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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
2021 AAA Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition for Aspiring Composers
2020 IDEAS Symposium Souvenir Book & Concert Tickets
Bachtopus Releases First Commission
”Music with Mary Accordion Academy" Virtual Event
Brooklyn Accordion Club Presents Jeremiah McLane
Eddie Monteiro On Faculty of IDEAS Symposium
Stas Venglevski Bach Concert and World Premiere of “Poetic Rhapsody”
Texas Folklife Seeks Participants for its 2021 Apprenticeship Program
“Accordions Rising” For the Holidays!
Dr. William Schimmel Releases New Digital Album.
Lina Orfanos ~ Love Matters
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Lidia Kaminska Performs with Heartland Festival Orchestra
NAA Revises Dues Payment Method
Cody McSherry in Concert!
Beethoven & Banjos 2020 Online Festival Featured Stas Venglevski
Double Keyboard Accordion
”A Leaf Falls" - A Spooky Music Video by Rob Reich
Not Just Oompah! Zydeco & Blues Workshop hits Successful Notes
Accordionist Lou Le Brun Celebrates Her 90th Birthday on Zoom!
Two Fabulous Concertinas
MoMM@Home: The Accordion with Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues
Video: Mario Tacca Performs “Gentilezza” With Fred Schwinger - USA
Vlasta Krsek Featured in Movie, Passes Away Recently - USA
Dan Newton in Western Swing Night at Crooners Supper Club, Minneapolis
Future events |
Not Just Oompah! Presents“ Music is Math 101” Workshop with Shirley Johnson
Virtual Winter Cotati Accordion Festival!
NAA 34th Annual Accordion Convention March 17-20 in Texas
AAA Festival: July 14-18 2021 in Philadelphia, PA
ATG 2021 Festival in Lisle, Illinois
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Unfortunately we are still in the midst of a world wide pandemic. Fortunately, the accordion world continues to expand and prosper as you will see by the amazing amount of concerts, workshops, symposiums, and festivals taking place all around the USA and world. Most are still virtual happenings, live streamed and on social media sites. Some are actually occurring live.We at AWW hope you continue to enjoy accordion activities wherever you are. Many of the accordionists you read about depend on their gigs and teaching to earn their livelihood. Perhaps you will consider expressing your appreciation and showing your support by sending them a donation. Remember to send your ideas and comments to Ritabelll@aol.com |
2021 AAA Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition for Aspiring Composersby Harley Jones |
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 The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 2021 Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition for Aspiring Composers has published Information, Awards, Regulations and Entry Form at: 2021Bennett.pdfEntry closing date: January 10, 2021 International entrants can use the AAA Shopping basket to pay the entry fee and send the entry form information by email. Winners will be notified about January 30, 2021. Winners are invited and encouraged to perform their compositions at the 2021 AAA Festival in West Philadelphia, PA. Details at: AAA  |
2020 IDEAS Symposium Souvenir Book & Concert Ticketsby Joe Natoli and Michael Soloway – co-founders of IDEAS |
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 This year's International Digital Electronic Accordion Society (IDEAS) Symposium is a very special breakthrough virtual event, all of which couldn't be demonstrated any more clearly than with our attached Symposium Souvenir Book at: 2020Symposium.pdfSome folks have asked "What is this IDEAS Symposium I keep reading about?" This 90-page Souvenir book will answer that question on every level, going into great detail about our 50 workshops and 4 concerts! We normally provide this Souvenir Book in printed form only to our attendees each year. But since we are virtual this year, it is especially easy to share it globally as we have done here. We encourage all of you to distribute it to your network of musical friends as well. Absolutely everything about the Symposium is found in these pages (artists, faculty, bios, 50 workshops, 4 concert listings and more). Also, all of the ads, email addresses, and web links are active from within the document. So please enjoy! Digital accordionists will enjoy 2020's largest and most expansive virtual accordion event at the IDEAS Virtual Symposium 3.0 to be held Nov. 5-20, 2020. That's 15 days of wall to wall learning content and concerts from some of the world's finest digital accordionists from around the globe. Concert tickets and Symposium Registration is open until Nov 5, 2020 on the IDEAS site. Full information in the Souvenir Book at: 2020Symposium.pdf For any further questions, email: thegr8.ideas@gmail.com |
Bachtopus Releases First Commissionby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Bachtopus happily released the first commission from their 2020 Composers Commissioning Fund on October 31, 2020. “Hymn” was composed for Bachtopus by Denise Koncelik, DMA, who said part of her inspiration came from a short story by Edgar Allan Poe titled “Morella.” The Gothic horror story tells the tale of Morella, a woman who dies during childbirth. The father cannot bear to name the child until her tenth birthday. Her resemblance to Morella is so uncanny that father decides to baptize her to drive away the evil spirits within. During the ritual, the priest asks for the daughter’s name. When the father responds “Morella,” the daughter cries out “I’m here!” and then dies. The father returns to his wife’s tomb to find nothing inside. In Poe’s short story, “Hymn” is a poem written by Morella to the Virgin Mary and sung to her husband. The Bachtopus Accordion Ensemble’s 2020 Composer Commissioning Fund is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). Contributors: • Brooklyn Arts Council • New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Excerpts from their website: Bachtopus is a contemporary accordion ensemble from New York City that performs music by living composers and Johann Sebastian Bach. The ensemble was borne out of a fruitful musical duet between Robert Duncan and Mayumi Miyaoka, who partnered during the Winter of 2011. Denise Koncelik and Peter Flint, who were members of the Brooklyn Accordion Club, joined the duet to play Bach’s organ music, which is well suited to the accordion. The group soon shifted focus to become one of the few accordion ensembles in the United States that plays new music. Having established a large repertoire in just a few years, Bachtopus seeks to play more original compositions, commissioned works, and contemporary music that is interesting, accessible, and grounded in traditional folk music. The ensemble has performed for diverse audiences, and previous performance highlights include: Make Music New York, Bach in the Subways, The New Museum, Accordions Around the World, Meetup.com, and the American Accordion Association Seminars. Bachtopus performs music by and is inspired by Accordion Tribe, Motion Trio, the Kronos Quartet, Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, Stas Venglevski, the Bang On a Can All-Stars, and Jacques Cousteau. The group features original compositions by Peter Flint and Sy Kushner, and arrangements by Robert Duncan and Denise Koncelik. The members of Bachtopus are Robert Duncan, Peter Flint, Denise Koncelik, Jeanne Velonis, and Mayumi Miyaoka. Robert Duncan, is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the City University of New York and received a BA in Music Humanities at the University of California at San Diego. He is the founder and director of Bachtopus. Peter Flint has degrees in electronic music, history, and composition from Oberlin College and Conservatory and New England Conservatory. He has studied accordion with Walter Kuehr, William Schimmel, and Rob Curto, Conrad Cummings, Michael Gandolfi, Scott Wheeler, and Lee Hyla. He is deeply interested in Afro-Cuban music and recently had an orchestral composition performed in Havana, Cuba by the Camerata Romeu.He is on the board of directors at the Third Street Music School Settlement. Denise Koncelik, DMA, is a freelance musician and arranger with degrees in music theory/composition, pedagogy, and performance, and taught at Midwestern State University and Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Koncelik played piccolo/3rd flute and jazz piano with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra for 13 seasons, and has performed at Symphony Space, Joe’s Pub and le poisson rouge. She is co-director of the New York Flute Club Ensemble Program, a member of the Chelsea Musica, and plays bass accordion in NYC’s Main Squeeze Orchestra Mayumi Miyaoka, is an Academic Librarian/Archivist by day, and accordionist by night. She is the founder/organizer of Brooklyn Accordion Club, and is the compiler/editor of a self-published magazine, SqueeZine! – Chronicles of Accordionists. Mayumi studied with Stanley and Joanna Darrow at ACME Accordion School in NJ, and with Dr. William Schimmel in NYC. Jeanne Velonis is a classical recording engineer and the newest member of Bachtopus. Initially self-taught, she has studied accordion with Leah Barkan and Mary Tokarski. For further information: sinolev@yahoo.com |
”Music with Mary Accordion Academy" Virtual Eventby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video: Harry Potter, Hedwig's Theme, written by John Williams, performed by Accordionist Mary Tokarski Concert accordionist, Mary Tokarski will present a virtual 2 day event entitled “Music with Mary Accordion Academy”, on November 14th and 15th, 2020. There will be workshops, one-on-one lessons and a final concert. As a concert accordionist Mary Tokarski has performed nationally and internationally with many musical groups. She has produced 8 CD's and regularly travels presenting workshops and master classes. The guest artist will be Guy Klucevsek. Registration closes on November 6, 2020 and includes 4 workshops, One on One lesson with Mary and Final Concert. For further information email: mary.tokarski@comcast.net |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Presents Jeremiah McLaneby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The Brooklyn Accordion Club presents Jeremiah McLane on Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 2-3:PM (EDT) via Zoom. Jeremiah will present "La Cadence in French Traditional Dance Tunes"'La Cadence' is a term used by french traditional dance musicians that has a similar sense to the English word groove. In this workshop you will learn some tunes from Central and Northwest France and look at how accordionists supply the groove for different types of tunes including the bourrée, mazurka, schottishe, and gavotte. Jeremiah McLane is a composer, accordionist, pianist and teacher with a diverse musical background including blues, jazz, Celtic, Québécois, French and other roots influenced music. He has a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, in bands such as Cassotto Duo, The Clayfoot Strutters, Nightingale, Allos Musica, Le Bon Vent, Wheezer & Squeezer, and Triton. In 2005 he started the Floating Bridge Music School, which is devoted to teaching traditional music from the British Isles, Quebec and Northern Europe, and North America, all genres that have influenced the music of his native New England. The Montpelier Times-Argus music critic Art Edelstein named Jeremiah musician of the year for 2016, citing his contributions in teaching, recording and performing is his various configurations. Since 1990 Jeremiah has released over thirty recordings, including three CDs in the past year alone: a solo project entitled The Grinding Stone; Gnossienne with Chicago-based Allos Musica; and most recently The Wind Among the Reeds with bagpiper Timothy Cummings, which won the Montpelier’s Times-Argus Vermont album of the year award for 2016. His second solo recording Smile When You’re Ready, was nominated by National Public Radio in their “favorite picks”, and his fifth release Hummingbird, with Ruthie Dornfeld, received the French music magazine “Trad Mag” Bravo award, as did Goodnight Marc Chagall with Le Bon Vent. Jeremiah has composed music for theatre and film, including Sam Shepard’s A Lie Of The Mind, and been awarded the Ontario Center For The Performing Arts “Meet The Composer” Award, and the Vermont Council On The Arts “Creation Of New Work” grant. He has served on the faculty of the Sate University of New York in Plattsburgh, New York and currently teaches the Summit School for Traditional Music in Montpelier, Vermont and at the Upper valley Music Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He also teaches regularly at summer music programs throughout the United States including Ashokan, Centrum’s American Festival of Fiddle Tunes, Swananoah, Maine Fiddle Camp, Lark in the Morning, John C. Campbell Folk School, Pinewoods, Bay Area CDSS Camps, and many others. For further information: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
Eddie Monteiro On Faculty of IDEAS Symposiumby Joe Natoli and Michael Soloway |
 Eddie Monteiro is an internationally recognized musician and educator with more than 30 years of musical performance in classical, jazz, dance, theater, cabaret and choral ensembles. He won several accordion championships as a youth and was also the youngest honoree elected to the American Accordionists’ Hall of Fame. Eddie has performed at major jazz festivals around the world (Holland, Finland, Norway, Japan, Indonesia) and has performed with Paquito d”Rivera in Punta del Este, Uruguay. He has tutored and taught musicians from Europe and South America on numerous visits there. Monteiro explains that the instrument itself has often been misrepresented. “The accordion has been maligned far too often in the numerous jokes and cartoons,” he said. “I think there are many accordionists who have continued to play at less than professional level. Others are just so outlandish in their presentations that people take note and think they're great. The accordion, far too often, isn't played for the public in a very positive way.” He has conducted workshops and seminars at the Manhattan School of Music, Kansas City Jazz Workshop, Artists in Jazz at Pace University, Topeka Jazz Workshop and a Harmony & Improvisation Clinic in Norway. His numerous recordings include Double Standards, The Real Thing, A Perfect Match (with Nancy Marano featuring Gerry Mulligan, Roger Kellaway and Claudio Roditi), Under Paris Skies (with Karen Akers), A Walk on the Wilde Side (with Ronny Whyte), Jazz Influence and Arkadia Jazz All Stars: Thank You John! (a tribute to John Coltrane) and was featured on the album with the vocal group ‘String Of Pearls’. His work has also included numerous jingles for Colgate-Palmolive, Budweiser, General Motors, Folonari Wines, General Foods a soundtrack recording with Marvin Hamlisch and an appearance on film ‘Mortal Thoughts’ with Bruce Willis. A graduate of NYU with a B.S. in Music Education, Eddie studied accordion with Charles Nunzio, (one of the founding members of the American Accordionists’ Association AAA), piano with Madame Olga Van Till and advanced harmony studies with Marty Holmes. Eddie is a member of the AAA Governing Board and is a Certified Teacher Member of AAA as well as a member of Music Educators' National Conference, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Technology Institute for Music Educators, National Education Association, Jazz Educators Association the Sommelier Institute and is an Amateur Radio General Class Operator and recently (unsuccessfully) attempted acrobatics with an extension ladder ! IDEAS is glad to know that in the hands of Eddie Monteiro, who easily can be referred to as one of the greatest jazz accordionists of all time anywhere in the world, the accordion and especially the digital accordion, will always be presented in the most positive musical light possible! We think you will agree when you are mesmerized by Eddie’s performances on the Friday and Saturday night concerts. How many of you would ever get the chance to sit down with accordion jazz icon, Eddie Monteiro, to discuss and see “up close and personal” his deep understanding of harmony, jazz, and music, while also listening to his captivating stories about the giants he has known in the industry? This is your chance! Come learn and enjoy these captivating sessions in “The Musical World of Eddie Monteiro” as Eddie takes you on a tour of his incredible musical experience and knowledge of harmony and understanding how to use the American song book, a view into vocal accompaniment, and his use of the digital accordion in jazz. In short, get a close-up view of Eddie’s genius. Having this much dedicated time with such a jazz icon has never occurred before, and IDEAS is proud to be the first to accomplish this offering. Sit back, take notes, and enjoy, but most of all be ready to absorb and become a part of the greatness of Eddie Monteiro. Also, don’t worry if you can’t take notes fast enough. This will all be recorded for you. For further information on Eddie Monteiro: chordean.changes@gmail.com |
Stas Venglevski Bach Concert and World Premiere of “Poetic Rhapsody”by Pamela Tom |
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 Live at AWAM, Superior, WI and on FaceBook and Youtube - December 6, 2020, 3 PM (CST)Accordion lovers are in for a treat with world-class bayan accordionist and composer, Stas Venglevski, performing an in-person concert featuring Bach classics and a world premiere of his new composition, “Poetic Rhapsody” on December 6, 2020 at 3 PM (CST) at A World of Accordions Museum (AWAM) in Superior, WI. Stas’ concert will be live streamed simultaneously via AWAM’s YouTube channel and FaceBook account. The concert’s first half consists of J. S. Bach’s compositions: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (BWV 565), Invention #2 in C Minor (BWV 788) Inventions #6 in E Major (BWV 777) Prelude and Fugue in D Minor (BWV 875) Prelude in E Minor (BWV 810) Chorale Prelude in F Minor (BWV 659) Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor (BWV 582). The second half of the concert will honor two composers: Yehuda Yannay’s "Fantasietta with Interruptions on a Theme in F Minor", and William Susman’s "Zydeco Madness". The concert will conclude with the premiere of Stas’ "Poetic Rhapsody". AWAM’s spacious concert hall allows 6 feet distancing between audience members. Masks are required. Admission is $20.00 per person and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. AWAM has a GoFundMe page to help support the continued growth of our Internet outreach events. We plan to update our website to make it more mobile friendly, continue to grow our “Accordion Notes” newsletter, and continue to live stream as many of our events as we can. We are honored that Stas has dedicated Poetic Rhapsody to AWAM. In addition to requesting support of AWAM’s Internet outreach events, we are also requesting specially earmarked donations to reward Stas for his new composition via our GoFundMe page. |
Texas Folklife Seeks Participants for its 2021 Apprenticeship Programby Charlie Lockwood, Executive Director of Texas Folklife |
 Awards of up to $3,000 for Apprentices to train with Artist Mentors in the Folk and Traditional Arts of TexasTexas Folklife has made the 2021 application for the Apprenticeships in the Folk Arts Program available to the public. The application along with program guidelines, a video overview of the program, and additional information are available on the Texas Folklife site. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 5:PM. Texas Folklife’s Apprenticeship Program provides awards of up to $3,000 for artist mentors to offer intensive, one-on-one training in a specific traditional art form or cultural practice to dedicated apprentices for six to eight months. With support and assistance from Texas Folklife, each selected artist team implements a self-designed and directed work plan and presents a final public presentation that showcases the results of its training. What are the Folk & Traditional Arts? Folk and traditional arts are transmitted, engaged, and reinvigorated within communities whose members often share a common heritage, language, religion, occupation, or region. The folk and traditional arts not only are rooted in and reflective of but actively shape a community’s values, aesthetic ideals, and life experiences. Expressing this common ethos, these artistic traditions are typically passed on from one generation to the next, or from one community member to another, through extended periods of observation, demonstration, conversation, and practice. An artist mentor is someone who is recognized by their community and peers for expertise in a particular traditional art form. As someone who studies under an artist mentor, an apprentice demonstrates an intention to enhance their established skills and cultural understanding of the art form as well as a long-term commitment to carrying the tradition forward. Who Can Apply? Texas Folklife welcomes applications from all folk art traditions that have been brought to, taken root in, or are indigenous to Texas. From conjunto accordion, horse saddlery, and chair caning to Micronesian stick dancing, West African dance-drumming, and Native American healing arts, the Apprenticeship Program has awarded apprenticeships to over 250 practitioners of a diverse selection of cultural practices. Artist mentors and apprentices should apply together and submit one application. Apprentices must reside in Texas; artist mentors may reside in Texas or the four surrounding states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. There are no age requirements for an artist mentor or apprentice to apply. Program Summary: Applications are due December 1, 2020 by 5:PM. A review panel made up of folk and traditional arts specialists as well as past program participants will meet in December to evaluate applications. Applicants will be notified of their awards in January 2021. Program awardees will participate in an interview with Texas Folklife in which they will discuss their experience with the tradition, its significance to their community, and demonstrate skills, techniques, or lessons learned during their apprenticeship. Each artist team will also showcase the results of its training in a public performance at the conclusion of the apprenticeship period. Texas Folklife’s Apprenticeship Program supports the continuity, transmission, and celebration of our state’s extraordinary cultural traditions,” said Executive Director Charlie Lockwood. “Especially during these challenging times, the undertaking of artists and tradition bearers is critical to the health and well-being of communities across Texas. We are committed to supporting the creative resilience of folk and traditional artists as they embrace adaptive approaches to passing on their craft, and sharing that work with the public in exciting new ways.” This program is made possible in part by the board and members of Texas Folklife and from a State Partnership award from the National Endowment from the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art, in partnership with the Texas Commission on the Arts. Additional support provided by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future. About Texas Folklife: Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the presentation and preservation of the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. Since 1984, Texas Folklife has honored the cultural traditions passed down within communities, explored their importance in contemporary society, and celebrated them by providing accessible and joyful arts experiences. Media information: Charlie Lockwood (512) 441-9255 / clockwood@texasfolklife.org Program information: Pete Breithaupt (512) 441-9255 / apprenticeships@texasfolklife.org |
“Accordions Rising” For the Holidays!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 How will you spend the holidays? Will you be alone or together? Are you looking for Variety? Energy? Passion? Humor? Information? "Accordions Rising, the music documentary, has it all! Think jazz, gypsy, classical, new music, traditional, electronic, site specific and beyond. A veritable feast! - Share streaming with others or offer as a holiday gift.Calling All Accordion music lovers and afionados everywhere. Have you seen Roberta Cantow’s amazing documentary, “Accordions Rising”. Purchasing/watching this film is a great way to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. “Accordions Rising” offers entertaining interviews, anecdotal commentary and both formal and informal music performances from celebrated accordionists, composers, and bands working in America today. The film provides a tapestry of fascinating individuals, their attitudes, deep passions, and above all else, profound dedication to the instrument. You will learn that these musicians have an audience, from some of the hippest hideaways to the most sought after mainstream venues. The film makes clear that the accordion world includes everything from wacky and kitsch to sophisticated, serious, meditative and post-modern. Available on Blu Ray at: - Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Amazon Streaming available online too: Available on DVD via - rcantow@originaldigital.net Roberta Cantow was recognized with her first film grant from The American Film Institute while still a graduate film student at NYU. Through the years, The New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts and others provided grants for the completion and distribution of 4 film works and videos. She received a NY Area Emmy for her film, "Clotheslines" about the symbolic and artistic role of laundry in women’s lives, as well as many others. Roberta's work has been exhibited in many of the venues for independents, including a presentation in the Cineprobe Series of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. Her four 16mm films were selected for archival preservation by the Donnell Media Center, New York City, in 2001. All of her film and video work will be archived in the newly named Special Collections of Smith College. For further information: rcantow@originaldigital.net |
Dr. William Schimmel Releases New Digital Album.by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 “What’s Tango About the Classics #3 is the third installment of classical compositions as Tangos realized and performed by William Schimmel. The narrative is: An elderly gentleman returns to his simple room after an evening of performing in a Tango club. He starts to perform the classical compositions that he learned in Conservatory. They become Tangos. He is happy, or sad, or both. The album is available online including Amazon.Dr William Schimmel is a leading accordionist, composer and academic, based in New York, where he organizes the annual ‘Master Class and Concert Series (The Seminars)’ sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association. He received a Merit Award from the AAA for his contributions spanning fifty years plus the "Accordionist of the Year" Award in 1988. He has performed with many major symphony orchestras in the US, many chamber groups, as well as with rock), jazz, and avant-garde groups. As a Juilliard trained musician, he is frequently asked to play with the New York Philharmonic and other orchestras around the country. He also performs in the pit orchestras on Broadway, his most recent performance being the accordionist for the award winning production of “An American in Paris." Over the years Bill’s music has been included in television shows and films. His best known appearance is in the tango scene of "Scent of a Woman" starring Al Pacino. (See video above) William Schimmel learned accordion as a child and attended Julliard School of Music where he received his doctorate in composition. While he was still a student at the school, his career was launched after he recorded songs of avant gard composer, Luiano Berio. An authority on Kurt Weill, Dr. Schimmel has recorded all of Weill's music with accordion. Beginning in 1981, Schimmel’s Tango Project has released a string of acclaimed recordings on the Nonesuch and Newport Classic labels. The first Tango Project recording went to No. 1 on Billboard’s classical charts and was named Record of the Year by Stereo Review magazine. Schimmel has described the accordion as having a “built-in ironic duality,” both “elegant and vulgar.” That dual quality is captured in the tango scene of “Scent of a Woman,” where it adds a spirit of fun and an undertone of raw sexuality. He has served and continues to serve as Artist in Residence of The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) where he also serves as Distinguished Lecturer in Residence and member of the Governing Board. For more information: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Lina Orfanos ~ Love Mattersby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Lina Orfanos and her Jazz Trio will entertain on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.“Orfanos is a true vocalist. She has a full-bodied lady-like soprano. I would even go as far as to call her the ‘bel canto songstress of cabaret’ because of her legato lines and pretty sound. She is a find… A gorgeous vocal instrument… The ethereal sound and exquisite attention to detail had me dancing in my seat and tearing up at the same time. A highly stylized jazz singer with one of the best bands I have ever heard… She sings from her soul.” -New York Cabaret Today Lina's Jazz Trio includes: Don Branden, (tenor saxophone & flute) Spiros Exaras, (classical & electric guitar and arrangements) Harvie S, (acoustic bass). Additional musicians include: Charles Blenzig, (piano), Richie Morales, (drums:) Essiet Okon Essiet (acoustic bass), Gary Schreiner, (accordion & harmonica). Doors open 30 minutes before the show. MetropolitanZoom event website address will be emailed to you in your ticket purchase confirmation email and with follow-up reminders. You will receive the zoom link in the confirmation email after you purchase your ticket.This exciting and unique performance will allow you, the audience, to participate by affecting the performance with your appearance and reactions. The virtual nightclub experience will be as powerful in your mind as an action-packed movie or well-written novel with the entertainment value Time of show: London 12:AM +1; N.Y.C. 7:PM; Chicago 6:PM; Denver 5:PM; L.A. 4:PM. Lina Orfanos is an acclaimed international mezzo-soprano who sings in popular, classical, jazz, and world musical styles. Excerpts from her website: She has a lush voice with faultless intonation and great rhythmic footing. Born in New York, the daughter of a Greek-American father and a Polish-American mother, Lina can sing in English, French, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, and Spanish. Her performances are enriched with old Greek folk laments, tributes to Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “Night and Day,” or Spanish poems written for her by a young composer. Her charisma was recognized from a very young age, when she was on stage at the Metropolitan Opera with the Children’s Chorus. Since that time, she has worked hard at developing her art with private lessons, studio education, university studies and solo performances. These performances include venues such as the Metropolitan Room in New York City, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the Town Hall. A serious illness in adolescence, however, derailed her for a few years. Being a true warrior though, Lina learned to mend wounds of all kinds through her music. Always enjoying live performances and engagement with audiences, Lina put her remarkable recital skills, high quality repertoire, and vocal expressiveness in full throttle in her first studio album "Enchanted Night (2007"). Recording old and recent songs by Greece’s most famous composer, Mikis Theodorakis, Enchanted Night has been presented to audiences around the world. She has received high praise not only for her selections but for what Theodorakis himself says about Lina’s “beautiful lyricism and interpretive perfection!”. Lina holds the exclusive honor of being invited personally by Theodorakis to cross the Atlantic twice and sing on the huge concert stages of the Herodion Theater at Acropolis in 2007 and Lycabettus Hill in Athens in 2010. The composer found her singing “thrilling”. When she sang “How lovely is my love in her everyday dress…” from The Mauthausen Cantata (1965), critics noted that an invisible trembling wave moved across the theater stage and settled amid the 4,000 listeners. Lina recently released her newest CD, “Dream Odyssey” which is a collection of traditional and contemporary lullabies from around the world. The songs are in different languages and are about protecting the baby, imagining a future, and dreaming deeper. Gary Schreiner is as accomplished a performer and studio musician, as he is a composer, producer and arranger. His work on keyboards, accordion and chromatic harmonica can be heard on many recordings, television shows, and films. He has worked with diverse artists such as Elton John, Rosanne Cash, Joan Osborne, Patti LaBelle, Pedrito Martinez, Yoko Ono, Pheobe Snow, Marvin Hamlisch, Run-DMC, Lucy Kaplansky, Carly Simon, Ben Taylor, Blue Man Group, John Pizzarelli, Julio Fernandez (Spiro Gyra), Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Kermit the Frog, and World Champion figure skater Randy Gardner. Gary has written music for hundreds of television commercials including: Award winning Cotton Council Commercial, Ralph Lauren (My Romance), McDonalds, Pepsi, Applebees, Advil, Honey Bunches of Oats, Duracell, and a number of Super Bowl spots (including one for Pepsi). His arrangement and production of Stevie Wonder's “Don’t You Worry About a Thing”, was the long-running centerpiece of UPS’s national campaign. His musical compositions have also been featured on many TV shows such as Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, X Files, and Chappelle’s Show ( Gary has composed in collaboration with his writing partner, Curt Sobel, music featured in films such as “Ray”, “Donnie Brasco”, "Parker", “Thank You for Smoking”, “Love Happens”, and “Get On Up". In the theater world Gary has co-written the music (with fellow Emmy-award winning composer, William Electric Black) for the shows "American Star!!!" and “My Boyfriend is a Zombie" both featured at the Theater for the New City. Previously Gary composed the music for Alison Larkin’s one-woman show “The English American”, featured in the The Edinburgh Festival and The London Comedy Festival (with other performances in New York City and Los Angeles). Get into the act and have even more fun: Have you ever been pulled into a scene while reading a good book or watching an action-packed movie? That's great story-telling: you're in the audience but you feel like you're in the scene. With our high-quality production, you will be transported to a nightclub experience. We want you to take part in this exciting, new platform and participate and 'get into character' as a good audience should. Let us show you how. For further information on Lina Orfanos: linajoannaorfanos@gmail.com For further information on Gary Schreiner: gmail88@mac.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
New Fashion: Accordion Mask!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| If you gotta practice proper social distancing.....why not do it accordion style!! Photo of Dr. Jay and his accordion mask! Accordions are always in fashion! |
Lidia Kaminska Performs with Heartland Festival Orchestraby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Bandoneon soloist Lidia Kaminsky said, “I am so excited to perform "Four Seasons of Buenos Aires" by Astor Piazzolla with the Heartland Festival Orchestra, here in Peoria, IL. Fantastic violinist Francisco Fullana will join me in one of the Seasons Verano Porteno.” The concert happened on October 31, 2020. The concert benefits: Youth Music Illinois“Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” {Las Cuatro Estacionies Portnas) by Astor Piazzolla was arranged by Leonid Desyatnikov. the solo part was adapted by Lidia Kaminsky who was the bandoneon soloist. I.Primavera Porteña (Spring) – Allegro II. Otoño Porteño (Autumn) – quarter note = 112 III. Invierno Porteño (Winter) – Andante moderato IV. Verano Porteño (Summer) – Allegro Accordionist Lidia Kaminska, the winner of Astral Artistic Services’ 2007 National Auditions, has performed extensively in both the U.S. and Europe. Ms. Kaminska’s chamber music, concerto, and solo performances explore the complex and expressive range of the accordion as a classical instrument, and her repertoire includes a broad range of classical, contemporary, and avant-garde music. She conceived her first album, "Breaking Boundaries", as part of her mission to change the perception of the accordion from parlor entertainment to a serious classical instrument; Philadelphia Magazine claims “she transforms the accordion into a massive force – more pipe organ than squeezebox – and burns through [classical repertoire] with virtuosic speed and technique.” Ms.Kaminska began playing the accordion at the age of eight. By eleven she was competing in International competitions in Bulgaria and Germany, and just a year later gave solo performances in Holland, Austria, and Germany, as well as in her native Poland. Upon receiving a Master’s degree from the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, she came to the U.S. to study at the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC) studying with Joan C. Sommers, and at 25 she became the first person in the U.S. to receive a Doctorate in Accordion Performance. The recipient of a 2009 Career Advancement Award from the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia, Ms. Kaminska also received First Prize in the 2002 Accordion Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Competition in Orlando, Florida, the Special Prize in New York City’s International Tango Music Competition, with the Argentine tango ensemble Tango Lorca and Second Prize at the 2007 Coupe Mondiale International Competition for Ensemble Music. She has researched and performed the works of Astor Piazzolla extensively. Also possessing a special interest in new music, Ms. Kaminska has premièred works by Julia Alford Fowler and Paul Rudy and has appeared with the contemporary music ensembles New Ear and Musica Nova. She has also performed with both the Owen/Cox Dance Group and at the world première of BalletX; she went on to collaborate with Mathew Neenan of BalletX, and with dancer/choreographer Jorge Laico, for Pennsylvania Dance Theatre. Ms. Kaminska performed in a concert entitled “From My Latin Soul,” with legendary tenor Plácido Domingo in Washington, D.C.’s Constitution Hall. Symphony in C featured her in a sold-out performance as soloist in Piazzolla’s Aconcagua concerto for bandoneón, and she recently made a return appearance at the Symphony. She has also been a featured soloist with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, the Brooklyn Friends of Chamber Music, the Kielce Philharmonic Orchestra of Poland, the Strings of Lodz, the Concord Chamber Orchestra, the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. She has also been presented at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Philadelphia Magazine featured her in its 2006 “Best of Philly” issue, and her interview with Marty Moss-Coane was recently broadcast on WHYY and NPR. The Heartland Festival Orchestra is a versatile and innovative orchestra composed of the finest professional musicians Central Illinois has to offer. Their concerts are presented in a variety of locations, and each one benefits a charity partner doing great work for our community.The Mission of the Heartland Festival Orchestra is to serve the extended community of Central Illinois with a unique level of musical excellence, innovation, imagination, and outreach. Recruiting the finest among the region's professional musicians, our performances vary in musical styles and periods, ensemble type and size, and venue. Our concerts challenge the stereotypes of classical music performance, inviting audiences to participate in an informal, spontaneous, and interactive experience. The HFO is fundamentally committed to balancing artistic, educational, and financial goals in a way which respects the differing expertise, roles, and responsibilities of its partners: Artistic Director, Musicians, Board, Staff, Sponsors, and Concertgoers. We are committed to seeking out partners among local and regional charitable organizations in order that they may share in both outreach and financial benefit from our concerts. For further information on the Heartland Festival Orchestra: info@heartlandfestivalorchestra.org For further information on Lidia Kaminska: lidiak@lidiakaminska.com |
NAA Revises Dues Payment Methodby Norman Seaton, NAA President |
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 Change Happens! For the past several years (20?), we have downplayed our dues statements and opted to include the dues into our convention rates. At that same time, we removed our newsletters. Now we work directly with accordions.com Weekly News and monthly USA News instead of writing our own newsletters.What is different in 2020-2021? Canceling the 2020 convention caused us to refund the convention payments that included the 2020 dues. Thus, the National Accordion Association (NAA) has needed to self-pay our ongoing operating expenses from our conservative savings account. For 2020-2021, we are requesting dues payment that include dues for both years. In other words, your dues will expire on December 31, 2021. Dues: $25.00 (Individual or Family) http://accordions.com/naa/ Membership form and dues payment information are located here: http://accordions.com/naa/amembers.html Continued Services Available for all Dues Paying Members!: NAA officials have offered two services to the accordion world. To view these services, use the Title Bar Dropdown menu and view both "Training Center" and "National Resources" information. Your dues support these on-going services. Make sure your information is listed in these areas. New: NAA Online Training Center: Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, we have added a new feature to our website. You will find the new information under the Training Center tab in the blue title bar. Coming November 1, 2020: Registration will open for both the hotel and the convention on November 1, 2020. Thank you for your continued support and interest in the National Accordion Association, Inc. and our annual accordion conventions. We are looking forward to seeing you next March! Norman Seaton, CEO. |
Cody McSherry in Concert!by Marilyn O'Neil, Connecticut Accordion Association President |
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| I am excited beyond measure to present Cody McSherry in concert! I was introduced to this young man when he was but 10 years old. His talent at that time was evident. He has grown exponentially both musically and personally over the years, participating in accordion events on a national basis. We in the accordion community are so proud of his efforts. A student of our own Mary Tokarski, Cody created this concert for the CAA And the American Accordionists' Association. Cody's bio in his own words: Cody McSherry is a 17 year old accordionist from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He has been studying Piano Accordion for 11 years, Styrische Harmonika for 9 years, and C System Chromatic accordion for 2 years. He has performed at many various venues, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Cody also studies various languages, and especially enjoys European folk music. Concert Songlist: “Rag in D Minor” - Pietro Frosini “Reine du Musette” - J. Peyronnin / E. Vacher “Slavko and Brigita's Waltz” - Cody McSherry “Pivovar Polka” - Cody McSherry “Klezmer Klutz” - Cody McSherry “La Partida” - Venazuelan Traditional “Whatever You Do” - Karen Fremar “Valse Petit Dejeuner” - J. Ch. Lequerre “Three Tributes” - Guy Klucevsek a) "Evan-Essence" b) "Ballad of Faithe" c) "Sir Walter's Main Squeeze Rag" “Landscape Listens” - Guy Klucevsek “Fiddler Medley 3.0” - Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock /Arr by Cody McSherry And finally....the link to Cody's Concert: https://youtu.be/BQD9hHbq9tM |
Beethoven & Banjos 2020 Online Festival Featured Stas Venglevskiby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  The arrangement of “Octobler Rondo” composed by accordionist Stas Venglevski features the intended artists for the 2020 season. The accordion solo of "Octobler Rondo" is available online at Catalog: vstas055The 2020 Beethoven & Banjos festival was cancelled due to Covid-19, however, organizers specially created the online celebration of Beethoven & Banjos 2020 which was held on September 26, 2021. The Board of Directors of Northwoods Music Collaborative decided to cancel the live concerts for Beethoven and Banjos Music Festival 2020. Consideration of the health and comfort of audience members, staff, volunteers and musicians has strongly influenced this decision. The health concern associated with large gatherings of people, at this time of the Coronavirus pandemic, compelled them to pause plans for an in-person festival. That said, all look forward to 2021 when wonderful musicians can be brought to all of you in some of the most beautiful venues in the Upper Peninsula and celebrate together, again, at the unique Beethoven and Banjos concerts which is held at the Upper Peninsula’s Annual Cross-Genre Music Festival, an annual week-long collaboration between members of Decoda (Carnegie Hall's affiliate ensemble) and folk musicians creating and performing music together in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. About Stas Venglevski His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stanislav, "Stas” Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the Bayan. A two-time first prize winner of Bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the US. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. He is a regular participant at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced 15 acclaimed albums including a transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well as one of his original compositions. |
Double Keyboard Accordionby Dr. Helmi Harrington, Curator, A World of Accordions Museum, USA |
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  Kevin Friedrich, AWAM board member and friend, sent us this remarkable photo of his newly restored double keyboard accordion. We heartily congratulate Kevin on finding this treasure, seeing to its restoration, performing on it, and preserving it for posterity in his museum in New Zealand. Kevin wrote the following description: Maga Ercole Dimascio Florentino from Stradella, Italy “The Maga Ercole accordion company from Stradella, Italy was founded in 1895 making it one of the oldest continuing accordion companies in operation. This stunning and unique double keyboard instrument was part of a restoration project that has been in progress for several years. Retired accordion factory worker Rino Magnaterra from Castelfidardo took on this special project for Kevin Friedrich. The approximately 100 year old instrument, was refurbished using all original parts where possible. The unique second keyboard sounds an octave higher than the first, with a brilliant tremolo sound. The left hand features 160 basses with 120 of those bass buttons configured in the usual arrangement of two rows of single notes and accompanying chords, however the first two rows of buttons are 40 single note free bass pitches. While still very fragile, the instrument is fully functional and housed at the Dargaville Museum, New Zealand as part of the ‘Accordion Gems, A Master Collection of Accordions Through Time’ exhibit, administered by Kevin Friedrich. The Dimascio Florentino was unveiled with Kevin performing a work by New Zealand composer Gary Daverne.” |
”A Leaf Falls" - A Spooky Music Video by Rob Reichby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Accordionist Rob Reiich shares, “Happy Halloween! Here's a spooky new animated music video, "A Leaf Falls". The original inspiration for this melody came from an e e cummings poem I read when I was working with Tin Hat on the album "the rain is a handsome animal". Lately I've been inspired by working with images and video. This first attempt at animation is my latest foray in this world. Have a spooky day!” Rob Reich has performed in concert halls, circus tents, dance clubs, and chapels. His various musical experiences have made him a foremost performer and composer in the San Francisco Bay area. For further information: rob@robreich.com |
Not Just Oompah! Zydeco & Blues Workshop hits Successful Notesby Laura Niland, President of the San Antonio Accordion Association |
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 Co-founders of Not Just Oompah! (NJO), Shirley Johnson and Laura Niland announce the completion of another successful NJO event with Bruce Sunpie Barnes from New Orleans. The workshop was attended by 37 participants from 13 USA states, and 2 participants from Australia. This is the first time NJO goes international! States represented include: AK, AZ, CA, MA, MN, MS, MO, NH, OR, TN, TX, VT, WA.We want to thank all of those who attended and also thank our presenter, Bruce Sunpie Barnes, for helping us achieve this milestone. This was the fourth NJO event since its inception in 2017. Past presenters have included: Shirley Johnson, Mario Pedone, Jan Flemming, Ginny Mac, Tracie Goudi, Jamie Maschler, Gabe-Hall Rodrogues, Rachel Bell & Karen Axelrod, Kevin Solecki and Alicia Jo Straka. The first two NJO events were live, and the second two were online via Zoom. NJO plans to continue online offerings for the near future. Scheduled for December 1 , 2020 (and repeated on Dec 5), Shirley Johnson is offering an ONLINE music theory class by called “Music is Math 101”. Registration will be available for this workshop on the NotJustOompah website beginning Nov 1, 2020. Other workshops will be scheduled soon for 2021. The big summer workshop online event is scheduled for June 2021 and will be presented by Cory Pesaturo and Mario Pedone. Stay tuned to the website for all the details of this great programs coming soon. For more information contact: Shirley Johnson email: ShirleyJ@Vjeverica.com Phone: 512-680-0422 Laura Niland email: Ljniland@texas.net Phone: 210-651-4359 |
Accordionist Lou Le Brun Celebrates Her 90th Birthday on Zoom!by Pamela Tom |
 Lou Le Brun enjoyed her Zoom Birthday Party on October 10, 2020. Celebrating 90 years young, dear legendary professional accordionist Lou Le Brun continues to entertain and nail gigs! Lou started her classical training at 5 years old with the legendary Anthony Galla-Rini during the Golden Age of the Accordion. She was an aspiring virtuoso accordionist at age 21. Lou has been entertaining and inspiring for 80 years! Watching her perform her numerous well known boogie pieces at the Las Vegas Accordion Convention in 2010 at 80 years old convinced me that there was hope to learn how to play the accordion! Lou performs annually at the Accordionists and Teachers Guild and the National Accordion Association annual meetings. Lou loves the accordion. Her toetapping music brings smiles and resounding applause from her audiences. Lou's Birthday Celebration Program included: Speakers: Laura Jean Niland and Penny Willmering Artist: Lorna Andersson Slide Show Early Years Speakers: Carol Kugler and Barbara Duer Artist: Lou Jacklich Accordion Highlights Speakers: Nancy Leonard and Paula Bechtold Artist: Maggie Abel Guest of Honor: Lou Le Brun The event was recorded as a memento for Lou and her guests. Please email Pamela Tom if you would like access to the video which will be available in about a month: AccordionPam@gmail.com Send Lou a birthday greeting!: LouLeBrun@hotmail.com |
Two Fabulous Concertinasby Dr. Helmi Harrington, Curator, A World of Accordions Museum, USA |
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  For Jill Morgan, of McHenry, IL, providing a permanent memorial to loved ones is a high value for many donors. Her mother, Dorothy Anderson and grandfather Gunnar Anderson, played Chemnitzer concertinas of the Silberhorn brand now displayed prominently at a main isle of the museum.Henry Silberhorn’s concertinas were readily available and popular in the 1930s Chicago area. He did not make the concertinas but modified the products of others and placed his name on them, a common practice in industry. His instruments were enhanced by the use of “Perloid,” an improved celluloid offering many colored marbleized effects and often ornamented with rhinestones and etched designs. Their acoustic performance was described in Silberhorn literature as follows1: "104-keys, full triple reed trebles with quadruple reed contra basses. Steel reeds, tempered to tone, hand-filed. Sound-boxes are so constructed that every size reed has the proper tonal chamber. A scientific lever action makes playing “soft” as velvet. Reinforced air-tight bellows (15 folds with two reinforcement frames) are protected with silver staves on all sides and covered with decorative paper. Handmade throughout by artists—every part fitting together perfectly—in perfect harmony—in true balance. No part of the inside workmanship has been neglected. In your hands, the instrument will give you the pleasure that comes with complete satisfaction. Each reed, whether high or low, responds to the touch immediately. The tone is full, clear and rich—a ringing tone that carries and is heard in the largest hall. You can play very loud, but the tone is always pure—not harsh. This is the concertina that will do justice to your abilities.” Dorothy’s 1937 “Black Beauty” model was given a carrying case with special plaque stating it to be a “Special Deluxe made especially for Dorothy Anderson.” The gloss-black exterior is decorated with white etched and painted designs often centered with a rhinestone. The owner’s name is inlaid in white rhinestone covered letters. The treble section offers the option of a single shift that omits the low reed bank. Gunnar’s “Clarion” model, in marbleized pastel green with etched and painted ornamental designs in red, orange, and green, also sports many small rhinestones and a white scroll cut plate bearing his name. The instrument was manufactured prior to 1937 and also offers a single treble shift that cuts out the low reed bank. A beautifully hand-written book of music with numbers-system accompanied the donation. The lack of manuscript errors disguises the time-consumptive difficulty of writing music for these instruments. [1] Rippley, LaVern. The Chemnitzer Concertina: A History and an Accolade. St. Olaf College Press, 2006. |
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MoMM@Home: The Accordion with Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodriguesby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video: Creosote - Streamed live on Oct. 9, 2020 In this video, Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues discuss the dynamic range and ability of the accordion. Maschler and Rodrigues are both seasoned musicians and have individually and collectively mastered their craft of performing, arranging and composing on the accordion. Creosote is their dynamic accordion duo with renowned Seattle accordionists. They create original and Brazilian music inspired arrangements with a unique and endearing twist. They have performed at several accordion events throughout the country, perform regularly in Seattle and recently were featured performers at the National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) Museum of Making Music. In November 2018, the duo competed in the Trophee Mondiale in Loule, Portugal. They represented the U.S. with original pieces and arrangements for the accordion.Jamie and Gabe met at Petosa Accordions in Seattle, WA where they both currently work selling, teaching, and repairing accordions. The duo is currently working towards opening the Emerald City Accordion School and recording their first full length album by the end of 2020. Gabe and Jamie are looking forward to competing in the 2020 Trophée Mondial De L'accordéon taking place online this year. We wish them good luck! For further information: jamie.maschler@gmail.com |
Video: Mario Tacca Performs “Gentilezza” With Fred Schwinger - USAby Christine Johnstone |
| This video is of Mario Tacca (pictured left with his wife Mary Mancini) who plays “Gentilezza”, a piece from his book Original Compositions for Accordion, Solos and Duets. Joining him for this duet is long time friend and student, Fred Schwinger. This beautiful piece is dedicated to his two older granddaughters. Enjoy! |
Vlasta Krsek Featured in Movie, Passes Away Recently - USAby Pamela Tom |
| Accordionist Vlasta Krsek, who was featured in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" parade scene, passed away at the age of 83 recently. Vlasta Krsek was born in Prague, Czech Republik and resided in Spooner, WI, USA. She was known as the "Shirley Temple of Czechoslavakia", and also as "The International Queen of Polka". Video 1: you will see her on the float playing during the performance of “Danke Schoen" sung by Ferris Bueller in the movie. Video 2: Vlasta on the The Tonight Show in 2008 playing "Twist & Shout" by The Beatles. |
Dan Newton in Western Swing Night at Crooners Supper Club, Minneapolisby Christine Johnstone |
 Honky-Tonk Jump with accordionist Dan Newton will perform at Crooners Supper Club in Minneapolis, MN on November 5, 2020 from 7-8:30 PM.The performance will take place in their Main Stage Tent, set against the romantic backdrop of Moore Lake, and has been reconfigured to ensure that all tables are tent-sheltered and comfortable temperatures will be maintained with a custom heating system. Face masks are mandatory when not at your seat. You can sit at a table with full service meals/drinks or sit in the comfort of your own car for the show - drive-in style! Honky-Tonk Jump will play a tribute to Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys and other great Lone Star State swing bands. Whether you call it Western swing, Hillbilly Jazz, or Gulf Coast Boogie, this music just swings. For details email: daddysqueeze@daddysqueeze.com |
Future events |
Kevin Friedrich “Sounds of the Season” Concert, Dargaville – New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
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 Kevin Friedrich will hold his 2nd Christmas concert “Sounds of the Season” at the Dargaville Museum Lighthouse Function Centre in Dargaville on November 22nd, 2020.The concert is a fundraising variety show for the Dargaville Museum which houses his Accordion Gems A Master Collection though time exhibition. Kevin Friedrich organises an annual concert in March of each year, but unfortunately the March 2020 event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand. All tickets purchased for the March show can be transferred to the November concert. Kevin’s new CD “The Journey” which features music by New Zealand composer Gary Daverne, is also available at the Museum reception. For details phone: +64 9 439 7555 |
Not Just Oompah! Presents“ Music is Math 101” Workshop with Shirley Johnsonby Laura Niland, President of the San Antonio Accordion Association |
 Not Just Oompah! does it again with another online workshop to reinforce your accordion skills. For those who are mathematically minded as well as those a bit challenged by math, Shirley Johnson will show a system that she uses to diagram music. (If you can count to 8, then this workshop is for you!) Shirley will show how this system is used to make a major scale, and also chords. The relationship to the notes in the scale and the left hand basses will be explained, as well the terminology that musicians sometimes use when they refer to chords as numbers. Relationship to the circle of fifths and the left hand basses will be covered. If time remains in this 2 ½ hour workshop, Shirley will then show how this system can be used to transpose a song. Handouts will be emailed to participants so that they can easily work as Shirley explains. There will be time for Questions and Answers. The same workshop will be given on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 7:00 – 9:30 pm Central Time, and then again on Saturday, December 5, 2020 1:00 – 3:00 pm Central Time. Be sure to sign up for only one or the other session. Registration will begin on Nov 1, 2020 on the Notjustoompah website or phone the numbers below. Workshop is only $35.00. You can also find information about our past workshops. Shirley Johnson has been singing, dancing, and performing ethnic music since she was 10 years old- from her Croatian heritage to International folk dance music. She has studied various Balkan music styles for the accordion and for voice from internationally known masters. Shirley is comfortable performing as a soloist, often strolling while playing and singing Italian or French music, or in bands playing Celtic, Gypsy Jazz, and Klezmer, etc., music. Currently she is the accordionist with “The Oom-Pahs” (Polka) and with “Julie Slim and RendezVous” (French Jazz). Shirley’s 3rd CD, “Dancing Angels,” features several of Austin’s finest musicians. She teaches accordion privately as well as on Skype. Together with Laura Niland, she co-produces the “Not Just OOM-PAH! Accordion Concert and Workshop.” For more information: Shirley Johnson email: ShirleyJ@Vjeverica.com Phone: 512-680-0422 Laura Niland email: Ljniland@texas.net Phone: 210-651-4359 |
Virtual Winter Cotati Accordion Festival!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  The Second Cotati Accordion Virtual Winter Festival takes place on December 19 & 20, 2020, on three platforms from 11:AM to 4:PM PST. You will be able to listen, view, chat and buy raffles tickets on facebook, youtube and the Cotati Accordion website.There is no fee for viewing the event but donations are certainly accepted. The festival keeping true to their multi-cultural theme will feature internationally acclaimed virtuosos from 8 different countries, such as Guy Klucevsek, Cory Pesaturo, Tracey Collins, Matthias Matzke, Pietro Adragna Jenny Conlee-Drizos, and Erica Mancini. They will be performing live, along with streaming chats, interviews, The Lady-of-Spain-a-Ring, The Grand Finale, raffles and more. Don't miss the Lady of Spain A Ring, The Grand Finale, and world-class virtuosos celebrating the music of the accordion.The Winter Cotati Accordion Virtual Festival will give viewers a chance to see the accordion played at artistic levels never imagined by the uninitiated. Whether you are an accordion aficionado or just curious, the performances will be unforgettable. For more information, email Scott Goree at scottgoree23@gmail.com or call at 707 479-5481. |
NAA 34th Annual Accordion Convention March 17-20 in Texasby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The National Accordion Association (NAA) will hold their 34th annual National Accordion Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Richardson, Texas from March 17th to 20th, 2021. NAA consistently presents educational and fun conventions with workshops, concerts, and social camaraderie for all accordionists and their guests. President Norman Seaton has confirmed the event will retain the 2020 convention them “From Classic to Folk - the World of the Accordion”. Convention and Hotel Registrations will open November 1st, 2020. For details see: NAA |
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AAA Festival: July 14-18 2021 in Philadelphia, PAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Festival 2020 in Alexandria, Virgina is cancelled. AAA President Dr. Joseph Ciccone shares, “It is with great disappointment that due to the circumstances surrounding the Corona Virus (COVID-19) emergency, we have made the necessary decision to cancel the AAA Festival July 8-12, 2020 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Alexandria, Virginia. It has been rescheduled to July 14-18, 2021 in Philadelphia, PA.Our guest artists have been working hard over many months to prepare this wonderful event and we are so sorry that we will not be able to share these magnificent performances with you. Hopefully our artists will be available to perform at our 2021 AAA Festival in West Philadelphia. We are committed to public safety, including that of our many loyal attendees, guests and performing artists, and to help support the nation’s strong efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19, we join a long list of events that have already been cancelled. For those who purchased event packages and tickets, we offer them the following options: a full refund, leaving it as a donation or applying it to the 2021 AAA Festival at the Marriott Philadelphia West Hotel in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania July 14-18, 2021, The rate for the hotel remains the same - $130 plus free parking. We sincerely apologize for this cancellation but feel it is absolutely necessary for the good of everyone at this time." 2021 will feature the Festival Orchestra conducted by Mary Tokarski, Competitions, Vendors Workshops, Youth Involvement, Jazz Ensemble Junior & Senior, Fun Band and "The Divas" being the well known ladies of the AAA: Linda Soley Reed, Mary Tokarski, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Rita Barnea, Joan Grauman Joanna Darrow, Jeanne Velonis, Marilyn O’Neil and Rachel Quirbach. Further performers and details will be announced in the coming months. For further information visit: American Accordionists' Association (AAA) |
ATG 2021 Festival in Lisle, Illinoisby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) announces that their 2021 festival will be held at the Hyatt in Lisle, Illinois from July 21st to 25th, 2021. Michael Bridge will be a featured guest artist. Further details on the event which includes concerts, exhibits, workshops and competitions will be announced soon.The new ATG board of directors includes President Mary Ann Covone (picture left), First Vice President: Liz Finch, Second Vice President: Beverley Fess, Treasurer: Kenn Baert, Executive Secretary: Esther Lanting and board members Joanna Darrow, Donna Dee Ray, Kevin Friedrich, Dr Helmi Harrington, Gordon Kohl, Karen Lee, Joe Natoli, Cory Pesaturo, Amy Jo Sawyer, Betty Jo Simon, Joan C. Sommers and Stas Venglevski. For further information: kenbaert@gmail.com |