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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Editor's Note
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Stas Venglevski at the Michigan Accordion Society
7th Annual Accordion Noir Festival Sept. 11-14
Guy Klucevsek at the Brooklyn, New York Accordion Club
Valtaro Celebration to Honor Frank Toscano
Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert on September 21st, Valley Forge
DakhaBrakha in Concert in San Francisco
Roland 16th Semi-Annual V Accordion Event
Tony Lovello to Perform for East Tennessee Accordion Club
The Big Squeeze and Beer Tasting Come Together for Spiced Up Fun and Food
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
NorthWest Accordion Clubs and Events
15th Las Vegas International Accordion Convention - A GRAND SUCCESS!
20th Year of the AAA Master Class and Seminars: Another success
Video: Jeff Lisenby Performs at the 2014 ATG Festival in Burlingame
Alicia Baker to Perform for San Francisco Accordion Club
Lou Jacklich Honored at 2014 ATG Festival
Video: Marocco Medley Performed at the 2014 ATG Festival in Burlingame
LIAA Celebrates Fourth Anniversary
Frank Petrilli at WMAS on September 21
Back Pain: The More Serious Symptoms
Future events |
Ken Nicol and Mary Drake to Perform for U of Eastern Kentucky
Those Darn Accordions (TDA) in Concert
Save the Date: 2015 American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Festival July 8-12
CD Reviews |
Highlights |
Breaking News: Roland Corporation Anounces V-Accordion Production - Italyby Harley Jones |
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 Roland and Fatar sign V-Accordion outsourcing agreement. Roland Corporation Japan announced today (4th September 2014) that a new production and outsourcing agreement with Fatar srl has been finalized, and manufacturing for the V-Accordion® line will resume this August in Italy. Fatar is an Italian supplier of keyboards for digital pianos, synthesizers and organs, based in Recanati, Italy. The company was founded by Lino Ragni in 1956. By combining the efforts of Roland’s expert engineering teams in Japan and Fatar's renowned craftsmanship and quality standards, Roland remains dedicated to the ongoing development of the very specialised V-Accordions instruments. As digital modeling continues to grow in popularity around the world, so too has the need for innovative V-Accordion models. Notable musicians who have used Roland V-Accordions on stage and in the studio include Sergio Scappini, Ludovic Beier, Weird Al” Yankovic and Nora Kirkpatrick from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, among many others. Current Roland models are: FR-1x BK, FR-1x RD, FR-1xb BK, FR-1xb RD, FR-3x BK, FR-3x WH, FR-3xb BK, FR-3xb WH, FR-8x BK, FR-8x RD, FR-8xb BK, and FR-8xb RD. |
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Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 The upcoming Fall season has so many interesting, educational, and entertaining accordion events for you to choose from. Read about them here in the September news. Included are Festivals, Orchestras, New CD's, Books, Duos, Young Accordionists, Clubs, Videos and more!As always, I welcome your comments and contributions. Send to Ritabelll@aol.com |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
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Stas Venglevski at the Michigan Accordion Societyby Rita Barnea |
 Bayanist Stas Venglevski maintains a busy summer and fall schedule. On September 16, 2014 at 7:PM Stas will perform for the Michigan Accordion Society at the Forestre Banquet Center, Concorde Inn, 1919 Starr Batt Drive, Rochester Hills, Michigan. His October schedule includes: Oct. 5, 10:30 AM: Muic at the Villa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Oct. 11, 8:PM Second Saturday Series Concert, Fusion, Kenosha, WI Oct. 12, 2:PM. Venglevski Students' Recital Cascsio Intertate Music, New Berlin, WI Oct. 17, 8:PM, Music from Almost Yesterday, Arts Recital Hall, Milwaukee, WI Stas recently took part in the Peter Soave Music Academy in Italy in August 2014 followed by the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention. 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 Bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the United States. Stas is an Accordionist, a Musician, an Arranger, an Entertainer and a Teacher. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. 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. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. He is a regular participant 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 numerous recordings including a transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions. Stas founded Accordion XXI Century Series in 2010 so that the Midwest audiences can experience the amazing range of the Accordion and Bayan by bringing gifted artists from all over the world. In a concert setting, these gifted musicians share their skills and cultures to provide the audience with a unique musical experience. The performances feature the Accordion or Bayan in solo presentation and, when possible, in concert with other instruments. Stas is an accomplished composer, conductor, and teacher in addition to his being a unique performer. For further information: stas@stasv.com Phone: 262-957-6599 |
7th Annual Accordion Noir Festival Sept. 11-14by Rita Barnea |
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 The 7th Annual Accordion Noir Festival takes place in Vancourver, Canada from September 11-14, 2014. Love the Squeezebox? Want to see some awesome shows and support the “One Less Guitar” movement in the process? Accordion Noir is looking for volunteers to be a part of this year's festival from Sept 11th - 14th. If you’re keen to help with postering, set up, tear down, door, bar, the community dinner, etc. contact accordionnoirlindy@gmail.com. Here is the daily schedule: Thursday Sept 11:Squeezebox Confession,The Fox Cabaret, Doors 8pm, Socalled (Montreal), Pathetic Fallacy (15 piece ensemble lead by Barbara Adler), Lonesome Leash teaser, Dr Jack’s Jackpot of Cabaret Curios and DJ -TBA Friday Sept 12: Accordion Speakeasy, The Russian Hall, Doors 8pm, Geoff Berner, Lonesome Leash (New Orleans/LA), Orkestar Slivovica with Guest Accordionist -TBA and Dr. Jack’s Jackpot of Cabaret Curios Saturday Sept 13: Accordion Kitchen Party, The Russian Hall, Doors 2pm, Community Open Mic, Technique Workshop with Ben Meti (Albania/Vancouver), Repair Booth by Melodona (Montreal), Community Dinner by Chef Ianna Yelchinko with performances by Robyn Carrigan (Nova Scotia/Vancouver), youth accordionists -TBA and a teaser from The Plodes. Saturday Sept 13: Squeezebox Rendezvous, The Russian Hall, Doors 8pm, Wintermitts, The Plodes, Ol’ Crocodile (Montreal), The Creaking Planks and Dr. Jack’s Jackpot of Cabaret Curios Sunday Sept 14: Free (Reed) Association, co-production with Vancouver New Music at The Orpheum Annex, Doors 7:30pm, Miss Murgatroid (Portland), Sick Boss (6-piece jazz/new music ensemble) with Tyson Naylor on accordion and Dr. Jack’s Jackpot of Cabaret Curios Some of the workshop/events include: Melodona, Montreal accordion repair guru, will host a repair consultation booth on Sept. 13 at the Russian Hall. There will also be a technique workshop given by local Albanian accordion expert, Ben Meti. Saturday evening the party continues at the 2014 Accordion Noir Festival with Ol’ Crocodile (Montreal/France). After years of busking, Ol’ Crocodile has earned the ability to make even the most cynical pedestrian join the party. Their accordion-boasting ‘Folk Sale’ (dirty folk) has made them infamous in Quebec as part of a movement that espouses the right to meet, to dance, to get dirty and to spread inspiration and ideas. This will be Ol’ Crocodile’s first appearance in Western Canada a party with a deeper cause– uniting two coasts of underground movers and shakers through the powers of accordion revelry. On Friday night, Vancouver get its first taste of the one man future-rustic orchestra known as Lonesome Leash. Splitting his time between New Orleans and Los Angeles, frontman Walt McClements is quickly earning a following with his mesmerizing stage show, which sees him multi-tasking between sinuous accordion, lush feedback effects, drum loops and brass flourishes. Additional performers are: Socalled (Montreal), Geoff Berner {Vancouver), Miss Murgatroid {Portland), Wintermitts {Vancouver), Robyn Carigan {Vancouver/Nova Scotia), The Creaking Planks (Vancouver), Pathetic Fallacy {Vancouver}, Sick Boss (Vancouver), Orkestar Slivovica ( Vancouver), The Plodes (Vancouver) plus more. |
Guy Klucevsek at the Brooklyn, New York Accordion Clubby Rita Barnea |
 Video: Guy Klucevsek performs Larsong at Sushi Performance Space, November 2010, San Diego, CA.Guy Klucevsek will lead a workshop ‘Unusual and Unorthodox Techniques for Accordion’ at the Brooklyn Accordion Club meeting on Sunday September 14th, 2-4pm. The club will also celebrate the premiere of the Brooklyn Accordion Club magazine ZINE!, which will be distributed at the next meeting. Brooklyn Accordion Club meets at 61 Local, 61 Bergen St., Brooklyn, New York Guy's future performances include: Friday, Sept. 19, 8 PM First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, 605 Morewood Avenue · Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2999 · 412-621-8008 Concert with Susanne Ortner, clarinet/sax and John Marcinizyn (guitar): solos, duos, trios, Guy's tunes plus some traditional klezmer and gypsy jazz tunes. Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 PM Musical Ecologies Solo Concert & Conversation, featuring Guy's music for collaborations in dance, theatre, video and audio. "Altered Landscapes," for a dance by David Dorfman, "Inside Score" for a video by Victoria Marks, "Suite from The Attic," for a dance by Karen Bamonte, "The Heart of the Andes," for a theatre piece by Dan Hurlin, and "Accordion Misdemeanors," written for the audio book of E. Annie Proulx's novel, "Accordion Crimes." The Old Stone House in Washington Park, 3rd Street & 5th Avenue Park Slope, Brooklyn For more info: 718-768-3195 |
Valtaro Celebration to Honor Frank Toscanoby Rita Barnea |
 On Sunday, September 28, 2014 the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) will host a Valtaro Celebration featuring musc of the Val-Taro region of Northern Italy and recognizing one of the performers of the music known as ValTaro, Frank Toscano. The event will be held at Riccardo’s, 21-01 24th Avenue, Astoria (Queens) New York on Sunday, September 28th from noon until 5 with non-stop music for listening and dancing. See the AAA website, www.ameraccord.com for details.Born and raised in New York, Frank Toscano came from an Italian family who valued the idea of music being played in the house constantly. Without a choice from his father, Frank took lessons on the accordion under the direction of Emilio Chiesa and never dreamed that it would became the passion of his life! “Emilio provided me with a solid classical foundation, for which I am forever grateful. I was very fortunate to have such a great teacher who was also a Virtuoso Accordionist.” As Frank continued through the years practicing, he mastered the instrument and it was only natural for him to become a professional musician. He wanted more though...more music... and so he learned, studied jazz and mas- tered the art of playing the piano (taught himself) and at the age of twenty-one opened the Frank Toscano Music School. Now some 50 years later, the school continues to flourish with young and not-so-young talent. Still teaching everyday, his undying passion for music and performing never seems to subside. He has performed live with, and for, many artists including Michail Baryshnikov and Aidan Quinn and can also be heard on many recordings of other artists too numerous to mention. Frank performed for Steve Schirripa and the entire Soprano’s cast to help launch an up-and-coming new T.V. show, He has also had the pleasure of performing with Joe Piscoppo and Vocalist, Debra Toscano. Frank has performed many steady engagements at many prominent clubs in the Tri-State area such as the Playboy Club, North Hemp- stead Country Club, Rockland Country Club and many more. Currently you can hear Frank perform solo at the Magnanini Winery and also in concert with the newly formed “Amazing Accordion Kings”. Among his accomplishments Frank has just finished arranging, conducting & performing on three great CD’s. “Accordion To Frank”, a solo CD which embraces the flavor of Traditional styled music laced with a hint of Modern Jazz paying homage to his Accordion heritage. The “The Amazing Accordion Kings” Volumes One and Two were arranged, performed and conducted with two other great Accordionists, Angelo DiPippo and Manny Corallo. These latest CD’s contain compilations of Opera to Jazz. Frank Toscano, a true musician, a true professional...and most certainly a true artist. Frank, as part of the Amazing Accordion Kings, will perform with them on Sunday, September 21, 2014. See the article in this publication Please RSVP on or before September 15, 2014. For further information, American Accordionists' Association or email: aaa1938@aol.com Phone: 203=378-1120 |
Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert on September 21st, Valley Forgeby Rita Barnea |
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| Video: 10 year old Cody McSherry plays Irish Washerwoman / Kerry Dance. The Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo will present a concert on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 3:PM at the Shannondell Performing Arts Center at Valley Forge, PA. Featured performers include 11 year old Cody McSherry on accordion and 2014 MAMTG Champion, Shanice Aquino, vocalist. Most of the twenty-five plus members of the orchestra are professional musicians or teachers. Many are soloists in their own right. The orchestra performs a repertoire of light classical, Broadway, big band and popular music. It has entertained audiences at concert halls, county fairs, festivals, schools, and playhouses at many locations primarily in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Al Terzo is a teacher, arranger, and conductor who has been with the orchestra since its inception in 1970. He is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, New Jersey Music Teachers Association, and National Association of Music Educators. Al Terzo serves on the governing board of the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) and is a founding member of the Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild. He his an accomplished accordionist who has performed at the Garden State Arts Center and Newark's Symphony Hall. Currently he teaches accordion and piano in New Jersey. For further information: alterzo@hotmail.com |
DakhaBrakha in Concert in San Franciscoby Rita Barnea |
 DakhaBrakha will present a free concert on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 1-3:PM at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival in San FranciscoThey presented their debut concert in Mexico on August 13, 2014. They also appeared in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago on their USA tour this summer. DakhaBrakha’s accordion, bass drum, mouth harp, and cello reveal both love of tradition and post-modern punk defiance. The quartet’s astonishingly powerful and uncompromising vocal range create songs that are steeped in Ukrainian folk tradition but not bounded by it; they deploy the piercing vocal harmonies of Balkan music, the drones and systematic unfolding of Minimalism, and the drive of African dance music. Founded by former underground theater performers, the self-proclaimed “ethno-chaos group” possesses an incredible stage presence that transcends its eclectic repertoire and instrumentation. The hometown of Dakhabrakha is Kiev, UA. From their Facebook page: "DakhaBrakha was created in 2004 at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art “DAKH” by the avant-garde theatre director – Vladyslav Troitskiy. Theatre work has left its mark on the band performances – their shows have never been staged without the scenic effects. Having experimented with Ukrainian folk music, the band has added rhythms of the surrounding world into their music, thus creating bright, unique and unforgettable image of DakhaBrakha. Ukrainian folk music and songs will surely benefit from the overtones of another music, cultures and styles. It will help to open up the potential of Ukrainian melodies and to bring it to the hearts and consciousness of the younger generation in Ukraine and the rest of the world as well. The name is original, outstanding and authentic at the same time. DakhaBrakha means “give/take” in the old Ukrainian language. The meaning of “giving” is obvious - to give music, joy, celebration, the whole spectrum of emotions, feelings and reflections that fresh music and singing bring with itself. But where “to take” from? The energy can be taken not only from a native “source” but from anywhere...Modern ethnic music needs a sort of reconstruction and in a way it means to search roots, to move back in time." Members of the group are: Marko Halanevych - vocals, darbuka, tabla, didjeridoo, accordion Iryna Kovalenko - vocals, djembe, bass drums, accordion, percussion, bugay, zgaleyka, piano Olena Tsibulska - vocals, bass drums, percussion Nina Garenetska - vocals, cello, bass drum Iryna Gorban - manager E-mail: dakhabrakha@ukr.net |
Roland 16th Semi-Annual V Accordion Eventby Rita Barnea |
 The 16th semi-annual Roland Accordion Event will be held on Sunday, 9/21/14, from 1:00-3:PM at Falcetti Music, 1755 Boston Rd., Springfield, Ma. 01129. Refreshments will be served and the event is open to the public.Since 2006 Falcetti Music in Springfield, Massachusetts has scheduled two major events each year with 50 to 75 attendees. These events included workshop, concerts by Roland artists, and Roland customer performances. The workshop portion of the event will be presented by Sam Falcetti, founder of Falcetti Music. Included in the Entertainment performance section will be performers who played at the ” Accordions Now Festival” held at the Nashua N.H. Marriott in August. Also on the agenda 9 year old Angela Falcetti will be featured on the Roland FR1X. Angela has been playing the accordion for 3 years and is no stranger to performing and competing. She performs at many venues in the greater Springfield area and was also the recipient of several trophies at both the ATAM and AAA Festivals. Please RSVP by Saturday, September 13, 2014 For further information: peggyf1944@gmail.com |
Tony Lovello to Perform for East Tennessee Accordion Clubby Rita Barnea |
 The East Tennessee Accordion Club invites allaccordionists and their families, (from TenneSsee and neighboring states) to enjoy southern hospitality and great accordion music in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. There is no charge. The concert which features legendary accordionist Tony Lovello takes place on Sunday, September 28, 2014 from 3-8:PM at Morning Pointe( Assisted Lving and Alzheimer's Memory Care), 7700 Dannaber Drive, Powell, Tennessee (Knoxville area). ETenn Accordion Club Members ~ Waclaw Konecnzy, Linda Ann Warren, Mike Beckley, Rick Runningbear Dunifer and Joe Zale from Maggie Valley, North Carolina will also perform. For Contact Information & Reservations: Waclaw Koneczny ETenn Accordion Club Accordionator wacek37803@gmail.com (or) on Facebook Linda Ann Warren ETenn Accordion Club Social Secretary ph: 865-922-8770 linda.ann@tds.net (or) on Facebook |
The Big Squeeze and Beer Tasting Come Together for Spiced Up Fun and Foodby Rita Barnea |
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| Contributed by Jill Lloyd, Media Coordinator: Themed “Squeeze Some Spice Into Your Life” the 6th annual Accordion Festival AKA "The Big Squeeze" on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa will bring together zesty music, hot and spicy foods and tasty seasonal brews. Accordion based bands and soloists playing a variety of music genres will highlight the Big Squeeze component, which runs from 10:AM to 4:PM and show off the diversity of the squeezebox. Featured bands on the main stage include Doug Legacy and the Zydeco Party Band at 2:45 PM withhot and spicy zydeco, Cajun, blues and "Chuck Berry style"rock 'n roll. Returning for the second year is Porterhouse Bob and Down to the Bone featuring The Brotherhood Horns and L.A. Accordion Diva “Gee “Rabe on accordion at 12:45 p.m. They are an eight piece New Orleans style funk and rhythm and blues band which includes a four piece horn section known as The Brotherhood Horns with players from Ray Charles, Brian Setzer, Elton John and many others. The Ploughboys, the house band at the Scottish Pub Tam O'Shanter Inn in Los Angeles, will perform lively Scottish and Irish songs at 11:30 a.m. The Fred Mlakar Band will churn out Slovenian American music to kick off the main stage shows at 10:30 a.m. Free zydeco dance lessons will be offered at 12:20 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. by Ted Sherrod. On another stage from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. solo accordionists will offer a cultural mix of music including Balkan Folk Music by Dromia, Italian and Piazzolla selections by Lou Fanucchi, Hungarian and other international melodies by Peter Geburth. Jim Gilman’s Oktoberfest band will bring in traditional German and Polka favorites. The public can bring their accordions to take part in free lessons for beginners and intermediate players at 11:30 a.m. by “Gee Rabe” as well as free appraisals from noon to 3 p.m. and an open jam at 3:30 p.m. Free accordion storage will be available. While soaking in the hot entertainment, beer connoisseurs can take in the Samuel Adams Octoberfest Experience which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers tastings of its seasonal brews and other specialty beers. Beer selections include Samuel Adams Fall Seasonal Octoberfest Beer and other specialty beers including Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Samuel Adams Rebel IPA, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat, Angry Orchard Cider, Porch Rocker, Belgian Session and Fat Jack. For the Beer Experience there is a $25 ticket available in advance and offers a $19 savings through Sept. 26 . This includes a free admission and preferred parking to the Big Squeeze with all of the entertainment and the OC Market Place, along with FOUR 12 oz. beers, a bratwurst and giant pretzel. Tickets are available at www.Eventbrite.com under Samuel Adams Octoberfest Experience & The Big Squeeze. At the event, the cost for the Beer Experience is $35 and does include admission and preferred parking) .Non beer tasting attendees can attend the Festival and the OC Market Place for $2 or free admission for children 12 and under. Think you can hoist a full liter and a half stein longer than anyone else? The Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Contest will have male and female contestants seeing who can hold up one full 1.5 liter stein with arms straight in front of them for the longest time. Winners receive an exclusive Samuel Adams Merchandise Bucket which includes a glass stein, hat, shirt, bottle opener, key chain and sweatshirt! Space is extremely limited. Sign-ups will begin the morning of the event at the Samuel Adams Octoberfest tent, starting at 10 a.m. for both the men's and women's competition. The main heat is at 2 p.m. on the Main Stage. Gourmet food trucks will be serving up special spicy and Oktoberfest menu items in addition to their regular bill of fare. Among the selections are Piaggio on Wheels’ Pork Sausage Skewers served with Sauerkraut Mashed Potatoes, Barcelona on the Go’s Prime Steak Tacos with Roasted Corn and Fiery Tomatillo Salsa, Ragin’ Cajun’s Red Beans and Rice with Sausage and Gumbolaya, Flavor Rush’s Char-Grilled Beer Braised Bratwurst, Tailgate Truck’s 5-alarm Chili Cheese Nachos and Spudrunners’ Chorizo Grilled Cheese with Fiery Roasted Jalapeños In addition to the food trucks, other Market Place food operations will be available including Carlos Cantina Mexican Food, Texas BBQ, Mama Rubino’s Pizza and much more. Admission to the Accordion Festival is $2, and includes access to the Orange County Market Place which features hundreds of swap meet vendors as well as the Orange County Antique and Vintage Market, both of which run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Market Place is located at the OC Fair & Event Center at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information call 949-723-6660. For Media Information from the Orange County Market Place please contact: Jill Lloyd (714) 267-4657 or jillannlloyd@yahoo.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Elena and Gregory Fainshtein Release New CD, "Together"by Rita Barnea |
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 Performance of "Sunrise, Sunset" at the Las Vegas Accordion Convention 8/21/14Elena and Gregory are proud to announce the release of their new CD "Together". See the review by Joan Cochran Sommers in this publication. The content of the CD includes: 1. Waltz-Musette Autumn Illusions by Stas Venglevski 2. Samba Tico-Tico by Zequinha de Abreu and Carmen Carrozza 3. Waltz-Musette Light and Shadows Paolo Pizzigoni. Arrangement by A.Popov 4. Flick-Flack by Albert Vossen. Arrangement by E&G Fainshtein 5. Moon River by Henry Mancini and Frank Marocco 6. Festive Waltz by Frank Natoli. Arrangement by Joe Natoli 7. La Tempete (The Storm) by Andre Astier 8. Finnish Polka. Arrangement by V. Ushakov 9. Tango Juntos (Together) by Amy Jo Sawyer 10. Waltz Parisian Stage by Eugen Doga 03:52 Accordion duo Gregory and Elena Fainshtein have become increasingly busy in the accordion world. Among their appearances in the past year were the Mesa Accordion Event, the NAA Convention, The ATG Festival, and the LVIAC (Las Vegas International Accordion Convention. Elena Fainshtein is a professional accordion performer, accordion/bayan teacher, piano teacher and conductor. She has had experience teaching the accordion and piano for over twenty five years. Currently she works with children and adults in her home studio located in Plano, Texas. She also gives Skype accordion lessons. For several decades Elena and her husband, Gregory, have been playing duos together. They met at music college in Russia at the age of 17. Their music brought them from Russia, to Israel, and then Texas. Additionally, Elena conducts the Happy Fingers Accordion Band, a group of amateur players of varying ages. Their recent performance was at the Dallas Accordion Convention a well as various recitals and accordion clubs. All are welcome to join. Their next performance will be for the Dallas, TX. Accordion Association on Tuesday, September2, 2014, IHOP 1313 W. Centerville Rd., Garland, Texas. Elena and Gregory take every possible opportunity to perform at various venues and have expanded their musical services to private parties, festivals, events, and weddings. The Fainshteins have another CD, "Musical Adventures" which is also available. Top photo by Rose Baca You can purchase their new CD easily and directly through www.MusicForAccordion.com For further information: elena.fainshtein@gmail.com |
NorthWest Accordion Clubs and Eventsby Rita Barnea |
| For those of you who live in or plan to visit the western part of North America, there are numerous accordion groups that have special concerts and events. Please refer to the list below and feel free to contact anyone on the list for more information on activities you may want to attend in places including Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Texas, Oregon,Alaska, and Canada NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS SEATTLE, WA: 2nd Monday monthly: West Seattle Senior Center Socials Resume Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8. Contact: John Giuliani 425-255-2121 or Birgit Ages 206- 368-9720 Back up contact: Bonnie Birch 206-622-4786. Music 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS TACOMA, WA: 2nd Thursday monthly: Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13,Dec. 11 Lutheran Church 121st & Park Ave. across from PLU Library 7:00 – 9:30 PM contact: Dick Myking 253-537-0136 NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS FOREST GROVE, OR: 4th Sundays April and October. Forest Grove Community Center, 2037 Douglas St. Forest Grove, OR. 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM. Contact: Doris Osgood 503-357-0417. October 26, 2014 ACCORDION CLUB OF CENTRAL OREGON BEND, OR: 2ND Saturday Monthly, noon – 2 PM Aspen Ridge Retirement Home 1010 NW Purcell Blvd, Bend Members provide entertainment one Sunday monthly also. Contacts: Lillian Jones, 541-536-1531 lajones716@yahoo.com or Karl Kment, 541-548-0495 or kgkment@aol.com ACCORDION CLUB OF ROSEBURG ROSEBURG, OR: 3rd Monday monthly 6:30, 553 Little Valley Rd. Roseburg Pres. Karen Cordell 553 Little Valley Rd. Roseburg, OR 97471 541-784-1911 or beltunagirl@aol.com ACCORDION CLUB OF VANCOUVER VANCOUVER, B.C.: www.meetup.com/Accordion-Club-of-Vancouver contact: Haike Kingma orhaike@telus.net ACCORDION INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SOCIETY SANTA BARBARA, CA: 2nd Sunday monthly 1 – 3 PM Vale Verde Retirement Theatre 900 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CA AIMS P.O. Box 4511 Santa Barbara, CA 93140 Info: Heinz Trick 805-685-2260 www.santabarbaraaccordions.com BROOKINGS ACCORDION CLUB BROOKINGS, OR: 4th Sat. monthly 2-4 PM, Evergreen Federal S&L, 850 Chetco Ave. Brookings, OR, Pres. Cami Meccia 541- 469-807 EASTSIDE JAZZ: Bellevue, WA 3rd Tuesday monthly, Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 7:30 PM beginning January 2012. Contact: Cooksie Kramer 425- 828-9104 EMERALD VALLEY ACCORDION CLUB EUGENE, OR: 1st Monday monthly: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Veterans’ Memorial Bldg. 1626 Willamette St. Secretary Linda Gunn 541- 726-6330 cordiagunn@gmail.com V.P. Lou Marzano Social time 6 PM, business 6:45 PM FAIRBANKS ACCORDION CLUB FAIRBANKS, AK: Mondays weekly 6 – 8 PM Pioneers Home, open to all free reed instruments. Contact: Christine Upton 907-457- 3392 FIVE VALLEY ACCORDION ASSOCIATION MONTANA 5VAA: Jams are 1- 5 Pm Sept. 14 Eagles, Hamilton Sept 18 Rustin Hut, Florence Oct. 12 Sunrise Saloon, Missoula Oct. 26 Eagles, Hamilton Nov. 23 Sunrise Saloon, Missoula Dec. 14 Rustic Hut, Florence (Christmas party) Jan. 11 Eagles, Hamilton Jan. 25 Rustic Hut, Florence Feb. 8 Sunrise Saloon, Missoula Pres. Helen Brady 370-8452 or accordion.club@yahoo.com Montana – NW Accordion Association Sept. 21 Eagles, Kalispell Oct. 5 Elks, Polson Oct. 19 Eagles, Kalispell Nov. 2 Elks, Polson Nov. 16 Eagles, Kalispell Dec. 7 Elks, Polson Dec. 21 Eagles, Kalispell Contact: Ralph Salomon 406-675-0178 all NWAA Jams 2 – 5:30 PM Montana – Great Falls Accordion Players Sept. 21 B.E. Com Oct. 19 Eagles Nov. 9 Elks Dec. 14 Elks Jan. 18 B.E Com Jams are 1 PM – 5 PM Contact Pat Sharp for info: 406-452-4546 GEM STATE ACCORDION CLUB IDAHO: Caldwell Library Community Rm Caldwell, ID 3rd Saturday monthly 1 – 4 PM for information contact: Dianne Lansing slansing757@gmail.com HUGO’S ACCORDION BAND MT. VERNON, WA: 2nd and 4th Monday monthly 2:00 - 4:00 PM Director,Leif Holmes. President, Duane Stowe 16580 Peterson Rd Burlington, WA 98233 360-757-4826 dstowe@clearwire.net HOUSTON BAY AREA ACCORDION CLUB HOUSTON, TX: 2ND Wednesday monthly 5 – 9 PM Joe Brikha, Pres JoeBrikha@gmail.com www.bayareaaccordionclub.com MEDFORD ACCORDION CLUB MEDFORD, OR: 4th Monday monthly 7 - 9 PM: Central Point Senior Center 123 N. 2nd St, Central Point, OR Jeannette Dewey, Pres. 1029 SE Rogue Dr. Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-471-7455 OKANAGAN ACCORDION CLUB KELOWNA, BC: Tuesdays weekly Sept. – May, Senior Center on Richter Info contact: Rod Miller 250-317-9088, Lela Bourne l.bourne@shaw.ca ROGUE RIVER ACCORDION CLUB ROGUE RIVER, OR: 2nd Friday monthly. 4 – 6 PM Council Chambers Rogue River City Hall, 133 Broadway St. Rogue River, OR. Pres. Margot Turrell 206 Creekside Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-479-9409 yodelady@q.com ROSE CITY ACCORDION CLUB PORTLAND, OR: 3rd Saturday monthly. 1 – 5 PM Milwaukie Public Safety Bldg, SE 32nd & Harrison, Milwaukie, OR. Pres. Wayne Tiusanen wjtiusanen@yahoo.ccom www.rosecityaccordionclub.org SEQUIM ACCORDION SOCIAL SEQUIM, WA: 2nd Sunday, Odd numbered months, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Sequim Senior Center 921 E. Hammond St; next meeting January 11 contact: Jeannie Berg- jeannieberg@yahoo.com 360-683-5620 SIERRA NEVADA ACCORDIONS RENO, NV: John Covarelli, Pres. 775-848-3777, sqeezebox2@gmail.com SPOKANE ACCORDION ENSEMBLE SPOKANE, WA weekly rehearsals 6- 9 PM Eileen Webber, Pres. 509- 290-6858 rick.eileenw@comcast.net TUALATIN VALLEY ACCORDIONISTS FOREST GROVE, OR: 1st Sat. monthly 10 AM – 1 PM Forest Grove Library Pacific Ave. Contact: Paul and Judy Bria 503-591-0504 pjbria@aol.com YUMA ACCORDION CLUB Yuma, AZ: Every Tuesday, November - March at the Yuma Food Bank at 2404 E 24th Street, Yuma, AZ President, Coreen Bergholm @ coreen5183@aol.com or Ginger Purdy @ gpurdy1940@yahoo.com VICTORIA ACCORDION CLUB VICTORIA, B.C. CANADA: 1st Sunday Monthly 2:30 PM, Victoria Edelweiss Club 108 Niagra St., James Bay District Victoria, BC Contact: John 250-386-7282 or 250-477-3098 BUTTON BOX CAMPS JULY AND SEPT: For information contact: Joseph Smiell Jr. 812 Bantry Way Benica, CA 94510 - camps held at Heildman Lodge, Norden, CA near Donner Pass ACCORDION EXTRAVAGANZA EDMONTON, ALBERTA: September 12 – 14, 2014 www.edmontonaccordion.com ALPENFEST: Sept. 25 - 28 2014 Wallowa County, OR, Oregon's Little Switzerland Enterprise, P.O. Box 301 Joseph, OR 97846 Details: oregonalpenfest.com or 541-432-0209. Cell 541-398-1096 |
15th Las Vegas International Accordion Convention - A GRAND SUCCESS!by Paul Pasquali Event Organizer |
 The excitement started at 3 PM August 18, 2014 as the crowd of attendees started to form lines to pick up their registration packet including full color program book, convention tote bag and lanyard ID. Included for every attendee was a free soft drink at Club Concerto to be enjoyed while listening to the wonderful sounds of Gina Brannelli performing and singing. The event kicked off a wonderful week of entertainment, education and fun! Our welcome concert featured world-renowned accordionists Peter Soave and Mary Tokarski followed by Mr. Entertainment himself, Dick Contino, with band members Corky Bennett, Pete Contino and Bob Sax, for a phenomenal opening of the event. Club Concerto followed with an after hours event where anyone could be a star on stage! Over 40 classes were offered during the next three full days of the event. The first morning offered three classes to choose from each hour. At noon we gathered in the main ballroom just across the hall from classes and enjoyed lunch with the delightful music of Gordon Kohl followed by a concert featuring “Of One Accord”, a 10 piece accordion ensemble from Alberta Canada directed by Margaret Miller. What a joy to hear their wide-ranging program. After it was back to classes and the first rehearsal of the International Accordion Orchestra with Professor Joan Cochran Sommers! That evening was a night to remember! It started with a wonderful dinner of beef tenderloin and salmon paired together and although the tiramisu was a wonderful dessert, the music that followed was far sweeter! Alicia Baker wowed the audience to no end and she concluded her set by bringing Michael Bridge up onto the stage. The two were incredible! To make the evening even more like sweet heaven, Stas Venglevski, our 2014 Honorary Conductor performed with his flawless and inimitable charismatic style only to be eclipsed by the duets he performed with Joan Cochran Sommers! That evening the presentations were made to Stas as Honorary Conductor and a special Lifetime Achievement Award to Gina Brannelli! Wow, what a night! Everyone was a buzz at Club Concerto afterwards! Wednesday was another day full of wonderful classes with lunch music by Chuck Henry followed by a short performance by event organizer Paul Pasquali – then our current and past honorary conductors came up after lunch for an hour-long question and answer session that seemed to fly by. That evening, after more fun filled classes and rehearsals, we had dancing with the music of Gordon Kohl and Chuck Henry – followed by our parade of costumes. Best Costume award went to Mary Thomson whose Victorian period costume was amazing! The night continued with a jazz accordion set by Ron Borelli from San Francisco followed by an unforgettable concert with Joey Miskulin who was backed by bass, drums and clarinet. Another night filled with fun and excitement – which showed by the attendance at Club Concerto after hours where the party continued! Thursday was filled with people buzzing around to all the exciting classes. Lunch brought us the beautiful music of Elena & Gregory Fainshtein that left the audience wanting more. Our friend Pete Barbutti followed and made everyone laugh with his signature brand of humor. Pete even played a song on his cigar – what a fun time! The evening gala concert started with a best-dressed competition - first place was awarded to Walter Gomez! Thursday evening Pete Barbutti was our Master of Ceremonies. The concert started with Michael Bridge, who demonstrated his vast talent by playing almost every style of music imaginable. Michael received several standing ovations. Then the orchestra took the stage. This writer will tell you that this was an incredible performance that brought everyone to his or her feet with a standing ovation befitting a super star! Professor Joan Cochran Sommers totally amazed and wowed the audience with a varied program that can only be described as glorious! A true example that there is nothing like live music done right! After the concert most everyone could be found at Club Concerto saying goodbye to friends, new and old. Many said this was the BEST event YET – which was evidenced by the huge percentage of people in line who registered for the June 22, 2015 event! We hope to see all of you again at next year’s convention. For more information check out AccordionStars.com Photo of Joan Cochran Sommers and Stas Venglevski |
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20th Year of the AAA Master Class and Seminars: Another successby Rita Barnea |
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| The 20th American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Seminars and Master Class founded and directed by AAA Board member Dr. William Schimmel proved to be another successful event for the accordion in New York City. On August 1, the 20 year participation Merit Awards were presented to: Micki Goodman, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Paul Stein and Lee McClure. USA News Editor, Rita Barnea, spoke about the Accordion and Journalism during the event. Erica Marie Mancini wrote the following review of the event: The Seminars - by Erica Marie Mancini Each year that I attend The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Master Class and Concert Series, I fall in love. It's not the crisp white piano keys, the smooth varnish, and shiny metal adornment, nor is it the beeswax, wooden blocks, or little round buttons that make my heart ache. It's not the physical object that enchants me, but rather the spirit of the accordion that captivates me. One year ago, I had just graduated from NYU Gallatin, The School of Individualized Study. I was passionately looking for a job, wearing a sundress, and playing my accordion. Now, one year later, my job is my passion: wearing sundresses and playing accordion. While at Gallatin, my main focus delved deep into the study of subcultures, music, and identity. I explored many fields, spanning from ethnographic research to critical theory to the accordion. I studied privately under Dr. William Schimmel, who mentored me through my whole college experience not only as an accordionist, but also as a scholar. He was able to bring cohesion to the wide breadth of my studies through his keen ability to piece together seemingly unrelated concepts, oftentimes through the familiar lens of the accordion. His pedagogy proved to be a perfect fit for my education because of the vast amount of interdisciplinary knowledge needed to create challenge and innovation. An oily and distorted reflection looks back at me from the slick, licorice lacquer of the accordion nestled on my lap. The shiny metal clasps are like miniature fun house mirrors, making my gazing face as well the surrounding room of The Tenri Cultural Institute distort, like a glass fishbowl. It is at The Seminars, now celebrating it's twentieth year, with Dr. Schimmel as a curator and moderator that the otherwise parallel tracks of our individual journeys collide, and the collective identity of the community has a chance to incubate. Though our paths only cross for a short moment in time, we have the privilege to share with one another valuable knowledge and experiences gleaned from the past year. We divulge secrets and dreams, questions and uncertainties to one another. Without fail, I always leave the weekend of The Seminars injected with a magic tonic of inspiration that reawakens the spirit of self-motivation, education, passion, experimentation, and determination that to me represents the spirit of the accordion that I love so much." On August 2, 2014, Erica premiered Dr. William Schimmel's "Concerto Bullo". Dr.Schimmel composed it for her. A commercial release is pending. Photo above: Dr Schimmel with Denise Koncelik - Peter Flint - Mayumi Miyaoka and Robert Duncan. For further information email: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Video: Jeff Lisenby Performs at the 2014 ATG Festival in Burlingameby Dan & Joan Grauman |
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| Video 1: Original work by Jeff Lisenby "A Spy in Totuga". This is a modern tango written by Jeff Lisenby, using an “Eastern” scale to represent the “spy” in the Caribbean island off of Haiti.! The solo music is available online. Cat: jlisenby007 CD track also available online at: Jeff Lisenby Video 2: Jeff Lisenby arrangement of the popular Hoe Down from Rodeo. This is an accordion trio arrangement of Emerson, Lake, & Palmer’s famous version of the Aaron Copland piece! Video courtesy of Mike Roche. Accordionist, composer, teacher, and arranger Jeff Lisenby, performed several of his excellent compositions and arrangements for accordion trio at the 2014 Accordionists & Teachers Guild International (ATG) Festival in July. Jeff holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the prestigious Conservatory of Music of the University of Missouri at Kansas City, where he studied with Joan Cochran Sommers. He was twice U.S.A. national accordion champion and bronze medalist in the Coupe Mondiale. Jeff has performed with many symphony orchestras and varied artists, from Pavarotti to Donna Summer. Accompanying Jeff were Wesley (Wes) Anderson on drums and Sean Brogan on electric bass, who were introduced to the accordion at the Frank Marocco Accordion Event. There they’ve accompanied the orchestra annually since 2007. Anderson and Brogan received their music degrees from Arizona State University and are currently performing and teaching music. |
Alicia Baker to Perform for San Francisco Accordion Clubby Rita Barnea |
 Video: Alicia Baker performing at the Cotati Festival in August 2014. This Russian melody is known as Meadowlands in English composed by Lev Knipper.Alicia Baker will be the featured performer on September 21, 2014 at 2:PM at the San Francisco Accordion Club. The concert takes place at the Oyster Point Yacht Club, 911 Marina Blvd., South San Francisco. Alicia Baker is a 22 year old, self-professed music fanatic from Milwaukie, Oregon. She has been playing the accordion since the age of 6, as well as studying piano and voice. Recently graduated from Oregon State University, she holds a triple degree in Music Education, Piano Performance, and Vocal Performance. Alicia has won several International competitions, including the prestigious Happy Hans award at the Kimberley International Old-Time Accordion Championships in 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2012. In addition, she represented the United States at the 2009 Roland International V-Accordion Competition in Rome. This turned out to a relationship hat continues to provide opportunities to share her love for the instrument as a Roland product specialist. In 2011, she performed Nikolai Chaikin's "Accordion Concerto in B-flat Major" with the Corvalis Symphony. Alicia strives to play all genres of music well, and her favorite styles include french musettes, jazz, polkas, opera, pop, and techno. Do not miss this talented young accordionist! For further information: info@sfaccordionclub.com |
Lou Jacklich Honored at 2014 ATG Festivalby Pamela Tom |
 Lou Jacklich, veteran accordion performer, teacher and pioneer, was honored on July 25th 2014 at the 74th Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival in San Francisco, California.Lynn Ewing, San Francisco Accordion Club president paid tribute to Lou Jacklich and recounted his career and accomplishments during his 70 years of teaching and 78 years of performing. A dedicated teacher, he still has gigs and teaches in his studio in San Lorenzo, CA. “The Maestro,” as affectionately called by his students, was born in Hayward, California, in 1928. He started the accordion at 7 years old. At 11 years old he was a soloist at the 1939 San Francisco World’s Fair (Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay). At 16 years old he joined the union and played vaudeville on the west coast. He was underage and had a job in a night club. He was one of a select few students in high school with a car because he had teaching jobs and performances around the San Francisco Bay Area. He performed with the Trinidad Steel Drum Band and the Serendipity Singers in Honolulu. He opened the Jacklich School of Music in Castro Valley, CA during the 1950s with 7 teachers who studied under him. The school grew to 400 students and had 4 accordion bands, and 19 combos. He also represented the Melodiosa brand of accordions. He was a pioneer with MIDI equipment and sophisticated amplification on stage using the Lovell organ attachment for accordion. Lou was one of the first accordion artists to introduce the ‘electronically’ enhanced accordion playing it both on his recording ‘Lou Jacklich Plays’ and on engagements throughout the country. Lou Jacklich is very generous in sharing his knowledge and is a natural teacher. He left the hectic life of traveling on the road as a performer and returned to teaching. Over the span of his years of teaching, his number of students easily exceeds a thousand lives enriched by music. |
Video: Marocco Medley Performed at the 2014 ATG Festival in Burlingameby Dan & Joan Grauman |
| The Marocco Medley, dedicated to the memory of Frank Marocco, was arranged by Liz Finch. Featured is accordion soloist Jeff Lisenby, conductor of the ATG Festival Accordion Orchestra is Prof. Joan Sommers. Video courtesy of Mike Roche. |
LIAA Celebrates Fourth Anniversaryby Rita Barnea |
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 The LIAA celebrated their fourth anniversary on August 6, 2014. Accordion participants in the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) Fourth Anniversary Celebration Wed., Aug. 6, 2014.Photo:(back row left to right):Gregory Zukoff, Frank Scardino, John Perno, Joe DeClemente, Joe Campo, Huntington Town Supervisor Frank P. Petrone, Dominic Karcic(front row left to right) Phil Franzese, Santo Endrizzi, Phil Prete, Fr. Ed Buchheit, Bob LaBua and Ray Oreggia. (Above photo) Huntington, NY Town Supervisor Frank P. Petrone (left), whose father was an accordionist and band leader, attended the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) Fourth Anniversary Celebration is seen here with LIAA president Joe Campo. (Photo on left) The next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) sponsored by La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Roag, East Northport, NY is on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014 at 6 PM. Tbe LIAA is in their fourth year of celebrating the accordion on Long Island. Come and enjoy the festive music of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) and featured guest artists accordionist Manny Corallo accompanied by Tony Drago. For further information: dkarcic10@verizon.net 631-261-6344 |
Frank Petrilli at WMAS on September 21by Rita Barnea |
 Well known jazz accordionist, Frank Petrilli, will be the featured guest performer at the WMAS (Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society meeting on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 4:PM. The concert takes place at Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church, 3435 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, Va. 22044.Frank Petrilli was born and still lives in Los Angeles, California. He started playing the accordion at age 7 and by age 16 was playing professionally. As the popularity of the accordion declined in the US, Frank switched to playing Hammond B3 Organ and the saxophone for about 15 years. In 2006, he returned to the accordion and started playing with the César Mateus Latin Jazz Band at many jazz venues throughout the Los Angeles area. In late 2006, Frank began intensive study with the great jazz accordionist Frank Morocco which quickly evolved into a very close friendship. By virtue of their close relationship and mutual love of jazz, Frank Petrilli became Frank Morocco’s protégé and Frank Morocco often commented that Frank Petrilli was like the son he never had. Unfortunately, this relationship ended far too soon with Frank Morocco’s untimely passing on March 3, 2012. Later that year at the end of summer, Frank performed at the Fif Castelfidardo festival which is one of the most prestigious festivals in Europe. As Frank Petrilli’s reputation grew as an excellent player in the jazz community, he began performing frequently in the Los Angeles area with renowned artists such as guitarist John Chiodini. With these artists, Frank has been regularly featured at top venues such as “Herb Albert’s” club called Vibrato Jazz and Grill. Frank also performed at many of the major accordion festivals and clubs in the US including the 2011 AAA Festival in Charleston, SC, the San Francisco Accordion Club (several times), and the Cotati Accordion festival in the summer of 2013. In October of 2011, Frank appeared on the TV series Mad Men. In May of 2012, he was invited to play in the spot that Frank Marocco had been scheduled for as a featured performer at the Accordion competition in Kiev, “Accofestival 2012.” Frank was also one of the judges for the jazz portion of the competition. Immediately following the competition in Kiev, he performed at the Frank Marocco Memorial Concert in Castelfidardo, Italy with many other stars of the accordion world. Frank’s debut CD, “Totally Frank,” produced by Elke Ahrenholz of “Artist Signed Records”, was recorded in Italy during this trip. Accompanying Frank on this CD were three celebrated Italian musicians, Felice Del Gaudio, Mas Ferri and Fabio Zeppetella. In this CD you will definitely hear the influences of Frank Marocco, however Frank Petrilli plays his own style which includes more focus on Latin grooves. 2014 has been very busy one for Frank as he performed April, via the invitation of Joe Petosa, at the Northwest Accordion Society in Seattle. In May, he played for the Michigan Accordion Society. Frank is playing gigs through Southern California. On Sunday September 7th, he will perform with world class vocalist, Allison Adams Tucker. He plays with his quartet at Herb Albert's Vibrato Jazz Club frequently. In December 2014, The San Diego Accordion Club will feature Frank as will the Silicon Valley Accordion Society in March 2015. Frank is working on a new CD with accomplished guitarist John Chiodini. USA news will announce its release. For further information: petrillifrank@yahoo.com For further information on the Sept. 21 concert:j oangrauman@verizon.net |
Back Pain: The More Serious Symptomsby Harley Jones |
  The latest chapter released of the book 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain' by John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP) is on the topic "Back Pain: The More Serious Symptoms""Low back pain is a problem that over 80% of accordionists will experience in their lifetime" writes John Bonica (picture right). This exciting eBook is being published chapter by chapter, with about one chapter being released each month. There will be a minimum of 24 chapters, 13 chapters released so far. Special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by e-mail as it is released. For more information, and to purchase: John Bonica |
Future events |
Amazing Accordion Kings in Concert on September 21 in NYby Rita Barnea |
 The Amazing Accordion Kings will perform on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 2:PM at Dix Hills Performing Arts Center at Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills, NY.Come see and listen to the Amazing Accordion Kings taking you on a musical Tour of Italy with side trips to Germany, Hungary, Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Poland, Paris, Arabia and American Jazz. Join them for a joyful Sunday afternoon with the Amazing Accordion Kings. One of the world’s fantastically talented musicians who just happens to play accordion. From Garden City, NY the legendary Angelo Di Pippo has played accordion since the age of eight years old and is a graduate of Holy Cross College with a Master’s degree from C.W. Post College and an honorary Doctorate from Five Towns College. Angelo has played in thousands of recording sessions. Over the years Angelo has recorded and concretized with score of famous such as artists as: Peggy Lee, Harry Belefonte, Debbie Reynolds, Frankie Avalon to name a few. has also appeared on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, The Regis Philbin Show and many more too numerous to mention. Besides being voted by Keyboard Magazine “best accordionist in America”, Angelo has appeared in many movies where he can be seen and heard in films such as the wedding scene in the Godfather. He has also played in several Broadway productions. Angelo is an accomplished arranger/conductor and for over twenty years has conducted and arranged for the eminent Metropolitan Opera baritone Robert Merrill. Today Angelo is actively arranging and performing New York. Frank Toscano has made music his entire life. For more than 47 years Frank has been a music educator and professional musician. For over four decades Frank has headed the “Frank Toscano School of Music” Born & raised in New York, Frank came from an Italian family who valued the idea of music being played in the house constantly. Without a choice from his father, Frank took lessons on the Accordion under the direction of Emilio Chiesa & never dreamed that it would became the passion of his life! Frank’s passion is both education and performing. Frank is an accomplished pianist, accordionist and jazz artist who has performed with many artists. He can be heard on many recordings of other artists too numerous to mention. You can hear Frank arranging -performing on his the his recording “Accordion to Frank” as well as Accordion Kings & Accordion Kings Volume 2 Composer, arranger and music editor Manny Corallo started at age four playing the drums and soon switched to the accordion. Manny took lessons from his father’s accordion teacher– Frank Toscano! As Manny says, it was at first a father-son bonding things but soon Manny had a lifelong love affair with music. At age 13 he also began piano lessons with Frank and has gone on to compose and arrange music, first for commercials and then he began arranging for various artists. Manny then had a chance to score a children’s cartoon, which led him to scoring music for the movie Pokemon. Manny has gone on to score and arrange music for many projects including recordings and live productions. Manny attributes his success to a great music education from Frank Toscano and is very proud of his musical relationship with Frank and Angelo as the Accordion Kings. For further information: 631-656-2148 |
Ken Nicol and Mary Drake to Perform for U of Eastern Kentuckyby Rita Barnea |
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| Ken Nicol from Marysville, Ohio and Mary Drake from Dayton, Ohio will perform for an International Symposium for the University of Eastern Kentucky October 9, 2014. They are known as `Ken and Mary Turbo Accordions Express.` Turbo Accordions Express is a duo, 3, and 4 piece traditional German/American Polka Band with authentic German/Austrian costumes. They will be the main stage entertainment for the St. Charles, Mo. Oktoberfest 2014. Turbo Accordions Express has been performing from Quebec to South Florida with over 40 years of performance experience providing a variety of fun, entertaining music which is perfect for dancing as well as for those who enjoy listening. Ken brings over 40 years of music experience to the accordion duo. His music background includes not only playing the button-style accordion but also the tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, and mandola. He taught in the Creative Arts program at Ohio State University from 1979 through 1984. He was even bestowed the title “Baron of the Banjo” by Frankie Yankovic. Ken had his own rag/jazz band for many years, playing in and around Ohio as well as performing in the German Pavillon at Disney’s Epcot Center and at the Altstadt Fest in Goslar/Harz, Germany. He adds to the “Ken and Mary” duo his expertise on the 5-row diatonic harmonika, also called the button box or button accordion. Mary’s music career has spanned over 30 years, playing both the organ and the piano accordion. She has performed at numerous festivals, banquets, and for parties. She currently brings to “Ken and Mary” her magical talent on the standard piano accordion. For further information: kenandmarymusik@yahoo.com |
Those Darn Accordions (TDA) in Concertby Rita Barnea |
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| Those Darn Accordions are taking over the Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, MN for two days, Oct 10 and 11. Come join the Oktoberfest fun done TDA style. Lots of Oktoberfest games plus great beer and food. Book a room now and make a weekend of it. See you there! Those Darn Accordions are an American accordion band from San Francisco, California, originally formed in 1989. Their original songs cover a variety of musical genres—from rock and funk to polka and even swing. Their repertoire also includes occasional covers of popular songs. The band continues to tour across the United States. The lineup has varied over the years. Former members include Patty Brady, Bill Schwartz, Clyde Forsman (whose tattoos grace the covers of TDA's first two CDs), Big Lou (who founded the band in 1989, intending it as a one-night-only squeezebox stunt), Tom Torriglia, Art Peterson, Ron "The Filipino Elvis" Muriera, Ron "Riff" Borelli, and Chris Howard. San Francisco's accordion-fueled rock 'n' roll band pumps out polkas, rock classics and catchy originals chronicling life in the weird lane. Fronted by singer-songwriter/squeezebox wizards Paul Rogers and Suzanne Garramone -- promises to forever rearrange your understanding of the accordion. TDA's extreme squeezeboxers mix solid keyboard chops with a groundbreaking use of guitar effects pedals and amps to produce a super-cool sound like nothing you've ever heard emanating from an accordion. Behind the amazing wall of wheeze, drummer Michael Messer and bass player Lewis Wallace anchor the band, providing a firm foundation upon which the manic TDA accordionists can layer huge slabs of sonic mayhem. With a sense of humor that just won't quit, the one-of-a-kind band blazes through a variety of musical genres -- from rock and funk to polka -- and torches timeless classic rock tunes along the way. You won't believe your ears. Oct 4 Saturday, Oct 5 Sunday Northwood Oktoberfest Northwood Public House and Brewery Battleground, WA Mystic Lake Oktoberfest Mystic Lake Casino Prior Lake, MN Oct 10 5-10:PM Oct 11 2- 10:PM For further information: tda@thosedarnaccordions.com Phone: 877-456-2301 |
Save the Date: 2015 American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Festival July 8-12by Rita Barnea |
 The 2015 American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Festival will be held from July 8-12, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Hotel, 625 First Street, in Alexandria, Virgina in Alexandria's Historic District.The Festival will include the Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Competition, Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Competition, and the Faithe Deffner Scholarship Competition among many other exciting concerts, workshops, and events. Future publications will include more news. Be sure to put the date on your calendar. For further information: www.ameraccord.com |
CD Reviews |
Review of "Together", new CD by Elena and Gregory Fainshteinby Joan C. Sommers |
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| The husband and wife team of Elena and Gregory Fainshtein has played together as a duo for many years and it is obvious on their new recording just released. Elena plays an unamplified accordion while her husband plays the Roland electronic instrument and, between the two instruments, they achieve many different and exciting sounds. Gregory’s bass is a particularly pleasant addition to the overall sound of the duo. Their repertoire is one which embraces both the new and the old, while emanating from different countries with several diverse styles. All of it projects pure happiness to the listener. One may readily tell that these two musicians enjoy performing and sharing their musical talents with all audiences. It is obvious they are not only entertaining performers but, also, very well-trained ones with excellent technical abilities. They compliment, enhance, and listen to each other; their respect for the music is evident throughout the recording. "Together" by Elena & Gregory Fainshtein offers pure enjoyment. Whether it is a French Musette, Samba, Tango, Waltz or a Polka, it is fun music to hear. |