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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
AAA Announces Artists at the 75th Anniversary
ATG Festival Information Online
Bruce Gassman Releases New CD "Classic Rock Accordion 2 Bruce - Volume II"
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 20-23, 2013
4th Gary Dahl Music eBook Now Released - USA
Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini Perform at the LIAA
New England Music Festival April 5-7, 2013
11th Annual Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund Event on April 21
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
AAA Selects Representatives for Upcoming Coupe Mondiale
Report of the National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention, Texas
Video: Mesa Accordion Event, Frank Petrilli and Antonino De Luca - USA
Kevin Friedrich Debuts World’s First Kauri Accordion - New Zealand
Video: Nicola Benedetti: Por Una Cabeza, from Scent of a Woman, Accordion Angelo DiPippo
Video: O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat in Waxahachie - USA
Future events |
Victor Prieto Concert, New York – USA
AAA 2013 Master Class/Concert Series July 26-28th
Arizona Accordion Club Orchestra Concert, Phoenix – USA
Roland Digital Accordion Orchestra to Perform John Franceschina Arrangements
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
| IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to pre arranged travel schedules, the May publication of www.accordionusa.com will be published on May 12th. As always, we will announce late breaking news until that time. Did you know that all of the past Accordion USA News issues, www.accordionusa.com, are accessible in the archives? Click on "Past News Index" at the top of the page." Accordions and more accordions! In the April publication, you will read about upcoming accordion events. If you are considering your summer plans now, read on and see what is available. Please make sure you check the USA news in future issues for more accordion activities. Do you or your association have concerts etc. planned? Send info to Ritabelll@aol.com for publication in future issues. We continue to include videos of recent performances. You can also submit them for possible publication. |
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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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AAA Announces Artists at the 75th Anniversaryby Rita Barnea |
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  AAA President Linda Soley Reed invites all to join the AAA in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the AAA at the Hotel New Yorker in New York City August 14-18th, 2013. You will want to be there at this historic event featuring former accordion champions, new and future ones. Many special guest artists will perform during this special celebration.Guest Artist, Alexander Poeluev, winner of the 2002 Coupe Mondiale, has been a frequent guest at the AAA events, most recently at the Lifetime Achievement Banquet honoring President Emerita, Faithe Deffner. Alexander is also a delegate to the CIA representing his homeland of Russia. Alex’s program will include not only a classical repertoire, but some surprising twists utilizing video effects. You will delight in some of Alex’s jazz stylings. Past AAA Champions, Lou Coppola (1955), Mario Tacca (1961), Beverly Roberts Curnow (1965), Joe Natoli (1972), The “K” Duo –Julie Kasprzyk Cardona (1967-1969) and Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski (1971) – and Sam Thomas (2006 and 2007) are just a few of the guest artists scheduled. Workshops featuring the history of our founding fathers, a panel of past AAA Champions spearheaded by Monica Slomski (1975) will share their experiences in music and discuss careers in music and alternative music-related careers. The 75th Anniversary Festival Orchestra will be conducted by none other than the diva of the accordion world, Joan Sommers. Highlight of this performance will be Paul Creston’s "Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra, Op. 85", Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski, soloist. The accordion orchestra portion was arranged by Joan Sommers. Past AAA Champions, Lou Coppola (1955), Mario Tacca (1961), Beverly Roberts Curnow (1965), Joe Natoli (1972), The “K” Duo –Julie Kasprzyk Cardona (1967-1969) and Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski (1971) – and Sam Thomas (2006 and 2007) are just a few of the guest artists scheduled. Workshops featuring the history of our founding fathers, a panel of past AAA Champions spearheaded by Monica Slomski (1975) will share their experiences in music and discuss careers in music and alternative music-related careers. For further information about the 2013 festival, performers, with frequent updates please visit: www.ameraccord.com. Future issues of the USA news will contain additional information, bios, etc. related to the festival. |
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ATG Festival Information Onlineby Rita Barnea |
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 President Betty Jo Simon welcomes all to attend and participate in the 73rd Annual Competition and Festival of the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) which will be held in Lisle, IL (Chicago) from July 17-21st, 2013. This year you will have the opportunity to hear some of the world's finest accordion artists in concert, attend a variety of interesting and informative workshops and Master Classes, perform in the popular ATG Festival Orchestra, celebrate at the Gala Banquet and Luncheon, shop at the ATG Marketplace, enjoy a variety of Concerts and meet your fellow accordionists from around the world! All events are open to the General Public. You will find a diverse array of musical genres performed by a variety of accordionists. There is truly something for everyone. You are invited to come along and discover the magic and diversity of the accordion as presented by this year's ATG Guest artists. The featured Classical guest artist this year will be Martynas Levickis, a Lithuanian born concert accordionist. He was the 2010 Piano Accordion Coupe Mondiale Champion in Croatia and winner of “Lithuania’s Got Talent” 2010. Also appearing will be Orchestre Polyphonia, directed by Pierre Varo from the Ile de la Réunion (Réunion Islands) off the coast of Madagascar. The 50-piece student musicians composing the ensemble are between 12 & 20 years of age. They consist of not only accordionists, but include strings, woodwinds, brass, keyboards, percussion, singers and dancers. They have made several tours of foreign countries such as Mauritius Island, South Africa, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australian, New Zealand and France. This year they will add Canada and the USA to their long list. So keep checking the ATG website for more Festival updates. Since the Coupe Mondiale is being held in August this year, the ATG will hold a qualifying competition for the Coupe Mondiale with candidates presenting a video of their competition selections to the ATG for examination. This video must be received by ATG no later than May 1, 2013. Check this link for details. http://www.accordions.com/atg/2013/2013_coupevideo_qual.pdf Tickets may be purchased an all inclusive package of tickets (details available soon) or you are also welcome to buy individual General Admission Tickets at the Door for each event. Free parking is available at the Hotel. |
Bruce Gassman Releases New CD "Classic Rock Accordion 2 Bruce - Volume II"by Rita Barnea |
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 Accordionist Bruce Gassman has just released his latest CD, "CLASSIC ROCK ACCORDION 2 BRUCE, Volume II" which was recorded live at
Jankland Studios in Wall Township, New Jersey.
Bruce describes his new CD: "No Tricks... No Overdubs... Just Two Hands... and one very Powerful 21st Century Petosa AM1100 Accordion with MIDI."Bruce includes in new CD everything from great classic rock artists like: Sly & the Family Stone; Steppenwolf; Otis Redding; The Drifters; Booker T & the MGs; and James Brown To The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Cooke & The Righteous Brothers. Plus Bonus Track: Dedication to the Legendary Dick Contino. Bruce continues to be very busy with the following performances: He enjoyed his 5th season with Holiday Express (Thanksgiving to Christmas) participating in 60 events & shows this past season. On January 11, Bruce appeared for his 2nd year as guest soloist at legendary Wonder Bar & Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ for "Light of Day Foundation", a major fund raiser for Parkinson's Disease. On March 23, it was his 2nd year as featured soloist at "The 17th Annual Twilight Concert" benefiting AIDS Resource Foundation for Children and its St. Clare's Home in Neptune, NJ. Bruce also performs at Jersey Shore Rock Clubs with The Stormin' Norman Seldin Revue and Howard Parker's "Hot Take Out Band"; (acoustic Zydeco/Surf/Blues quartet) Accordion Events include: MAMTG/AAMS - Workshop, strolling musician; Pops Orchestra; Accordion Pops Orchestra - Al Terzo Conducting. On June 20-23, 2013, Bruce will be a featured soloist at 17th annual Leavenworth, WA International Accordion Celebration hosted by Northwest Accordion Society (1st time there) On August 9-11, 2013, he will be a featured Artist at 3rd Annual Wallace, Idaho Accordion Festival for the second time headlining with Michael Bridge. In 2011 he headlined with Cory Pesaturo. On September 27-29 - Guest Artist at Edmonton, Canada Accordion Extravaganza. Bruce is looking forward to his first performance North of the Border! For further information:accordion2bruce@gmail.com |
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 20-23, 2013by Rita Barnea |
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| The Northwest Accordion Society welcomes you to the 20th Annual Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration. Leavenworth is Washington’s “Bavarian Village” and a perfect setting for this celebration. Nestled in a cozy narrow valley at elevation of 1100 feet surrounded by wilderness of rugged, majestic mountain ranges, over 2 million visitors per year from all over the world come to experience magical Leavenworth. With the Northwest Accordion Society as your host an Leavenworth as the setting, plan to join four fabulous days of everything accordion. Whether you are a competitor, participant or just love great accordion music, there is enjoyment and participation for everyone. Featured performers include: Bruce Gassman, Sam Thomas,, Gary Blair, Tango Volcado, Trio Voroezh plus The Great Dance Palooza, accordion bands, button box accordionists, and much more. Among the activities you may choose from are: Accordion Competitions,Workshops, Concerts with World Class Performers, Free Performances at the gazebo, grange, and restaurants, Free Accordion lessons, Accordion Parade on Saturday, Accordion Vendors, Opportunity for all accordion players to play, Jam sessions and much more! 2013 Workshop Summary: Workshop #1 “How to adapt the accordion to different styles of music” with Gary Blair Workshop #2 “Conjunto-style music on the accordion” with Kory Tideman and Juan Barco Workshop #3 “HEY MR. BASSMAN” - Yes YOU; With the Accordion!!” with Bruce Gassman Workshop #4 “Knowing Your Accordion” with Jim Tobler Workshop #5 “Using the Accordion in an Ensemble” with Trio Veronezh Workshop #6 “Knowing Your Accordion” with Jim Tobler Workshop #7 “Sight-reading accordion duets” with Jim O’Brien, Ph. D. Professor Emeritus and Shirley J. O’Brien, Ed.D. Professor Emerita, U of Arizona Workshop #8 “HEY MR. BASSMAN” - Yes YOU; With the Accordion!!” with Bruce Gassman Workshop #9 “How to adapt the accordion to different styles of music” with Gary Blair “Get Ready to Jam” with Bonnie Birch “Simply Music Teaching Method for Accordion” with Patricia Bartell For further information: bonniebirch@msn.com |
4th Gary Dahl Music eBook Now Released - USAby Harley Jones |
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 Following on the big success of the Gary Dahl graded specials series of eSheet music (able to be sent to you by email), Gary Dahl has now released the fourth of his Music eBooks.Cat No: DH04 Collection #4 Favorite Waltzes & Polkas - 18 titles, Achtung Los, Amazing Grace, Beer Barrel Polka, Beer Barrel Polka (adv), Champagne Polka, Chicken Dance, Clarinet Polka, Edelweiss, Just Because, Let's Have A Party, Maria Elena, Liechtensteiner Polka, My Wild Irish Rose, Red River Valley and You Are My Sunshine, Sunrise Sunset, Vienna My City Of Dreams, Tulips From Amsterdam, You Can't Be True Dearover 56 pages of music for only US$24.95 or Euro equivalent. The previous eBooks recently released are: Cat No: DH01 Collection #1 Latin Spectacular - 10 titles, Besame Mucho, Amapola, Tico Tico, Brazil, Beyond the Sea, El Cumbanchero, Adios Muchachos, Spanish Eyes, A Day in the Life of a Fool, Amour, over 26 pages of high quality arrangements for only US$24.95 or Euro equivalent. Cat No: DH02 Collection #2 Favorite French Standards - 10 titles, La Vie en Rose, Les Bicyclettes de Belsize, Moulin Rouge, Clair de Lune, Pigalle, Domino, Michelle, Padam Padam, Under Paris Skies, The River Seine, 32 pages of high quality arrangements for only US$24.95 or Euro equivalent. Cat No: DH03 Collection #3 The American Songbook - 10 titles, Tenderly, Angel Eyes, Misty, September Song, Moon River, Summertime, Sentimental Journey, Crazy, The Godfather, Autumn Leaves, over 32 pages of music for only US$24.95 or Euro equivalent. You can view sample pages of the music online (DH01, DH02, DH03, DH04) and order from the shopping basket which links to the high security eCommerce site run by Worldpay.com, one of the world's largest internet payment processing systems. There are nearly 200 arrangements on his MusicForAccordion.com website of Gary Dahl. |
Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini Perform at the LIAAby Rita Barnea |
 The featured guest artists for the April 3rd meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) will be accordionist Mario Tacca and soprano Mary Mancini. Mary Mancini has achieved national and international acclaim for her vocal versatility and command of all styles of music. Her repertoire includes eight languages. Whether performing our National Anthem for the NY Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers or captivating audiences in concert halls and theaters across the US, Canada, Europe and China, Mary Mancini consistently brings audiences to their feet with her musical interpretations of: international favorites, Broadway tunes, opera, the classics, and pop. In addition, her inspiring renditions from the Sacred music repertoire have touched the hearts of people around the world. Her growing list of achievements, honors and awards include recognition from: The International Festival of the Arts (Canada), The Chinese Government, The American Song Festival, The American Cancer Society, Guardia Lombardi Society, Circolo da Vinci Society, Westchester Community College - Il Club Italiano, and the Lifetime Award for Achievement in the Arts presented by the Order of Sons of Italy in America, NYS Grand Lodge Foundation. Mario Tacca was born in Italy. During his childhood, his family moved to the Alsace Lorraine region of France where he began his musical studies. This is where his love and intense desire to play the accordion began. He loved the sound! He would pick up the accordion and imitate some of the songs his mother used to sing. The desire and love never diminished, despite having to walk three miles weekly to his teacher with his instrument strapped to his back! While in France, he was the winner of many regional and national accordion competitions. He went on to become a world champion, winning the World Cup of Italy, the Grand Prix of Paris, the US National Competition and the International Accordion competition held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Mario Tacca dazzles audiences across the US and around the world with his virtuosity on the accordion and his exciting interpretations of international music, the classics and pop. This event takes place La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY. Reservations are recommended. For information and reservations, please call 631-261-6344. The May featured guest artist will be the internationally acclaimed Irish accordionist Paddy Noonan. More info about Paddy will be available in the May USA news. |
New England Music Festival April 5-7, 2013by Rita Barnea |
 Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts will sponsor their 51st Music Festival at the Boston Newton Marriott in Newton, Mass. April 5-7, 2013.In 2012 the ATAM celebrated their 50th anniversary with the Air Force Strolling Strings performing for over 500 people at Saturday nights’ milestone banquet which was attended by over 35 past champions, past members and current contestants and their families. Chairman, Peggy Falcetti, from Springfield, Ma., states that this years’ event will be as large as last year with over 700 contestants. Roger Latulippe, co-chairman with Peggy for over 30 years has retired his position as co-chairman as of 2013 and will be surely missed. He will continue as an active member and assist at the Festival. Two new and exciting workshops will be presented by Jay Latulippe and Sam Falcetti. The workshops entitled “How to Memorize a Song In 5 Minutes” and “Choosing a Career in Music” will take place on Saturday. There is no charge to attend these workshops. The ATAM will also award a $500.00 Music Scholarship to a contestant planning on majoring in music in college this September and over $4000.00 in cash awards to all 1st place winners in high level categories. President, Johanna Lewis, is happy to announce the premier performance by the “New England Roland V Accordion Orchestra” on Sunday afternoon. This orchestra is the first of its kind in the United States. Sam Falcetti from Springfield, Mass. will conduct this new sound by an accordion orchestra. The New England Music Festival is an annual musical competition sponsored by the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts, Inc, (ATAM; established in 1962) which typically features more than 3000 entries and 800 contestants from all across New England. All events are free and open to the public, while entry fees for contestants vary by category. During the festival, contestants, ages through 22, take part in accordion, guitar, bass guitar, drum, percussion, piano, violin and voice competitions. Solo, duet and group categories are also offered. Non Competitive Categories include evaluation solos and festival group divisions. Contestants must be students of ATAM teachers. The three-day event takes place Friday through Sunday. On Friday evening and Sunday a “Battle of the Bands” is held in the hotel ballroom. Cash awards are given to the first, second and third place winners in three divisions. The Accordion, Guitar, Drum, and Piano Championships are also held Friday evening with cash awards given to all competitors. On Saturday and Sunday continuous group competitions are held in the hotel ballroom. Solo and duet competitions are ongoing. An awards banquet is held on Saturday evening with more than 500 in attendance. A $500.00 cash scholarship is awarded to a contestant accepted as a Music Major in college. More than $3,000 in cash is awarded to winners throughout the weekend. Contestants are evaluated by judges from all over the country. At the event, students will have an opportunity to participate in workshops, compete in age-level categories, perform for evaluation, attend concerts, and have fun at a Dance Party on Saturday evening. One of the best things about the event-contestants can participate regardless of their experience level or ability. For further information: http://www.accordions.com/atam/ |
11th Annual Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund Event on April 21by Rita Barnea |
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| The American Accordionists' Association proudly presents the 11th Annual Afternoon of Music, Food and Fun on Sunday, April 21, 2013 from 12 Noon until 5:PM at the Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, 466 US 6, Mahopac, NY to benefit The Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund for the advancement of promising young accordionists. Chairman of the program, Dr. Joseph Ciccone, announces the following performers on the program: Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, Frank Toscano, Manny Corallo, Mary Tokarski, Frank Carrozza, Anita & Bob Siarkowski, Ray Oreggia & Dominic Karcic, Berverly Roberts Curnow, Emilio Magnotta, the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra, Linda Soley Reed, Conductor and many more performers to be announce in future news articles. Download the Booking Form: 2013Carrozza Please respond on or before April 1, 2013. Be part of this amazing accordion afternoon. Arrange a table for you and your friends.f For further information: Dr. Joseph Ciccone, 914-238-0041 Email: Drjciccone@aol.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Beverly Roberts Curnow 2013 Honoree of AAMSby Rita Barnea |
2. Mary Tokarski performs "Take Ten"
3. Albert Manginelli performs"Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor"
4. 9 year old Cody McSherry 5. Cody McSherry
6. Potomac Accordion Ensemble conducted by Joan Grauman
| Beverly Roberts Curnow was the 2013 Honoree of the AAMS (American Accordion Musicological Society) and featured guest artist At the Gala Banquet And Concert held on March 16, 2013 in East Hanover, New Jersey. Beverly, a student of Carmen Carrozza and winner of the 1965 AAA national compeition and the Confederation of International Accordionists Competition in Valletta, Malta (the first female contestant to do so), holds a B.S. and M.S. degrees in Music Education for New york University and Columbia University. Following graduation, she taught choral, instrumental, and general music at all levels in the Wilson Area public school system of Easton, PA for thirty-five years. Lenny Feldmann was the Commentator and Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Lou Persic provided music. The concert included the Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo and Eugene DeBellis, Assistant Conductor; 2012 AAA USA Champion, Albert Manginelli: 9 year old Cody McSherry, the Potomac Accordion Ensemble conducted by Joan Grauman; Mary Tokarski: Westmount Accordion Club conducted by Joanna Darrow and the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra conducted by Stanley Darrow; Silvia Eberly. Cody McSherry, age 9, plays "Wild Rover" on the piano accordion at the banquet honoring Beverly Roberts Curnow given by the American Accordion Musicological Society in Whippany, New Jersey on March 16, 2013. The program was a wonderful display of the versatility of the accordion and the warm comaraderie of the musicians and attendees. |
AAA Selects Representatives for Upcoming Coupe Mondialeby Linda Soley Reed, AAA Second Vice President |
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 The American Accordionists’ Association hosted a qualifying round for students interested in participating in the 2013 Coupe Mondiale in Victoria, British Columbia. Three contestants have been selected to represent the AAA/USA at the Coupe Mondiale in the Junior International Virtuoso Entertainment division and one selected in the Virtuoso International Entertainment division.Naomi Harris of Spokane, Washington, was one of the three representatives for the Junior Division. Naomi is a student of Patricia Bartell in Spokane. Rachel Quirbach of New Hampshire studies with Donna Michael at Miguel School of Music in Lowell, MA and Tor Stumo of Massachusetts is a student of Mary Tokarski in Northford, CT. Sam Thomas will represent the AAA/USA in the Virtuoso International Entertainment division. Also from Spokane, WA, Sam is a student of Ilmar Kuljis. Sam is no stranger to Coupe Mondiale competitions. He represented the AAA/USA in both the Entertainment Competition and the Piano Accordion Competition in Norway in 2006 and again in Alexandria, VA in 2007. The two contestants from Spokane performed via Skype for the AAA Adjudicators, Linda Soley Reed, President and Frank Busso, 1st Vice President. We wish our young artists the best of luck at the 66th Coupe Mondiale in Victoria, B.C. Canada. |
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Report of the National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention, Texasby Laura Niland, President of the San Antonio Accordion Association |
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| The 26th Annual National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention was held in Dallas, Texas from March 7th to 9th. Laura Niland has written a details report that you can view at: 2013Dallas |
Video: Mesa Accordion Event, Frank Petrilli and Antonino De Luca - USAby Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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| Video: At the recent very successful Mesa Accordion Event on February 15th, Frank Petrilli and Antonino De Luca from Castelfidardo Italy performed "Nuages" to pay tribute to Frank Marocco. They are accompanied by the rhythm section of Wes Anderson on drums and Sean Brogan on bass. Also performing "I Thought About You". MEET JAZZ ACCORDIONIST FRANK PETRILLI by Joan Grauman I met Frank Petrilli in January 2007 at our first Frank Marocco Accordion Event. My husband, Dan, and I had corresponded with him for months and were really looking forward to meeting this kind and enthusiastic person. During our early conversations, Frank expressed an interest in attending our camp, and he spoke with us about wanting to take lessons from jazz great, Frank Marocco, who had not been teaching for many years. We discovered that the “two Franks” were practically neighbors, so we called Frank Marocco. “Oh, I really don’t teach anymore,” said Frank M., but we insisted that he at least meet with Frank P. “You will like this man,” we said and, thankfully, Frank M. said, “OK.” Dan and I received a call from Frank M. right after the first lesson. “WOW, Frank Petrilli is an excellent musician and a great jazz player”, he said excitedly, and he went on to tell us all about the time they spent jamming together and how much he liked his new student. Each year, at our Frank Marocco Accordion Event, the highlight of the event’s evening programs would always be the “Frank and Frank” duet team. The two became like father and son and remained close until Frank Marocco’s untimely death early last year. Frank Petrilli has been a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, California. Although much of his time and energy go into running his concrete contracting business, Frank P. Petrilli & Son., Inc., music has been his life’s passion. 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 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. When he began his studies with Frank Marocco in late 2006 and quickly became Frank M.’s protégé, he focused on jazz and has become an excellent and recognized player in the jazz community. Frank regularly performs in the Los Angeles area with renowned artists such as guitarists, Patrick Barrogain and John Chiodini, at top venues such as the Vibrato Jazz & Grill. Frank has also performed at major accordion festivals and clubs in the US, including the 2011 AAA Festival in Charleston, South Carolina and the San Francisco Accordion Club. In October 2011, Frank appeared on the TV series, “Mad Men”. In May 2012, he was the invited featured performer at the accordion competition in Kiev, Ukraine, “Accofestival 2012”, replacing the late Frank Marocco. He was also one of the judges for the jazz portion of this competition. Immediately following that event, Frank performed at the Frank Marocco Memorial Concert in Castelfidardo, Italy with many other stars of the accordion world. His beautiful debut CD, “Totally Frank”, was recorded in Italy during this trip. It was produced by Elke Ahrenholz of “Artist Signed Records”. Frank was joined by three fine Italian musicians on this CD: Felice Del Gaudio, Max Ferri, and Fabio Zeppetella. While greatly influenced by Frank Marocco, Frank Petrilli definitely plays his own style on this CD, which includes more focus on Latin grooves. As the booking agent and artistic director of Vibrato Jazz & Grill, Pat Senatore wrote, “Like his mentor, Petrilli gives new life to the accordion with impeccable phrasing and a smooth, fluid style”. Watching Frank Petrilli perform is totally delightful as he puts so much feeling and expression into every phrase he plays. Thankfully, there are many upcoming opportunities to hear him play live: Vibrato Jazz & Grill, Los Angeles on April 3 with the Frank Petrilli Quartet; MAMBOS, Glendale, CA on April 9 with the César Mateus Latin Jazz Band; Lucy’s 51, Toluca Lake, CA on April 27 with the César Mateus Latin Jazz Band; San Francisco Accordion Club on May 19; and Cotati Accordion Festival on August 18. On October 20, Frank will perform with world renowned bayanist, Stas Venglevski, and jazz accordionist, John Simkus, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Venglevski’s Accordion 21st Century event (more on this concert in the upcoming September issue), followed by a performance at the Chicago Accordion Club on October 21. If you are anywhere near any of these venues, I encourage you to come out to meet and listen to this very personable and wonderful performer! |
Kevin Friedrich Debuts World’s First Kauri Accordion - New Zealandby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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 New York accordionist Kevin Friedrich realized his dream of producing the world’s first Kauri (New Zealand native tree) accordion when a joint project between New Zealand and Finland produced an instrument combining a Finnish folk accordion culture instrument with the magnificent giant and ancient Kauri tree of New Zealand.After shipping some of the rare wood to Finland, Artisan Aaro Luukinen (teacher of accordion making at the Ikaalinen College of Crafts and Design - IKATA) handcrafted three stunning instruments dubbed K1 (to be housed in Dargaville, New Zealand), K2 (for Ikaalinen, Finland) and K3 to be housed in New York. Aaro’s wife Henriikka designed the three grills for the instruments which were hand carved by Aaro and named as K1 – Birth, K2 – Departure and K3 – Growth. The unveiling took place on March 24 at a sold out concert at the Lighthouse Function center in Dargaville with the help of the Dargaville Primary School Kapa Haka Group and other musicians, to give the instrument a traditional Maori welcome home. The annual fundraising concert of the Dargaville museum featured Kevin with his many musician friends including acclaimed International vocalist Lionel Reekie as well as the debut performance of the Auckland Accordion Symphonietta under the direction of Lionel Reekie, The Dargaville Tamburitza Orchestra (picture above with Kevin Friedrich), Maiadean and Xena Martin (Violin and Cello), Nolene Osbaldiston (Piano), Pippa Howes and Mat Watson (Flute and Piano), Alexandra Reekie (Accordion), Take 6 Vocal Ensemble, the Ben Emmett Reunion Accordions Ensemble (BEA) and Barbara Adams (Narrator). The concert concluded with the Kaipara Orchestra combining all the instrumentalists and vocalists from the concert. The beautiful two row Kauri instrument, rich in sonority and showcasing the gorgeous blond and precious Kauri wood wowed the audience and will now be proudly featured as the entrance exhibit in the Dargaville Museum which also houses the rare and permanent ‘Accordion Gems’ accordion exhibition. The oldest living Kauri Tree, Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) is found just north of Dargaville and stands some 2,500 years old! Picture left with Kevin and the Kauri accordion - hard to believe Kevin is over 6 ft tall when you see him pictured with this huge ancient kauri tree! The log from which the Kauri accordion was made, was one from the same forest, and after falling, possibly some hundreds of years ago, ended up washed out to the coast line beach, where it was found by Arthur Miach, who then donated the wood precious and protected wood to the Kauri accordion project. For more information about the Kauri Accordion project, please visit: www.accordions.com/kevin/n_kauriaccordion.htm |
Video: Nicola Benedetti: Por Una Cabeza, from Scent of a Woman, Accordion Angelo DiPippoby Harley Jones |
| Nicola Benedetti: Por Una Cabeza, from Scent of a Woman, Live in The Greene Space, 23 February 2013. Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti is an international sensation at just 25 years old. Her new album, "The Silver Violin" -- celebrating film music of composers from the 1930s to today -- has been hailed as a perfect combination of serious musicianship and great entertainment. Named Best Female Artist at the 2012 Classic Brits, Benedetti gave her only New York concert of the season at The Greene Space on February 22, 2013, performing repertoire from the album including music from "Schindler's List" (John Williams), "The Gadfly" (Shostakovich), "Scent of a Woman" (Carlos Gardel) and "Eastern Promises" (Howard Shore), which was written for her. WQXR's Jeff Spurgeon hosted a night of movie music and conversation which included a special guest appearance by Academy Award-winning film composer Howard Shore. The event was broadcast live on WQXR 105.9 FM and video webcast live at WQXR.org. With Gloria Chien, piano; Cyrus Beroukhim, violin II; Wendy Law, cello; Angelo DiPippo, accordion Executive Producer: Indira Etwaroo Video Producer: David Mc Lean Production Managers: Jennifer Sendrow - Nikki Johnson Video Switcher: Marika Hacking Audio Engineers: Gaines Legare - Chase Culpon - Bill Moss |
Video: O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat in Waxahachie - USAby Harley Jones |
| Video released 7th March 2013. The video is the instructors at the 2012 O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat in Waxahachie, Texas, who perform one final set, accompanied by Irish dancers. Instructors in this video: (in left to right order) Back row: Mairtin de Cogain - bodhran, John Whelan - accordion, Dave Curley - Irish song Front row: Colm Delaney - concertina, Conal O Grada - flute, James Kelly - fiddle, Matt Cranitch - fiddle, Jackie Daly - accordion, Angelina Carberry - banjo, Oisin McAuley - fiddle, Fionan de Barra - guitar, Grainne Hambly - harp. |
Future events |
6th Annual ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival: August 9-11 in Nashua, New Hampshireby Rita Barnea |
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| ACCORDIONS NOW! 2013, the 6th annual ACCORDIONS NOW! Music Festival is co-sponsored by New Hampshire Accordion Association and Accordion Connection LLC, will be held August 9-11, 2013 at the beautiful Courtyard Marriott, Nashua, New Hampshire. You, your family, and friends are warmly invited to attend. Here is the much-anticipated lineup of talent: Tony Lovello, Joe Cerrito, Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble, Brent Buswell, and coming all the way from Norway, GAMLE AKER SPELEMANNSLAG [GAS = Old Aker Band Players] and 15-year-old Norwegian competition winner Einar Thokle Hovden. Additional performers include: Paul Bordeleau, Nancy Leonard, Dan Mackowiak, Paul Ramunni, Donna Maria Regis, Carmen Vitanza, and the ever-popular ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra. (Sign up by July 12 to participate.) Bring your accordion for the Open Mike Cabaret, Night Owls Jam and pick-up sessions. Sign up to receive music in advance for the 2nd annual Just-for-Fun Play-Along. This high-spirited weekend organized by Co-Founders Donna Maria Regis and Suzanne Welch is always filled with warm friendship and terrific music. Bring all of your family and friends to enjoy it – concerts, workshops, open mike, jam sessions, play-along ensemble, AN! Festival Orchestra, reunions with your accordion pals old and new, festive meals, cocktail reception with entertainment, vendor displays of instruments for you to try/buy – and so much more! The festival motto is LOTS OF ACCORDIONS, LOTS OF MUSIC, LOTS OF FUN !! Come join us for a fabulous time. Special hotel room rates are available: $95 [+ tax] per room (1-4 persons) through July 12, 2013. To reserve your room, call Courtyard Nashua (603) 880-9100 or Marriott Worldwide (800) 321-2211. Mention "ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival, Courtyard Nashua." For more information:AccordionsNow@yahoo.com Donna Maria Regis 603.216.9582 or Sue Welch 800.328.5227 |
Victor Prieto Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
 The Victor Prieto Trio continue their long running jazz residency on Thursday April 11th, 10pm, at Terraza 7 Live Music, 40-19 Gleane Street, Elmhurst, New York.From April 18th to 21st Victor Prieto will be in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, for the Galician Connection, holding a master class and performing in concerts. For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
AAA 2013 Master Class/Concert Series July 26-28thby Rita Barnea |
 The Accordion is 3D, No Glasses RequiredThe American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Master Class and Concert Series celebrate its 19th season on July 26, 27 and 28 at Tenri Cultural Institute,43A West 13th Street, in New York. Master classes are at 3 pm. Concerts at 7 pm. The title of the Seminars is "The Accordion is 3D-No Glasses Required". The moderator/curator, Dr. William Schimmel projects that it will be the best one yet: intriguing workshops, stellar performances and, most of all, a collegial attitude in its presentation. Master Classes are at 3:PM. Concerts take place at 7:PM. $20/master class; $25/concert; $40/day includes master class and concert. Or $110/weekend. Participants come from the local New York area, across the United States as well as China, Japan, Argentina, Croatia and Norway. Guest artists during the weekend include Dr. Schimmel, Dr.Robert Young McMahan, Erica Mancini, Peter Flint, John Foti, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Micki Goodman presenting a new video work, Doug Makofka, Ken Laufer, Paul Stein, Ingrid Kvale, Martina Li, Mayumi Mayaota, Corn Mo, Mary Tokarski, Will Holshouser, Bob Goldberg and The Famous Accordion Orchestra, David Stoler, Art Bailey, Brian Dewan, Melissa Elledge. In addition to the distinguished lineup the following has been added: A COMPCORD SUITE featuring Di J Noizepunk (Gene Pritsker) and Dr Schimmel performing works by Dan Cooper, Patrick Grant, Jed Distler, Joe Pehrson, Milica Paranovic, Dr. Schimmel and Gene Pritsker as well as a 7 minute remix of Maria de Buenos Aires (Piazzolla) and Lights (Goulding). For reservations and information: 212-876-0827 (office) 917-498-6823 (cell) |
Arizona Accordion Club Orchestra Concert, Phoenix – USAby Rob Howard |
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 The Arizona Accordion Club Orchestra (Jack Dermody, picture left) will present a concert on Sunday April 21st, 2pm, at the Franciscan Renewal Center Chapel, 5803 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ.The program will include classical and standards. In addition, there will be solos, duets, trios to round out a 90 minute program. rector. The AZACO will play along with Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, 2010 AAA Virtuoso Champion, and Quinn and Liam Collins, 2012 AAA award winning accordionists. The AZAC monthly meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at St. Stephen's Church Hall, 8141 North 16th Street, Phoenix AZ 85020. Pre-meeting music begins at 5.45pm, and the main program starts at 6.30 PM. Local accordionists, musicians and music lovers are invited to attend and to participate as well. For further information email: dermody@cox.net |
Roland Digital Accordion Orchestra to Perform John Franceschina Arrangementsby Harley Jones |
 John Franceschina studied accordion with Anselm (Sam) Falcetti from age five, began composing and arranging a few months later. He has composed many wonderful works for the accordion in combination with other instruments. His former teacher, Sam Falcetti said, "It seems like yesterday when John was studying the accordion with me. At the age of 7 he wrote his 1st four part arrangement of his own composition, "Camel Walk", and conducted the arrangement himself. At 11 he was given a full scholarship at Hartt College of Music at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. At that time he studied theory, harmony and composition. John won many trophies at the AAA, Eastern Cup and the ATAM competitions including some top virtuoso and jazz categories. At 12 John played a whole program accompanied by a drummer and bass player. At 19 one of his shows opened off Broadway. Thru his career John orchestrated over 100 arrangements for the internationally famous Springfield Accordion Orchestra. Two of the arrangements being performed by the Roland Digital Accordion Orchestra are "Tuxedo Junction" and the "Godfather Medley" that were arranged and orchestrated for this group by John. His compositions include: Eight Symphonies; Concerto for accordion and full orchestra; Three Concertos for accordion and accordion orchestra; Concerto for Clarinet and chamber orchestra; Concerto for Guitar and wind ensemble; Chamber music, including 3 string quartets, 5 woodwind quintets, percussion ensembles; Numerous concert works for accordion orchestra, among which, Vathek, Kynaston, Oroonoko, Cad d’Zan,The Time Machine, Polk Street Fantasy, Iconosphere, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Houtebeen; Operas, including Letters to Tolstoy, Finnegan’s Wake, The Changeling, Lord Jim, Ars Amandi; Musical Theatre Works, including The Coldest War of All, My Love to Your Wife, The Magistrate, Louise, Quadrille, Olio, Kingfish!, The Day the Senate Fell in Love, This Is What It’s Like, A Servant of Two Masters, Let the Children Play, Loves Labor’s Lost, The Emperor of the Moon; Religious works, including, Mass for chorus and accordion orchestra, The Lord’s A Wonder, To The Ends of the Earth, and The Word; Song cycles for voice and chamber ensemble; Three piano sonatas; Solo works for accordion, among which, Scaramouche, County Fair, Queen Mab, Conestoga; Incidental music for over a hundred plays, including Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello, Macbeth, A Long Day’s Journey into Night, The Cherry Orchard, A Death of a Salesman, To Kill a Mockingbird, Waiting for Godot, The Playboy of the Western World, Planet Fires, Volpone, The Three Musketeers, Tartuffe, Starry Night, Candida; Film scores; Hundreds of arrangements for accordion orchestra. John Franceschina, composer, arranger, musical director, has composed scores for the National Shakespeare Company, the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, Baltimore's Center Stage, Washington’s Ford's Theatre, the Arena Stage, the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, GeVa Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Papermill Playhouse, Music Theatre Works, and the Moscow Art Theatre, in addition to the Asolo State Theatre in Sarasota, Florida, where he acted as composer-in-residence from 1976 to 1993. His fifth symphony, Oroonoko, was premiered in the Netherlands in October 2008, and other symphonic works have been heard at Carnegie Hall and performed by major symphony orchestras around the world. As a pianist/arranger, he has accompanied Angela Lansbury, Elke Sommer, Nell Carter, Jan Peerce, Robert Merrill, Lotte Lenya, Paige O’Hara, Chita Rivera, and Gwen Verdon, and he has served as conductor and arranger for a number of off-Broadway shows, including Chase a Rainbow, The Boy Who Made Magic, The Rise of David Levinski, and Be Kind to People Week. In New York City, he most recently directed the 50th anniversary production of Michael Mcclure’s ground-breaking play, The Beard. He is the author of Sisters of Gore, Gore on Stage, The Plays of the Marquis de Sade, Homosexualities in the English Drama from Lyly to Wilde, Duke Ellington's Music for the Theatre, David Braham: the American Offenbach, Harry B. Smith: Dean of American Librettists, They Started Talking, Socialists, Socialites, and Sociopaths: the Plays of Frank Tuttle, and Against the Grain: Theatre from Ritual to Realism. He was Musical director for professional theatres, including The Moscow Art Theatre, The Mark Taper Forum (Los Angeles), Arena Stage (Washington D.C.), Ford’s Theatre (Washington, D.C.), The Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Syracuse Stage, The National Shakespeare Company (New York), Olney Theatre (Maryland), The Coconut Grove Playhouse (Miami), Asolo Theatre (Florida), as well as for productions in New York City and on national and international tours. As piano accompanist, he performed with a number of celebrities, including Angela Lansbury, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Paige O’Hara, Jan Peerce, Robert Merrill, Jerry Vale, Liberace, Lotte Lenya, and Leslie Uggams. Stage director of operas, including Cenerentola (Rossini), Cosi fan tutte (Mozart), La Bohème (Puccini), Ars Amandi A Trip in the Country, The Game of Love and Chance Stage director of musicals, for example, A Chorus Line, Two Gentlemen of Verona, 110 in the Shade, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, A Little Night Music, The Baker’s Wife, Stage director of plays, such as The Romans in Britain, Automobile Graveyard, Edward II, Bent, Erotic Bestiality, Prison Rites (world premiere) As an educator with thirty years of college teaching experience, he has lectured at Hartt College of Music, Florida State University, Syracuse University, The Pennsylvania State University, Louisiana State University. He has published nineteen books, including Duke Ellington’s Music for the Theatre, Sisters of Gore: British Women Melodramatists, Gore on Stage: the Plays of Catherine Gore David Braham, the American Offenbach Harry B. Smith, the Dean of American Librettists,and Hermes Pan: The Man Who Danced with Fred Astaire. He is consultant to the British Library, the Smithsonian Institution, and Oxford University Press. |