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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Breaking News: Dick Contino (1930 to 2017) Passes Away - USA
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
What Are You Doing For World Accordion Day?
Accordion Teachers' Association of Massachusetts Celebrates 55th Year
AAA Plans an exciting 2017 . . .
Dallas Vietty, Will Holshouser and Dan Newton in Concert
Bryant Park : "Accordions Around the World” Summer 2017
Tony Lovello Announces His Retirement
Cory Pesaturo is Featured Entertainment on Finnish Cruise
Announcing the 2017 Big Squeeze Accordion Contest Finals & Concert
Carrozza Scholarship Event on April 30 in New York
Emmanuel Gasser Wins 2017 NLFB Meltdown
ALSI Features Henry Doktorski
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Accordionaires “Pops” Orchestra to Perform in Santa Barbara, CA
Nathan Chapeton to Perform with 2 Symphonies this Spring!
Music Birthday Parties for Children Feature the Accordion
Tony Lovello Performs at Grand Central Terminal
Fire and Ice, New Norwegian Music & Concert Tour
Video: Three Stooges Comedy
"La Giara" Concert and Book Release in Philadelphia
Video: Quickbooks Advertising
Kansas City Tango Group Cucharada Holds Two CD Release
Dee Langley performs "Twisted Apples" by Composer Robert Elhai
LIAA Celebrates Accordionist Santo Endrizzi’s 96th Birthday
Dominic Karcic Introduces Accordion to Schools
You Are Never Too Old To Play A Gig
Future events |
Stas Venglevski to Perform for WMAS in May
Red Lantern Accordionist... AAA Master Class and Concert Series this July
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Oct. 23-26
Bachtopus Accordion Ensemble Performs at St. Peter’s Church in NYC
Trio Musette to perform at La Villini
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in June
Cleveland Polka Association Spring Dance on April 29
Cherish the Ladies Concert Tour
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 The April USA news is filled with wonderful, exciting accordion events including concerts, contests, symphony performances, scholarship dinners, fun videos and more!World Accordion Day is May 6th. You still have time to send information about your WAD activities. Please send info to me at Ritabelll@aol.com |
Breaking News: Dick Contino (1930 to 2017) Passes Away - USAby Harley Jones |
  Video: Dick Contino in 1999 performing Beer Barrel Polka & Lady of Spain wows a crowd at an Italian restaurant in Toronto. Video by Heinz Siemens.Dick Contino is a famous American accordionist and singer. Contino was born in Fresno, California January 17th, 1930. He studied accordion primarily with San Francisco-based Angelo Cognazzo, and occasionally with Los Angeles-based Guido Deiro and was later to become, one of the most famous American accordionists of all time. Read a very passionate and thought provoking "Reflections" about the one and only Dick Contino, who passed away on April 19th, written by his friend and international competition winner and virtuoso accordionist Cory Pesaturo. Also read the obituary by our Accordions Worldwide Editor Rob Howard. Both the Obituary and "Reflections" are at: Dick Contino |
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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What Are You Doing For World Accordion Day?by Rita Barnea |
 What are you doing for World Accordion Day to promote the accordion in your country? World Accordion day is on May 6th, which is the day the accordion was patented in 1829. World Accordion Day was started in 2009 by the CIA and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. A key part of this event is the World Accordion Day website. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support this event by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of Accordion Day if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their World Accordion Dayactivity on the website and send a report of their event after, for that website. No event is too big or too small. ALL accordion events celebrating World Accordion Day are welcome. This is a CIA promotion for the accordion in which every accordion enthusiast can participate and help bring our accordion world together as well as strongly promote the accordion. General Information: Harley Jones, CIA Public Relations Officer: harleyaccordion@yahoo.com Accordionists from the USA, Mexico and Canada:You are invited to list your concerts/accordion events on the World Accordion Day (WAD) website, for those accordion events taking place during the period, Friday 28 April through to Sunday May 14, 2017. This is a CIA co-ordinated event with most WAD activities taking place on May 6th. The WAD website is: http://www.accordions.com/cia/cia_wad_general.htm When you submit your event/s to the WAD website,the CIA will list them on the WAD website so that the press and other accordionists see a lot accordion activity worldwide happening. It is positive promotion. I will write relevant articles for the Accordion USA News based on the information listed on the CIA WAD site. Please send a copy of the WAD information directly to me at: Ritabelll@aol.com so I can list your events in the May 2017 www.accordionusa.com news. Thank you, Editor Rita Barnea of www.accordionusa.com |
Accordion Teachers' Association of Massachusetts Celebrates 55th Yearby Peggy Falcetti |
 The Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts , ATAM, will sponsor and celebrate their 55th New England Music Festival at the Boston Newton Marriott in Newton, Ma. on April 7th, 8th, 9th, 2017. The first competition, organized by the late Aldo DeRossi, was held at the Brockton Fair in Brockton, MA. After a few years at Boston Hotels the Festival moved to the western part of the state to the Schine Inn in Chicopee, MA. for many years. This year the Festival will be celebrating their 40th year at the Newton Marriott along with Peggy Falcetti celebrating her 40th year as chairperson. The 3 day event includes music students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Rhode Island participating in accordion, bass guitar, drum, guitar, piano, violin and vocal categories. Students may compete in various solo, duet, ensemble, band, orchestra & battle of the band categories. Contestants who participate do so regardless of their ability, experience, or level. Over $5000.00 in cash awards and scholarships will be given out. The current President , Jay Latulippe from NH, is happy to announce that Barry and Judy DeRossi, the son & daughter-in-law of the 1st president, will be providing the entertainment for the Saturday evening Gala Awards Banquet. The festival averages more than 2500 entries and all events are free and open to the public. For further information refer to the ATAM web site: www.atammusicfestival.com . |
AAA Plans an exciting 2017 . . .by Mary Tokarski |
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  We hope to see YOU at the annual AAA Open Meeting on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 3:PM at the conclusion of the MAMTG Festival at the Hanover Marriot in Whippany, New Jersey. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be a special performance by the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra following the Open Meeting. Your voice counts . . . and . . . we are making a difference! Help us plan the future of the accordion! We also hope you will join us on April 30, 2017 when the AAA will host the Carmen Carrozza Memorial Scholarship Fund Raiser at the Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac, New York. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear our incredible young artists perform . . . Cody McSherry (winner of the Junior Division of the last Carrozza Scholarship Competition in 2015), Carmen Carrozza’s grandniece Gia Ciccone, former Carrozza Scholarship winner Christopher Gorton, and young artist Cory Pesaturo . . . along with dancing sets from lots of our “seasoned” performers too! Contact Joe Ciccone for reservations at 914-238-0041, fax 914-238-0393 – or email drjciccone@aol.com. All profits will benefit the Carrozza Memorial Scholarship Fund. Princeton, New Jersey is the site for our 2017 SqueezeFest. The competition will include special categories for our young participants, special “Fast Track” events for young and seasoned alike, workshops par excellence, and concerts not to be missed. Check out the AAA website at www.ameraccord.com for hotel info, competition rules and music requirements and make your plans to attend. 6th Annual Junior Festival Orchestra! AAA President and Junior Orchestra Conductor Mary Tokarski invites YOU to join our Youth Orchestra in Princeton (provided you are 18 or under!). Participants from around the world have graced the stage at the Awards Concert in the past years, performing movie themes, great classical works, and magnificent accordion classics with incredible skill . . . this year’s repertoire is “in the making” and will include at least one work from recent movie hits! There will be 2 mandatory rehearsals during the Festival, and the performance will be on the Awards Concert, Saturday 1:00 p.m. in Princeton . . . Join the fun! It is exciting to see the accordion gain momentum and to see more and more young musicians at our festival. We are making a difference – thanks for your help! |
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Dallas Vietty, Will Holshouser and Dan Newton in Concertby Rita Barnea |
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| Accordionists Dallas Vietty from Philadelphia, Will Holshouser from Brooklyn, NY and Dan Newton from Saint Paul, MN will be featured in a show, “Valse Americaine” at Paris Bistro in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA. on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 7:PM. Do not miss this unique event. All three accordionists specialize in the French accordion repertoire and will be playing three sets at Paris Bistro. It is a dinner show but you can also sit at the bar. Please call for reservations: 215-242-6200. Paris Bistro is located at 8229 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19118. “Valse American” is a concert featuring these three leading American accordionists brought together by their shared love and expertise of the French waltz (called valse in French) repertoire. This concert is produced in cooperation with The NAAC and is part of their mission to create opportunities for audiences and performers. Info from the NAAC website about the performers: Will Holshouser // Brooklyn, NY. Will Holshouser was given an accordion as a surprise when he was still young and impressionable. He has since found a unique niche for himself as an accordionist, improviser, and composer in many different areas of music. He tours regularly with jazz violinist Regina Carter and her band Reverse Thread. He also plays in a collaborative trio with Amsterdam-based improvisers, drummer Han Bennink & saxophonist/clarinetist Michael Moore. Dan Newtown // St. Paul, MN. Dan Newton has been dazzling audiences with his creative accordion style for over thirty years. His fresh approach to the much-maligned squeeze- box and his mind-boggling repertoire of both original and traditional material will change the mind of the most hardened accordion skeptic. Dan draws influences for songs and tunes from such sources as French Musette, Gypsy Swing, Cajun, Jug band, Tex-Mex and Cumbia. He calls this global gumbo “ethnoclectic” music. Daddy Squeeze entertains and also enlightens his audiences with stories and colorful anecdotes about the accordion and his experiences while making a living playing the instrument he loves. Dallas Vietty // Philadelphia, PA. Award-winning accordionist and educator Dallas Vietty is one of the most in-demand young accordionists performing jazz and swing in the United States today. Dallas’ unique style comes from his background in the American jazz tradition, as well as deep study and immersion in the European swing tradition of Django Reinhardt (Gypsy Jazz) and the French musette and jazz accordionists. His groups have performed at some of the top U.S. festivals: Djangology NYC, TEDx Philly, Djangoary Festival, to name a few. As a sideman his performances have taken him to legendary venues such as The Iridium Jazz Club NYC, BB King’s Time Square, The Highline Ballroom NYC, and the Philadelphia Kimmel Center Verizon Hall. For further information: dallasvietty@gmail.com |
Bryant Park : "Accordions Around the World” Summer 2017by Rita Barnea |
 Ariana Hellerman organizes the annual "Accordions Around the World" event in Bryant Park, New York City. She is looking for Accordionists, Concertinists, Bandoneonistas, Harmonium Players for this summer 2017. "Accordions Around the World" is made up of accordionists of different musical genres that play in different pockets of Bryant Park. The event receives much press including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, ABC News, and NY1. Note that while the series is called, Accordions Around the World, they are interested in all free-reed instruments: concertinas, bandoneones, shengs, harmoniums, etc. included! The weekly event will take place on the following four Wednesdays early evenings in June and July 2017, exact time TBD: June 28 July 5 July 12 July 19 Accordionists will play for a 15 minute set and rotate to a different station in the park and play another 15 minute set (two short sets total; you will be in the park for no more than two hours, if not less). The audience is invited to picnic and able to sample different accordion styles. There will be vendors selling food in the park. Compensation is involved but accordionists must be able to get to the park on their own. If you are interested, please email Ariana at ariana@arianaslist.com. Also save July 21st! The series culminates in an Accordion Band Festival will take place then, featuring 5 bands (each with an accordion of course!). Email:arianaslist@gmail.com Web: www.arianaslist.com Twitter: @Arianaslist FB: Ariana's List Instagram: arianaslist |
Tony Lovello Announces His Retirementby Rita Barnea |
 84 year old accordionist, Tony Lovello, has announced his retirement. Tony has delighted and inspired all with his enthusiastic personality and virtuoso performances over the years. We will miss his workshops and exciting shows.Tony says, “Well folks, I think ‘It is Time.’ After my upcoming appearance at the New England Accordion Museum on April 29-30, 2017, I will no longer perform live or give live seminars. However, I will, of course, continue with my SKYPE lessons and will continue to record new videos and post them on You Tube. The soundtrack of my life has been very interesting and I like to think of my legacy as not how I lived my life but how many lives I have touched with my music.“ To contact Tony: Phone 859-223-1778 Cell: 859-227-1932 Email: tlovello@windstream.net |
Cory Pesaturo is Featured Entertainment on Finnish Cruiseby Rita Barnea |
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| Where is the world is Cory Pesaturo? Cory Pesaturo shares his thoughts on his recent Finnish cruise where he was the featured entertainment: "If you're a fan of Accordion (or Harmonikka in Suomi (Finnish), this cruise is your sail away to heaven. Organized by Sata-Hame Soi, the organization based in Ikaalinen which brought you the Primus Ikaalinen World Acoustic Accordion Championship that was televised on National Finnish TV, the cruise goes from Turku (site of the 2015 Coupe Mondiale) to Stockholm, Sweden, and back to Turku. It's a cruise that runs daily, but once a year, it is jammed full of only accordionists; say for a few stragglers on a "normal" vacation whom were unaware of the hostile squeeze-box takeover. During the 21 hours at sea, there are various concerts going at 5 different set locations ranging from pub atmosphere bars to full-fledged theater's, all while as you can just imagine during any accoridon event, random passengers are playing and creating their Own concerts across the boat from the windy deck to the bathroom. Is it Too Much accordion for the ear to handle? Absolutely! But that's what the club upstairs and your room is for. I was very kindly invited years ago to headline on the cruise by former head and cornerstone of Sata-Hame Soi, Kimmo Mattila, and after bad scheduling luck, 2017 was the year. It was quite an honor as I was the only non-Finnish performer, and there was an Incredible love of Jazz here. I can confidently report back that, as per usual with this often frozen country, there is so much high end talent in the youth (7-12 especially), it's almost frightening. It was the same when I was here in 2011. Along with the many concerts that are constantly in occurrence, the first round of the Silver and Golden Competitions associated with the Primus Ikaalinen occur on the ship on Sunday afternoon; so you get your accordion competition fill as well if the itch needs to be scratched. Although I'm sure your main concern is the language barrier, with 98% of the ship being Fins, and Finnish being a language that is almost impossible to understand outside of Moi. But fear not! Most Fins speak quite a bit of English, and they enjoy practicing it with you. And of course, there is always the international language of Music, and the Accordion. There is No Other cruise in the world like this, and it's in a country of which I Highly recommend visiting (and we know how harsh and straight my opinions are haha), coupled with a people whom are so welcoming, and so kind. If you get the chance - Sail Away in 2018!" Info about Cory: - World Digital Accordion Champion (Coupe Mondiale) - World Acoustic Accordion Champion (Primus Ikaalinen) - First Person to ever win World Championships on Digital, Acoustic, and Jazz -"No one is doing more for the image of the Accordion than Cory Pesaturo is.” says NBC/FOX's Maria Bartiromo Future Performances: Cory will be performing and recording throughout LA in April. On April 30, 2917, Cory will be one of the featured artists at the AAA sponsored Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Concert and Dinner. For more info, see the article in the Highlights section this month. 2017 Cotati Accordion Festival August 19th, 2017 to August 20th, 2017 Cotati, CA US Cory will perform at the Cotati Festival for the 6th Time! RED BULL Music Festival in Spielberg August 24th, 2017 to August 28th, 2022 Spielberg , AT Cory will create a Special Trio for this Major Event at the Formula 1 Race Track in Austria. For further information on Cory: cory.pesaturo@gmail.com |
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Announcing the 2017 Big Squeeze Accordion Contest Finals & Concertby Sheree Scarborough |
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| Free Concert and Contest Finals to be held at the Bullock Museum on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Grand Prize Winners will be selected in each category: Polka, Cajun, Zydeco, and Conjunto Austin, Texas – March 29, 2017 – Texas Folklife is pleased to announce the 2017 Big Squeeze Statewide Accordion Contest Finals and Concert will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 1:00-5:PM at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, located at 1800 N. Congress Ave. The event is free and open to the public and will be held outside on the Lone Star Plaza or in case of rain inside the museum. This is the 11th year for the statewide program that supports up-and-coming Texas musicians who are 21 years of age or younger. The contest is one of the ways in which Texas Folklife carries out its mission to preserve and present Texas’s diverse cultural heritage. The contest recruits players in all genres of the Lone Star State’s accordion-based music, including German, Czech, and Polish polka; Creole, Cajun, and zydeco; conjunto, norteño, and Tejano. This spring Texas Folklife held 8 Big Squeeze talent showcases in communities throughout the state to search for young accordion talent. Showcases were held in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Houston, Southeast Texas, Dallas and San Antonio so that the squeezeboxers could display their accordion skills at public performances in their communities. Texas Folklife also accepts mail-in entries until Friday March 31, 2017. Up to nine finalists (three from each genre) will be selected on Friday April 7, 2017 by a panel of judges. The finalists will perform at the Big Squeeze Finals and Concert on April 22 before a panel of judges and the public. At that time Three Grand Prize Winners will be selected. The winners will be chosen to represent the three main accordion genres—Polka, Cajun / Zydeco, and Conjunto. The Big Squeeze 2017 Grand Prize Winners will receive a prize package valued at more than $4,000, including a cash prize, a brand new Hohner accordion, performance opportunities with Texas Folklife, publicity, and other professional development opportunities. Additionally, the Grand Prize Winners will perform onstage with legendary Texas musicians at Texas Folklife’s Accordion Kings & Queens Concert, held at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, June 3, 2017. Following the finalists’ performances (and while the judges deliberate) a free concert will be held. The afternoon concert will feature conjunto masters Rio Jordan from the Rio Grande Valley, Houston zydeco powerhouse Ruben Paul Moreno, and the ever-popular Cajun sounds of the Gulf Coast Playboys. “We are almost at the end of another successful Big Squeeze Contest,” said Executive Director Charlie Lockwood. “The 2017 contest brought us 29 young squeezeboxers from all parts of the state with accordion skills in every genre. After taking a year off from the contest in 2016 to celebrate our tenth anniversary with a blockbuster concert, we were glad to go back on the road again this year and reconnect with our community partners. But the best is yet to come. At the Big Squeeze Accordion Contest Finals and Concert we will not only crown our new Big Squeeze Champs, we will celebrate all things accordion with an afternoon of Texas music. Come to the Bullock on April 22 and bring your dancing shoes!” The Big Squeeze is supported by Hohner Inc., the Texas Music Office, and Rancho Alegre Radio, by grants from H-E-B, Texas Commission on the Arts, the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department, the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, and the Houston Endowment. Regional community and venue partners include Hacienda Records, Texas Polka News, Cajun Sounds Internet Radio, Conjunto Heritage Taller, McDonald Public Library in Corpus Christi, Café 4212, Multicultural Education & Counseling through the Arts, Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant, 508 Amphitheater at Encore Park and the Museum of Street Culture, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, Los Fresnos High School, La Joya Independent School District, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. About Texas Folklife: Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State, and is designated by the National Endowment for the Arts as the Folk & Traditional Arts organization for the state. For over 30 years, Texas Folklife has honored cultural traditions passed down within communities, explored their importance in contemporary society, and celebrated them by providing accessible and joyful arts experiences. T 512-441-9255 F 844-386-2091 For further information: Sheree Scarborough Phone:512-922-5483 Email: sheree.scarborough@gmail.com Program inquiries: Alysha Hernández Phone: 210-286-1999 Email: bigsqueeze@texasfolklife.org |
Carrozza Scholarship Event on April 30 in New Yorkby Rita Barnea |
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| Video of Carmen Carrozza: The great classical accordionist Carmen Carrozza (who premiered many original compositions for the instrument) died on June 17, 2013. Here he talks about the lack of accordion teaching books when he was young as well as techniques to create more interesting chords on the standard bass (Carmen never learned the "free bass" models). This is an excerpt from the DVD of "Behind the Bellows: A Documentary About the Accordion" by Steve Mobia. The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) was formed to promote the accordion as a legitimate classical instrument and commissioned many original pieces from major composers. Carrozza was often their chosen performer for these pieces. April 30, 2017 will bring together some of our finest young artists for the Carrozza Memorial Scholarship Fund Raiser being held at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor,466 US Route 6,Mahopac, NY. The event will feature talented accordionists Gia Ciccone, Cody McSherry, Chris Gorton, Cory Pesaturo and more! Enjoy music by strolling musicians Frank Busso, Sr. and Emilio Magnotta.Special AAA guest performers: The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra conducted by Peter Peluso and dancing to the music of Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini, Frank Toscano, Emilio Magnotta, Frank Carozza and family! All profits will benefit the Carrozza Memorial Scholarship Fund and these funds are awarded to the winners of the Carrozza Memorial Competition.Thank you for your support, and we hope you will join us to hear these marvelous young performers in concert. The Carrozza Competition on July 13, 2017 will be part of the 2017 AAA Festival, July 12-16, 2017 at Westin Forrestal Village, Princeton, NJ. Enjoy a fantastic menu of appetizers, salad, main course, coffee and dessert, with wine on table for $75 per person. For Carrozza reservations: Contact Dr. Joseph Ciccone, Chairman, Phone: 914-238-0041, fax 914-238-0494 or email drjciccone@aol.com Details and registration forms are available on the AAA Carrozza Scholarship Dinner page. |
Emmanuel Gasser Wins 2017 NLFB Meltdownby Rita Barnea |
 Video:"Monsieur Fererro, Bouvelle/Larcange" performed by Emmanuel GasserCanadian accordionist Emmanuel Gasser has won the 2017 NLFB Meltdown. The NLFB Meltdown is a session of auditions for the NLFB (Northern Lights Festival Boréal ) which will take place on July 7 - 9, 2017. It is an annual music festival of many different genres held in Sudbury, Ontario. From the NLFB website, "The ‘Northern Lights Folk Festival’ was first held in Bell Park in 1972. It was a free one-day music festival on one stage; needless to say it has grown exponentially since. It remains Canada’s longest continually running outdoor music festival, holding its 45th edition in 2016, and taking place on the picturesque shores of Ramsey Lake in Bell Park, in the heart of Sudbury. Over the years, NLFB has grown into a seasoned presenter of Canadian roots and modern music, and a lightning rod for the energy of Northern Ontario’s artistic community. Inventing tradition, fostering innovation, celebrating community, since 1972.” Emmanuel Benjamin Gasser was born on September 18, 1996 and lives in St. Charles, Ontario. He started playing the accordion on January 5, 2006 and soon adapted a daily practice schedule of three to six hours. He is an excellent musician and has won several trophies and awards at the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships in BC, in 2010, 2011 & 2012 , at the American Accordionist Association Festival in Charleston, SC in 2011, at the ATG in Chicago IL in 2012, at the Victoria International Accordion Competitions in BC in 2012, at the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in 2013 and 2016. Emmanuel has also won first place in the International Elsie Bennett Composition Competition hosted by the American Accordionist Association in 2016 with one of his compositions. Emmanuel has won the Youth Entertainment Award in recognition of his outstanding talent at the 2010 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention. In 2011 he won the "Frank Marocco Scholarship" for being an outstanding and dedicated accordionist. Emmanuel has successfully represented Canada in prestigious international competitions such as Coupe Mondiale, CMA, PIF Castelfidardo in Italy, IAC in Switzerland, IAWK in Germany. His musical talents have been nourished and developed by the assistance of several world champion accordionists. He is currently studying privately with concert accordionist Alexander Sevastian from Toronto. Emmanuel has also completed various internet and survey courses on Classical Music and Music History with Prof. Robert Greenberg ( San Francisco Conservatory of Music ), Classical Composition with Prof. Peter Edwards ( University of Singapore ) and on Jazz Improvisation with Gary Burton ( Berklee College of Music ). Emmanuel may be young in years, but has exceptional musical maturity. With forty original compositions already to his credit, he is recognized as a very talented young man on the road to future successes! Congratulations to Emmanuel Gasser! For further information: emmanuel_gasser@yahoo.com |
ALSI Features Henry Doktorskiby Rita Barnea |
 ALSI President Gordon Kohl invites all to the Accordion Lover’s Society International (ALSI) concert on Sunday April 9, 2017 from 1:PM - 4:PM to hear accordionist Henry Doktorski.The location of the concert is: Mt Miguel Covenant Village, Bailey Hall, Spring Valley, Ca. 91977 325 Kempton St. / San Carlos St. Gate entrance. Bailey Hall. Food and refreshments served & bring your own to share. Admission is $8.00. ALSI Annual 2017 Dues renewal is $25 or Gold ($100). Mail to: ALSI Reed Block C/OLois Lahoud, 6225 Snowbond St. San Diego, Ca. 92120. For further information: loislahoud@cox.net A.L.S.I. is San Diego's forum for appreciating and performing accordion music, including the MIDI electronic accordion. They welcome members who enjoy listening to or playing accordion music. They have an accordion ensemble group, monthly meetings, local concerts featuring local and internationally famous performers, an annual picnic and a monthly newsletter. President Kohl said, "You'll be amazed and entertained by Henry Doktorski at our April meeting this month. He is a world traveled accordionist, composer, conductor, author, recording artist, educator, organist and pianist. If you miss this showcase you really have missed some wonderful music specially prepared for you. Henry has recorded several CD’s which are available for purchase. For further information on Henry: henrydoktorski@gmail.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
30th National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention…. Big Success! - Texasby Rita Barnea |
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 Dr. Norman Seaton, President of the National Accordion Association (NAA), and the Board of Directors Nick Ballarini, Nancy Bernstein, Rebecca Ratcliff and Sharon Seaton organized the 2017 NAA 30th Anniversary Convention. The very successful convention included a variety of excellent workshops and concerts with unique talent which intrigued, educated, and entertained the first timer and seasoned conventioneer alike. The feeling throughout the convention was one of great warmth and acceptance of all levels of playing. Read the full report with photos by USA News Editor Rita Barnea at: 2017NAAReport |
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Accordionaires “Pops” Orchestra to Perform in Santa Barbara, CAby Karen Lee, ATG 2nd Vice-President |
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 On Sunday afternoon, April 23, 2017, The Accordionaires “Pops” Orchestra will be the guests of AIMS (Accordion International Music Society), the Santa Barbara accordion club, in a special concert “In Dedication to Dan Desiderio.” The accordion orchestra, under the baton of Janet Hane, will play a wide variety of music, over half of which was arranged for accordion orchestra by Mr. Desiderio. Included among those pieces will be “Moulin Rouge Medley,” with several familiar tunes; “And All that Jazz,” from the movie Chicago; “Manha de Carneval,” a Latin beat number; and Ployhar’s patriotic medley, “Americana.” Additionally, the orchestra is delighted to announce that noted conductor Bill Benson (Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra) will appear as guest conductor of the operatic overture “Dichter und Bauer” (Poet and Peasant) by Franz von Suppe. The concert will begin at 2:PM, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. 909 N. La Cumbre Rd. Santa Barbara, CA. 93110. The public is welcome. Suggested donation is $10 at the door. The Accordionaires “Pops” Orchestra is based in North Hollywood, CA. The orchestra has over twenty accordionists (including an electronic accordion and a bass accordion), a bass guitarist, a trombone player, and a drummer. This combination gives the group a unique sound that has been widely appreciated by audiences throughout the southland, including at the Ronald Reagan Library, the annual Swiss Fair, as well as with the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra. The Santa Barbara concert has become an annual event, with each performance being sold out. Photo by Tommy Xing |
Nathan Chapeton to Perform with 2 Symphonies this Spring!by Mary Tokarski |
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| Accordionist Nathan Chapeton should be very proud of his accomplishments . . . this year he auditioned for the honor to perform with the New Haven Symphony when his school, Middletown High School (Connecticut) Goes to the Symphony on May 22, 2017 and the Hamden Symphony Orchestra (Connecticut) on April 30, 2017. He was selected by BOTH to be a guest performer for their concerto concerts featuring soloists on violin, cello, piano . . . and the accordion! Performing in 2014 with the New Haven Symphony, Nathan played the Rondo Movement from Pietro Deiro’s ”Concerto in E” to a stunned audience at the Bushnell Auditorium in Hartford, Connecticut. This year his music choice for performance with both symphonies is the 1st movement of Franck Angelis’ “Impasse”, an artistic and energetic selection that leaves audiences breathless (the performer too!). Nathan attends Middletown High School and studies with Mary Tokarski in Northford, Connecticut. In the last few years, he has also earned the privilege of representing the United States-AAA at the Coupe Mondiale (World Accordion Championships) twice so far (he plans to audition in March to qualify again for 2017). At the Coupe Mondiale in Austria (2014) and Russia (2016) he was among the best accordionists and musicians from around the world. His plan now includes learning baroque and classical music and to compete in more rigorous categories at the competition. AAA wishes Nathan Chapeton all the best for fantastic performances this spring. The picture is Nathan performing with the New Haven Symphony for the 2015 Middletown Goes to the Symphony at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, Connecticut. |
Music Birthday Parties for Children Feature the Accordionby Rita Barnea |
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| What a fun and educational way to celebrate a child’s birthday! With music including songs, games, and instruments. Using your accordion is an ideal way to be totally portable! You can provide entertainment in any venue be it someone’s home or restaurant or outdoors. For many years, I had a very busy and successful children’s birthday party business featuring the accordion.The idea developed from my many years as an elementary school (Pre K to Grade 5) music teacher. During over thirty years as a music teacher, I incorporated the accordion into my daily teaching (lesson plans) and the accordion always created special interest in music. Entertaining at children's birthday parties is a unique and fun way for you to earn extra income. I suggest that you experiment with your ideas and program by entertaining relatives and friends children, volunteering at daycare center or nursery school before you begin your new professional career! Below are some of the ideas which I implemented successfully. I share these ideas at accordion conventions. The ideas below represent many years of entertaining at children parties, ages 1 to 10. I include one year old parties because they include the older siblings and relatives and friend's children: Who says a party must be indoors? When kids are involved, outdoor events are often the better choice! Included here are some fun activities I offer for the great outdoors (and indoors) All these activities promote camaraderie and good positive values among the youngsters from ages 1 to about 10 years of age. Music is timeless. All will enjoy your entertainment. By all, I mean the children as well as the adults who are watching (and most likely, will want to join in!) Have some extra jingles ready to give out to the little ones that are held on the lap of parents and friends. Equipment needed: 1. YOUR ACCORDION!!😀 If you really get into doing parties, I suggest a smaller sized red accordion that you can decorate with stickers. 2. A selection of rhythm instruments including: jingle bells, maracas, tambourines, bongo drums, triangles, etc. I do not recommend rhythm sticks since they sometimes go from being an instrument to being a weapon!!! (Believe me from personal experience!) 3. A selection of prerecorded songs for dancing and games including: “The Chicken Dance”, “Limbo” “Hokey Pokey” etc. Of course if you know the music, you can play it on your accordion. 4. Broom stick or long scarf to serve as a limbo stick. 5. Fun and silly party hats for the guests with a special hat for the birthday child. 6. A baton for the birthday child to lead the band. You can use a light up stick which you can purchase at any party store. Have an extra one so the birthday child can choose a friend to also be the conductor. To order musical instruments, hats, batons, etc. online, I suggest you google the desired items. The Oriental Catalog is a popular site to order party supplies. Look on Amazon for more long lasting instruments. If you also plan to present an art project, one of the simplest and most useful one is for the children to: create their own tambourines. All you need is paper plates, stickers ( music stickers or cartoon characters, etc.), dried beans, glue sticks, stapler. The children decorate the paper plates, glue together, add beans and then seal. They can use them during your presentation or take them home as a party favor. This is very economical for the parents of the birthday child. Your outfit: Colorful, something musical…. a musical scarf or pin, etc. Main Part of Party Entertainment: The birthday child is the center of attention, the leader of his very own band! Have the child stand next to you. Give him or her the special hat and baton. Tell them you have something very special in your case (accordion case). Ask him if he thinks it is an animal (go through a list) or a pizza! ( or other type of food) or anything else you think the child would enjoy. Have him tap on the case. Then open it very slowly and they will be surprised to see your accordion. “Wow, What is that?” It may be the first time he ever saw an accordion! Tell them that each button is a special song. Of course any button they press is the song you want to play or that you know they would like to hear. …… Press a button…….maybe it will be “Happy Birthday” or “ABC”s” 😉 Show the child how to use the baton to conduct. Have the friends clap and stop clapping according to the stop and go of the baton. Most important!!!!!!!!………. REST POSITION…… first of the hands and then after the instruments. “When I stop conducting, you stop playing. Put your hands or instruments in your lap, in rest position” Hand out instruments. Put instrument on floor in front of child and tell them not to play until the signal is given which is the waving of the baton. List of songs you may choose from: “ABC" "Wheels on the Bus” “Old Macdonald Farm” “BINGO” “Mary Had a Little Lamb” "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" "Row Row Row Your Boat" "Its Bitsy Spider" "Head Shoulders Knees & Toes" "If You're Happy & You Know It” The Grand Finale to the party is the Big Parade….. you can consult with the parents of the birthday child and march the children to the lunch or birthday cake table. Everyone marches around the room, restaurant, or yard, etc. You lead the parade with your accordion followed by the birthday child band leader and friends. (Adults, too!) Guaranteed Success Every Time! Additional suggestions: As time allows, you can also have the birthday child ask a friend or two to take a turn conducting the band to a song. The children will truly love this special honor. The parents and guests usually are watching the program. You can also give the grandparents or aunts and friends an instrument which they will enjoy playing also. You might even give a jingle to the baby they are holding on their lap. You might consider having a business card made including your contact info, etc. My business was called: “Happy Birthday Party Productions”. You are welcome to use this name if you like it. More Musical Party Games for Children:. Musical statues: The children dance around to music. When the music stops they have to stand absolutely still, like a statue. If anyone moves, they are out. You can vary this game by getting the children to dance like a particular animal that you call out. When they freeze, they have to pose like that animal. It is best not to eliminate anyone. They just enjoy freezing when the music stops. If you have any questions or concerns you are welcome to contact me at Ritabelll@aol.com. I am happy to offer more ideas and suggestions to help you. Good luck in your new business! Photo above is from my March 2017 Texas NAA Workshop on how to plan music parties. |
Tony Lovello Performs at Grand Central Terminalby Rita Barnea |
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 On March 15, 2017, Tony Lovello presented a special performance under the famous clock at Grand Central Terminal. My fiancé, Dr. Leslie Strong, and Tony’s good friend and student, Rob Trietsch, were there with Tony’s lovely wife and two granddaughters who drove all the way from Kentucky to witness this unique event….. very special because Tony is the first accordionist to perform at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.Of course his medley included the famous “New York, New York” as well as his patriotic tribute to the USA. A large crowd gathered to listen and enthusiastically applauded his spirited performance. I think that some of them actually and happily missed their trains! While Tony entertained the commuters with his accordion skills, he was surprised when I went over to a young Italian bride and groom who were having professional wedding photos taken nearby in the Terminal. I invited them to meet Tony and he delighted them with a wonderful rendition of Italian music! It was an amazing event, one of Tony’s last grand performances taking place in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. Photo right of Tony's family: Jessica and Olivia Gehefer with Jo Ellen Lovello |
Fire and Ice, New Norwegian Music & Concert Tourby Rita Barnea |
| Fire and Ice, hot new music from the Norwegian Fjords and the Colorado Rockies, hosted by composer Bjorn Bolstad Skjelbred (Oslo), The Fire and Ice Concert will include three world premieres by Norwegian composers: Bjorn Bolstad Skjelbred, Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen and Colorado-based composer Conrad Kehn. Composer Skjelbred will fly in from Oslo to be Master of Ceremonies. Conrad Kehn has created a new silent film with live music which will be premiered. Included will be a solo by Magnar Am. The world premiere works have been composed especially for the performers: Cincinnati-based cellist Michael Gilbert Ronstadt, guitarist Eric Despard and accordionist Rocco Anthony Jerry. The Fire and Ice Tour spans three states: New York, Vermont and Massachusetts, and extends from April 21 to April 24, 2017. The concerts will include: Bjorn Bolstad Skjelbred- “as the wind behaves” for Accordion, Cello and Guitar (world premiere) Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen - “Musical Doodles II” for Accordion and Cello (world premiere) Conrad Kehn - “Soundtracks to Movies that Don’t Exist” for Accordion, Cello, Guitar and Video (world premiere) Magnar Am - “A Breath of Air” for Accordion (US Premiere) Bjorn Bolstad Skjelbred - “Five Preludes” for Guitar Bjorn Bolstad Skjelbred - “ConVergEnce” for Accordion and Cello All concerts are free and open to the general public. This project was funded by Arts Council Norway, Norwegian Society of Composers, The Composers’ Remuneration Fund, American-Scandinavian Foundation - Andrew E. and G. Norman Wigeland Fund, The Troy Public Library, Music Norway and The Foreign Office. TOUR SCHEDULE Friday April 21, 2017 2PM McCarthy Center for the Arts Recital Hall, Saint Michael’s College, One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT Saturday April 22,2017 1PM Troy Public Library, 100 2nd Street, Troy, NY Saturday April 22, 2017 8PM Mahaney Center for the Performing Arts, Robison Concert Hall, 72 Porter Field Road, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT Sunday April 23, 2017 3:30 PM Tower Music Series Concert, The Reformed Dutch Church, 70 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY Sunday April 23, 2017 7 PM Morton Memorial Library and Community House, 82 Kelly Street, Rhinecliff, NY Monday April 24, 2017 Noon Everett Theater, 982 Mansion Drive, Southern Vermont College, Bennington, VT Monday April 24, 2017 4PM CONCERT AND PANEL DISCUSSION, Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium, 375 Church Street, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA |
Video: Three Stooges Comedyby Harley Jones |
| The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy team active from the late 1920s until the late 1960s. They are, it’s claimed, with some justification, the most popular comedy team in history, appearing in almost 200 shorts and feature films from the early 1930s to the early 1970s, hosting their own TV show and making countless stage and personal appearances. The three Horwitz brothers, Moses, Jerome and Samuel (better known by their stage names as Moe, Curly and Howard with a 4th brother Shemp who is not in this video) were a stunning slapstick humor success. |
"La Giara" Concert and Book Release in Philadelphiaby Rita Barnea |
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 "The Water Jug" ("La Giara") a novel by Patricia Haddad King was presented on Friday March 31, 2017 at the World Cafe Live, in Philadelphia, with the new book release and signing. The evening included a musical drama based on the book set in concert form and merges Italian folk music, jazz and opera, with a Brazilian Choro influence. It is a true story beautifully written about the family of Patricia Haddad King. The expanded cast featured five excellent singers: John Nicholas Peters, Maria Damore, Tasha Waters, Steve Carrasco, and Joelle Teeter who told the story in song and prose along with the Minas ensemble: Patricia (piano), Orlando (guitar), Jim Stager (bass). Accordionist Joseph Soprani added accordion in many of the selections where appropriate. For further information email: joesoprani@gmail.com |
Video: Quickbooks Advertisingby Rita Barnea |
| Two advertising videos by Quickbooks. I wonder if Rodney factored in that jump at the end of video 2 might not be the best for his back??? and his cashflow??? |
Kansas City Tango Group Cucharada Holds Two CD Releaseby Sean Mawhirter |
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 Events for its Debut LP in Lawrence, Kansas & Kansas City, Missouri April 2017After studying abroad and winning a grant, Tango music ensemble Cucharada is releasing its album ‘Primavera en Kansas City’ in two markets this April. This quintet will play selections from the recording at the Lied Center Pavilion in Lawrence from 8 to 11:PM on April 15, 2017. They will also perform at Madrigall in Kansas City on April 22, 2017 at 8:PM. The band includes Johnny Hamil (bass), Juha Silfverberg (accordion), Sean Mawhirter (guitar), Tina Bilberry (violin), and Guy Montes (flute). Ticket options include pre-sale ($10), pre-sale with discounted CD ($15), and door ($15). These shows follow a month-long, Argentine research trip taken by Mawhirter and Bilberry to study this genre, birthed in Buenos Aires. Their mentors included some of the finest Tango musicians in the world including former Kansas Citian Christine Brebes. Brebes will be playing at the Madrigall show as it coincides with a three week American tour she is making this year. The group began its efforts for this recording after winning an ArtsKC Inspiration Grant in 2016. It was engineered by Nate Espy at Roof Top Media Studios. An accompanying video for the lead track ‘Re Fa Si’ was produced by videographer Jefferson Donald of Light Bearers Entertainment. Proudly aware that it’s the only active Tango music group in the area, Cucharada deals with a musical history not unlike Jazz- a 19th century form that evolved from the dance halls to the concert halls. They have catered their repertoire to satisfy both listening and dancing audiences. From the “Paris of South America” to the “Paris of the Plains”! For more information, please visit www.cucharadamusic.com or www.facebook.com/ cucharadamusic. |
Dee Langley performs "Twisted Apples" by Composer Robert Elhaiby Dee Langley |
 Composer Robert Elhai loves to use the accordion. “Twisted Apples: Stories From Winesburg, Ohio" is a new music-theater piece based on Sherwood Anderson’s classic American novel Winesburg, Ohio. Created by writer Jim Payne and composer Robert Elhai tells the story of selected individuals who struggle to overcome the loneliness and isolation that seems to permeate a small town in the in the late 1800s, the show takes its title from the malformed fruit that pickers leave on trees. With librettist Jim Payne’s deft lyrics floating on gossamer compositions by Robert Elhai, it conveys the secret aches and agitated longings of characters aiming to bust out of their strictures. (Rohan Preston, Star Tribune, March 24, 2017) With a cast of five singers and four instrumentalists (accordion, violin, bass, piano), Twisted Apples is a production that is thought provoking, beautiful and emotional. Nautilus Music-Theater is touring the show through April 8, 2017.. Locations include-out state Minnesota (Mora, Northfield, Albert Lea) as well as Nautilus’ home in St. Paul. Composer Robert Elhai is the recipient of Tony and Drama Desk nominee for his work on the Broadway production of The Lion King and has also contributed orchestrations to over 150 film scores including the Oscar-winning score for Frida, The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Iron Man 3, Thor 2, four Fast and Furious movies, three Alien movies, two Batman movies, and the first Pirates of the Caribbean. Other arranging work includes the arrangement for Metallica’s Grammy Award-winning "The Call of Ktulu". Accordionist Dee Langley specializes in both solo and ensemble works for the accordion having appeared with the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Ethnic Dance Theatre, Flying Foot Forum as well as Nautilus Music-Theater. Ms. Langley is winner of the 2012 American Composers Forum’s Minnesota Emerging Composer Award (World Music, Orkestar Bez Ime), the 2011-2012 McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians administered by MacPhail Canter for. Dee is currently teaching accordion at Minneapolis Community and Technical College as well as at her home in Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota. For further information: squeezermn@yahoo.com |
LIAA Celebrates Accordionist Santo Endrizzi’s 96th Birthdayby Dominic Karcic |
 Members of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) got together on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Piccolo's Restaurant in Mineola, NY to celebrate the 96th birthday of Santo Endrizzi. A good time was had by all. Marion Endrizzi Whelpley wrote the following article for the AAA Newsletter for Santo’s 93rd birthday: "Santo Endrizzi Receives Legion of Honor Medal" On Friday, May 9th, 2014, Santo Endrizzi, a member of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA), was bestowed a special honor. This 93 years young World War II veteran received the prestigious Legion of Honor Medal (Ordre national de la Légion d'Honneur) from the French government at the West Point Military Academy, West Point, NY "in front of cadets who will be making up the next generation of U.S. military officers." On this day thirty-four USA veterans were knighted by the French government in a special ceremony overlooking the majestic Hudson River. Lieutenant General Robert Caslen welcomed the group and Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, the New York French Consul General and Mr. Guy Wildenstein, President of the American Soci- ety of the French Legion of Honor, presented the veterans with their prestigious medals. Santo, also known as Sam, was honored and humbled by the award ceremony and was very grateful for the recognition he re- ceived. He served in Pontois, France from 1944 to 1945 in the 9th Army Air Force, 344th Bomb Group, 495th Bomb Squadron. Santo was born in a small town named Cavedago in the Trentino (Trentino-Alto Adige) region of Italy. His parents were born in the same town but it was then under Austrian rule. The people there refer to themselves as Tyrolians. In 1936, at the age of fifteen, Santo and his older sister left from the port of Genoa and sailed to New York where their father was waiting for them. The family resided at164 Wyckoff Avenue, Ridgewood, NY. Although his first love was the accordion, he started taking music lessons on the violin because the family couldn't afford to buy an accordion. He started his musical studies at the age of sixteen at the State School of Music which was located at 1397 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY. The cost for lessons at that time was twenty-five cents. In November of 1937 Santo's father purchased a second hand, full size, 120 bass accordion for him for $300.00. Because he loved the instrument so much Santo practiced for hours at a time. His teacher, known as "Mr. Brown," was really Mr. Cacioppo. "Mr. Brown was easier to pronounce." His competing and performing in various competitions and recitals, some of which were held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, re- sulted in his winning several medals. It was at these events that Santo met his fellow Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) colleague and even- tual life long friend Phil Franzese. In the 1940s Santo played the accor- dion at a resort in the Catskills called the Grandview Mountain House in East Windham, NY. In 1942 he was drafted into the Army Air Force. He was sta- tioned in Fort Meyers and Lakeland Florida and was assigned to the 344th Bomb Group, 495th Bomb Squadron as a flight engineer on a B26. They practiced dropping bombs over the Everglades. Be- fore going overseas Santo requested to become a mechanic. He went overseas on the Queen Elisabeth which was travelling un- escorted and carrying 18,000 soldiers. He volunteered to help serve meals to the English gunners that were manning the battle stations. As a result, he was given free reign of the ship unlike his peers who were confined to their specific area. They landed safely in Glasgow Scotland. The war took him to England, France and Belgium. He met many paesani along the way. On returning home after spending three years in military service he became a citizen of the United States and in the summers months returned to playing the accor- dion at the Catskill resort on weekends. Santo held several different jobs after his return home. One of these was owning a saloon business with his brother-in law. He married his wife, Ida, in 1954 and they had four children (Marion Whelpley, Donald Endrizzi, Julie Rooney and Joan Woodbury). At the age of forty-eight he became a car inspector for NYC Transit Authority and retired as a supervisor at the age of sixty- eight. He has ten grandchildren. The family keeps him busy as also does the Tyrolian Club he belongs to. His becoming a member of the Long Island Accor- dion Alliance (LIAA) brings Santo back to his original love and passion - the accordion. Santo plays on the first Wednesday of every month at La Vilini Restaurant in East Northport, NY with the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA). This is the "tonic" that keeps him young and enthusiastic and he especially enjoys the camaraderie of his fellow accordionists." The accordion is very close to the Fountain of Youth! Photo(from left to right): Peter Sbuttoni, "Papa Joe" DeClemente, Bob LaBua, Santo Endrizzi, Dominic Karcic, Joe Campo, Phil Prete, Greg Zukoff and Ray Oreggia |
Dominic Karcic Introduces Accordion to Schoolsby Rita Barnea |
 On Thursday, March 9, 2017 accordionist Dominic Karcic (Commack, NY) made a repeat visit to H. Frank Carey High School In Franklin Square, NY. His one hour and fifteen minute presentation titled "An Introduction to the Accordion" was given to 150 students who were part of the Italian language program at the school. The assembly program coordinator for the event was Ms. JoAnn Radoslovich Molino.In the weeks prior to the presentation, Mr. Karcic submitted a program guide to the classroom teachers which was to be disseminated to the students. This guide consisted of materials and information on the accordion, Youtube videos of repertoire to be performed and also Italian song lyrics. All materials would prepare the students for the up-coming program. His assembly presentation was a two part program of first introducing the students to the origins, history and the structural features of the accordion which was then followed by a performance by Mr. Karcic of almost an all Italian repertoire. Also performing in the program was vocalist Cheryl Spielman whose talents were included for the benefit of that additional dimension of having the students hear a beautiful voice, used professionally, singing in Italian and accompanied by the accordion. Selections performed included Funiculi - Funicula, La Spagnola, Ciribiribin, Volare, That's Amore, Ah! Marie, Que Sera, Sicilian Tarantella, Tarantella Napoletana, Reginella Campagnola, La Bella Piccinina, Accordion Boogie and Summertime. Also in attendance at the event was author and Italian educator Joseph Tursi (Professor Emeritus, Stony Brook University). Professor Tursi is co-author of the we'll know Italian text book series "Oggi in Italia.” Photo(left to right): Prof. Joseph Tursi, Cheryl Spielman, Dominic Karcic and JoAnn Radoslovich Molino |
You Are Never Too Old To Play A Gigby Peggy Falcetti |
 Toni “Pignatare” Towson, 89 years young, recently performed for an hour at the Quail Run Retirement Home in Agawam, Ma.Toni grew up in Westfield, Ma. and as a teenager she traveled to New York and studied with Joe Biviano. She continued to perform for many years at parties, weddings, and civic meetings. As she grew older her full size accordion became too heavy for her to play. She contacted Sam Falcetti less than a year ago and wanted to get back into performing on her 1st love, the accordion. Sam recommended the Roland 1X (only 14 lbs), with easy bellowing. Toni now feels that her dream of playing the accordion again has happened and is now back to performing. She continues taking lessons with Sam, enjoying her hobby and having a lot of fun. She certainly is an inspiration to all of us. Bravo!! |
Future events |
ATG 77th Anniversary Festival in Julyby Amy Jo Sawyer |
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 As President of this seventy-seven year old exciting ACCORDION Organization, I welcome you and hope you will become a member and support the fabulous instrument that we all love, the ACCORDION.ATG members are from all over the world. The ATG Bulletin is available to members four times a year with news, music, articles and interesting information all relating to the ACCORDION. ATG presents a wonderful Annual ACCORDION Festival in July each year featuring World Class Accordionists as Guest Artists. This year’s ATG - 77th Annual Festival will be held July 19 – 23, at the Hyatt Regency -Lisle Hotel (near Chicago). Guest ACCORDIONISTS will be the magnificent “Quartetto Gelato” from Toronto, Canada, featuring World Champion ACCORDIONIST Alexander Sevastian. Check out their website: www.quartettogelato.ca. Another exciting group will be the “Alex Meixner Band” from Florida. See and hear their terrific showmanship on their website: www.alexmeixner.com Fabulous Jazz ACCORDIONIST, Paul Betken, will take the stage with two Chicago based excellent sidemen, drummer, Phil Gratteau, and Bassist Jim Cox. Paul resides in Arizona and has performed at many ACCORDION and Jazz Festivals. The ATG Festival ACCORDION Orchestra is a real highlight of the Festival, directed by Joan Cochran Sommers. ACCORDIONISTS attending the festival sign up to rehearse/perform with the orchestra. When you register for the orchestra, you state the level of music you are able to play. Orchestra music is then sent to you several months ahead for you to learn and prepare to play with the fifty piece ensemble. Classical, Pops, Jazz, plus all kinds of ethnic music are chosen by Maestro Sommers for the orchestra to perform. It is always a very excellent performance that will enhance your ACCORDION studies and experience. Workshops, Concerts, New Music for ACCORDION Concert, Luncheons, Banquet, ACCORDION Vendors, Meet & Greet Party, CDs & Music for sale and new friendships! We all love to play the ACCORDION! Please attend the Festival. You are guaranteed a “Squeezin’ Good Time”. We are a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. We welcome your donations to the various categories to promote and support the ACCORDION funds: Youth Scholarship Fund, New Music Fund, ATG General Fund and more. We are here to help promote the ACCORDION, to raise its standards, and to gain the popularity that it deserves in the world of Music.! Accordionly, Amy Jo Sawyer |
Stas Venglevski to Perform for WMAS in Mayby Rita Barnea |
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Red Lantern Accordionist... AAA Master Class and Concert Series this Julyby William Schimmel |
 Accordion Culture is based on Contests. Championship Contests - much like sports. Who comes in First of course is the Champion - whether its the World Champion, The U.S. Champion or the Whatever Champion. Sometimes the term, Champeen, is used. There are those who come in Second and Third - they get trophies - but they are not Champions - or Champeens. What about the person who comes in last place? Ever watch a marathon? - and the final runner still running while practically every one has gone home or partying? He or She just wants to make it to the end - to run the course - personal best and proud to be a part of it - as St. Paul says - “I fought the good fight. I have kept the Faith”. That’s the Red Lantern Winner - Last place - a last place winner We have Red Lantern Accordionists - The backbone of the industry - in it for the long haul - signed up for the whole ride - putting other’s interests first - working for the betterment of the cultur We dedicate this weekend to The Red Lantern Accordionist - May his or her light shine bright! Are you crying yet? Ok - We got the maudlin stuff out of the way - now let’s get down to the real deal of it. The Red Lantern Accordionist doesn’t think too much about making a difference. He or She already has - by constantly showing up and working. The Red Lantern Accordionist doesn’t think too much about His or Her relevance. Too busy helping others - including those who think they are. The Red Lantern Accordionist is not concerned about making history every time He or She takes a breath or makes an excrement - much too busy in the mere doing of their art, and trying to improve it - and yours as well. The Red Lantern Accordionist can be a bit cynical at times - He or She knows a little too much - been around a bit - knows that their days are numbered and wants to make the most of them - some quietly - some with a vengeance. Red Lantern Accordionists never quite know whether they have won or lost the good fight - even at the end - and neither did St. Paul - or Don Quixote - or any warrior worth mentioning. He or She has totally obliterated themselves - understands the value of the Third Banana - is tempered like steel - has been through the fire - and came out it wounded, vulnerable and stronger than an ox - a work horse - a mule. Red Lantern Accordionists are kind - happy and a bit sad - and not to be fooled with. There is no logical reason to become a Red Lantern Accordionist Red Lantern Accordionists are called By whom? Don’t quite know But They feel the call Of a different winning Of heard labor Of a different winning For no other reason other than to do it As best as they can Because they can If you are one of them This is your time You’re welcome Others are welcome too But the focus will be Red Lantern! American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concert Series Dr. William Schimmel - Moderator and Curator The Red Lantern Accordionist Our 23rd Smash Year July 28, 29, 30 2017 at The Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A West 13TH St between 5 and 6 Ave. Master Classes at 3:PM ending at 5:PM - Ending at 5 pm Concerts at 7 to 9:PM $25. per Master Class $30. per Concert$50. per day - Includes Master Class and Concert $135. per entire weekend Reservations and Information: 212 876 0827 accordionbill@gmail.com |
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Oct. 23-26by Rita Barnea |
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| What are the benefits of attending the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention (LVIAC) this October 23-26, 2017? Key Benefits of Attending the Convention are: 1. Join the fun and make new friends from all over the World. 2. See the latest in new accordions with factory exhibits. 3. Hotel accommodations are very inexpensive. 4. Be inspired by some of the finest. 5. Learn from the masters. A Special Scholarship will be awarded:Diero Youth Accordion Scholarship Pietro Deiro was born in 1888. Under the influence of his older brother, Guido, he began to play the accordion in Germany in 1905. In 1907, he moved to the United States, where he became the first accordionist to use a chromatic instrument with a piano-style treble keyboard. He began professional recording in 1910, and his most famous song, “Pietro’s Return,” was recorded in 1914. Mr. Deiro wrote many compositions, studies and transcriptions, and even opened his own publishing house. Referred to as the “Father of the Piano Accordion,” Pietro Deiro died in 1954. The Scholarship: The Las Vegas International Accordion Convention is proud to offer the Deiro Scholarship Award with the goal of promoting accordion musicianship, artistry and culture among today’s young and talented performers. The Scholarship offers free tuition to the annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, October 23-26, 2017, and is awarded through any sponsoring accordion club, organization or chaperone to one deserving youth accordion player 8 to 17 years of age. An adult must accompany the award recipient by attending the convention. Estimated value of each award is $570.00. Qualification: The Pietro Deiro Scholarship award recipient must be between 8 and 17 years of age at the time of the convention, and must have demonstrated musicianship and artistry in accordion performance. The recipient should also demonstrate an interest in accordion culture through a general knowledge of the instrument’s history and current application in the music world. The recipient must be accompanied by an adult chaperone who has been approved by the sponsoring organization, or who is related to—or is legal guardian of—the award recipient. Award winners will be announced publicly during the convention, and may be asked to perform publicly at least once during the convention. Applications must be postmarked no later than September 23, 2017. Download the application 2017Vegas.pdf and send the completed form to the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, postmarked by September 23, 2017. |
Bachtopus Accordion Ensemble Performs at St. Peter’s Church in NYCby Rita Barnea |
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| Bachtopus will perform at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on April 23rd, 2017 as part of the Music in Chelsea series, whose proceeds go to the St. Peter’s food pantry. Bachtopus is a contemporary accordion ensemble from New York City that also performs music by Johann Sebastian Bach. The ensemble was born out of a fruitful musical duet between Robert Duncan and Mayumi Miyaoka, who partnered during the Winter of 2011. Denise Koncelik and Peter Flint, who were members of the Brooklyn Accordion Club, joined the duet to play Bach’s organ music, which is well suited to the accordion. The group soon shifted focus to become one of the few accordion ensembles in the United States that plays new music. Having established a large repertoire in just a few years, Bachtopus seeks to play more original compositions, commissioned works, and contemporary music that is interesting, accessible, and grounded in traditional folk music. The ensemble has performed for diverse audiences, and previous performance highlights include: Make Music New York, Bach in the Subways, The New Museum, Accordions Around the World, Meetup.com, the American Accordion Association Seminars, and the United Nations. Bachtopus performs music by and is inspired by Accordion Tribe, Motion Trio, the Kronos Quartet, Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, Stas Venglevski, the Bang On a Can All-Stars, and Jacques Cousteau. The group features original compositions by Peter Flint and Sy Kushner, and arrangements by Robert Duncan and Denise Koncelik. The location of the church is 346 W. 20th St. between 8th & 9th Ave.,New York, NY. Photo: L-R are Peter Flint, Robert Duncan, Denise Koncelik, Jeanne Velonis, Mayumi Miyaoka. For further information: robertoduncan@gmail.com |
Trio Musette to perform at La Villiniby Dominic Karcic |
 La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY 11731 (631.261.6344) in keeping up with its history of promoting great accordion events is now adding an additional evening of accordion music on the third Wednesday of the month.On Wednesday, April 19, 2017 La Villini Restaurant will be sponsoring "Trio Musette" featuring accordionists Manny Corallo, Dominic Karcic and Frank Toscano. Musical festivities start at 6:PM. Reservations are highly recommended. Please come and join us on Wednesday, April 19th and hear “accordion music" at its best.” For more information: accordion man@verizon.net |
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in Juneby Rita Barnea |
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| Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in June The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration brought to you by the Northwest Accordion Society will be held June 15-18, 2017 in Leavenworth, Washington. Performers include: Stas Venglevski, Kim and Dan Christian, The Potatoes, Mark Myking and Zydeco Rex, Northwest Accordionaires and the LIAC Dance Band plus more. The event includes accordion competitions, workshops, concerts in the Festhalle, free performances at the Gazebo and Grange, free accordion lessons, accordion parade on Saturday, accordion vendors, accordion bands, jam sessions in restaurants, volunteer opportunities, and fun for all ages. |
Cleveland Polka Association Spring Dance on April 29by Rita Barnea |
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Cherish the Ladies Concert Tourby Rob Howard |
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| The all-female Irish traditional music band Cherish the Ladies, are on a western US tour with dates in Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas. Details are on the poster. The team for the tour is Joanie Madden, Mary Coogan, Mirella Murray, Kathleen Boyle, Nollaig Casey, Hannah Rarity, dancers Jason Oremus and Garrett Coleman, along with sound engineer John Murray. "It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn't enjoy what they do", says the Boston Globe speaking of Cherish the Ladies, the long-running, Grammy-nominated, Irish-American super group that formed in New York City in 1985 to celebrate the rise of extraordinary women in what had been a male-dominated Irish music scene. Since, Cherish the Ladies has toured the world, played the White House and the Olympics, recorded 16 outstanding albums including an Irish Homecoming’, a live recording of their Emmy winning TV special that aired across America and Ireland. For further information email: contact@cherishtheladies.com |