Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
New and Updated Sites |
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
Summer is over but accordion events continue to be available all over the USA and Canada. Read the September USA news to discover your next accordion adventure! |
Breaking News: John McCain Funeral With Renee Fleming Singing Danny Boy - USAby Harley Jones |
Video: The John McCain Funeral music included renowned America soprano Renee Fleming singing Danny Boy, accompanied by a quintet that included Guy Klucevsek on accordion. Video from Global News, viewed by a 50-70 million audience. Guy Klucevsek was performing with the Diderot String Quartet, members being Adriane Post, Paul Dwyer, Kyle Miller and Johanna Novom. Picture right: most recent album released by Guy Klucevsek. |
19th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention - USAby Paul Pasquali Event Organizer |
The 19th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention (LVAC) will be October 15-18, 2018 at the Gold Coast Hotel. This year we celebrate the return to fall with the theme “Oktoberfest Fun” including featuring German cuisine! Returning to the event by popular demand are Grayson Masefield (Zurich, Switzerland) and Cory Pesaturo (North Providence, Rhode Island) both World Champions and both of whom are totally amazing. Thursday evening will feature the 11th installment of the Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the esteemed Joan Cochran Sommers. Listed are all the amazing artists and clinicians for 2018 to make a great event. Registration fee for the event includes 7 wonderful Las Vegas banquet meals with concerts, plus over 40 workshops and master classes taught by these experts. Check out the special pricing valid until September 15 at: 2018LV.pdf Also some incredible room rates until September 15 from only $39/$47 - full details at: 2018LV.pdf 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. |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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. |
Carrefour Mondial de L'Accordeon Festival, Montmagny in Canadaby Rita Barnea |
Since 1989, renowned accordionists from the world over have graced the Carrefour's stages with their presence. In doing so, they have helped create an international and multicultural event. In addition to the accordion's reputation for bringing people together, this event also highlights an important part of our cultural heritage, while at the same time opening the door to the discovery of world music! The program features concerts, dance evenings and outdoor entertainment. A celebration for the whole family! Picture right: Director Artístico Raynald Ouellet. The Carrefour Mondial de l’Accordeon Festival takes place from August 30 to September 3, 2018 in Montmagny, Via Rivière-du-Loup Rte 132 Ouest ou Autoroute 20 Ouest (Sortie 378 ou Sortie 376) Montmagny is a proudly French-speaking town that is over 300 years old and has 11,885 residents. From August 30 through September 3, the population swells to more than 50,000, most of them intent on hearing some of the finest accordionists in the world. Quote from a TripAdvisor contributor, "If you love accordion music (or even if you hate it), this place is an adventure. The Carrefour Mondial brings accordionists from all over the globe, and it seems as if every man, woman, and child in Montmagny plays some version of a squeezebox. We camped out, dined where we could (the locals provide their hearty version of baked beans), line danced, and heard the accordion stretched to its ultimate performance abilities. It was so much fun. Highly recommended.” There is also an accordion museum. The Accordion Museum is housed in the historic monument Manoir Couillard-Dupuis. The museum manages a collection of 130 instruments that come from many different countries, of which approximately one third is on display for the public’s viewing pleasure. It is the only museum in all of Canada that is dedicated to a musical instrument. Visitors can also explore the photo archives that are on display and some of the 1500 hours of recorded archives.Through collecting, conserving and exhibiting, the Musée de l’accordéon is an important part of preserving Quebec’s cultural heritage. For any questions about tickets, program and activities, contact us by phone (418-248-7927) or by mail (accordeon@montmagny.com). Tickets can be purchased with paypal, by phone (Visa/MC), with mail order form (return to 301, boulevard Taché Est, Montmagny, G5V 1C5) or the event site. For further information: accordeon@montmagny.com |
International Polka Association Announces 2018 Polka Hall of Fame Inductees and 2017 Music Award Winners!by Rita Barnea |
On behalf of the International Polka Association Board of Trustees and Hall of Fame Committee, the IPA Officers and Directors are proud to announce the 2017 award winners and Hall of Fame inductees for 2018. The IPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, New York. Congratulations to all award winners and inductees! Excerpts from the IPA website: Two prominent living personalities and one deceased celebrity, who have made outstanding contributions toward the advancement of the polka music industry, are elected into the Polka Music Hall of Fame each year. An academy of 180 qualified electors from across the country select the Hall of Fame inductees and music awards recipients.The Board of Trustees also selects an outstanding candidate for induction into the Pioneer category. Polka Hall of Fame Inductees:Living Category: Mollie Busta-Lange: Mollie Busta Lange, commonly known as “Mollie B,” has been active in the polka industry her entire life. she began at age three on vocals with the Jim Busta band, and to date, has performed in 35 states and eleven countries. In addition to appearing on over 35 recordings. always involving polka music, Mollie has been an educator and role model through her performances, dance lessons, and school workshops. while best known as the host and a co-producer of the nationally syndicated TV program the “Mollie B Polka Party,” she has also co-hosted a sirius xm radio show, performed in the Warner Brothers film, “The Mule;” hosted the Wisconsin PBS documentary, “Polka!;” performed on the national PBS special, “Polka Passion;” performed on the “Big Joe Polka Show;” and has produced and directed large Christmas shows in Branson and beyond. Mollie performs on many instruments with squeezebox, is in the Wisconsin & Iowa Polka Hall of Fame and has been named the “Favorite Female Vocalist” multiple years by the USPA & IPA . Mollie B has been deemed deserving by the electorate of the international polka association for induction into the polka music hall of fame. Gary Brueggen was born in the small farming community of Ashton,WI, where at the young age of two he became captivated by polka music he heard on the radio. Recognizing his potential, Gary’s parents bought him his first set of drums at five years old, and by the time he was nine, he played his first job with the Ridgeland dDutchmen. At age 10, he was given his first concertina, which began his magical career with the bellowed instrument. gary eventually took over leadership of the band with his father and uncle, and they became a favorite throughout the midwest. they toured nationallyand internationally and went on to record 16 albums and two dvds for the Mollie B Polka Party on RFD-TV. Along with concertina and drums, Gary taught himself to play piano, button box, tuba, trumpet, and valve trombone and is proud to represent the 1 th generation of the Brueggen family musical legacy. over the years, he also found time to perform and record with a host of other bands and to broadcast polka music on various radio stations. For his many accomplishments in the polka industry, Gary Brueggen, “Wisconsin’s Concertina Kid”, has been deemed deserving by the electorate of the international polka association for induction into the polka music hall of fame. Deceased Category: Leon “Bud” Hundenski Pioneer Category: Joe Macielag 2017 MUSIC AWARDS Favorite International Style CD 40th Anniversary – Fred Ziwich & International Sound Machine Favorite International Style Song Dunaju Dunaju – John Jaworski Favorite International Style Band – The Alex Meixner Band Favorite International Style Female Vocalist – Mollie Busta-Lange Favorite International Style Male Vocalist – Steve Meisner Favorite Polish Style CD – Dance All Night – The DynaBrass Favorite Polish Style Song – Dance All Night – The DynaBrass Favorite Polish Style Band – Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push Favorite Polish Style Female Vocalist – Stacey Morris Favorite Polish Style Male Vocalist – Lenny Gomulka Leon Kozicki Trustees Award: Rich Bernier For further information: International Polka Association 1-800-TO-POLKA 800-867-6552 ipapolkas@gmail.com The International Polka Association is a non-profit organization whose purpose is the advancement of polka music. |
Jane Christison – Janie Next Door® - Children’s Musician - USAby Harley Jones |
Just released: The “Come Sing Along with Janie Next Door™ LEARNING GUIDE” takes Jane Christison’s award-winning children’s CD and turns its 18 original, upbeat songs into attention-grabbing lessons that classroom teachers, music educators and homeschoolers will love teaching to their students, from preschool through early elementary. Using classroom-tested techniques by music educator, Debbie Gray, this book comes with two CD’s – the original version with Janie singing and one without vocals that can be used for student performances – plus 90 coloring pages, puzzles, word searches and extension activities to connect MUSIC with: - Art, math, science and language arts - Reading fluency and comprehension - Physical education - and FUN! Students will want to do these songs and activities again and again! For further information: Jane Christison – Janie Next Door® www.janienextdoor.com 913-492-3883 janec@musicwithasmile.com |
New Book: “Accordion Stories from the Heart” by Paul Ramunniby Rita Barnea |
AWW announces the publication of a fascinating new book about the accordion available on September 1, 2018. “Accordion Stories from the Heart: A Collection of Accordions from Around the World and Their Stories, Inspired by the Extraordinary People Who Played Them” (Accordion Stories Volume #1) by Angelo Paul Ramunni Author Paul Ramunni shares: “The intention in creating this book was to make it a pleasurable, as well as an educational, viewing experience. But in the collecting of the many pictures, stories and in the production of the work itself, something quite unexpected happened. As you read through the stories and see the various pictures of accordions, a composite mental picture may begin to immerge for you. It is the simple image of an accordionist offering their personal gift of music to the listener(s). This representative picture of how accordion players connected and created lasting relationships with other people is a hallmark of the accordion experience. They offered people their friendship in the form of a musically created greeting card, if you will, one that was personally built and delivered by the player. As a grandparent these days, I am especially touched when my two beautiful grandsons create or build something themselves and offer it as a gift to me. They make that gift just for me and no one else, and so it becomes very special. As it turns out, that is how many accordion players from the past, and even today, create and deliver their musical gifts to people. It has the effect of bringing folks together and helping relationships grow deeper and stronger. In a sense, it can have the effect of building a bridge between people that, under ordinary circumstances, may have never occurred. It offers a starting point from which a mutually reciprocal relationship can develop and grow. As of this writing, this is something our society seems to need in great quantities these days. Our country is deeply divided on many social and governing issues. But then again this is not something so new. This was the case often enough in the last 200 plus years of our American history, which coincidentally is at least how long the accordion has been around. I truly believe that during this period, the accordion helped many people come together through the tough times in their lives. Its musical message brought a sense of healing, happiness and unity. I also believe it can continue to do so as we move deeper into the 21st century. I hope we will let it continue to deliver its magic.” You can order the book from the Amazon website. For further information: Paul Ramunni by phone: 860-833-1374 Email: ramunni@comcast.net Paul Ramunni grew up on Long Island, New York in the 1950’s and 60’s. He graduated from Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1970. He went on to earn a Masters Degree in Economics from Fordham University and eventually a second Masters Degree in Accounting from Long Island University in 1976. In 1978 he became a Certified Public Accountant and started his own public accounting firm in 1982, of which he is still a partner. It was in 2008 when Paul suddenly (and inexplicably) had the urge to start playing the accordion again. He had taken lessons and played in an accordion band from when he was 10 years old to age 17, but had not touched the accordion since those early days. Once the “bug to play” re-entered his life, he started hunting for old and collectible accordions. He contacted the Cleveland Accordion Museum and purchased a large portion of their collection and continued to find more units at tag sales and other locations. He then set up “The New England Accordion Connection and Museum Co.” which is currently attached to his home in Canaan, Conn. |
Cory Pesaturo: One Day Accordion Workshop at New England Accordion Museumby Rita Barnea |
Cory Pesaturo, international competition winner, will demonstrate his playing techniques in a dynamic one day workshop at the New England Accordion Connection & Museum in Canaan, CT. on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 1:PM at 17 Margaret Lane Canaan, CT 06018. Cost: $20.00 per adult, $10.00 per student. Complimentary beverages and snacks will be served. To register and reserve a seat, contact Paul Ramunni by phone at (860) 833-1374 or email: ramunni@comcast.net *Space is Limited so we are accepting reservations only* Reservations required by September 15, 2018 You can also use this opportunity to tour the very interesting New England Accordion Connection & Museum. |
New Joseph Natoli CD “Chameleon Vol 1”by Joseph Natoli, ATG President |
Video 1: Final composition on the CD, Tarantella Fuoco. Picture right: Joseph Natoli. Video 2 : Performance at the AAA 80th Anniversary Festival. The One (For Stephen Dominko) composed by J. Natoli. Joseph Natoli would like to announce the first volume of his Chameleon CD set, which contains all original compositions by Joe in many different styles. As the liner notes indicate: “When it comes to composition, I consider myself a musical chameleon, adapting to any style according to the need and purpose of the composition, just as a chameleon adapts immediately to its current environment. Therefore, I have written music in every possible genre, from contemporary Avant Garde, to quasi-minimalist, jazz, Classical, Baroque, ethnic polkas & waltzes, cinematic, neo-Romantic, ragtime, Latin, and even Pop. This collection hopes to demonstrate and celebrate that diversity of creativity.” The composer is playing all selections on this CD which contains the following pieces: 1. Sonata In F Major (In the Classical Style) – (J. Natoli)* 11:53 2. The One (for Stephen Dominko) – (J. Natoli) 4:11 3. Invention In F – (J. Natoli) 0:57 4. Children’s Suite – (J. Natoli) - for my granddaughters: 14:03 Selections in the Suite are: 1. Innocence 2. Play 3. Wonder 4. Joy 5. Smooth (accordion quintet) – (J. Natoli) ** 5:18 6. Kinetic Tango – (J. Natoli) 6:00 7. Accordion Extensions – (J Natoli) 9:54 8. Tender Interlude – (J Natoli) 2:17 9. Four Likes – (J. Natoli): 4:43 1. Like #3 – Like Introspection 2. Like #4 – Like Pursuit 10. Epic Cinematic Soundtrack – (J. Natoli) 6:59 11. Tarantella Fuoco – (J. Natoli) 3:43 **) The composer is playing all 5 accordion parts TOTAL PLAY TIME 70:17 Chameleon Vol. 1 is $15.00 can be ordered from janpressmusic@yahoo.com and can be paid for via PayPal, check, or money order. The AAA commission “Sonata In F Major” was published last month here on the accordionusa.com August news. |
Accordion Noir Pre Fest on September 13by Rita Barnea |
On September 13, 2018 the Accordion Noir Pre Fest will take place at 343 Railway Street - Unit B1, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A Door opens at 7:PM. Music starts at 8:PM. Cash bar On the eve of the 11th annual Accordion Noir Festival, "echoes and ripples" is a celebration of visual art concerned with and inspired by live music, ranging from concert and festival poster designs to more profound meditations on the internal experience of performing or listening to music. In addition to paintings by multi-Accordion-Noir-Festival poster artist Elin Jonsson this show will be featuring visual artwork by Mister Fire-Man, Jenny Ritter, Pinguino Kolb and Darren Williams, among others. Because art imitates life, stay for live accordion music by Rowan Lipkovits of the Creaking Planks, Katheryn Petersen and the Legion of Flying Monkeys Horn Orchestra. Admission is by donation ($10 suggested donation includes a drink ticket) |
11th Annual Accordion Noir Festival At The Wise hall September 14 – 16, 2018by Rita Barnea |
The 11th Annual Noir Festival returns to East Vancouver September 14 – 16, 2018 at the Wise Hall. They have a full slate of talent lined up including singer and author Geoff Berner who is also billed as the patron Saint of the Accordion Noir movement. Geoff has participated in many of the festivals and is determined to show an entire generation of accordion punks that another, less bubbly, world is possible. Also taking part in the festival is legendary busker-king Jason Webley returning to the festival after a long absence who will be spinning yarns like a Russian sailor we hear. Also performing is Emchy who is inspired by 1920s cabaret music, murder ballads and Leonard Cohen. Saturday’s festivities include a Polka Party, so come on down and kick up your heels and dance. The festival kicks off Friday evening at 8:00 pm. Admission is $20. Advance tickets for Saturday’s dance party available through Brown Paper Tickets. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Documenting the Fascinating History of the AAAby Joan Grauman, AAA Historian |
I became the AAA Historian six months before the association’s 70th anniversary in 2008. It came as a shock to me when I was told that there had never been an official historian prior to myself and that there were no files, no organized photographs, no documents – nothing that was readily accessible to me. I had to start from scratch. I was totally determined to come up with a reasonable 70 year presentation for the July festival, so I turned to my wonderful mentor, Faithe Deffner. “I will help you”, said Faithe, and she certainly did! Read the very interesting article "Documenting the Fascinating History of the AAA" with many historical pictures by AAA Historian Joan Grauman at: FascinatingHistory |
2018 Master Class & Concert Series - Dr. William Schimmel, Moderator and Curatorby Dr. William Schimmel |
Picture above: Seminar group, Dr Bill Schimmel and The 2018 Seminars: Thinking Inside the Box The Seminars this year were an exciting event. Again - new ideas - new concepts - new points of view. Some of the highlights were: a fascinating new work by Dr. Robert Young Mc Mahan (picture left) for accordion, clarinet and piano with the unassuming title of "Three Tweets". "A St. Anthony’s Canon" celebrated the life of the late Stanley Darrow performed with care an affection by the accordion quartet, Bachtopus (Mayumi Mayaoka, Denise Koncelik, Jeanne Velonis and Peter Flint). Will Holshouser gave an enlightened presentation of The Accordion and Counterpoint exploring the linear dimension of the accordion.The Main Squeeze orchestra was a hit combining: Greensleeves with Dr. Denise Koncelik’s arrangement of "Por Una Cabeza" with excerpts from Dr. Schimmel’s "Symphony #7". Doug Makofka gave us a new Fugue dimension. Denise Koncelik’s songs based on Margaret Atwood poems were sublime along with "Military Bitter Suite", a collaboration with Dr. S, a testament to our troubled times along with her new work performed by her and Jeanne Velonis. . Jeanne performed Dr. Schimmel’s "Water Still", a tribute to John Cages’s "Water Walk". Erica Marie Mancini, who is now on this year’s cover of Accordion Babes gave a presentation of the Accordion and Fashion, restoring the glamour of the accordion. Paul Stein moderated a discussion on the New York Accordionist and what it takes to work in New York and find that niche. He performed on the Claviola, a rare wind instrument no longer made and Ben Ickies took us through The Polish funeral which still ended with "Beer Barrel Polka". There was a discourse on teaching called Dual Teaching and the Orange Soda Syndrome and Dalcroze specialist Mimi Hsu put all of us though the paces of accordion and movement. We had the honor of presenting three musical legends: the Downtown icon - composer and improviser Elliott Sharp who gave us a blues teaching from roots to today and New York City Diva Lauren Flanigan and I decided to take a break from our extensive and exclusive work on Kurt Weill and present Rodgers and Hart through the eyes of the accordion with some classics and a virtual work by yours truly. The great klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals joined Dr. Schimmel in a concert version of "Hava Nagila" and an improvised Klezmer Classic. John Foti presented his poetic renderings with his original music. Bob Goldberg had everyone placed around the Tenri Space in an environmental work. David First performed on the Vietnamese guitar. David Stoler gave us a wonderful new work for accordion and digital enhancement (see and hear enclosed video). Melissa Elledge once again wowed us with her hip hop renderings including a Moondog cover. Dave Soldier’s Lewitt Etudes were robustly played by Dan Cooper on 7 string bass, Denise Koncelik on piano, Dr. Schimmel on melodica and Robert Young Mc Mahan on accordion. Dr. Mc Mahan played "Prelude and Sarabande" by George Kleinsinger, an AAA commssioned work and a work by Daniel Galow. Indi rock star Corn Mo joined Dr. Schimmel in Brel’s "Nene quite pas" and his work, "Dude". Mary Spencer Knapp, now a Broadway star, played piano in "Toot Suite" along with Dr Schimmel and then switched to accordion. Her evolution has been staggering. Godfrey Nelson and Lorraine Nelson Wolf gave us an Accordion Suite to an Urban beat. Brian Dewan closed the event with Tom Leher’s "The Old Dope Peddler" and "This is my Box" by Gian Carlo Menotti from "Amahl and the Night Visitors". Dr. Schimmel and harpist Kathryn Andrews premiered a new work by Dr. Schimmel titled "Buried Treasure" inspired by a segment of the musical "Carousel" where they both are performing in. Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig pianist joined Dr. Schimmel in a performance of "Scenes from Childhood/Scenes from Adulthood" combining Schumann with Schimmel. The Yorkvillians: Dan Cooper, Michio Suzuki, Max Maples, Dr Schimmel performed "Atonal Funk" written be each of its members. Ken Laufer was terrific on piano in a duo with Dr. S and Lee Mc Clure gave us a work for toy piano, accordion and flute. Some of the comments of the participants: Micheline Malosh: You, the gangster of Love Bob Goldberg: Always an honor to be part of it Paul Stein: Great job, as always, Bill Will Holshouser: Thank you Bill, for your inspiration and education Erica Marie Mancini: Celebrating the Accordion today at Dr. Bill Schimmel’s Accordion Seminars at the Tenri Cultural Institute. Come and enjoy a truly magical night of accordionists and new music .Yesterday I gave a presentation about the accordion as a costume, and I mentioned how one time I actually transformed myself into an accordion through a costume. I think presentation through costuming is important for musicians because its an added layer of expression and can be an outlet for creativity. Tonight I’ll be performing a new piece, a duo with Bill under the working title of “Andadog/Confirmed Parker/Dali/Bunuel/ Next year the Seminars will celebrate its 25th Anniversary year. The title will be THAT MEANS WHAT?! Dates are July 26 27 and 28, 2019 at Tenri. See future USA publications for more information Pictures below: Dr Schimmel and Peter Jarvis, David Stolar, Paul Stein playing the Claviola. |
LIAA Celebrates 8th Anniversary With Entertainment by Mario Tacca and Mary Manciniby Dominic Karcic |
Picture above: Eighth Anniversary Photo - August 1, 2018 (left to right) Gregory Zukoff, Frank Scardino, Ray Oreggia, Phil Prete, Dominic Karcic, Bob LaBua, Joe Campo On Wednesday, August 1, 2018 the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) celebrated its eighth anniversary at La Villini Restaurant, 286 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY 11731. Once again the LIAA event had a capacity crowd of accordion fans who were entertained by LIAA members and also by the featured guest artists - Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini. Mario, who never disappoints, contributed several really great accordion solos to his portion of the program - Czardas, El Relicario, Perles de Cristal and Babushka. Mary performed great versions of Ciribiribin, Sway, Hallelujah, Hymn A L’Amour, Nessun Dorma and America the Beautiful. Also on the program was accordionist Fred Schwinger who performed two duets with Mario. It was truly another “stellar event” for the LIAA and another great night for “accordion music on Long Island.” Over the last eight years the LIAA has brought some of the greatest accordionists to its meetings and as a result built up a fan base that turns out consistently for its monthly events. The next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) will take place on Wednesday, September 5th at La Villini Restaurant and will feature guest artist accordionist Fabio Lucarelli. Come join us. |
FalcettiFest Outdoor Concert, Wilbraham, MA.by Peggy Falcetti |
Falcetti Music hosted their FalcettiFest Sounds of Summer Outdoor Concert at Spec Pond Pavilion in Wilbraham, MA. on Aug. 26, 2018. Picture right: Sam and Peggy Falcetti. During this wonderful concert, the students displayed their musical talents. Almost 100 students participated in the event, the youngest being 7 years old and the oldest 76 years old! Many musical styles were featured: rock and roll, country, and others. Numerous instruments were played including the bass, drums, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, percussion instruments, accordion and also singers. Over 300 family members and friends were in attendance. Performers at the event included Natalie Falconer, Abaigeal Russell, Angela Falcetti and “Outta Time” band members Jacob Nichols, Nick Hunt and Cole Santucci. Natalie Falconer has been taking guitar and ukulele lessons at Falcetti’s in addition to piano and voice lessons. She sang “Sleepwalker” by Adam Lambert and “White Flag” by Dido for the crowd. Russell, who has recently released her mini–album, “People Problems,” sang “On My Own” from “Les Miserables” and her original song “Out of Place.”The band “Outta Time” has been together for five years. The group played three songs including “Lake of Fire” by Nirvana and “Black Dog” and “Moby Dick,” both by Led Zeppelin. Angela Falcetti who has been playing accordion for the past six years sang and played “Tomorrow” from Annie and also “Twistin’ the Jug” with a backing track from a Rhode Island–based band. Angela started playing the accordion at 6 years of age and has won several trophies for her participation in both regional (New England Music Festival in Boston) and national (American Accordion Association in New York) competitions. Angela started on an acoustic accordion and switched to a Roland Digital Accordion four years ago. She loves to sing and play and has no fear of introducing her own program and handling the entire process of entertaining her audience. Her first gig was at 9 years old when she was hired and performed a Christmas Concert at a local senior center. Her teacher and Grandfather, Sam Falcetti, was apprehensive about sending her out to perform by herself so he played a few duets with her, but of course she was the hit of the party. Angela plays all genres of music from Broadway to Pop to Polka and Jazz. She has also recently found a new love: Jazz, Scat singing and improvising. She loves to participate in talent shows, and frequently plays at her school. She has performed in school productions including “The Lion King Jr.” and “The Little Mermaid”. She has also been taking dance lessons for 6 years. Angela also recorded a half hour session on her Roland Digital Accordion for Public TV which appeared on national news. Recently she performed at FalcettiFest, an annual event to showcase the talents of students who take music lessons at Falcetti Music. At this event, she sang and played “Tomorrow” from Annie and also played a selection called “Twistin’ the Jug” with a backing track from a Rhode Island based band. Falcetti Music has been hosting the FalcettiFest for the past ten years. For further information call 543–1002. |
MAS President Joe Recchia Remembers Sergio Marchionneby Rita Barnea |
Video: http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/349200065-video In this video, Michigan Accordion Society President, Joe Recchia talks about his time meeting Sergio Marchionne, who used to play the accordion. Sergio Marchionne, ( June 17, 1952 – July 25, 2018) was an Italian-Canadian businessman, widely known for his turnarounds of the automakers Fiat and Chrysler, his business acumen and his outspoken and often frank approach, especially when dealing with unpalatable issues related to his companies and the automotive industry. From Wikipedia: Marchionne was the chairman of CNH Industrial, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the chairman and CEO of FCA US LLC, the chairman and CEO of Ferrari, and the chairman of Maserati. He was the chairman of Swiss-based SGS and vice chairman of UBS from 2008 to 2010, as well as the chairman of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association for 2012 (first elected in January 2006). He was a member of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, and the chairman of the Italian branch of the Council for the United States and Italy. Noted for his keen observations of the automotive industry, Marchionne's insights ranged from frank criticism of his company's own products to a highly-regarded 2015 presentation titled Confessions of a Capital Junkie, extolling the benefits of industry consolidation. |
Milwaukee Irish Festival in Wisconsinby Rita Barnea |
The Milwaukee Irish Festival, a celebration of all things Celtic, Irish and Irish-American, happened from August 16-19, 2018, and is the largest of its kind in North America. The festival took place at the Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI. Performers featuring accordions and other freed instruments included the Chicago Reel, Leahys Luck, Beglan Irish Dancers, Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers, Glencastle Irish Dancers, Caledonian Scottish Dancers, Capitol Ceili Band, Cream City Ceili Band, Tinker Boys, and Bohola. Additional groups were: Reilly was formed in early 2000, the Milwaukee-based Reilly is a high energy Celtic rock group featuring accordion, banjo and mandolin fused with hard driving rhythms. Irish music's accordion virtuoso Jimmy Keane and the remarkable bouzar player and vocalist Pat Broaders, comprise Bohola, Irish music's newest "supergroup" as penned by The Irish Herald. Bohola play a driving, muscular, and yet very emotive style of Irish music with deep roots in the 'pure drop' tradition, infused with the raw and gritty urbanized musical vernacular of the Irish and Irish-American experience. The Irish Echo captured the essence of Bohola when it reviewed their self-titled release. "The sum here is greater than the parts, and egos are subordinate to both execution and effect. bohola have crafted an album of intricate, nearly invisible latticework, relying not on gimmickry but on imagination and vision. What a welcome concept: muse-imbuing music. |
Immigrant Sons Performs for German Festival in Ohioby Rita Barnea |
The group, Immigrant Sons, performed for the one of the largest German Festival in North America from August 24-26, 2018 in Oregon Ohio. The Immigrant Sons played for a special VIP private party and then again on Friday from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM and again on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. In 2 & 1/2 days, the festival went through well over 1,200 kegs of beer, 15,000 sausages, 2.5 tons of potatoes. The event featured a 2 story live Coo Coo clock providing great entertainment and giveaways. Who are the Immigrant Sons the high spirited German band from Michigan? Excerpts from their Facebook page: The inception of Immigrant Sons is the culmination of all the musical history and heritage of the band members. Immigrant Sons allows all the Band members to come together and provide a wonderful blend of cultures. Most importantly, it allows them to continue what they enjoys most… playing a variety of music that makes people want to dance and tap their feet, creating the kind of fun that builds life long memories. Joe Recchia (Son of Italian Immigrants) - Accordion, Bass & Vocals - Joe Recchia is a 1st generation Italian and is very proud of his heritage and is thankful for scarifies that his Immigrant parents and grandparents have made to provide a better life for his family. Joe currently holds the office as President of the Michigan Accordion Society and is a dedicated ambassador and promoter for the accordion. Joe's accordion DNA comes from a long line of famous accordionists; his grandfather was Henry Ford’s personal accordionist and music director at the Ford Mansion in Dearborn, MI and was labeled as “The Famous Accordionists of the Ford Motor Car Company”. His uncle Tony Dannon world famous Jazz Accordionists, teacher, composer, promoter as well as one of the owners of the “Modern Accordion School” in Dearborn Michigan which was well known for the most successful accordion school in the nation. His cousin also an accordionist is baseball legend hall of famer and former Atlanta Braves Pitcher John Smoltz. Music has been a part of Joe and his family all his life and Joe is excited to be part of a this wonderful ethnic band the "Immigrant Son". |
Future events |
IDEAS Symposium Nov. 7-19, 2018by Joseph Natoli |
The International Digital Electronic Accordion Symposium (IDEAS) is quickly upon us Nov 7-10, 2018 at the beautiful Avalon Inn & Resort in Warren, OH (www.avaloninnandresort.com). If you play a digital accordion and want to dig into a much deeper understanding of e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g related to your instrument, you need to attend this one-of-a-kind, never-before attempted event where you will get the greatest deep-dive training, the greatest concerts, the greatest networking with other digital accordionists, and the greatest digital accordion experience of your life! Photo of Avalon Inn & Resort, Warren, OH We have assembled a most noteworthy lineup of digital accordion faculty members and performers to include Richard Noel, Cory Pesaturo, Joe Natoli, Don Gerundo, Lenny Feldman, Michael Soloway, Alex Chudolij, Sam Falcetti, and Chris Theis (grammy award-winning sound engineer). There will be a myriad of detailed workshops, all in the context of your digital instrument, to include topics like: Richard Noel sound programs application, digital studio quality recording at home, understanding free bass, jazz improvisation & reharmonization, digital sound editors, beginner and advanced programming & orchestration, music notation & display software, playing professionally with your digital accordion, MIDI intro & peripherals usage, accompanying vocalists, digital effects deep dive, digital “Ideas” collaborative workshops, and more. There will be two concerts a day (5 in all), and anyone who registers will have included in their registration an individual lesson during the Symposium with Cory Pesaturo. Other teachers can be engaged individually for an additional fee. You won’t want to miss one of the most important digital accordion events in this decade! Don’t wait until the last minute for your hotel reservations and registration. Just send your registration request to thegr8.ideas@gmail.com and we will respond asap with your registration materials and the Symposium schedule. You have until 9/30/18 to register and 10/7/18 to get the outstanding special hotel rates being offered for this event. This is a “come as you are” digital party. Any level of player is welcome, and the curriculum is designed to accommodate everyone effectively. We look forward to seeing you. |
Julien Labro to Perform with Tango Jazz Orchestra at Birdland Jazz Club NCby Rita Barnea |
The Tango Jazz Orchestra with Julien Labro will perform on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 6-7:30 PM at Birdland Jazz Club, 315 West 44th Street, New York, New York. Members include: Reeds: Alejandro Aviles, Michael Thomas, Tim Armacost, Quinsin Nachoff, Terry Goss Trumpets: Alex Norris, Jim Seeley, John Bailey, David Neves Bones: Noah Bless, Mike Fahie, Chris Blackwell, James Rodgers Piano/Conductor: Emilio Solla Bandoneon: Julien Labro Bass: Pablo Aslan Drums: Ferenc Nemeth French-born Julien Labro was 9 years old when he saw a televised accordion performance and knew he wanted to play. His parents rented him an accordion, and signed him up for lessons. He quickly mastered the instrument, earning him spots in competitions across Europe. In the years since, Labro performed at festivals and venues in Europe, North America, the Middle East and South America. He accompanied and collaborated with groups and artists such as Hot Club of Detroit, Brazilian pianist Joao Donato, Argentinean composer and pianist Fernando Otero and big band leader Maria Schneider. Labro also plays the bandoneon — an instrument related to the accordion and considered essential in tango ensembles. Future performances include: Date Artist City Venue Country 09/09/18 Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra New York, NY Birdland US 09/14/18 NJCU Alumni Jazz Big Band feat. Paquito D’Rivera Jersey City, NJ Jazz on the Pier US 09/23/18 Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Trio Washington DC National Art Gallery US 09/30/18 Julien Labro/Olli Soikkeli Quartet New York, NY New York Hot Jazz Festival @ McKittrick Hotel US 10/11/18 Cristina Pato Quartet Lewisburg, PA Weis Center for the Performing Arts US 10/19/18 Julien Labro w/ Cleveland Ballet Cleveland, OH Playhouse Square US 10/20/18 Julien Labro w/ Cleveland Ballet Cleveland, OH Playhouse Square US Add 2 shows: 1 PM & 7 PM 10/22/18 Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra NYC, NY Dizzy’s Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center US For further information on Julien Labro: julien@julienlabro.com |
New Orleans Accordion Festival in Louisiana in Novemberby Rita Barnea |
The first New Orleans Accordion Festival takes place from November 2-4, 2018, celebrating the accordion as a serious instrument played within many genres of music in the city, state, nation and around the globe. The main guests include Gil Goldstein and drummer Johnny Vidacovich (Jazz), Cory Ledet (Zydeco), Bruce Dagrepont (Cajun), and The New Orleans Klezmer All Stars. The New Orleans Accordion Festival is seeking local accordion-centric artists and bands. Paid slots are 40 minutes long and will be at the Dutch Alley National Park Service Performance Space and the adjacent French Market Pavilion on Saturday November 3rd between 11am and 6pm. For further details see the New Orleans Accordion Festival website. The organizing member steering committee consists of Michael Ward-Bergeman, Greg Speck, David Symons, and Stephanie Reed. Excerpts from the festival website about the committee members (photo above): Michael Ward-Bergeman is a passionate performer, songwriter and composer. He has performed extensively throughout the United States, South America and Europe. On accordion, Mr. Ward-Bergeman has performed as a soloist alongside Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, and many of the major orchestras of the United States. He has performed at the international TED conference and has been a visiting artist at Harvard University, Oberlin Conservatory, Berklee College of Music and numerous other institutions. Mr. Ward-Bergeman has been featured on the PBS television program Live from Lincoln Center with the NY Philharmonic. His compositions have been commissioned by Carnegie Hall, Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and others. He has been featured on the soundtracks to major motion pictures by Francis Ford Coppola and Niki Caro. Most recently, his arrangement and performance of St. James Infirmary with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble appeared on their 2016 Grammy award winning album, Sing Me Home. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. Greg Speck: As a resident of New Orleans, LA since 2010, Greg Speck (“Captain Squeeze”/”Commodore Squeeze”/”Squeeze”) has joined the musicians’ community as an accordion/keyboard member. He has been a professional musician since his teen years in upstate New York where he learned about the world of Eastern European music from his ancestors and as a band leader for jazz, R&B, and zydeco band Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers for most of his career. He has a Masters Degree in Music from Goddard College. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2014, Upstate NY chapter, given the Master of Blues and Zydeco Artist Award for his contributions to the music community in that region. David Symons is a self-taught accordionist, composer, singer, and accordion technician living in New Orleans since 2012. He founded and currently leads New Orleans-based Brechtian European chamber folk cabaret ensemble The Salt Wives, klezmer band Klezervation Hall, Vermont-based band Inner Fire District, founded notable Vermont bands Black Sea Quartet and The Brass Balagan, and has played in many ensembles around the world, including Daniel Kahn and The Painted Bird (Berlin), Ezekiel’s Wheels (Boston), Debauche (New Orleans), and The Underscore Orkestra (Australia/Europe). He is a former musical director of Spielpalast Cabaret in Burlington, and has worked as a composer for The Vermont Stage Company, as well as acting in many plays. He originated the role of Hades in the original 2006 and 2007 productions of Anais Mitchell’s folk opera Hadestown. David is a former faculty member of The Summit School in Montpelier, VT, where he taught a course on klezmer music. He is the Founder, President, CEO, and sole employee of The Big Squeezy Accordion Repair Shop in New Orleans Stephanie Reed is a computer programmer, professional oil painter and accordionist. She graduated from Brown University, has a MFA from the Maine College of Arts, and recently earned a BS from Tulane University School of Continuing Studies. Her musical interests include Afro-Cuban, French musette, and Tango. Activities lines up so far include: Friday, November 2nd: a night lined up at Siberia featuring accordion-focused dance music. Performers include: Corey Ledet (Zydeco), Bruce Daigrepont (Cajun), The New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars (Klezmer) Saturday, November 3rd – Evening: The New Orleans Accordion Festival will feature legendary drummer Johnny Vidacovich with multiple Grammy award-winning jazz accordionist Gil Goldstein. The National Performance Network has accepted their request for fiscal sponsorship. This means that the New Orleans Accordion Festival can now receive tax-deductible donations. Check the October www.accordionusa.com news for updated details. For further information email: info@nola-accordion-festival.com |
Accordion Pops Orchestra to Perform on September 23 - Audobon PAby Rita Barnea |
The Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo will perform on Sunday, September 23, 2018, 3:00 pm at: A Concert of Hope, Shannondell at Valley Forge - Auditorium, 10000 Shannondell Drive, Audobon, PA 19403. This will be their ninth concert at beautiful Shannondell, a retirement home near historic Valley Forge! It is open to the public. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the ALS Hope Foundation. The orchestra's 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. Al 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 |
Will Holshouser to Perform for WMAS on September 16by Rita Barnea |
WMAS is happy to welcome Will Holshouser as their guest artist on September 16, 2018 at 4:PM. Will is an amazing accordionist who also composes for a wide variety of musical contexts. You may have heard him on NPR’s Fresh Air. He leads his own groups and has played with artists including Regina Carter, David Krakauer, Andy Statman, Suzanne Vega, Eric Vloeimans, the New York City Ballet, the New York City Opera, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. He has recorded three CDs of his music with his own trio, as well as albums with Musette Explosion and Han Bennink & Michael Moore. In addition, Will has appeared at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Vienna Akkordeon Festival, and American Accordionists’ Association Festival. Originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts, he now lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and daughter. Donation for non-members $8 - WMAS members free Refreshments will be served For further information on Will Holshouser: wholsho@twc.com For information on his September 16 performance: peter@musicisforever.com |
Accordions Under the Stars in New Jerseyby Rita Barnea |
The Acme Accordion School & Liberty Bellows on September 15, 2018 at 6:PM will sponsor a Lawn Party, Concert, Wine & Cheese Tasting with Guest Artists - Michaela Dietl & Will Holshauser - The schedule for the evening: 6:00 Westmont Accordion Club and Philly Squeeze bounce house and refreshments for the kids 6:30 - Michaela Dietl - workshop and concert 7:15 - Book Signing - Musette book "L'Amour" 7:30 - Will Holshouser - solo concert 8:30 - After-party Night Swim in pool or hot tub, and roast marshmallows! Admission is free. RSVP Only. A $10.00 donation is suggested to pay musicians, or Wrist Band purchase. $25.00 VIP tickets for French Wine & Cheese Tasting. The event will be held at 21 Oriole Way, Moorestown, NJ 8057. In case of rain, event location will change to Acme Accordion School, 322 Haddon Avenue, Westmont, NJ 08108. For further information: acmeaccordion@gmail.com |
" Accordion Revolution": New Book by Bruce Triggs to be Released in 2019by Rita Barnea |
Accordion historian Bruce Triggs’ new book “A People’s History of the Accordion in North American” will be released in the Spring of 2019. Uncover the hidden history of the Accordion in North America: The book will cover the time from the Industrial Revolution to the Rock and Roll upheaval of the 1960’s, African American "windjammers," Country & Western accordions, Irish American button-boxes, Jazz, Zydeco, Klezmer, Tex-Mex, and the lost tale of the Electric Rock Accordion. It will include over 45 illustrations including the Accordion Family Tree with 700 Years of (combined) accordion history and will cover the accordion in popular culture. From the Accordion Noir Instagram: “Accordion Noir Radio host Bruce Triggs hasn't just been twiddling his thumbs the 6 days a week we're haven't been broadcasting accordion radio these past eleven years. He's been conducting investigation, taking detailed notes, and connecting the Stradella-like dots needed to write and publish the authoritative tome on the rise, fall, and re-emergence of the #squeezebox on the world stage. As lead-up to the publication of this mighty volume, his primary undertaking over the past decade, he would like to gather e-mail addresses and contact information for people who would be interested in hearing this fascinating account, never before told in full. To register, please sign up to his e-mail list: accordion.noir@gmail.com “ |
Houston Accordion Orchestra Retreat, January 17-20, 2019 - Texasby Megumi Hada |
For further information, contact Megumi Hada at: meghada33@gmail.com |
Accordion Babes 2019 Pin-Up Calendar and CDby Rita Barnea |
The Accordion Babes Calendar proves that the accordion is sexy with classy old-school pin-ups and an ecclectic CD. The 2019 Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar photo by Sean T Vallely. What is the Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar about? Why does it exist? Excerpts from their website: The Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar is the brainchild of Renée de la Prada, who was working as a street performer, professional Irish musician and accordion repair technician in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2008 when the first Accordion Babes calendar was produced. Through her job at Smythe’s Accordion Center, and through her gigs with the celtic band Culann’s Hounds, Renée got to meet hundreds of accordionists who travelled through California. One day, she was invited to do a photoshoot in the San Francisco Mission district by photographer Keith Brown. The resulting photos featured her accordion prominently, and they were sexy and raw and rebellious, very different from the accordion’s reputation as an instrument which is only for grandpas. That’s when the wheels started turning in her head. There was no place to publish these accordion photos, but there should be… wouldn’t it be great if someone published a pin-up calendar with sexy accordion photos? Wouldn’t it be an amazing vehicle for promoting indie artists, if it also came with a compilation CD? Renée kept this idea in the back of her mind and handed out her business card to dozens of female accordion players whom she met at gigs and at Smythe’s Accordion Center. When she earned the interest of two phenomenal artists, Big Lou the Accordion Princess and Isabel Douglass, she decided to go for it. Who wouldn’t want to be in a calendar with their heroes? Smythe’s Accordion Center agreed to put up some money for an ad in the calendar… and that started a whole path of creating ad spaces, to pay for the print run with sponsorships. The first editions of the calendar relied heavily on the go-getter nature of all the Accordion Babes, who had to promise to distribute 50 copies, and sell advertising to be participants. Today it’s a little different, the print run is funded with crowdsourcing and pre-sale orders. Have a look at the link below and if you like it, please help share the link to the indiegogo campaign so enough Money can be raised to print the calendar. You can also pre-order it here, or preview the other hot accordion photos.... about 300 pre-orders is all what is needed: https://igg.me/at/accordionbabes2019/x/9730983 If you have any questions about the 2018 Calendar’s shipping, or about wholesale orders and price breaks, or for updates and general inquiries: editor@accordionpinupcalendar.com |
New and Updated Sites |
New Stas Venglevski Compositions - USAby Harley Jones |
Stas Venglevski has released two new compositions in eSheet format (pdf Acrobat files) able to be sent to the client by email. Catalog: vstas051 Meg Tango Catalog: vstas052 Maurisa View samples pages of the music. CD's by Stas Venglevski are: Catalog: vstascd001 Adagio, Romance And Beyond CD Catalog: vstascd002 My Main Squeeze CD Catalog: vstascd003 The Nutcracker Suite CD Catalog: vstascd004 Accordion Illusions CD Catalog: vstascd05 Awakening CD by Stas Venglevski and Joan Sommers |