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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
World Accordion Day Palmer Festival May 6-8, 2022
Friends of Guy Will Perform the Music of Guy Klucevsek May 14
Petosa Accordions Announces Publication of “An American Accordion Story”
Albuquerque Accordion Extravaganza and Band Camp
ALSI Sponsors Free Zoom Concert with Joe Natoli
"Gems of Bulgarian Song (Series 2)" With Accordionist Lauren Brody
“Hand Health For Accordionists” by Dr. Angela Natoli DC, DACNB
Not Just Oompah! Presents Raif Hyseni in Virtual Workshop/Concert on May 19 and 20
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Julien Labro in World Accordion Day Programs
Reunion of Friends Concert with Accordionist Courtney Von Drehle
Alex Meixner on Tour In May And June
Accordion Star International Competition/Festival Extends Registration Until May 10
AAA Recent Publications - USA
Indiana Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival May 20 & 21
Texas Folklife Announces Finalists for the Annual Big Squeeze Accordion Contest
Dr. William Schimmel to Perform at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on June 16
Brooklyn Accordion Club Presents CNIMA USA Class in Brooklyn
Seattle Accordion Social
Dominic Karcic Performs for the Northport Historical Society
Children's Corner |
Future events |
Not Just Oompah! Presents a Live Workshop/Concert Series With Lori Brooke and Alex Meixner
Connecticut Accordion Association in Concert at Mattatuck Museum
Dr. William Schimmel: The 2022 Accordion Seminars and More!
Betty Jo Simon To Present Workshop at 2022 ATG Festival
2022 Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 May is an amazing month for the accordion everywhere! Don’t forget to attend or view the many online and live celebrations of WAD (World Accordion Day) happening on May 6. Nothing can stop accordionists, not even a pandemic! Visit the WAD site created by Harley Jones, Public Relations for Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) to celebrate the accordion’s versatility, importance and influence all over the world. Enjoy reading about the accordion events that are taking place in May and on through the summer months. Send comments and ideas to Ritabelll@aol.com |
World Accordion Day Palmer Festival May 6-8, 2022by Harley Jones |
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  A World of Accordions World Accordion Day (WAD) and Palmer Festivals welcomes you to their 3 Day Accordion Festival which will take place from May 6-8, 2022 in Superior, Wisconsin at The Harrington ARTS Center, home of the A World Of Accordions Museum (AWAM). On Friday May 6, 2022 World Accordion Day will be celebrated by a variety of lectures, demonstrations, and concerts. The theme for this day will be Cyril Demian Accordion Patent Celebration.The following day, Saturday May 7, 2022 will be the annual Palmer Festival with more exciting lectures and fun accordion concerts and demonstrations. The third day, Sunday May 8, 2022 will include several accordion based polka morning services, and tours of the A World of Accordions Museum in the afternoon. Dr. Helmi Harrington (picture above left) welcomes all, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to A World of Accordions Museum. Located in magnificent upper midwest of the USA, you will find the Museum nestled in the beautiful location of Superior, WI, just minutes away from Duluth, MN. Whether you are in the nearby Minneapolis area, maybe enjoying a shopping expedition at the Mall of America, or heading north of Minneapolis towards the great vistas of upper Minnesota and Wisconsin or neighboring Canada, be sure to include a visit to the Museum as a side trip or a stopover as part of your journey. You won't be disappointed!” A World of Accordions Museum is nationally and internationally recognized as holding the world's finest and most comprehensive collection of accordion-family instruments shown in 130 plus displays organized to show chronological evolution, countries of origin, specific usage and quality classifications.“ Online live: - Free Will Donation * You may register online. Donations are accepted at the end of the registration form. * For registration: https://worldofaccordions.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/worldofaccordions/eventRegistration.jsp?event=8 For full schedule of events: 2022AWAMwad.pdf If you are attending the event, view the information on the AWAM site. |
Friends of Guy Will Perform the Music of Guy Klucevsek May 14by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video 1: “Clarissa” composed by Guy Klucevsek. Video by Ray FoleyRoulette Presents Guy Klucevsek 75th Birthday Celebration on May 14, 2022 at 8:PM. “Music of Guy Klucevsek” will be performed by The Bachtopus Accordion Ensemble (Robert Duncan, Peter Flint, Mayumi Miyaoka, Jeanne Velonis) Alan Bern: accordion and piano; Will Holshouser: accordion; Nathan Koci, accordion; Jenny Lin, piano; Todd Reynolds, violin. The event will feature solos, duos and ensemble pieces written between 1980 and 2021, including five premieres. Roulette is located on 509 Atlantic Ave. Brooklyn, NY. Having retired from the concert stage in 2019, Klucevsek is proud to hand over the performances in this program of solos, duets and quartets to a distinguished cast of musicians he has worked with over many years and, in some cases, decades: Todd Reynolds, violin, Jenny Lin, piano, and accordionists the Bachtopus ensemble (Robert Duncan, Peter Flint, Mayumi Miyaoka, Jeanne Velonis), Alan Bern (doubling piano), Will Holshouser and Nathan Koci. The pieces Klucevsek has selected represent 40+ years of his composing, from “Oscillation No. 2 for piano” (1980), through “The Grass”, “It Is Blue (Ain’t Nothin’ But a Polka)” (1986), “Flying Vegetables of the Apocalypse” (1988), “Eleven Large Lobsters Loose in the Lobby “(1991) and “Bar Talk” (1998) (in memory of Béla Bartók), up to pieces from the 21st century, including Seven World Premieres: “Seesaw Song”, Will Holshouser, accordion “Feel the Bern”, Alan Bern, accordion “String of Garlands” and “Slango”, Bachtopus accordion ensemble “Winter is an Etching”, Jenny Lin, piano, and Todd Reynolds, violin “A Certain Slant of Light”, Jenny Lin, piano “Hope Dies Last”, Todd Reynolds, violin and Nathan Koci, accordion Guy Klucevsek is one of the world’s most versatile and highly-respected accordionists. He has performed and/or recorded with Laurie Anderson, Bang On a Can, Brave Combo, Anthony Braxton, Anthony Coleman, Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Rahim al Haj, Robin Holcomb, Kepa Junkera, the Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Present Music, Relâche, Zeitgeist, and John Zorn. Guy is the recipient of a 2010 United States Artists Collins Fellowship, an unrestricted $50,000 award given annually to “America’s finest artists.” He has premiered over 50 solo accordion pieces, including his own, as well as those he has commissioned from Mary Ellen Childs, William Duckworth, Fred Frith, Aaron Jay Kernis, Jerome Kitzke, Stephen Montague, Somei Satoh, Lois V Vierk, and John Zorn. His performances include the Ten Days on the Island Festival (Tasmania), the Adelaide Festival (Australia), the Berlin Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, Spoleto Festival/USA, BAM Next Wave Festival, Cotati Accordion Festival, San Antonio International Accordion Festival, Vienna International Accordion Festival, and the children’s television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” His 1987 project, Polka From the Fringe, a collection of commissioned polkas by Fred Frith, Elliott Sharp, Bobby Previte, Carl Finch, et. al., toured around the world and was released on 2 cds on the eva label, and were named “best recordings 1992” on WNYC-FM’s “New Sounds” program. In 1996, he founded Accordion Tribe, an international ensemble of composer/accordionists Otto Lechner (Austria), Maria Kalanemi (Finland), Lars Hollmer (Sweden), Bratko Bibic (Slovenia) and himself. They toured internationally from 1996-2009, are the subjects of Stefan Schwietert’s award-winning documentary film, Accordion Tribe: Music Travels, and released 3 cds on the Intuition (Germany) label. His music theatre scores include “Chinoiserie” and “Obon” with Ping Chong and Company, “Hard Coal,” with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, “Industrious Angels” for Laurie McCants, “Cirque Lili” for French circus artist Jérôme Thomas, which has been performed over 250 times world wide, always with live music, and his own piece, “Squeeze Play,” an evening of collaborations with Dan Hurlin, David Dorfman and Dan Froot, Claire Porter, and Mary Ellen Childs. He and Dan Hurlin were awarded, jointly, a BESSIE for, “The Heart of the Andes,” which has played the Henson International Puppetry Festival, The Barbican Center in London, and the Ten Days on the Island Festival, Tasmania. Klucevsek has released over 20 recordings as soloist/leader on Tzadik, Winter & Winter, innova, Starkland, Review, Intuition, CRI, and XI. Stereo Review cited his Starkland recording, Transylvanian Software, as a recording of special merit” (1995). He can also be heard on John Williams’s orchestral scores for the Steven Spielberg films, “The Terminal,” “Munich,” “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” and “The Adventures of Tin-Tin,” and on A. R. Rahman’s score for “People Like Us.” Tickets: $20 Online/ $25 Door. Doors open at 7:PM. * A live stream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing. * Please support Roulette this season. Donate. For further information: gklucevsek@mac.com |
Petosa Accordions Announces Publication of “An American Accordion Story”by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Petosa Accordions are pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of their new book: Petosa Accordions, 1922-2022 “An American Accordion Story”: A Four-Generation Family Legacy Honoring the Accordion, the Musicians, and their Unique Places in American Culture by Joseph Petosa Jr. America’s Pioneer accordion-maker celebrates its 100th birthday. This beautiful book celebrates the remarkable legacy of four generations of the Carlo Petosa family of Seattle, highly skilled Italian-American artisans who have been hand-making accordions for one-hundred years. The family’s fulfillment of the American Dream is a footnote in the history of the contemporary accordion, whose development began in Europe in the 1800s The “squeezebox” came to America with European immigrants, found a place on the Vaudeville stage, and enjoyed a wave of growing popularity in the first half of the twentieth century – until the arrival of rock ‘n’ roll caused the accordion’s “fall from grace.” The instrument was down but not out, however, and has made a steady comeback. Through it all, Petosa Accordions has survived and innovated while adjusting to cultural shifts and doubling down on its commitment to make accordions of unparalleled quality. “An American Accordion Story” Published by American Accordion Press Limited First Edition, signed & numbered, $35 Coffee Table format, 128 pages, hardbound, 380+ photos Available in June 2022 How to reserve a copy: preorder online now from Petosa Accordions Inc.at: www.petosa.com |
Albuquerque Accordion Extravaganza and Band Campby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Kim and Dan Christian are excited to invite all to their Albuquerque Accordion Extravaganza and Band camp from May 12-14, 2022. People from all over the USA have already signed up. Kim and Dan share, “We would love to add your state to this list! It is going to be such a blast! Our intention for this event is that you will have the most fun that you have ever had with your accordion and that you will be very proud to be a part of this Awesome Accordion Orchestra! It is not too late!! There is still plenty of time to get signed up and learn your parts. Come and be a part of this fun, interactive 3 day event where you will be working together with people from all over the US to perform an awesome and entertaining set of music in front of an appreciative and energetic audience in Albuquerque, New Mexico! When you get signed up, you will be sent the music to seven great band pieces. This is a very fun event where Kim and Dan promise that you will definitely notice an improvement in your technical playing skills, articulation, and performance skills and you will be very proud to be part of this impressive Accordion Orchestra! The audience absolutely loved this orchestra performance in 2019 and it was covered and applauded by the Albuquerque Television News team! The band will be accompanied by the famous Las Vegas drummer, Rich Delabio! Song List to be performed: Gimme Some Lovin’ (Blues Brothers) Peter Gunn (Groovin' Detective Series Tune) Cotton Candy Twist (An original accordion chart - Swing) Somewhere Out There - James Horner Pilgrim's Chorus - Wagner Danse Macabre - St. Saens (Easy version) Ombo – Palmer-Hughes If you prefer to send a check for registration via "snail mail" you can send it to:Kim or Dan Christian, 3654 N. Del Lu Dr., Springfield, Mo. 65803 For further information: kdcstudios@gmail |
ALSI Sponsors Free Zoom Concert with Joe Natoliby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video: “Bach To Polka” (composed and performed by Joseph Natoli)“Joseph Natoli in Concert” will be sponsored by the ALSI Accordion Lovers Society International Accordion Club in San Diego California on Zoom Sunday May 1, 2022 at 1:PM - 2:PM Pacific Time and 4:PM EST. Joe plays an extensive variety of music styles on his Digital Accordion and will entertain, amaze, and bring the accordion into a new horizon for listeners around the world. This is a free concert which will be about 50 minutes long. Here is a link to one of the pieces Joe will be performing on this virtual concert called “Bach to Polka” (Bach To Polka (composed and performed by Joseph Natoli). Joseph Natoli, makes his home in central Ohio with his wife JoAnn and has been a performer and advocate of the accordion since the age of seven. Joe started his studies with prominent Ohio accordion teacher, the late Mickey Bisilia of Youngstown, Ohio. Joe later attended and achieved Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Toronto (U of T) Faculty of Music where he also studied free bass accordion as his applied major instrument with renowned Canadian virtuoso, Joseph Macerollo. Both of Joe Natoli’s degrees while studying at U of T focused on music theory, composition, and electronic music, all of which Joe continues to pursue avidly today. Many of Joe’s most important original works for the accordion in fact have been written in the last 20 years. Joe is a past president of the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) as well as co-founder and director of the International Digital Electronic Accordion Society (IDEAS), which holds its hosts an annual Symposium each year focused on the immense musical possibilities of the digital accordion. Joe has released 5 CDs, including “Omaggio”, “Waltz For Ron”, “Merry Christmas”, “Chameleon” Vols 1 & 2, with Vol 3 on its way in late 2022 (to include his latest compositions including “Alone…”, “Homage & Offspring to the Bumblebee”, “Fantasy On a Well-Known Melody”, & “Remembering Ennio”, along with many others). Joe tries to use his orchestrational knowledge to exploit all the best coloristic possibilities on digital accordion. Joe’s compositions and arrangements traverse a diverse set of musical styles (including classical, light classical, jazz, ethnic, avant garde, and cinematic). For any information about IDEAS and/or his publishing company JANPress Music, you are invited to send any requests to josephnatoli@ymail.com or to janpressmusic@yahoo.com. For concert info contact Gordon Kohl at his email and he will pass on the link info: gkohl5890@gmail.com. |
"Gems of Bulgarian Song (Series 2)" With Accordionist Lauren Brodyby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The East European Folklife Center is thrilled to welcome accordionist Lauren Brody back for a second Bulgarian song series with all-new material! Join her for a fascinating vocal survey of many of her favorite solo, two-voiced songs, and ballads from across Bulgaria's rich folklore regions. This class is open to all singers, but comfort with learning by ear is a plus. Texts, translations, musical transcriptions, and audio sources will be provided.The series consists of 4 once-weekly sessions of singing classes starting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 8:PM EDT. Class times: Tuesdays, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, and 5/31/22 — 5:PM Pacific, 6:PM. Mountain, 7:PM Central, 8:PM EDT All classes will be conducted via Zoom. The classes are 1 hr 15 min. Please note that you only need to register once, no matter how many classes in this series you attend. New Zoom codes for each class will be issued to maintain security. Your instructor, Lauren Brody, is an accordionist, singer, researcher, professional piano tuner/technician, and Fulbright scholar from New York City. She is a pioneer of the klezmer music revival in the United States and a founding member of the groundbreaking band Kapelye, formed in 1979, and has toured, performed, and played with many klezmer luminaries. Lauren was a trailblazer in the domestic Balkan music scene and was the first female gadulka player in the United States. She was an original member of the first Bulgarian traditional folk orchestra Pitu Guli, formed in Los Angeles in 1970, and has taught and performed at many of EEFC’s Balkan Music & Dance Workshops. She also toured and recorded with the Yuri Yunakov Ensemble and the Ivan Milev Balkan Folk Band. Lauren was the recipient of a Bulgarian Government stipend to study Bulgarian folk music during the Communist period, from 1971-73, at the Bulgarian Conservatory of Music in Sofia. As a Fulbright scholar to Bulgaria in 1990 she conducted research on the commercial recording industry and folk music, and released two acclaimed reissues of rare Bulgarian 78 rpm recordings: Song of the Crooked Dance (1998, Yazoo Records), and Outsinging the Nightingale (2010, JSP Records). Lauren continues to perform, with a particular accent on composing new music for her own Balkan/Klezmer-inspired solo project “Lauren Brody’s Accordion Bytes," as “Tsoyber” with Yiddish singer Susan Leviton, and with the Bulgaria-based accordion duo Brody-Stoikov. Your host, the East European Folklife Center (EEFC), is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, celebrate, and educate the public about traditional and traditionally based music, dance, and cultures of the Balkans. For more information: lbrody292@gmail.com. |
“Hand Health For Accordionists” by Dr. Angela Natoli DC, DACNBby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 To be presented at the final Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Wednesday workshop series for the 2022 season on 5/25/22. Dr. Angela’s compassion for helping people get back to their optimal level of function is the reason she fell in love with the chiropractic profession and its unique approach to wellness. Specializing in functional neurology, Dr. Angela completed her postdoctoral work through the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies. She is currently a board-certified diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. Earlier in this ATG workshop season, we were delighted that Dr. Angela was able to take time out of her incredibly busy schedule to record a very deep and meaningful video on the wonderful benefits for the brain from music, but also the potentially negative effects on the body (and ultimately the brain) from holding a heavy instrument on one’s body like the accordion for many hours at a time. That discussion was immensely popular and many in the virtual audience had so many questions about this area of health that seems to affect all accordionists. Therefore, since her first workshop was such a hit, Dr. Angela’s hand health workshop is equally important because many accordionists have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and myriad other hand issues that can affect their playing. Consequently, and appropriately, Dr. Angela will walk through each of these many hand-related issues that apply to accordionists and give very important advice on how to prevent or treat these issues with exercises, stretches, and other tools that can greatly improve the way your body deals with each of these situations. This is a topic which is extremely relevant and urgent for all of us. Don’t miss it! Again, it is at 8:PM EST on 5/25/22 and you can write to atg.accordioniststeachersguild@gmail.com for information on how to get a Zoom invitation to the workshop. |
Not Just Oompah! Presents Raif Hyseni in Virtual Workshop/Concert on May 19 and 20by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Not Just Oompah! presents Raif Hyseni’s “Workshop with Raif Hyseni” on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 7:00 - 9:30 PM. The Zoom concert with Raif Hyseni will be on Friday, May 20 from7:30 - 8:30 PM Not Just Oompah! is offering an exciting workshop series and concert on Zoom with two remarkable master accordionists: Rita Davidson Barnea and Raif Hyseni. Rita Barnea presentedThe Music of Eugene Ettore workshop on April 27 @ 7:00-9:30 PM Central Time and Raif Hyseni is presenting The Music of Albania workshop on May 19 @ 7:00-9:30 PM Central Time and a Zoom Concert on May 20 from 7:30-8:30 PM Central Time. Sessions and concerts will be recorded also for later viewing for those who register for this workshop/concert series. Cost is $75 which includes Zoom sessions and recordings (provided for limited time) and all materials which are delivered in PDF format via email. Registration will be accepted until May 18, 2022. Remember that all sessions are recorded so you receive all recordings even if you miss one! Raif Hyseni hails from The Republic of Kosova, which has a large Albanian majority. He grew up in the town of Mitrovicë, where he studied accordion at the music school. During high school he performed in amateur ensembles, folk bands, and orchestras, and even toured in Germany, Austria and throughout the Former Yugoslavia. Before moving to Tiranë in 1992, Raif was a well-known radio and television performer in Kosova’s capital city, Prishtinë, performing with well-known singers, and where he performed with the legendary violinist Isak Mucolli. While attending college during the evenings in Prishtinë he worked as a high school music teacher in the afternoons. He also started playing with a young group called Besnikët that became very successful internationally — a superstar group, comparable, he says, to the Backstreet Boys. Through his recordings and media appearances, Raif has become known as a major innovator on the accordion, for which he has composed dozens of instrumental melodies and songs. Mr. Hyseni holds a Master’s degree in music from Montclair State University. He has written music for accordion, as well as songs for theater and documentary movies. In 2014 at Montclair State, Raif founded and continues to head the Balkan-Albanian Ensemble, the first of its kind at an institute of higher education. He has received numerous national and international awards and recognitions, some of which include: 2018 “Ambassador for Peace”, Universal Peace Federation; 2007 “National Ambassador” Albanian Culture TV, NY; 2006 The Albanian-American Academy of Science and Arts, NY; and 2001 “Smithsonian Folklife Festival”, Washington D. C. Raif and his wife, internationally acclaimed Albanian singer Merita Halili, emigrated to the United States in 1995, and now make their home in New Jersey. They perform frequently around the country on numerous stages, festivals and at community weddings, as well as teach workshops. Registration will be accepted until May 18, 2022. Remember that all sessions are recorded so you receive all recordings even if you miss one! For More Information and Details: Shirley Johnson 512-680-0422 ShirleyJ@Vjeverica.com or accsaj@gmail.com Laura J. Niland 210-651-4359 LauraJNiland@outlook.com Download flyer: 2022FlyerBarnea.pdf |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Pioneer Women of the AAA Spotlighting Addie Cere (1919-2005): Prolific Composer, Performer, Instructor, Adjudicatorby Joan Grauman, AAA Historian |
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  Photo right: Addie CerePhoto up: 1955, L to R: Mindie Cere, Maddalena Belfiore, Philip Crucianelli, Frankie Yankovic, Addie Cere, Ernest Deffner, Frances Margolis, and ? (from Detroit, Michigan) Photo left: 1950, L to R: Pietro Deiro, Sr., Addie and Mindie Cere at the Cere Accordion Studios Edvige (Addie) Cere served on the Governing Board of the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) almost her entire adult life. As the first woman to serve on the AAA Board, she was inducted in 1942. Addie served on and chaired numerous committees through the decades to follow. She served as secretary, second Vice President, Vice President and President (1982-84) of the AAA Governing Board. Edvige (Addie) Ruggero was born in Turin, Italy on November 13, 1919 into a home filled with music. Addie’s father played the mandolin, guitar and violin in orchestras all over Europe. He performed for the Kaiser of Germany, the King and Queen of Italy, and the Archduke of Lichtenstein. Addie’s brother Robert studied violin and Addie studied piano at the the Royal Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Music in Turin. Considered a young virtuoso, excelling at organ as well as the piano, Addie continued her piano and organ studies in Pittsfield, Massachusetts when her family emigrated to the United States. As a young girl, Addie missed Italy and traveled back several times, returning to study at the Conservatory, before settling in with her parents in New York City in 1934. Having heard many accordion players in the venues in New York City where her father played, her interest in the instrument grew. In 1936, Addie met her future husband, the celebrated Vaudeville accordionist Mindie Cere. Together, while raising their two sons Paul and Ronald, they composed and arranged well over 100 original songs for the accordion. Many are still played today in student accordion competitions. Addie and Mindie Cere created many “firsts” in the US during their loving and prolific 30 year marriage. — The Ceres were the first husband and wife team on the AAA Governing Board. — The duo created the first accordion school run by husband and wife instructors. — They were the first husband and wife duo to perform on accordion together, starting in 1936. They performed at concert halls, night clubs and venues throughout the United States and Europe for the next 30 years. — Mindie and Addie Cere were the first couple to compose accordion compositions together. They composed popular pieces for the accordion from 1942 onward, pieces such as “Sparkling”, “Twinkling”, “Accordion Jump”, “Skipper”, “Jamboree”, “Cha, Cha Doll”, “Mantillas”, “Sea Breeze”, “Viva Toro”, and many others. — They arranged numerous Italian Val Taro tunes for the accordion — The Ceres were the first accordion family to perform together on television, playing with their sons Paul and Ronald in 1951. They played on the popular contest show, “LIve Like a Millionaire”. Their quartet won the 2nd prize. Mindie Cere died in 1968. Addie lived 37 more years after her husband’s passing. She continued to work tirelessly for the AAA as an adjudicator, traveling all over the east coast to state competitions, and she served on numerous committees, sometimes chairing four committees in one season. She also continued to teach, perform and to compose, Addie’s accomplishments led her to win four ASCAP awards and to be listed in the book, “Women in American Music”. Frank Busso Sr. worked with Addie Cere on the AAA Governing Board for several years. He remembers her fondly as an elegant woman, always well dressed and always focused on making sure that the AAA set high standards, not only in musical accomplishments, but also in professionalism in the accordion world. Addie was Vice President when Frank Busso Sr. was the AAA President. She knew Frank when he was a young boy in the 1950s competing in AAA competitions. Although Addie was not Frank’s teacher, through the years she would often speak of “all of the arm bands” Frank would wear at these competitions. Each arm band represented a particular category a student had entered in the competitions. Like a proud mother, Addie spoke of this often (and of how often Frank won!). Her pride in the young accordion students helped to create a sense of “family” at the AAA events. Dedicated to the AAA until her death in 2005, Addie Ruggero Cere will be remembered for her tireless work and versatility in promoting the accordion for over 50 years. She was truly one of the key women pioneers in the development of the accordion in the United States. |
Julien Labro in World Accordion Day Programsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Accordionist Julien Labro will present an online concert for Taiwan and the World Accordion Day Festival. In addition he will give an online masterclass on Friday, May 6, 2022.Times are: -NYC: 8:30-10 AM EST -Tokyo: 9:30-11 PM -Paris: 2:30-4 PM -LA: 5:30-7 AM PST French-born Julien Labro has established himself as a prominent accordion and bandoneón player in both the classical and jazz genres, deemed to be “a triple threat: brilliant technician, poetic melodist and cunning arranger.” His artistry, virtuosity and creativity have earned him international acclaim and continue to astonish audiences worldwide. Picking up the accordion at age nine, Labro’s earliest influence was traditional folk music and the melodic, lyrical quality of the French chanson. After graduating from the Marseille Conservatory and sweeping first prize in many international accordion competitions, Labro moved to the United States to further pursue his musical dream. Equipped with advanced degrees in classical music, jazz studies and composition, Labro draws from his diverse background and eclectic musical influences in his search for new themes and untried concepts, evolving and developing his ideas into new projects. Julien has worked with numerous symphonies, chamber ensembles, and collaborators around the world. His albums and busy, globe-spanning performance schedule are a testament to his musical journey. Labro performs on the bandoneón, an instrument with the appearance of a square accordion. It was invented in Germany but quickly made its way to Argentina, where it became synonymous with the Argentine tango. For more info: julien@julienlabro.com |
Reunion of Friends Concert with Accordionist Courtney Von Drehleby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Reunion of Friends is a one-of-a-kind concert featuring the wide-ranging talents of singer- songwriters-arrangers and entertainers Scott Greeson, Vickie Maris, Michael Kelsey and accordionist Courtney Von Drehle. Emmy nominated composer and multi-instrumentalist Courtney Von Drehle has been working on his particular brand of musical alchemy since 1980. Early projects in hybrid rock music led to collaborations with many modern dancers and the honing of his ability to create music to accompany other media. This has led to numerous commissions for music for film scores, commercials, radio, dance, theater, and performance projects. In 2003 Courtney was awarded a fellowship at the Sundance Institute to participate in their film composers lab. His film scoring work includes his Emmy nominated score for filmmaker Irene Taylor Brodsky’s 2009 Academy Award nominated H.B.O. documentary "The Final Inch", working with Academy Award winning animator Joan Gratz, and working with multiple award winning short film maker Chel White, amongst others. In addition to co-leading 3 Leg Torso with the inimitable Béla R. Balogh, Mr.Von Drehle is also a member of the Afro-Hebrew ensemble Klexmocracy, Lezmocracy, a resident composer for Do Jump Theatre, and half of Voniga, a collaborative musical entity with Joe Janiga. VONIGA recently received a 2010 Caldera Artist Residency Grant. Mr. Von Drehle has a B.A. in music from Marylhurst University and has studied North Indian classical singing. His band, 3 Leg Torso, formed in 1996 as violin, cello and accordion trio with the mission of creating original modern chamber music for their unique instrumentation. Over the following years, the ensemble has expanded both it's musical mission and it's size to become a quintet that now performs original compositions based on an eclectic synthesis of chamber music, tango, klezmer, latin, and Roma (Gypsy) music. As principal composers, founding members Béla R. Balogh (violin and trumpet) and Courtney Von Drehle (accordion) provide the core of 3 Leg Torso's sound. They are joined by the mallets/percussion of T.J. Arko and the acoustic bass, Mike Murphy. The ensemble's history began with street performances, which they titled "Meestering", and has led to their releasing three award winning instrumental albums (3 Leg Torso, Astor in Paris, and Animals & Cannibals), East Coast and West Coast tours, performances with symphony orchestras and a profile on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered”. The cinematic nature of their music has led to work with many film makers, including Oscar nominated documentary artist Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me), two short films with Teller (Penn & Teller) two films by Academy Award winning animator Joan Gratz The Dowager's Feast and The Dowager's Idyll, scoring With Hope and Help, a UNICEF funded documentary about living with AIDS in Thailand. One of the ensemble's pieces has been used as theme music for a Bosnian television series, and the group's music was also featured in the 2012 National Geographic special Preparing for the Apocalypse. For further information: cvond@teleport.com |
Alex Meixner on Tour In May And Juneby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video 1: “Day Job” - Rory Hoffman (guitar) & Alex Meixner (accordion)Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz and ethnic music, Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. Excerpts from his website: Alex is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. For Alex, it’s more than playing energetic shows; it is a mission to provide a much needed positive experience that pulls communities together to celebrate history, culture and genuinely good times. And if playing those instruments weren’t enough, his ability to learn many instruments led to gigging regularly on drums, bass, keyboards, piano accordion, button accordion and trumpet with Polish polka legend Joe Oberaitis and Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek, in addition to touring nationally with his father’s band by age 11. His aptitude for playing jazz and classical trumpet opened doors to formal study and opportunities including playing with the London Symphony Orchestra in High School and emerging as a highly sought after candidate for music school. He chose Ithaca College for its renowned reputation in developing music performers and educators. In 2016 Alex collaborated with the notable advertising agency, BBDO, to produce the infamous Hormel Pepperoni commercials contributing to a successful sales campaign and contract renewals. At the end of 2016, he recorded with comedy phenomenon, Jack Black, for the major motion picture, ”The Polka King, ” that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. Alex’s reputation for professionalism and quality performance attracted additional commercial opportunities including performing on radio commercials for Ford Trucks and the soundtracks for numerous episodes of Moonshiners on the Discovery Network. Alex has performed on over 50 albums, including 17 as a leader or soloist. His performance with his Father on Canadian Polka King, Walter Ostanek’s, “Music and Friends” won a Grammy Award. His album Polka Freak Out, a collaboration with Bubba Hernandez, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. He has also recorded with a vast number of diverse artists as a soloist or sideman including avant-garde accordionist/ composer- Guy Klucevsek, Grammy winners- Brave Combo, TexMex Rock icons- The Krayolas and Irish entertainer- Seamus Kennedy. May and June Performances Include: Sun. May 1: Shenandoah Music Association Alex Meixner Duo (Alex & Rory Hoffman) Gladys Wirsig Jones Auditorium - HS, 1000 Mustang Dr, Shenandoah, Iowa Mon. May 2: Mitchell County Concert Association Alex Meixner Duo (Alex & Rory Hoffman) Cedar River Complex Auditorium, 809 Sawyer Dr., Osage, Iowa Sat. May 14: Texas Folklife Big Squeeze Contest with Alex solo performance and contest judging The Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX Sun. May 22: Krause's Dachsund Races Master of Ceremonies - Personal Appearance Krause's Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 Fri. May 27: Krause's - two nights full band performance Krause's Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 Sat. May 28: Krause's - two nights of full band performances Krause's Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 Su. May 29: National Polka Festival in Ennis, TX Kjt Hall with Czech & Then Some KJT Hall, 1216 South Paris Street, Ennis, Texas June 2022: Sun. June 12: Krause's Intersection Jam Band with Alex is appearing as part of the band! Krause's Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 Fri. June 24: Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar features Alex in solo show! Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar, 2626 Research Forest Dr, Suite A, The Woodlands, TX 77381 Fri. & Sat. May 27, 28: New Braunfels, Texas Krause's Cafe and Biergarten full alex meixner band show! For further information: info@alexmeixner.com |
Accordion Star International Competition/Festival Extends Registration Until May 10by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The Accordion Star International Competition/Festival Extends Registration until May 10 , 2022. Accordionists of all ages can still sign-up for the second Internet "Accordion Star International 2022” Competition/Festival. Young and adult talented accordionists can showcase their art to a global audience of music lovers, professional musicians, show business representatives and producers. This event also promotes and develops the performing arts, popularizes the accordion as a concert musical instrument, and opens unlimited opportunities in a worldwide circle of accordion lovers. The Festival Director is accordion virtuoso, Sergei Teleshev.Winners will be judged by an international jury in 14 categories. The Competition/Festival includes new categories: "Astor Piazzolla Music Award," and "Accordion Star 37+” for amateurs and professionals. For further information: accostarfest@gmail.com |
AAA Recent Publications - USAby Harley Jones |
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  2022 AAA Virtual Competition Rules are online. Download the virtual competition Rules, Categories and Required Composition List at: 2022Rules&Entry.pdfEntry Forms Due Date is August 1, 2022. Video Submissions Due Date is August 15, 2022. For any inquiries, please contact Frank Busso Jr. contest chairperson at: frank@bussomusic.com. AAA Historian Joan Grauman has continued her Historical Articles about the AAA. Newly published is the series, Pioneer Women of the AAA and this series of articles joins over 30 other AAA historical articles at: Joan Grauman. AAA Composers’ Commissioning Committee Chair Dr. Robert Young McMahan continues the historical and analytical series of articles about the AAA commissioned works. On May 6th, to celebrate World Accordion Day, will be published the major article by McMahan titled "Classical Music for Accordion by African-American Composers". Link: African-American.htm Information about the 2022 Elsie Bennett Composition Competition for Aspiring Composers is online. Awards, Regulations and Entry Form at: 2022Bennett.pdf |
Indiana Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival May 20 & 21by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The most fun you and your family will ever have! The Inaugural Indiana Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival at Bill Monroe's Music Park and Campground. Live Cajun & Zydeco music, golf cart parades, second line, dance lessons, live crawfish boil, workshops and so much more! If you love the culture of Louisiana, the food, the music, the fun, you will love the Inaugural Indiana Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana. The festival takes place May 20 and 21, 2022 and features Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band and Dwayne Dopsie. This 2-day festival will feature a live crawfish boil, live music, dance lessons, second line, crawfish races, crawfish eating contests, and so much more. Do you think you make the best gumbo around? Get ready to sign up for the Gumbo Cookoff. This family friendly festival has fun written all over it! Gates open 10 am Friday and Saturday, and the party continues until 11 pm each night. If you like to camp, there are plenty of campsites available from primitive to water/electric hookup for any size camper. Camping reservations are separate from admission tickets, each person staying at the campsite is required to purchase their own admission ticket. Reserve your campsite online through our reservation system. If camping isn't your style, book a room at our host hotel. Make sure to arrive on Thursday so you don't miss a minute of the fun that begins Friday. Order your admission tickets, get your discounted crawfish boil tickets, and reserve your golf cart to get around online today! Every person entering the campground/festival grounds is required to purchase an admission ticket. Children 12 & under are free and do not need an admission ticket. The festival is held rain or shine, all tickets and camping are non-refundable. Come have the best time of your life during the Inaugural Indiana Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival. The event takes place Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground | 5163 N. State Road 135 | Morgantown, IN 46160. For further information: info@billmonroemusicpark.com |
Texas Folklife Announces Finalists for the Annual Big Squeeze Accordion Contestby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Texas Folklife and the Bullock Texas State History Museum ( 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701) are pleased to announce that the Finals for the annual Big Squeeze accordion contest will take place at the museum on Saturday, May 14, 2022. The event is free and open to the public and will take place inside the museum in the first-floor lobby, under the grand rotunda. Big Squeeze finalists will perform before the judges and the public and Grand Prize Winners across 4 musical genres will be announced. The event will feature performances by Polka star Alex Meixner and Dallas’ Los Morales, including former Big Squeeze Winners Nachito Morales and Michael Ramos!Congratulations to the 2022 Big Squeeze Finalists: Conjunto Finalists: 16 and Under Ricardo Cabrera, 14, Austin Christopher Ramirez, 15, San Antonio Fernanda Fuentes, 15, Roma Alejandro Solis, 15, Roma Conjunto Finalists: 17-21 Marin Hinojosa, 18, Palmview Galilea Paz, 17, Roma Zydeco Christopher Derouen, 20, Lafayette, LA Cajun Kade Domec, 14, Arnaudville, LA Polka Timur Didych, 15, Southlake Elayne Doggett, 10, Plano Emily Nguyen, 20, Webster Big Squeeze finalists will perform before the judges and the public and Grand Prize Winners across 4 genres will be announced. Featuring special performances from Polka star Alex Meixner and Dallas’ Los Morales, featuring former Big Squeeze Winners Nachito Morales and Michael Ramos. The 2022 Big Squeeze is supported in part by the generosity of H-E-B, a Squeezebox Legend Sponsor, who has contributed to worthy causes through Texas and Mexico for 115 years. We are also grateful to the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board for their long-time support. This project is made possible in part by a grant from the Texas Music Office, Office of the Governor, as well as contributions from Hohner Accordions, Texas Commission on the Arts, City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, and other regional partners. |
Dr. William Schimmel to Perform at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on June 16by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Dr. William Schimmel along with distinguished associates will present new takes on Schubert and other pieces showing the accordion's melodic dimension at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 6:PM EDT. The concert is free. In 2019, Dr. William Schimmel curated a six-day residency, Accordion Mixology, at the Library for the Performing Arts. Now he's back with a concert showing the accordion's melodic dimension. With his distinguished associates, there will be new takes on Schubert from the accordions' point of view and other pieces Schubert would have loved. Come and hear the accordion as a lyrical, sentient being. William Schimmel holds BM, MS and DMA degrees, with a doctorate from the Juilliard School. He performed with virtually every ensemble in New York, from the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, Jazz at Lincoln Center, many contemporary ensembles, and on Broadway as well as on numerous European tours. His Tango Project albums have reached #1 on the Billboard charts along with Stereo Review Album of the Year and Grammy nominations. He has performed in many movie soundtracks, and can be seen and heard in Scent of a Woman starring Al Pacino. His current album, The Theater of the Accordion features trumpeter Wynton Marsalas and has reached #2 on the Amazon charts. Dr. Schimmel has performed with rock stars as diverse as Sting and Tom Waits who stated: “Bill Schimmel doesn’t play the Accordion, He IS the Accordion.” Dr. Schimmel resides in Manhattan with his wife, Micki Goodman, a dancer/choreographer and video artist. Together they have produced numerous videos that can be seen and heard on YouTube. Dr. Schimmel’s works are currently being archived at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The location of the concert is: New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Bruno Walter Auditorium 111 Amsterdam Ave. between West 64th and 65th Street New York, NY 10023-7498 For further information: Accordionbill@gmail.com |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Presents CNIMA USA Class in Brooklynby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video: CNIMA The Brooklyn Accordion Club presents the CNIMA USA Teaching Tour Class on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 8:AM to 12:PM EST at South Oxford Space, 138 South Oxford St. in Brooklyn, NY. The New York Accordion Masterclass by French renowned Accordion school the CNIMA (Centre National et International de Musique et d'Accordéon) will help to transform your playing with Jacques Mornet's method. The method can be implemented at all levels, all styles, and all ages and is suited for piano and button accordion. Other dates on their Accordion Masterclass teaching tour include: 1. May 30 - June 3, 2022 12:30 PM at Alliance Française in New Orleans 2. June 5th, 2-5pm at the Petosa Accordion Shop in Seattle, Washington 3. June 9th, 7pm @ Alliance Française. Accordion demonstration in Los Angeles Jacques Mornet has taught worldwide and is the recipient of the Gus Viseur Prize and the Russian Gnessin Academy Silver Disc. Mornet's technique lies in approaching the accordion as a wind instrument rather than a keyboard instrument. The proper use of the air column combined with the appropriate touch of the keys (i.e. half-lever/half-button technique, and playing "on the surface"), creates outstanding results that transforms one's playing and frees musicality. CNIMA students have enjoyed multiple successes, including having won a record 126 awards at international competitions. The school has trained several generations of finest French accordionists including Alain Musichini, Domi Emorine, Félicien Brut, Vincent Lhermet, Christine Rossi and others CNIMA (Centre National et International de Musique et d'Accordéon) is an internationally renowned French based accordion school founded by esteemed professor Jacques Mornet and his award-winning accordionist, teacher and co-director, Nathalie Boucheix. For further information: cnimausa@gmail.com |
Seattle Accordion Socialby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The May Seattle Accordion Social will be held at the Senior Centre of West Seattle on May 9, 2022 from 7.30 to 9:30 PM. |
Dominic Karcic Performs for the Northport Historical Societyby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The Northport Historical Society, 215 Main Street, Northport, New York, celebrated Croatian Day on Sunday afternoon, April 3, 2022 featuring a ninety minute lecture and power point presentation by Anton Angelich.Mr. Angelich, who is a food scientist and also teaches at McGill University, addressed a capacity sellout audience. The event was also broadcast internationally via zoom technology. Topics included the early history of the Croatian nation, evolution of the Croatian language, migration to the United States, Croatian contributions / achievements in just about every phase and aspect of American society and also the contributions of Croatians to the local Northport, New York community. Following the lecture refreshments were served and Croatian accordion music was supplied by Dominic Karcic. Some of the melodies played included traditional Croatian polkas - Oj! Marica Pegla, Slusaj Mati, Moja Baba Je Pijana, Vičeras Je Naša Fešta, Spavaj mi, Spavaj, Ančice and Ciribiribela Mare Moja and traditional Croatian waltzes - Daleko mi je biser Jadrana, Pocí Cù Na More, Kucavica and Samo Nemoj Ti. Originally from Astoria, NY AAA Board member, accordionist, pianist, and band leader, Dominic Karcic attended St. Francis of Assisi grammar school, William Cullen Bryant high school, New York College of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree and continued his education at the City University of New York (CCNY) where he received his Masters Degree in Music. Dominic was one of the founders and first president of the Adriatic Islands Charity Committee and served as its president for thirteen years during his tenure the committee raising thousands of dollars for senior citizen homes, hospitals and churches in the Mali Losinj (Lussin Piccolo) area of Croatia. The organizations first fund raiser at the Oyster Bay caterering house in Astoria, NY attracted nine-hundred and fifty people and Dominic and his orchestra supplied the music for the monumental event. Dominic has always played professionally (accordion and piano) in the New York metropolitan area and continues to do so today. He and his musicians “The Continental Sound” have been house musicians at the Columbus Citizens Foundation (NYC) for over twenty-five years and he has played for organizations like the Valtarese Foundation (Parma, Italy), Fubinese Society (Piemonte, Italy), Italian Charities of Queens, NY, Italian Heritage Association of Long Island, La Pace Restaurant (Glen Cove, NY) and also at Magnanini Winery in Wallkill, NY. His love for the Valtaro Musette music was instilled in him through his years of study with noted accordionist Peter Spagnoli. In recent years he has been involved in the preservation and documentation of this musical style. He collaborated in writing a biographical article on the life and career of accordionist John “Scudlein” Brugnoli (founder of the Valtaro Musette Orchestra). He and fellow accordionist Ray Oreggia have given workshop presentations on the Valtaro Musette style for the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA), Connecticut Accordion Association (CAA), Maryland Accordion Club, the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS) and the Istria Women’s Club (Astoria, NY). Dominic founded the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) 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.” He also created and performs with various singers in a program titled "From Broadway to the Met” which features the music of the American Song Book and Opera. For further information: Dkarcic10@gmail.Com |
Children's Corner |
Joseph Natoli JANPressMusic Annual Student Recital May 15, 2022 at 3:PM ESTby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
| Video: Julie and Michael play compositions by their music teacher, Joe Natoli. Joseph Natoli’s students (total of 14) will be presenting their annual recital (now virtually for the 2nd year in a row because of Covid). Students range in age from 9 to 70 years of age, and all will be performing something special and interesting. The youngest students Julie and Michael (sister and brother) have only been studying with Joe since December of 2021 and they are progressing at such a rapid rate, we couldn’t resist showing a little video of two original pieces that Joe composed for them specifically for this recital. Julie will be playing “Hiccups” and Michael will be playing “Be Brave” written especially for each of them by their teacher Joe Natoli. Julie is in the 3rd grade and started accordion lessons last December. She enjoys learning songs and the sound of the accordion. She has been playing piano for three years and also enjoys learning ballet and playing soccer. Michael is in the 4th grade and is enjoying playing the accordion. He started playing piano five years ago and started with the accordion last December. Outside of school and music he enjoys karate and soccer. Joe will also be performing a few pieces virtually for his students in the recital. Wish them all luck, especially the youngsters, because they are the future of our instrument. |
Future events |
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in Washington June 16 - 19by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in Washington sponsored by the Northwest Accordion Society returns to it normal format from June 16 - 19, 2022. There will be amazing performers who will demonstrate the versatility of the accordion in many genres including: Sergei Teleshev and daughter Maria, Northwest Accordionaires, Kevin Solecki, Beverley Fess, Creosote, Richard Noel, Barry Smith,Bonnie Birch and Fortissimo!, Zydeco Lowdown and more! Plan to attend the workshops where you will learn techniques to develop your musical skills. The Gazebo Ensemble will also perform on Friday and Saturday. You can obtain the ensemble music on the LIAC website. According to Doris Osgood: There are two versions of the Ensemble gig book. One is the more complex version prepared in 2020; the other is a new “lead sheet” version that is simplified. The two options should work well. Print out the music as soon as you can and begin preparing. (Music will not be provided on site) The 2020 version prepared by Toby Hanson and Lyle Schaefer has not changed. If you have that already, you’re set. A Thursday rehearsal for those able to attend will be scheduled. That will be printed in the LIAC program. Be sure to bring your own music and music stand to the gazebo for performances. Players will bring out extra chairs at the gazebo and will restore them after the program. For public performances at the gazebo and grange prepare Bavarian/ethnic/audience friendly music for your performances downtown. Bavarian/ethnic attire would be great! You cannot sign up on line; you can see what opportunities are available. The gazebo, grange, competition/workshop schedules are posted on the celebration web site: www.accordioncelebration.org. After reviewing those schedules, contact Doris Osgood for times that will fit your plans. Doris will schedule the performers and the roster will be updated on line regularly. To sign up for performance contact: dorisosgood@frontier.com or 503-357-0417. Folding chairs are provided at the gazebo, but bring your own music stand if you need one. Remember, the performance schedule at the gazebo is tight. Time your program and be ready to roll when you are scheduled. Tardiness does not mean you will have your full 15 minutes; the next player will be “on” as scheduled. The last date to schedule performances via email and phone will be June 13. See Doris in person in Leavenworth after that. There will be an opportunity to perform at the Gingerbread Factory on Friday and Saturday as we have in years past. The sign up for that will take place at the gazebo beginning on Thursday. It’s a fun venue and everyone who played there last year had a wonderful time. For those participating in competition, artistry or in evaluation, bring any “special” equipment you may need for your performance, like a music stand or stool. There are folding chairs on stage at the festhalle, gazebo and at the grange. Volunteers are greatly appreciated and this is an important part of the celebration. Participate in the competition, workshops, concerts, parade and volunteer for a shift or two. Check the volunteer schedule to see what times and venues are available. Invest yourself in the accordion celebration! Contact Kathleen Falco to indicate the times you’d be available to work: kathleen.falco@yahoo.com (208-610-8426) The parade will be close to the lunch hour on Saturday during the celebration. The time will be posted and printed in the festival schedule. The music is Leavenworth friendly; most will be in the key of C. Most years there is only time to walk down the street playing Happy Wanderer, Edelweiss at the gazebo with singing, the Beer Barrel a time or two, and then off the gazebo marching back to the festhalle! Come to the Festhalle about 15 minutes before parade time for a brief rehearsal and marching orders from parademeister, Greg Perry. Everyone is welcome to join in. Remember to check the web site regularly for updates. The schedules are subject to change. This is our first year back as “normal” and adjustments may be necessary that can’t be foreseen now. Doris will have the “official” gazebo schedule on site at the gazebo. Do not rely upon old data for the accurate schedule. 2022 Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration Combined Schedule – Festhalle, Grange, Gazebo: 2202LeavenworthSchedule.pdf |
Not Just Oompah! Presents a Live Workshop/Concert Series With Lori Brooke and Alex Meixnerby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Not Just Oompah! (NJO) is pleased to announce a special Summer Live event in Austin, Texas with Lori Brooke presenting Western Swing workshop and Alex Meixner presenting Polka Magic workshop on June 25-26, 2022. In addition, Lori Brooke will also be presenting a zoom workshop series on Western Swing June 27-29, 2022.Details for this event are in the attached PDF, including hotel information, registration/payment and details about the daily schedule. NJO is also offering a Youth Scholarship to a young accordionist age 18 or younger. Application is online for this Scholarship Award to attend the live event in Austin Texas on June 25-26, 2022. All important information and artist bios are attached: NJOBrookMeixner.pdf |
Connecticut Accordion Association in Concert at Mattatuck Museumby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  The Connecticut Accordion Association and The Mattatuck Museum will present: “The Accordion Lives On! The Mattatuck Celebrates Waterbury's Musical History”. The Connecticut Accordion Association's Orchestra will perform in concert on a beautiful outdoor rooftop veranda at the newly renovated Mattatuck Museum on June 12, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00! The Mattatuck Museum is located on 63 Propset St, Waterbury, CT, across from the Waterbury Green. If the weather doesn't allow an outdoor performance then the concert will be indoors at the Mattatuck's Performing Arts Center. If held indoors, covid related requirements will be followed.Under the direction of Peter Peluso, the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra will perform a variety of pieces from classical to jazz and light rock, ethnic to show tunes...and some patriotic pieces added for good measure. Come join them on the rooftop of the museum and hear the accordion in all its glory! Mr. Peluso's extensive career as a certified music teacher in Connecticut and New York includes teaching positions in Edwards, New York, as well as Farmington, and Plainville, CT. The last 25 years of his formal teaching career were spent in Hartford, CT at the Greater Hartford, CT Academy for the Arts, where he taught musical theater with high school students. Peter is an accomplished accordionist, pianist, vocal teacher and conductor of community bands, choruses and youth theater groups. He directed The Plainville, CT Choral Society's Youth theater production of the Broadway musical “Starmites.” His career includes working with local bands as an accordionist. He acts as conductor for the CAA orchestra upon request. His many accomplishments include working with composers to premier new works. Vocal students and colleagues of Peter's have graced the CAA orchestra's performances. His musical colleagues performed at the AAA Festival in Tarrytown in 2014. The Connecticut Acccordion Association began in 2004, the brainchild of Marilyn O'Neil and her accordion teacher, Mary Tokarski. The CAA is dedicated to the promotion of the accordion through all music genres and all variations of accordion instruments! They welcome musicians who play all types of accordions....piano accordion, diatonic, chromatic button and more. Accordionists at all levels are invited including people who may not play the accordion, but love to listen. CAA Membership is open to all accordionists and accordion enthusiasts. A yearly membership fee of $30.00 will provide you with information about all planned CAA events. CAA members have access to most CAA events at a discounted rate. Membership will also provide you with an opportunity to play with the CAA orchestra. Accordion professionals for hire can post their availability on the website. CAA membership will provide you with access to information about accordion manufacturer and/or repair resources. General Admission: $15.00 Mattatuck Museum Members: $10.00 Age 12 and under: $5.00 Note: Any Covid Protocols established by the Museum will apply. The CAA is an affiliate of the American Accordionists' Association A 501c3 corporation founded in 1938. www.ameraccord.com For further information: Marilyn: caa@ctaccordion.com (203) 272-1202 |
Dr. William Schimmel: The 2022 Accordion Seminars and More!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The 2022 Accordion Seminars curated by Dr. William Schimmel is scheduled for July 29, 30 and 31, 2022. This will be the 28th year. Like the last two years, they will be virtual. The Theme is: “Too much information, too little time, but we do it anyway”.The Seminars will be presented by a new organization, The Accordion Global Association. The Master Classes will be from 3 to 4:PM. The concerts from 4 to 5:PM. The distinguished list of participants include: MIcki Goodman, Paul Stein, Dr. Robert Young Mc Mahan, Will Holshouser, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nelson Wolf, Dr. Denise Koncelik, The Main Squeeze Orchestra, Doug Makofka, Jeanne Velonis, Sari Kalin, Brian Dewan, Erica Marie Mancini, Rita Barnea, Mary Spencer Knapp, Benjamin Ickies, Dan Cooper, Peter Flint, William Komaiko, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Gene Pritske, rPeter Jarvis, Bachtopus, Mayumi Mayoaka, Robert Duncan, David First, Bob Goldberg, Carl Riehl, Rachel Quirbach, Melissa Allege, Dave Soldier and more to follow ……….. Seminar topics include: In your face Out of your face The New Professional The Vague Panther - dealing with navigation of rough waters The technique of ideas The technique of chops Ideas and chops The Accordion as Homing Pigeon Accordi yoga Zen Phrasing revisited Accordio meditation De stressing with your accordion Fun with a purpose Fun with a porpose Hard work - with payoff (instant gratification) Hard work with delayed payoff (the art of patience) Contraction and release Aught Culture and Reverse Irony New works Old works - new angles Nothing new, but how we look at it The Accordion as Smile - La - Phone Morality and the Accordion $150 - entire weekend $25 per Master Class $25 per Concert Payment methods will appear in the April issue Dr. Schimmel’s Recent Projects include Free E-Books, 2 New Books, Upcoming Performances. His 7 E - Books that can be downloaded for free on his website: 1.That means What?! 2.The Cosmic Accordion 3.The Accordion Players’ Perspective 4.Accordion Clarifications 5.Red Lantern Accordion Seminars 6.The 2018 e - book 7.The 2016 Accordion Seminars “54 Ways to go Oompah” - a 12 minute piece that takes you through various styles that can be played using a simple bass/chord approach. “Zen of the Quint” - a short book containing short exercises for the left hand Quint Convertor from simple to quirky. It deals more with right brain activity than left brain. “Performance, a Counterpoint of Dimensions” - a paper Dr. William Schimmel’s upcoming 2022 performances include: May 13, 18, 21, 16, 31, June 4, 9 - “Hamlet” - Brett Dean - Metropolitan Opera - Lincoln Center, NY June 16 - Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. NY - “Not Entirely Schubert” - a concert showing the “melodic” and “lyrical side” of the Accordion with new takes on Schubert and other works that we feel Schubert would have liked with Dr Schimmel, curator July 29, 30 and 31: “The 2022 Virtual Accordion Seminars”, Dr. Schimmel, Curator sponsored by The Accordion Global Association Theme: “Too Much Information, too little time, but we do it anyway” For further information: 212-876-0827 Accordionbill@gmail.com |
Betty Jo Simon To Present Workshop at 2022 ATG Festivalby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video: The musical piece “Malagueña” was performed by Betty Jo Simon on Sunday May 22. 2011 at the 50th annual spring concert of the UMKC Community Accordion Orchestra at the White Recital Hall in the Center for Performing Arts located on the campus of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. "Malagueña" is originally the sixth movement of the Suite Andalucia by Ernesto Lecuona, who also provided it with Spanish lyrics, the song "Malagueña" has since become a popular, jazz, marching band, and drum corps standard and has also been provided with lyrics in several languages.Betty Jo Simon brings endless enthusiasm to the stage for any occasion. A vivacious performer who enjoys intimate concert settings where she can talk with her audience, Betty Jo has a wide repertoire from which to choose including "Around the World with the MIDI Accordion." She enjoys performing classical music the most, but she loves the schmaltzy stuff too and still likes to play as a strolling musician. Betty is a Board Member of the ATG. At the ATG Festival 2022, Betty Jo Simon will present a workshop on “Lead Sheets and Creating Bass Lines on July 20, 2022 at 2:PM at the Hyatt Hotel. Be sure to attend her informative and entertaining workshop. The ATG Festival takes place July 20-24 in Lisle (Chicago), Illinois. Excerpts from her website: Her musical aptitude and love for the accordion appeared early. As a high school student, she became the first accordionist to win the instrumental division of the Youth Talent Auditions of the Topeka Civic Symphony. Betty Jo earned a Bachelor of Music in Accordion Performance from the University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC), where she played the world premiere of Paul Creston's Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra with the UMKC Civic Orchestra. She participated in USO tours to Greenland, Newfoundland, Labrador and Germany, and did a two-year stint with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians. Betty Jo now performs as a soloist throughout the United States and internationally. In 2000 she appeared on a Chinese satellite TV musical variety program aired on Chinese New Year and went on to give concerts in Beijing and Shanghai. In 2007 she won the Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Competition for Female Accordionist and currently leads a German polka band called The Alpen Spielers. In August 2009 she performed as soloist with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra at three different venues, one being the opening concert of the 64th Annual Coupe Mondiale (World Championship Accordion Competition). Betty Jo has been using electronic MIDI accordions since her stint in the 1970's with Fred Waring and now enjoys the variety of effects using the Roland FR X7 Accordion. She strives to project a positive image of the accordion through her concerts and hope to encourage others to take up the instrument by demonstrating its versatility using MIDI technology. For further information: betty@bettyjosimon.com |
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2022 Vancouver Folk Music Festivalby Christine Johnstone |
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| The 2022 Vancouver Folk Music Festival will be held at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from July 15th to 17th, 2022. In honour of Earth Day, festival organisers are committed to ensuring they get closer each year to being a zero waste festival and have an amazing team of volunteers who ensure their recycling programs and site clean up run smoothly. Performers will be announced on social media this month. Tickets are now on sale. For details email: info@thefestival.bc.ca |