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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Here are Your 2016 Accordion New Year's Resolutions!
Acclarion: An Amazing Accordion and Clarinet Duo Release New CD
Dr. William Schimmel is Accordionist for 2016 Grammy Nominated Album
Accordionist and Keyboardist Jon Hammond Travels the World
"Accordions Rising" Filmmaker, Roberta Cantow, Receives Significant Recognition
Accordion-YellowPages.com Free Listing of Accordion Events - Cyberspace
Accordionist Jamie Maschler Releases New CD
Tian Jianan Performing For Chinese New Year in Indiana
Long Island Accordion Alliance Announces 2016 Schedule
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Accordionist Jim Vandelly Performs Russian Music
Video: Tony Lovello, Celebrated 83rd Birthday - USA
Celebrity Interview: Coming to NAMM, Luigi Bruti, CIA Merit Award Recipient - Italy
Future events |
MAMTG Annual Festival and Competition April 1-3, 2016
2016 Maine Fiddle Camp Accordion Courses
Gary Morin to Perform in Massachusetts
AAA Seminars in New York City: NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Highlights |
Happy New Year 2016 - WORLDWIDEby Rita Barnea |
 To all our readers, enthusiasts, clients, artists and supporters from around the world - HAPPY NEW YEAR from all the staff of the USA News.Please keep us sending your news, your events, your concert details in order that all accordion interested friends can follow you wherever you are! Have a great and successful NEW YEAR! |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
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Here are Your 2016 Accordion New Year's Resolutions!by Rita Barnea |
 1. I promise to practice my accordion every day.You can find at least 20 to 30 minutes a day to practice your accordion if you really want to. If you find time for watching the news on TV, or talking on your cell phone, enjoying your tablet, computer or just sitting on your couch, you can find the time to take your accordion out of its case! With a little effort, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Practicing your accordion is relaxing, a stress reliever and also good exercise! And you don't need a doctor's appointment or a prescription! 2. I promise to play my accordion for friends and family at least once a month (more often would be even better)! Everyone who has ever seen me perform has always commented on the beauty and complexity of the instrument{ as if there were something very magical about playing the accordion. But it is magical, isn't it?) Going to a family dinner or having the family and friends over?....... take out your accordion and play for them. No matter what your level of proficiency is..........people will be amazed by your playing and admire your commitment to learning the accordion. 3. I promise to learn at least one new song every month. Try to expand your repertoire. It doesn't have to be a concerto! What about a new popular song or one from the past that you always wanted to learn. Don't have the music? Look it up on the Internet or e-mail your accordion friends. If you want the song........ it is out there: however, if you really cannot find it, try to play it by ear, sound it out, write out the notes. It may take time, but it is a good experience to learn it on your own. It is possible, don't be afraid to try it. 4. I promise to attend at least two or more accordion events in 2016. There are many accordion festivals, concerts, accordion clubs etc. around the country. Search the USA News www.accordionusa.com each month and you will find an event in your area. Not only will you have a wonderful time listening to great accordionists, but you will be able to participate on any level from beginner to advanced. There will be accordion bands, ensembles, people who will enjoy meeting you and hearing about your experiences with the accordion. If you want to meet interesting people who share your love of the accordion, you will find them! You will not only hear great music but you will go away with new friends. Check out the calendar on the right side of the publication. You will see events listed by the month, location, websites, etc. 5. I will purchase at least two accordion CD's. iTunes, books, sheet music, or DVD's this year! There are so many wonderful accordion CD's. Search the Internet and you will find lists of accordion artists. It is important to show our support for these outstanding musicians by buying their CD's! Visit www.MusicForAccordion.com to find your favorite accordion items! 6. I promise to introduce the accordion to people who have never heard one before. This is a special opportunity for you to expand the musical horizons of someone. The accordion is so versatile, found in cultures all over the world and running the gamut from folk to classical and everything in between! There is a visual fascination with the accordion that no other instrument can claim. How do we do it? Keys, buttons, bellows, It is a coordination of fine motor skills that places an accordionist at the top of the list of the Best Multitaskers in the World! 7. I promise to send news about my accordion club, association, concert, event to Ritabelll@aol.com for an article in the USA News. We can also include photos and videos. We want to know all about your accordion activities. Please let me know far in advance, if possible, so that readers can plan their schedules accordionly (Could not resist that one!!). 8. I will think about treating myself to a new accordion! Why not? When you have a new instrument, you sound better!! Well, some practice would also help. 9. I promise to read the USA News www.accordionusa.com every month and the Weekly News www.accordions.com regularly. All past publications are available in archives. 10. I promise to get in shape this year! Being in good physical health leads to a better mental and spiritual outlook on life. Watching your diet, losing weight, exercising are all positive and beneficial activities. Not only does it benefit your daily life, but also your musical abilities. Why is this true? As you may already know, playing the accordion requires upper body strength to lift the instrument to play and perhaps to stroll with. Using the bellows requires arm muscle movement, etc. You will feel better, look better, and play better! My suggestion: Take a photo of yourself/video of your playing the accordion. Get on a regular exercise program as well as a regular practice schedule. Take a photo/video of yourself three months later. You will notice a great improvement in your physical appearance and your musical performance. Let me know how it works for you. 11. I will reread Resolutions 1-10 again and again! Happy New Year to All! |
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Acclarion: An Amazing Accordion and Clarinet Duo Release New CDby Rita Barnea |
 Video 1: acclarion twilight of shadows preview of shattered expectations cdVideo 2: 3 minute documentary on "Acclarion" We begin the new year by presenting to our readers information about an amazing collaboration between an accordionist and clarinetist. "Shattered Expectations", the new CD recently released by Acclarion, is their third CD and available now. Who is Acclarion? Accordionist David Carovillano holds a Masters degree in performance from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music. He is a concert free-bass accordionist in North America, and was a student of Canada’s accordion pioneer Joseph Macerollo. Having competed in various music festivals throughout North America, he has received over 140 awards for his playing and he has received several scholarships from the University of Toronto. David participated in master classes held in Venice Italy, studying under noted German accordionist, Hugo Noth. He has performed on numerous television, radio shows and theatre productions, including City TV's Breakfast Television, Insight Productions' Ready or Not, HGTV's Design for Living, Global TV/MTV, a solo concert in 2001 with CBC’s Music Around Us, the Stratford Festival's production of Fiddler on the Roof and the “new Mozart musical”, The Magic of Love for which he appears on the original cast recording, conducted by Charles Cozens. David has performed in various chamber capacities with members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Toronto Winds, and I Furiosi, as well as being featured in new music concert series presented by Collaborations and Array Music. In addition to performing, he is active as a music educator, festival adjudicator, and clinician. As a composer and arranger, his music has been featured on radio, recordings, and live concert performances in North America and Europe. Clarinetist Rebecca Sajo-Carovillano holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music. She is the first person in the university’s history to major in multiple woodwind performance. Rebecca is proficient on all clarinets, bassoon, saxophone, and flute. She has studied with clarinetist Peter Stoll, saxophonist Alex Dean, and bassoonist Kathleen MacLean as well as playing in master classes for James Campbell and Sabine Meyer. She was a finalist for two years in the Canadian Music Competitions, is Royal Conservatory silver medalist on clarinet and saxophone and earned her ARCT in clarinet performance when she was just 16. Rebecca has played with the National Youth Band, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Toronto Philharmonia. Rebecca participated in the Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angeles where she played with musicians such as Paul McCandless, Randy Newman and Arturo Sandorval. Her musical versatility was displayed through performances of classical, jazz, pop and film music with some of LA’s finest musicians. As a teaching-artist, Rebecca maintains a private music studio, is frequently sought after by schools to coach wind and chamber music ensembles, and has developed music programs for schools in three Canadian provinces. From their website, album liner notes: "12 years ago, we set out to conquer the music industry. As classically trained musicians playing accordion and clarinet, we knew we were “niche”, but naively, we thought that “good music and good musicians” will trump any pre-conceived notions people may have about our unique instrumental ensemble. There have been hurdles to jump; lots of them. We aren’t a string quartet. We aren’t a piano trio. We aren’t a brass quintet. We’re different. Different’s good, isn’t it? For the musically curious, outside-the-box thinkers, we are their muse. We love making music for them. But we have held steadfast in our belief that if more people would have the chance to hear this music, they would fall in love with it too. And so, we have set out on a journey of musical discovery. To nurture our creativity. To embrace our unique opportunity to create something special. To push forward when all earthly circumstances suggest we should stop. Music has given us everything...and we’ve given everything to it. This album represents the sum of 12 years of commitment. It represents our eclectic musical tastes, and our desire to give a new voice to classic works, as well as create a living body of repertoire that has so desperately been lacking for our instruments. With this album, we hope you discover a new sound that captivates, intrigues, and ultimately, satisfies your musical cravings. Whatever ”expectations” you may have when you think about accordion and clarinet, we hope that our music will “shatter” them." About the music... 1) Scherzo (D. Carovillano) 3:19 - Playful and technical wizardry that is delightfully quirky. 2) Anello di Fuoco (D. Carovillano) 6:00 - Inspired by the reverence, awe, and fear ancient people had for the power of nature. 3) English Folk Song #2 (R. Vaughan-Williams) 1:16 - Sun dawns on the English countryside; shimmering on the morning dew as flora and fauna awaken. 4) Adagio and Tarantella (E. Cavallini) 5:51 - This virtuosic show piece originally for the clarinet combines operatic drama and a dazzling whirlwind of notes. 5) Twilight of Shadows* (D. Carovillano) 7:18 - Reality and fantasy blur in the twilight as this dramatic work evokes haunting lyricism, a passionate tango, a wobbly circus waltz, and a romantic Parisian cafe. 6) English Folk Song #6 (R. Vaughan-Williams) 0:47 - A ship is ready to set sail from the harbour with this jaunty sea shanty. 7) Clarinet Quintet for Two (W. A. Mozart) 9:14 - Yes, we have the chutzpah to replace an entire string quartet with an accordion for Movement 1 of Mozart’s K. 581. 8) Frenzy (D. Carovillano) 4:08 - Chaos vs. order; intensity vs. relaxation. Fingers fly and Becky’s bass clarinet “Bertha” gets a workout. 9) English Folk Song #5 (R. Vaughan-Williams) 1:36 - A lilting lullaby conjuring the rolling fields and hills of England. 10) Rondo from Sonata Op. 67 (T. Gouvy) 5:17 - With roller coaster runs and sparkling interplay, it is rare to find Romantic era music, composed by a contemporary of Brahms, that fits the accordion and clarinet like a glove. 11) Mountainicus (D. Carovillano) 4:32 - Music portrays the majesty and might of the Rocky Mountains: the powerful jagged peaks, vast crystal clear lakes, and playful wildlife of Canada's "Wild West." 12) Introduction and Czardas (S.B. Cohen) 5:03 - A lone gypsy musician calls us to the party that lasts until dawn. Share This! - See more at: http://www.acclarion.ca/music/a/shattered_expectations#sthash.oPsiERTp.dpuf Future performances include: Saturday, January 16th, 2016 WHITEHORSE CONCERTS Acclarion in Concert - 8pm Yukon Arts Centre, Yukon Place, #80 Range Road Whitehorse, Yukon Territory Canada [map] Acclarion will also be performing education outreach concerts in Whitehorse on January 15, 2016 Sunday, May 15th, 2016 PAINESVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CONCERT SERIES PUMC Concert Series presents Acclarion - 4pm 71 N Park Place Painesville, Ohio 44077 United States 440-354-3642 [map] Monday, May 30th, 2016 ALABAMA ACCORDION ASSOCIATION Two Acclarion concerts coming to Alabama tbd Alabama United States [map] Date will change - date and time to be finalized - stay in touch for more details. Sunday, June 12th, 2016 FREE@3 CONCERT SERIES - FIRST REFORM CHURCH Acclarion in Concert - 3pm First Reform Church 630 State Street Holland, Michigan United States (616) 392-8085 [map] Price: free Saturday, June 18th, 2016 NEAPOLITAN CONNECTION CONCERT SERIES: MUSICAL MATINEES Acclarion Family Concert - 3pm 4709 Dundas St. W. (Etobicoke) Toronto, Ontario [map] Price: $15 I highly recommend their new CD, "Shattered Expectations". The arrangements and compositions are unique, virtuosic, and performed with the highest level of technical proficiency and sensitive, expressive musicianship by both David Carovillano and Rebecca Sajo-Carovillano. I encourage you to listen to their CD's, watch their performances on Youtube and purchase their new CD. |
Dr. William Schimmel is Accordionist for 2016 Grammy Nominated Albumby Rita Barnea |
  Dr. William Schimmel is the accordionist on the soundtrack album of "An American in Paris" which has just been nominated for a 2016 Grammy Award. An American in Paris is the romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl and an indomitable European city are at the heart of Broadway’s breathtakingly beautiful new musical, An American in Paris, the four-time Tony Award®-winning production that also earned the awards for Best Musical of the Year from both the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama League. Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon directs and choreographs a remarkable company of 25 international and Broadway virtuosos as they bring the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with Tony Award®-winning orchestrations of unforgettable works by George and Ira Gershwin, including such classics as “I’ll Build A Stairway to Paradise,” “I Got Rhythm” and “The Man I Love.” The show is now taking place at The Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway, New York, New York. William Schimmel is a virtuoso accordionist, author, philosopher and composer. He is one of the principle architects in the tango revival in America, the resurgence of the accordion and the philosophy of Musical Reality (composition with pre-existing music). He received his diploma from the Neupauer Conservatory of Music and his BM, MS and DMA degrees from the Juilliard School. He has taught at the Juilliard School , Brooklyn College CUNY, Upsala College, New School University, Neupauer Conservatory (dean) and has lectured on accordion related subjects at Princeton , Columbia , Brandeis, University of Missouri , Duke University, Manhattan School of Music, the Graduate Center CUNY, Santa Clara University, The Janacek Conservatory in Ostrava, Czech Republic and at Microsoft. Bill has performed with virtually every major symphony orchestra in America (and the Kirov ) including a longstanding relationship with the Minnesota Orchestra, as well as virtually every chamber music group in New York including Ensemble Sospeso and the Odeon Jazz Ensemble. Pop star colleagues range from Sting to Tom Waits, who has made the legendary statement: “Bill Schimmel doesn't play the accordion, he is the accordion”. He is founder of the Tango Project, which, in addition to his hit recordings with them, has appeared with Al Pacino in the film: "Scent of a Woman", for which Pacino won an Oscar. The Tango Project also won the Stereo Review Album of the Year Award, received a Grammy nomination and rose to number I on the Billboard Classical Charts. He can be heard in other films including True Lies, Kun Dun and many others including films that he both scored and performed and a series of films for the Nature Conservancy which have won numerous prizes in documentary categories. He is an authority of the music of Kurt Weill, having recorded all of Weill's music that employs the accordion. He is a prolific composer with many commissions from concert music to Broadway and off-Broadway. He has written countless accordion pieces for himself and others including a test piece for the Coupe Mondiale, the accordions' most prestigious world competition. His "Portrait No I "for orchestra was conducted by the late Leopold Stockowski. Dr. Schimmel's theatre works in collaboration with Micki Goodman have made accordion history.He now heads the Neupauer Conservatory Order of the Shield program, a private studies program for gifted students on a graduate and post graduate level. he conducts a successful three day master class and concert series sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association (where he is distinguished lecturer in residence) moving into its 20th season. The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) have awarded Dr. Schimmel the distinguished merit award for the AAA Master Class and Concert Series as well as his contribution to the international accordion scene. He received the American Accordionists' Association Distinguished Service Award for Fifty Years of Accordion activity and his work as Lecturer in Residence. He is listed in Who's Who in America and Great Minds of the 21st Century. For more info: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Accordionist and Keyboardist Jon Hammond Travels the Worldby Rita Barnea |
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 Published on Jul 13, 2015Get Back In The Groove by Jon Hammond Funk Unit on the Acoustic Nation NAMM Stage in Concert - Artist Info https://www.namm.org/summer/2015/even... Joe Berger: Guitar Roland Barber: Trombone Louis Flip Winfield: Percussion Jon Hammond: Organ Cord Martin : Tenor Saxophone Jon Hammond is an accomplished keyboard musician and accordionist. He is very generous with sharing his talents. He said, "The dates that I do in hospitals and assisted living facilities are not open to the public. I play a lot of dates for folks who are memory impaired and have other serious health issues - for those dates I just go in and play music for my people who can not go out and the only people who can bring cameras in there are Family. So I tend not to publicize any of my work in that sector. I did a tour earlier this year of senior centers in the ethnic areas of San Francisco that was strictly solo accordion. It was supported by the musicians union and we had a lot of fun." His CD's are available on www.musicforaccordion.com/inform.jon/index.htm Jon will be featured at the NAMM night stage at the Sheraton Park Hotel on Thursday, Jan. 21. 2016. It will be his 30th NAMM show! Location: NAMM Sheraton Acoustic Stage Event Date: Thursday, January 21, 2016 - 9:00 to 9:40 PM From his LinkedIn bio: Jon plays Organ, Accordion, Piano, Guitar. He attended: Berklee College of Music 1974, City College San Francisco.He speaks English and German.Jon is closely identified with the two main products of his career, the Excelsior Accordion and the Hammond Organ. Jon Hammond is one of the premier B3 PLAYERS in the world. Jon has played professionally since age 12. Beginning as a solo accordionist, he later played Hammond B3 organ in a number of important San Francisco bands. His all original group HADES opened shows for Tower of Power, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Michael Bloomfield. Eddie Money and Barry Finnerty became musical associates. Moving East he attended Berklee College of Music and played venues as diverse as Boston's "Combat Zone" in the striptease clubs during the '70's and the exclusive Wychmere Harbor Club in Cape Cod, where he was house organist with the late great trumpet player Lou Colombo and developed a lasting friendship with House Speaker Tip O'Neill. He also toured the Northeast and Canada with the successful show revue "Easy Living", and continued his appearances at nightclubs in Boston and New York. Subsequently Hammond lived and traveled in Europe, where he has an enthusiastic following. TV/Video Producer: In 1981 Jon formed BackBeat Productions. Assisted by Lori Friedman (Video by LORI), the innovative TV show "The Jon Hammond Show" became a Manhattan Cable TV favorite. Jon's "Live on the street" video style included news events, as well as live music/video clips of Dizzy Gillespie, Paul Butterfield, Jaco Pastorius, John Entwistle, Sammy Davis Jr., Percy Sledge and many others. The weekly show is now in it's 28th year and has influenced the broadcasts of David Letterman and others. Billboard Magazine hailed Jon's show as "The Alternative to MTV". The Jon Hammond Show can be seen worldwide at various times streaming from www.mnn.org and on channels 56 and 108 in Manhattan. Jon is currently Host of daily CBS radio program "Jon Hammond's Afternoon Slide" on KYCY 1550 AM. He performs in Hospitals, Nursing Homes & Prisons every month in addition to concerts world-wide. For further information: jonhammond@jonhammondband.com |
"Accordions Rising" Filmmaker, Roberta Cantow, Receives Significant Recognitionby Rita Barnea |
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  Accordions Worldwide congratulates Filmmaker Roberta Cantow for winning two major awards from the Accolade Global Film Competition. The award was given for Roberta's exciting documentary, "Accordions Rising", which restores the accordion to its rightful place in the music world. A prestigious and unique global film competition. Accolade honors and promotes the achievements of filmmakers who produce high quality films and new media with the expressed intention of helping filmmakers gain the credibility and publicity they justly deserve. Roberta's film won the following awards: Accordions Rising - Documentary - Award of Merit Accordions Rising - Movie Trailer - Award of Recognition Accordions Rising features exceptional accordion players and composers including Guy Klucevsek, William Schimmel, Frank Petrilli, Will Holshouser, Pauline Oliveros as well as others representing a diversity of styles and approaches. Roberta's statement:"I have often been drawn to the misunderstood. The accordion turned out to be no exception. Like many others, I grew up with an attitude embedded in the culture regarding the accordion as a kind of low-brow instrument, corny and old-fashioned. But then, I learned otherwise! I came to understand this attitude was overshadowing the truth: the accordion is actually an incredibly versatile instrument. The possibilities for invention and originality are endless and border on the sublime. It turns out that the accordion and those who play them are everywhere. Though filmed mostly in New York City, depicting the NY cultural scene, Accordions Rising reflects something of the landscape of our very own America, our very own culture and our very own present. The more in love with accordions and accordion music I became, the more determined I was to celebrate the talents of those who play and compose for them. I am so pleased to have encountered the feast of artists who appear in the film. Hats off to them for so eloquently setting the record straight. I will be creating a 15-20 segment of "Highlights" from the film. When the time is right, I would like to propose the possibility of getting a slot to present these Highlights at Accordion and other music Festivals in the near future when I can offer the DVD for sale. Since I am unable to attend them all, anyone interested in representing the film (in the future) at one or another such festivals, (for example, one that you attend annually), please contact me at: rcantow@originaldigital.net so that we can discuss how to make it worth your while. So far, there are over 400 "Likes" to the Accordions Rising Facebook Page, which is a dream come true and which will help the distribution effort. The mailing list, accessible from the film's website is trailing with only 78 names on the list. If you have not joined the mailing list and would like to be informed when this film becomes available on DVD or for streaming, please go to www.accordionsrising.com (and click on Contact). The more names on the list, the more likely it will be for me to acquire 'distribution muscle' from an established entity." Accordions Rising will have its world premiere at Cinema on the Bayou in Lafayette Louisiana, a fitting venue for a film about accordions. Cinema on the Bayou, Louisiana's second oldest film festival, was founded in 2006 in Lafayette, Louisiana, by filmmaker Pat Mire after Hurricane Katrina caused the cancellation of the New Orleans Film Festival in the fall of 2005. Since 2006, Cinema on the Bayou has presented hundreds of internationally acclaimed documentary, narrative fiction and animated films, with filmmakers in attendance from across the United States and around the world. The Festival is now unique among film festivals in the U.S. in that it also regularly screens a large number of French-language independent films and presents filmmakers from throughout the Francophone world. This past year, Cinema on the Bayou was selected as the Editors' Choice for "goings-on in the South and beyond" by Garden and Gun Magazine. Describing Cajun Country setting as a "stew of French, Spanish, and African influences," the Editors concluded that it was an ideal spot for Cinema on the Bayou, an international film festival "charged with exposing attendees to the most original voices in film while fostering cultural exchange among the French-speaking peoples of the world. For more information: email rcantow@originaldigital.net or visit www.accordionsrising.com |
Accordion-YellowPages.com Free Listing of Accordion Events - Cyberspaceby Harley Jones |
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| All concert, competition and festival organizers are reminded to list their Future Events for 2013 in the Accordion-YellowPages.com website. Its free to list and you can do it yourself. You can also change and update your listing yourself as further information becomes available. The Accordion-YellowPages.com Future Events calendar displays at the top right hand side of this Weekly News of accordions.com in all 7 languages and also on the USA News, Diatonic News and Russia News. Huge numbers of readers, about 5,000 visitors per day, view also the Future Events calendar display, so all accordion event organizers are reminded to take full advantage of this free service to keep the accordion community informed. Any internet challenged event organizers may email their event details: harleyaccordion@yahoo.com |
Accordionist Jamie Maschler Releases New CDby Rita Barnea |
  Video of "E Proibido Cochilar" Published on Nov 12, 2015 off of En Canto's album "Solto Por Jeri". Release Date December 5th 2015.Jaimie Maschler is a wonderful example of a young woman accordionist who is demonstrating to the world the versatility of the accordion. She performs in Seattle's only Forro band, En Canto, which released their first full length album "Solti Por Jeri" on December 5, 2015 including originals and remained classics. From her website: "Carving her name in the music scene as Sanfoneira or accordionist, Jamie Maschler is among Seattle’s few female lead instrumentalists. “Jamie Maschler, knows the versatility of the accordion better then most. She has played the instrument since she was four and spent years perfecting and competing with pieces by such challenging classical composers as Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. She has since discovered her love of the collaborative, rock and pop musical scene. Talents like her seem to be increasingly valuable. “ -The Atlantic Maschler is lead accordionist for the band En Canto, Seattle’s only Brazilian forró group. "Solto Por Jeri", En Canto's first full-length record, is hot off the press and filled with wo-pop originals and reimagined classics. The album is a result of the band's month-long exploration of Brazil last November. After visiting Ceará, the mecca of forró music, the multi-ethnic, female-led seven-piece is able to captivate audiences with traditional and inspired forró. “We love this music because of its compositional brilliance, its original grooves, and its revolutionary nature," accordionist Jamie Maschler explains. En Canto currently channels its fierce independence into challenging stereotypes while also helping audiences expand their comfort zones. “But first and foremost, we make people dance!” On top of her work in En Canto, Maschler has played venues all over the United States, as well as internationally in St. Lucia, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Jamie is fresh off a nine city tour of Alaska with the performance group, Letters Aloud, including a performance at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Jamie’s original music has been aired on the Radio in Seattle, Salvador BR, and Canada." In 2016, her accordion playing will be featured in a PopCap video game. In Seattle, Jamie facilitates a full accordion studio, helping to build a next generation community of accordion artists. Don’t miss Jamie this year at the National Accordion Association's Annual convention held in Dallas, Texas (March 10-12, 2016), where she will be teaching workshops on music theory and Brazilian and tango music, as well as performing a concert with the Austin based group, Mente Clara. Future performances include: Jamie will perform on Friday, May 22, 2015 at the Triple Door, 216 Union Street, Seattle, WA.. The ladies of En Canto will be performing in the Brazilian Nights series with Latin Grammy Award winner Antonio Adolfo and Hendrik Meurkens. Fri 5/29/15 The Waypost, Portland, OR (trio) Sat 5/30/15 Lost On Main, Chico, CA (trio) with Bogg Sun 5/31/15 8pm 50 Mason Social House, San Francisco, CA 21+ $5adv $10dos Wed 6/3/15 8pm Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles, CA 21+ $10 Right Photo by Scott Shrader, Performance Photography For more information: jamie.maschler@gmail.com |
Tian Jianan Performing For Chinese New Year in Indianaby Rita Barnea |
 Video above: Tian Jianan at the 2014 Castelfidardo prize giving performing two works. "Silhouetten" composed by Jürgen Ganzer and "Beijing 2011" composed by Franck Angelis. "Beijing 2011" was composed for Tian Jianan and dedicated to her.Tian Jianan will be performing for Chinese New Year on 30th January at the Union Ballrooms, Purdue, Indiana. Her performance will be part of a collection of campus activities celebrating the Chinese New Year. Tian Jianan is a 21-year-old virtuoso who has won numerous international competitions in Italy, Germany, Russia, New Zealand, China, Germany, Italy and Canada. These international successes include both academic concert music categories and entertainment categories. Tian has released 4 CD's available online at: Tian Jianan General admissions seating from $15. Cash bar available. For further information, visit the Purdue University website. |
Long Island Accordion Alliance Announces 2016 Scheduleby Rita Barnea |
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  The Long Island Accordion Alliance announces their 2016 meeting schedule and featured artists, held at Villini Restaurant .The restaurant is located at 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY 11731. Enjoy dinner and the festive music of featured guest artists Manny Corallo (left) and Frank Toscano (right) on January 6, 2016 at 6:PM. Phone: 631 261 6344 Composer, arranger and music editor Manny Corallo started at age four playing the drums and soon switched to the accordion. Manny took lessons from his father’s accordion teacher – Frank Toscano! As Manny says, it was at first a father son-bonding thing to both play the accordion. But soon Manny had a lifelong love affair with music. At age 13 he also began piano lessons with Frank and has gone on to compose and arrange music, first for commercials, and then he began arranging for various artists. Manny then had a chance to score a children’s cartoon, which led him to scoring music for the movie "Pokemon". Manny has gone on to score and arrange music for many projects including recordings and live productions. Manny attributes his success to a great music education from Frank Toscano and is very proud of his musical relationship with Frank and Angelo Di Pippo as the Accordion Kings. Please see the following site for more information on Manny: www.musicforaccordion.com/inform/mcorallo/ Frank Toscano has made music his entire life. For more than 47 years Frank has been a music educator and professional musician. For over four decades Frank has headed the “Frank Toscano School of Music”. Born & raised in New York, Frank came from an Italian family who valued the idea of music being played in the house constantly. Without a choice from his father, Frank took lessons on the accordion under the direction of Emilio Chiesa and never dreamed that it would become the passion of his life! Frank’s passion is both education and performing. Frank is an accomplished pianist, accordionist and jazz artist who has performed with many artists. He can be heard on many recordings of other artists too numerous to mention. You can hear Frank on his recording “Accordion to Frank” as well as on the Accordion King’s new release. Frank, along with Manny Corallo, joined Angelo Di Pippo to form the acclaimed group, Accordion Kings. To contact Frank: Frank@franktoscano.com Dominic Karcic founded the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) in August 2010.. The wide spread success of LIAA events has endeared it to accordionists and accordion music lovers from all over the New York Metro area and has made it (LIAA) and its events the “voice of the accordion on Long Island.” The Long Island Accordion Alliance holds monthly meetings. All are welcome to listen or participate with accordions. The atmosphere is accepting and entertaining. The 2016 LIAA Schedule: January 6th ………. Manny Corallo & Frank Toscano February 3rd …….. Paolo Belanich March 2nd ………… Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini April 6th …………. Fabio & Fabio Lucarrelli May 4th …………… Mary Tokarski & Nathan Chapeton June 1st …………… Ray Oreggia & Dom Karcic July 6th …………… Greg Zukoff August 3rd ………… Smorgasbandit September 7th ……. Emilio Magnotta October 5th ………. Joe DeClemente November 2nd ……. Bud & Linda Gramer December…………. no meeting For more information: dkarcic10@verizon.net |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
January Accordion Master Classes with Dallas Vietty and Victor Prietoby Rita Barnea |
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| Accordionists Dallas Vietty and Victor Prieto will teach accordion master classes in New Jersey on January 23 and 24, 2016. Victor said. "Dallas and I have teamed up to offer techniques, tips, ways of study, and tricks made just for you. My technique: "Chord approach on both hands". You will create harmonies that you thought were impossible to play on the accordion. This technique was born at Berklee College of Music, Boston. Improvisation, easy ways of comping, Styles, bellow techniques, improve the power of the sound of your instrument, how to use the registers to orchestrate (switches) and much more." Victor and Dallas promise fun, deep learning, and exposure to new techniques, skills and approaches. They emphasize, "THE ACCORDION IS NOT A PIANO OR AN ORGAN" so you have to treat it as what it is, if you want to have a great and energetic sound." The workshop is going to revolves around three major areas: 1. Contemporary Harmony: sounds and approaches to play the music of the last 40 years, and beyond. 2. Contemporary Techniques of the Accordion: how to apply these sounds to rhythms, melodies, soloing, comping. 3. Ensemble Playing: experience, learn techniques and approaches, and get feedback on playing with an ensemble. The workshop is customized to the attendees, so depending on who attends they will cover various genres of interest, for example: folk, tango, jazz, pop, rock, funk, swing, gypsy jazz, Galacian, Flamenco, to name a few. On the website http://prietoviettyevents.com/ you will find all the information about these Master Classes. Location, FAQ, Pricing, Schedule, instructors and more. There is imited seating . Do not wait till last minute to reserve your seat. The location of the workshop is the historic Acme Accordion School which has been in existence for over 70 years. The address is: 322 Haddon Ave., Westmont, New Jersey 08108 For further information: info@victorprieto.net |
Accordionist Jim Vandelly Performs Russian Musicby Rita Barnea |
 Video Published on Mar 31, 2014 when Jim Vandelly was the Honoree of the 2014 American Accordion Musicological Society Festival. This slideshow was created by Joan and Dan Grauman in honor of Jim's award and was shown at the Festival banquet on March 29, 2014.Jim Vandelly was the featured soloist at the Accordion Renaissance concert in Williamsburg VA on Dec 5, 2015. He presented a Bayan workshop before the full concert. Jim shared, "I mailed one of my CD's to the little town in Russia where Poludnytsin grew up (Ognyeva Zaimka) near Novosibirsk. He became blind at a young age from TB in the eyes. Stalin found out about his condition and did a lot to help him and promote him as a model Bayanist who played authentic Russian folk music. I have a long-play LP of his music, and listen to it nearly every day. I played several of his renditions at the Renaissance concert. The Russians in the audience were thrilled, and all others loved the Russian music, too." Jim has played the piano accordion since age 6 when he began lessons at Rosita Lee and Georgine Studios in Fitchburg, Massachsetts under master accordionist Georgy Janis from 1948 until 1955. After moving to Los Angeles in 1955, he continued taking lessons from Sam Petome. He played at the Officer's Club and River Club in San Angelo, Texas while serving in the US Air Force. In the early 1990's, he began studying the Russian Bayan from several visiting Russina and Ukrainian bayanists. He played in the Washing ton Balalaika Society Orchestra from 1989 to 2001. Over the years he also played at the Smithsonian Institution and private venues as a soloist. In 1993, he accompanied the Balalaikda Domra Association Orchestra to Russia performing in Moscow and St.Petersburg. He was also guest accordionist with the Kazbek Russian Orchestra in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2001, as a member of the ensemble Beltway Balalaikas, he played at one of the Inaugural Balls and at the British and Russian embassies in Washington, DC. In 2004 Jim joined the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society. His repertoire on the piano accordion consists of semi-classical and American Standards going back to the 1920s. Jim's repertoire on the Russian bayan consists primarily of Russian and Ukrainian folks songs but also familiar American and international tunes. For further information: Vandelly@verizon.net 703 915-2425 (c) |
Video: Tony Lovello, Celebrated 83rd Birthday - USAby Harley Jones |
| Tony Lovello plays his beautiful arrangement of "Bei Mir Bist du Schon." For this old time favorite, Tony is using his flash drive arrangement as the background music. Tony Lovello celebrated his 83rd birthday a few days ago, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tony Lovello. |
Celebrity Interview: Coming to NAMM, Luigi Bruti, CIA Merit Award Recipient - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 Luigi Bruti will be at the 2016 NAMM Show, Anaheim, Los Angeles from 21 to 24 January 2016.One year, after receiving the prestigious Merit Award in Salzburg, Austria, awarded by the CIA (Confederation International des Accordeonistes), at the 2014 Coupe Mondiale, the talented musician and musical instrument developer, Luigi Bruti, has been interviewed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl. Q. Luigi, we have been meeting you around the world, promoting the Roland V-Accordion! Are you still in the musical instrument business? A. Absolutely yes. ........ I have been very busy driving a fantastic adventure inside a new company, born together with 12 fine and talented engineers (former colleagues) as well as the help of the PROEL company. In DEXIBELL (this is the new brand name), we have completely re-invented the Digital Piano with a revolutionary technology and cool Italian design. Read the full Celebrity Interview at: Luigi Bruti Read the Merit Award Nomination for Luigi Bruti at: BrutiNomination |
Future events |
2016 National Accordion Convention March 10-12, 2016 in Texasby Norman Seaton, NAA President |
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 President Norman Seaton reports that the 2016 National Accordion Convention will be held in Richardson, Texas from March 10-16, 2016.2016 Convention Focus: Lifelong Learning for Accordionists! It is with great pleasure we announce the 29th Annual National Accordion Convention that is sponsored by the National Accordion Association, Incorporated (NAA). This convention is the result of NAA officials studying and developing an innovative musical program featuring the accordion. “A Creative Learning Model for Accordionists” The 2016 Accordion Convention activities are based on the innovative program described in “A Creative Learning Model for Accordionists” by Laura J. Niland. Conventioneers will experience high-quality instruction provided by master instructors from across the USA and beyond. Training sessions will address Ten Core categories: Know your accordion, Musicality, Musical Styles & Ethnic Genres, Music Theory Simplified, Effective Practice & Presentation, Strategies for Working Together w/ Group Applications, Solo Performance Strategies, Effective Use of Technology in Music, Personal Evaluations & Critiques, as well as Performance. National Accordion Band Camp The 2016 convention will still feature the Accordion Band Camp on Thursday that includes the Albreski Fun Band and the Accordion Orchestra. Other convention activities include training sessions, workshops, jam sessions, and evening concerts. Performance opportunities include the 15-Minutes of Fame, lunch bunch activities, banquet, Congo line, jam sessions, and many other fun events. Yes, we are still the same organization; however, the convention will emphasize more educationally enhanced training sessions. Call for Presenters, Vendors, and Volunteers NAA officials are conducting a national search for Presenters, Vendors, and Volunteers who want to contribute high-quality services for other accordionists. Monitor the NationalAccordion.org website for more information or contact President Dr. Norman Seaton directly at NatlAccordion@sbcglobal.net or call 214-938-5984. The National Accordion Association (NAA) website is the Official Communication link between the NAA Officials and the membership for both the Association and Conventions. Continue to watch the official website daily as we begin to upload the convention schedule and activities: Band Camp, Innovative workshops, International Dance Night and Concerts. Coming within Days! • We have presenters coming from Canada, Rhode Island, Washington, Virginia, and other locations. • Completely online Registration systems for: ◦ All Convention Activities ◦ Hotel Registration System ◦ Convention Registration System • January 1, 2016: Next mailing (regular and electronic mailings) Facebook Address: https://www.facebook.com/nationalaccordion/ For more information: natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net Website:http://www.NationalAccordion.org/ |
MAMTG Annual Festival and Competition April 1-3, 2016by Rita Barnea |
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 The Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild (MAMTG) will hold their annual festival April 1-3, 2016. Their 2016 Honoree will be Linda Soley Reed, former AAA President and currently AAA 2nd Vice-President.The Hanover Marriott Hotel has a spacious indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, free WiFi in lobby along with 3 computer stations, luxurious guest rooms, The Auld Shebeen Authentic Irish Pub, outdoor courtyard and is easily accessible from routes 287, 24, 78, 95 and Garden State Parkway in New Jersey. It's really a great hotel, the people are great, you'll enjoy your stay. 1401 Route 10 East in Whippany, NJ 07981. (973) 538-8811. The Mid Atlantic Accordion Virtuoso Championship is scheduled for Friday, April 1, 2016 at 6:PM. For further information on the accordion competition please visit: http://www.mamtg.org/festival-info.html The deadline to sign up is February 1, 2016. New for Spring Music Festival 2016! Ensembles ShowCase! Students in bands, ensembles and chamber groups can perform live for an audience and receive feedback from an adjudicator. This is a non-competitive performance event. Play for an audience. ShowCase your talents and musicianship! New for Spring Music Festival 2016! No more tickets needed to enter the Awards Ceremony. Performers and attendees can enter for free. The Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild (MAMTG) was founded by a group of professional music educators from the New Jersey Tri-State area to establish and maintain high professional musical teaching and ethical standards, exchange music-related ideas, information and fellowship among colleagues, promote music education in our area, and to provide a platform for area music students to display their talents in a competitive environment. Established in 1960, The Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild has been recognized as a viable musical organization throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic and New England States. Annually our Spring Music Festival for students is held in Whippany, New Jersey. MAMTG is accepting ads until 2/1/16, while space is available. Visit mamtg.org for information and to submit your ad. For further information: mamtg@hotmail.com |
2016 Maine Fiddle Camp Accordion Coursesby Rita Barnea |
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| Recorded about 1 year ago and published on Jun 1, 2015 Maine Fiddle Camp Director Doug Protsik talks about this multi-generational tradition music camp and demonstrates the music on various instruments offered at the camp in an interview by Ann Page. What is Maine Fiddle Camp? It is a multi-generational, lakeside, weekend (June) or week-long (June & August) music camp for all ages and levels of ability. Families welcome. Dance music in Scots-Irish, French Canadian, Canadian Maritime & Scandinavian traditions as they’ve evolved in Maine. Learn by ear, learn to play in an ensemble. The staff consists of traditional musicians giving fiddle, piano, guitar, mandolin, banjo, cello, accordion, ukulele, flute and pennywhistle, mountain dulcimer, harmonica, bass and other classes and workshops with singing, performances, jams, dancing, and swimming. Maine Fiddle Camp is held at: Camp NEOFA, 219 Trotting Park Rd. Montville, ME 04941. Accordions (piano accordion and diatonic tutors) have been a part of Maine Fiddle Camp since the very beginning. As the Camp has expanded, so have the opportunities to learn accordion. This year they still have top teachers on piano accordion for both August weeks. Sylvia Miskoe, from NH, will again be on staff for the second August week, August 16-21, and Jeremiah McLane, from VT, will be on staff once again for the first week, August 9-14. In June, a new weekend has been added with a multi-level and multi-faceted accordion track. Staff members Sabin Jacques from Quebec, Jim Joseph and Junior Stevens from Maine will handle button accordion in several styles including Cajun, Irish, Quebecois and New England. Chris Brinn will teach piano accordion in the Irish style, and there will be opportunity to learn Anglo AND English concertina as well. This new weekend is June 19-21. In addition to this, Sabin Jacques will be on staff for the June week, June 14-19 to teach Quebecois style button accordion. 2016 Courses: June Week (June 19-24) Jim Joseph and Doug Protsik June Weekend II (June 24-26) Nancy 3. Hoffman, Jacques Sabin, Junior Stevens Jim Joseph and Doug Protsik August Week I (August 7-12) Sylvia Miskoe and Doug Protsik August Week II (August 14-19) Jeremiah McLane and Doug Protsik More information will be available in future USA publications. For further information: Camp Director Doug Protsik 116 Pleasant Cove Drive Woolwich ME, 04579 207-443-5411 director@mainefiddlecamp.org |
Gary Morin to Perform in Massachusettsby Rita Barnea |
 On January 30th 2016, accordionist Gary Morin will perform at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley Mass. with the "Jazz Depot" band. They are having a "showcase spotlight" and invited area musicians to participate. www.bullrunrestaurant.com for ticket information. Click on concert series. Accordionist Gary Morin has been specializing in Italian, French, Irish, German, Polish, Big Band, Jazz, Tangos and Eastern European music since 1976. He studied accordion from 1971 to 1975 and went on to playing Weddings, Anniversaries, Holiday Parties right away. In January of 1976, after joining the musicians union, he began receiving many calls to play gigs. Gary has been booked for numerous freelance jobs such as Weddings, Wine Taste events, concerts and many other events. Gary has three CD's to his credit. Gary informs all: "As VP of the Mass Accordion Club, we are looking for an accordionist to perform for the club in Newton, Mass. They can contact me via email. We would like one different player each month!" Gary will perform with a violinist on April 24, 2016. Alex Chudolij of Music Magic will perform on June 26, 2016 From the MAAA Facebook page: "The MAssachusetts Accordion Association (MAAA) was founded as a music club providing local accordionists with opportunities to gather with fellow accordion enthusiasts enjoying an afternoon of music and discussions on the accordion. MAAA programs, discussions and interest topics are driven by the desires expressed by the MAAA members." Meetings are planned monthly in a relaxed, friendly and non-competitive environment to share enthusiasm for the instrument, encourage accordion playing/listening, appreciate the diversity of the instrument, increase knowledge of the accordion and its music, promote public awareness and network with others sharing these common values." For further information: garymaccordion@aol.com |
AAA Seminars in New York City: NO PLACE LIKE HOMEby William Schimmel |
 The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Master Class and Concert Series:There’s no place like home - wherever that may be: the home you left - the home you came to - the home you adopted - the home away from home - wherever it may be - THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE IT - STEPHEN FOSTER (or Don Amici) GOT IT RIGHT. Join us for our 22nd smash year: Home Sweet Home - Heimat Klinger, Ne Casa Su Casa, etc, etc, etc - NO PLACE LIKE HOME! Dr Schimmel will once again be your guide through a maze a concepts, sounds, feelings, tastes and pieces - all by way of the accordion. The Accordion had a wave of popularity in the 1950’s. Why did to go the other way? There were three agendas during that time: 1 What was actually going on 2 Where young people were headed 3 Where the Accordion community wanted to take it If you were from an ethnic community SOMEWHERE UP NORTH - all of this is a non-issue. If you lived in the mainstream of 50’s popular postwar culture, it became an issue. In this realm we were Americans first, Eisenhower Americans. Wear an Accordion and your roots show. Perfectly fine today, but not back in the 1950’s - INTERESTING THE ACCORDION HAS A WAVE OF POPULARITY AGAIN A NO-BRAINER LET’S GO BACK AND SEE WHAT HAPPENED BACK THEN WHAT IS THE LESSON FOR TODAY? IS THERE ONE? LET THE ACCORDION TAKE YOU HOME WHERE THE HEART IS WHERE THE SOUL IS WHERE - WHATEVER - HOW - WHAT - WHY no place like home the seminars the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) master class and concert series our 22nd smash year dr. william schimmel, moderator/ curator july 29, 30, 31, 2016 Master Classes 3 pm Concerts 7 pm Master classes $25 Concerts $30 Full day - master class/concert $50 Entire weekend $125 reservations and info: 212 - 876 - 0827 billschimmel@billschimmel.com Tenri Cultural Institute 43A West 13th Street New York, NY |