beautiful Heaven”, “It’s a Small World” “Over the River” and more fun songs.

The purpose of the Silicon Valley Accordion Society is to promote the accordion in all its various manifestations. To enjoy its versatility and uphold the beauty of the instrument.

You are invited to participate.

For music and information, please contact President Colette Ogata: Colette.Ogata@gmail.com

Gary Dahl eSheet music, sent by email, secure bank server system

Retirement Recital by Dr. Lou Persic

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Dr.Lou PersicCome celebrate the joy of the accordion on Accordion Day. November is National Accordion Month. The public is invited to attend this event, free of charge as Acme Accordion School hosts the annual Accordion Day Event on Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Location:
Acme Accordion School
322 Haddon Ave.
Westmont (Haddon Township), NJ 08108

Admission: Free and Open to the Public

Donation: Any free will donation will be graciously accepted and placed in the Acme Scholarship Fund. This is a family friendly event, great for all ages.

Bring your accordion for the photo. The goal is 100 accordion players or more. All ages invited. Enjoy meeting new friends. Bring your family. The annual group photo will take place at 1:00 PM. Bring your accordion to wear during the photo. The photo will be followed by a concert that will feature guest performer: Dr. Lou Persic of State College, PA in his Accordion Retirement Recital.

Dr. Lou Persic will perform popular standards as well as traditional accordion standards for your listening pleasure. While this program is focused on Dr. Persic, the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra, Westmont Accordion Club and Acme Adult Preparatory Ensemble.

Photo: Dr. and Mrs. Lou Persic

For more information:
Joanna Darrow - 856-281-4035
acmeaccordion@gmail.com

The Art of Playing the Accordion Artistically by Friedrich Lips

London Scholle Performs in Tango Duo, Accordion and Violin

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
London Schollle

London SchollleVideo 1: Gabrielle Sewell and London Scholle rehearse November concert

Video:" Meditation" composed by London Scholle. Live Performance at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music
Flute - Isabella Throroughman
Violin - Gabrielle Sewell
Piano - Caleb Lees

Accordionist London Scholle and violinist Gabrielle Sewell will perform on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 6:30 PM at The Reliquary at Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock St, Cincinnati, OH 45223. They will perform original tangos that he has composed. Learn about the accordion and enjoy tango music!

London Scholle is a Cincinnati based composer for film music, concert works, and more. He composes his music with a delicate touch and a nod to the masters, but with his love of folk and jazz, he also injects unique whimsical and spirited flavors. 

London shares, “I write music because I genuinely love it. I love the excitement of coming up with a new idea, the intensity of composing the music, and the pride that comes with sharing my work with others. To connect with the world by creating passionate, layered and intoxicating music is my ultimate goal.”

Along with his love of composition, he is also an accordionist. He regularly plays gigs around Cincinnati and even played accordion with the Cincinnati POPS Orchestra for Ragtime in concert April 28-30, 2023 at Music Hall. Along with performing, he is also an accordion teacher both privately and at the Immanuel School of Music. 

London is a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston but is studying online. “I’m shooting for the stars,” said Scholle. After he finishes his Bachelor's degree, he plans to pursue his Masters of Music Composition. 

London comments that “I am proud to be an accordionist. Accordions have a rich heritage in the Americas and I strive to honor that and to continue its legacy. I write for and perform on the accordion because I feel that I can express myself in ways that I cannot on other instruments. It has such rich sonic and artistic capabilities that continually enchant me. My favorite part of being an accordionist is seeing the curiosity that it elicits from everyone who hears it. When I am done performing, there is always a line of people with questions and I just love that. There really is something magical about the instrument and even as someone who plays it everyday, the magic never fades.”

For further information: Londonscholle@gmail.com

Accordion Repairs Made Easy by John Reuther

Public School in Queens, NY Needs 12 Bass Accordions

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Papa JoeVideo: PS 203Q Accordions “La Donna E Mobile” and “Can-Can”

Joe De Clemente (Papa Joe) shares: “The The Oakland Gardens School, PS203Q Accordion Band, in Queens, New York presently has 17 Elementary School students lined up for their Accordion Band; however, there is a waiting list of about 20 more students who want to be a part of the accordion school band this year (which is absolutely fantastic news). So I am sending out this message as a plea for some 12 Bass Accordion to be donated to the school.”

“Papa Joe” De Clemente, who lives in Queens, New York, was brought up in an Italian family environment and started playing the accordion at the young age of nine years old in 1956.  He was interested in playing because he used to visit his relatives, the IORIO’s, who manufactured accordions in NYC, as far back as 1907.  Joe has performed in numerous venues and loves to entertain people.  He is also a member of the Long Island Accordion Alliance.  

Joe DeClemente volunteers once a week early in the morning to assist the music teacher, Linda Holcomb, at an elementary school music program at Public-school 203Q, in Bayside, Queens which may be one of the only elementary schools in the five boroughs of New York City that has a student accordion band. Linda, a wonderful and dedicated music teacher, is very enthusiastic about the accordion.The school started their accordion band fifteen years ago. They meet once a week, at the beginning of the school day to practice various songs that they will perform throughout the year. Papa Joe volunteers his time to join the students for rehearsals and he inspires them to be better accordionists. Among the many things he does for them, he also fixes their accordions!

Joe shares his love for the accordion, “To me, music has been a language that crosses all barriers, speaking to all people and bringing joy to those who listen. The box has been my pal for over 60 years and I am glad the Lord gave me this special gift.”

The school started their accordion band fifteen years ago. They meet once a week, at the beginning of the school day to practice various songs that they will perform throughout the year. “We enjoy performing for concerts and events in our school, and we love taking our show on the road, into our community,” says Holcomb. Last December, the group braved the frigid weather and played holiday songs outdoors for the Bayside Hills community holiday lighting celebration. They also entertained at the Clearview Senior Center located in that same area.

Linda Holcomb adds, “Performing for nursing homes and Senior Centers brings such joy to the people there. They love to see the children play their accordions. Our students always come home from those trips so excited, having experienced how their music can really be a blessing to others.”

 If you know of anyone who has a 12 Bass Accordion that is not being used, please have them contact me. Help me to promote the accordion in a NYC Public School. Let the Accordion play on 🎶🎶

For further information:
Joedeclemente@yahoo.com
“Papa Joe” De Clemente
Cell: 516-946-0198

Sounding Out the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux

Dan Newton “Daddy Squeeze” in Concert

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
Dan NewtonVideo: Dan "Daddy Squeeze" Newton talks about how music connects us.

Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton has been dazzling audiences with his creative accordion style for over 40 years. His fresh approach to the much-maligned squeezebox and his mind-boggling repertoire of both original and traditional material will change the mind of the most hardened accordion skeptic.

Dan draws influences for songs and tunes from such sources as French Musette, Swing, Cajun, Jug band blues, Celtic and Scandinavian music. Daddy Squeeze entertains and also enlightens his audiences with stories and colorful anecdotes about the accordion and his experiences making a living playing the instrument he loves.

Dan has produced more than 25 albums for himself and has appeared on recordings by other artists such as Garrison Keillor, Son Volt, The Proclaimers, Peter Ostroushko, Prudence Johnson and Pat Donohue. He has performed at The Lincoln Center, NY, The Kennedy Center, Washington DC, accordion festivals in Vienna, Austria, Kaustinen, Finnland, Winnepeg, Canada, San Antonio, Milwaukee and Cotati,CA. Dan was a frequent guest on A Prairie Home Companion and spent much of his time playing accordion with his group Café Accordion Orchestra.

Upcoming 2023 performances include: 
Sun, Nov 6- Daddy Squeeze @ Waldmann, St Paul 6:PM
Sat, Nov 11-Prudence Johnson & CAO @ Crooners, Fridley, MN 4:PM
Sun, Nov 19-Cafe Accordion Orchestra @ The Dakota, Mpls  7:PM
Mon, Nov 27-Daddy Squeeze & Dan Lowinger @ The White Squirrel, St Paul 6:PM

For further information: daddysqueeze@yahoo.com

Future events


MusicForAccordion.com

Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert in NJ on November 26

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

APOVideo1 : Accordion Pops Orchestra performing “Cabaret” at AAA festival, July 14, 2023 arranged by Al Terzo

Video 2: Accordion Pops Orchestra performing “Syncopated Clock” at AAA festival, July 14, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBZV0-s6420

St. Johns Church presents the Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 3:PM. The concert location:
Conlon Hall Auditorium
19 North William Street
Bergenfield, New Jersey

Donation: $10.00

The Accordion Pops Orchestras’ roots can be traced to 1970, when it was organized by the Accordion Teachers' Association of New Jersey. Over the next ten years it performed at various community functions throughout the state under the direction of its first conductor, Dr. Jacob Neupauer of Philadelphia. In 1980 the orchestra members took a leave of absence, but four years later the membership was reorganized under the direction of the late Eugene Ettore of Livingston, New Jersey. In 1985, Daniel Desiderio was invited to act as a guest conductor of the orchestra and a few years later the A.T.A. of NJ appointed him as conductor in residence. The name of the orchestra was formally changed to the Accordion Pops Orchestra and its membership was expanded beyond the original members from New Jersey to include performers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Rhode Island. Maestro Desiderio retired as conductor in May 2011 and turned over the baton to Al Terzo.

The largest professional accordion orchestra of its kind on the East Coast, the group consists entirely of accordions plus percussion instruments. In addition, the orchestra often accompanies guest soloists including pianists and vocal artists.

Al Terzo, APO Conductor 2011-Present, is a teacher, arranger, and conductor who has been with the orchestra since its inception in 1970. He is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, New Jersey Music Teachers Association, and National Association of Music Educators. Mr.Terzo serves on the governing board of the American Accordionists Association and is a founding member of the Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild. He is an accomplished accordionist who has performed at the Garden State Arts Center and Newark's Symphony Hall. Currently Mr. Terzo teaches accordion and piano in New Jersey.

For further information: webmaster@accordionpops.com

Innovative Accordion Music Productions Presents Winter Accordion Wonderland Performance

by Laura Niland, President of the San Antonio Accordion Association
Concert poster
Innovative Accordion Music Productions (IAMP), a Texas-based non-profit, is proud to sponsor a Winter Accordion Wonderland concert by renowned accordionists Sergei and Maria Teleshev and by Elena Fainshtein. Also performing will be the Fainshtein Accordion Ensemble, comprised of students enrolled in Elena’s accordion school, Musical Expressions, as well as guest performanc by Martina Li. You are invited to an afternoon of fabulous entertainment with music from around the world presented by these talented musicians.

The Winter Accordion Wonderland will be held at on Saturday, January 27, 2024
3:30 - 5:15 PM Central Time
Kawai Piano Gallery, 601 W. Plano Parkway #153, Plano, Texas.

Ticket sales will begin on November 15, 2023. Advance Tickets: $25 for adults. Age 18 and under are free. Tickets at the Door: $30. Tickets may be purchased in advance via a link at the IAMP: www.innovativeaccordion.org . CD's will be sold at the concert.

The family duo Sergei and Maria Teleshev, “Two Accordions”, is a unique collaboration between father and daughter, both renowned musicians and accordion champions from the United States. Sergei Teleshev is a professional accordion player from Eugene, Oregon living and performing in the United States since 1996. He has Ukrainian roots and was classically trained at the Academy of Music in Voronezh, Russia. Sergei has won many regional and international accordion competitions and has collaborated with many internationally recognized artists, ensembles, and orchestras, as well as composing and arranging music and participating in recording projects of different genres. Sergei provides online accordion lessons, master classes, and educational school programs for all ages.

Maria Telesheva was six years old when she started to play the accordion taught by her father Sergei Teleshev. Two months after Maria started playing, she won her first International Competition. Since then, she has won Accordion and Vocal International Competitions in the
United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, Belarus, and Ukraine. Maria’s talent is not limited to her exceptional duet and solo accordion performances, as she is also a talented singer. To learn more about Sergei and Maria Teleshev and to purchase CDs go to: www.2accordions.com

Elena Fainshtein is an energetic driving force in the accordion world as a master performer, conductor, and teacher. She started playing the bayan at age 5 and attended a school for gifted children in Minsk, Belarus. At age 15 she was accepted to the Music College in Minsk and graduated with highest honors, then attended the Belarusian State Academy of Music. She performed many concerts with her husband Gregory as they traveled to Russia, Georgia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Germany, Israel, and the United States. Elena has performed at the National Accordion Conventions (NAA) in Dallas, the Las Vegas International Festivals, and the Accordionists and Teachers Guild (ATG)
Conventions. She has worked collaboratively with numerous musicians and presented many workshops throughout her career.
Last summer Elena performed in Salt Lake City at the International Trombone Festival, and then at the ATG Festival in Lisle, Illinois with
trombonist Dr. Lucas Kaspar, Professor of Music at Cameron University. She has been teaching piano and accordion for over 30
years. Elena resides in Plano, Texas where she maintains a private home studio called Musical Expressions and has been working with
the Fainshtein Accordion Ensemble for many years. For more information about Elena Fainshtein and her music studio: elena.fainshtein@gmail.com

For more information about this concert: IAMPaccordion@gmail.com
Additional information contact: Shirley Johnson (IAMP Director) at accsaj@gmail.com
or Laura Niland (IAMP Director) at LauraJNiland@outlook.com

Innovative Accordion Music Productions (IAMP) is a Texas-based non-profit formed in 2021. The mission of IAMP is to promote accordion music “to entertain, educate, and inspire every audience.” Our accordion programs include but are not limited to: concerts, workshops,
performance opportunities, instructional programs, and community outreach. Visit our website for more information about The Mobile Accordion Classroom (MACr), an exciting new community outreach project.
© 2024 Accordion USA. All rights reserved. To comment on these pages, e-mail the webmaster.