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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Passing of Composer Ennio Morricone
Interview: CIA President Mirco Patarini About the 2020 Coupe Mondiale - Portugal
New Compositions by Joseph Natoli
2020 Coupe Mondiale Entry System Online - Portugal
GDTLC’s Digital Essentials Release Rescheduled to September 30
William Schimmel 2020 AAA Annual Master Class and Concert Series Online Presentation
IDEAS Symposium 3.0 To Go Virtual This Year
Alex Meixner Performs at Virtual Musikfest 2020
Gene Pritsker’s New Composition “Memories Are Not Enough” Miloš Katanić, Accordionist
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Ladom Ensemble - Toronta Summer Music Online Concerts
Dan Newton in Live Stream and Outdoor Concerts
Connecticut Accordion Association Presents Creosote
Cory Pesaturo Presents Online Programs
New Accordion Gift Website Launched – USA
"Third Grade Can Be Fun" by Carol Perkins
Brooklyn Accordion Club August Zoom Meetings
AAA Carrozza Scholarship Dinner is Cancelled
Video: Moses Concas Harmonic, America's Got Talent - USA
Oktoberfest Cancellations
New Compositions for Accordion Orchestra Released by Gary Daverne
2020 Not Just Oompah! ZOOMs into Success !
“We Love Accordion” August 15 Zoom Meeting
Future events |
ATG Announces 2021 Festival in Lisle, Illinois
Houston Accordion Orchestra Retreat 2021
New and Updated Sites |
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 We at AWW hope that you and your family are continuing to be safe and healthy during this world health crisis. It is most unfortunate that the spread of Covid-19 has led to the postponement or cancellation of many international and national accordion events. We ask organizers/musicians to please keep us informed so we can keep our readers informed. In the August news, you will learn about many online events, both past, present and future. There are links for you to gain easy access to online Zoom accordion happenings. Please remember that most professional musicians are dependent on their live concerts and tours for their livelihood. If possible, you might consider sending them a donation to reward them for their great efforts in bringing you beautiful online accordion music. We are hopeful that soon we will be able to publicize more live concerts. In the meantime, while home, consider using the time to practice, compose, take Skype or FaceTime lessons. Please send correspondence to Ritabelll@aol.com |
Passing of Composer Ennio Morriconeby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video 1: Performed by Bridge and Wolak: "The Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso" -- one of the most unforgettable melodies by the great Ennio Morricone. Recorded live, Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, Kingston ON. Produced by Music Mind Inc. Video 2: “Remembering Ennio” composed and performed by Joseph Natoli Ennio Morricone, OMRI (10 November 1928 – 6 July 2020) was an Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, and trumpet player who wrote music in a wide range of styles. Excerpts from his website: Ennio Morricone is rightly considered one of the world’s greatest film composers, a legend whose work has reached far beyond the scorched desert-scapes of Almeria (A Few Dollars More) and the tumultuous waters of Iguazu Falls (The Mission). Much sought after by filmmakers the world over for his matchless versatility and productivity, Morricone’s innovative soundworks and truly exhaustive range of musical styles complemented practically every conceivable movie genre there is. However, he did not solely restricted himself to the silver screen, having created some remarkable signature pieces for radio and theatre, together with extensive forays into both absolute and applied music. Fondly referred to as il maestro by his peers, Morricone was just that: a master of his craft, a true virtuoso, effortlessly interweaving contrasting styles to produce some of the most sublime music of our day. Michael Bridge (accordions & piano) and Kornel Wolak (clarinet & piano) are an internationally-acclaimed music & comedy duo, integrating traditional acoustic instruments with 21st century digital technology. They perform their own uniquely re-imagined repertoire of classical, world and jazz fusion. With deft virtuosity and endless wit, Bridge & Wolak have been called the “Victor Borges of the 21st Century.” Fun-loving gentlemen (with seven degrees in music), they are both globe-trotting musicians and educators. They were nominated for the BC Touring Artist of the Year award in 2019. “Watch and be amazed!” —CBC Joe Natoli shares his thoughts, “One of the greatest film composers ever. I always marveled at his ability to achieve the greatest amount of emotive effect with such pristine economy of melody and harmony. I am a mere mortal compared to Maestro Morricone, but I have attempted to do the same with this dedication. What a great loss to the music world. RIP Maestro. You will be sadly missed.” Ennui Morricone will never be forgotten. |
Interview: CIA President Mirco Patarini About the 2020 Coupe Mondiale - Portugalby Harley Jones |
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 An interview of Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) President Mirco Patarini about the 2020 Coupe Mondiale. Video with English subtitles.The event will be hosted by the CIA member Mito Algarvio - Associação de Acordeonistas do Algarve from 6-10 October, 2020 in Castro Marim, Portugal and will offer 20,000 Euro in prize money. Interview hosts are CIA Ambassador Kevin Friedrich and Vice Chairman of the CIA Music Committee Grayson Masefield. View the interview about this exciting upcoming major event. |
New Compositions by Joseph Natoliby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 We are fortunate that Joe Natoli has contributed outstanding compositions to the accordion repertoire. In addition to having had a busy professional career in IT, Joe has always made time to compose, play the accordion, and actively participate in promoting the accordion. I am confident that you all will enjoy his four latest creative selections. Below, Joe contributes his thoughts about the music.Joseph Natoli (recent ATG president and co-director of International Digital Electronic Accordion Society or IDEAS) is realizing a lifelong dream, having recently retired from his Information Technology (IT) career, in order to dedicate himself to music (both performance and composition). Joe always maintained a fairly active schedule for both disciplines even during and in spite of his years as an IT manager. However, since retiring in January from that very demanding and stressful profession, Joe has stepped up his game in the music arena and is enjoying composing more than ever before. He has written four (4) compositions in the last several weeks that will each ultimately be included on his upcoming "Chameleon Vol 3" CD. As Joe indicates on his "Chameleon Vol 1" and "Vol 2" CDs (each which include 2018 and 2019 AAA commissions), here is the impetus for the title and the substance of this expanded project, which of course also applies to the upcoming Chameleon Vol 3 release: “When it comes to composition, I consider myself a musical chameleon, adapting to any style according to the need and purpose of the composition, just as a chameleon adapts immediately to its current environment. Therefore, I have written music in every possible genre, from contemporary Avant Garde, to quasi-minimalist, jazz, Classical, Baroque, ethnic polkas & waltzes, cinematic, neo-Romantic, ragtime, Latin, and even Pop. This collection hopes to demonstrate and celebrate that diversity of creativity.” So that being said, here are YouTube links to Joe’s recent compositions in the order in which they were composed (all performed on the Bugari Evo digital accordion): Video 1: "Bach to Polka" In spite of rather prolific output, Joe had never composed a polka. But recently he became interested in writing one in a minor key due to the enhanced creativity enabled by a minor key approach. The third section of the polka especially demonstrates this with some progressive jazz harmonies not typically found in a polka. This piece also starts and ends with a quote from the Bach D minor harpsichord concerto. The polka was already composed but Joe then listened to this Concerto again via YouTube and felt quoting it in the beginning and end added a great touch. Hence the title “Bach to Polka.” Video 2: "Fantasy On a Well-Known Melody" is a composition that has been on Joe’s bucket list for quite some time. Composing an epic piece based on such a simple, universal and well-known melody like “Chopsticks” presented really interesting challenges on how to hold a listener’s attention to keep it exciting from beginning to end. In that regard, Joe indicates that he takes this melody through Classical, orchestral, jazz ballad, tango, jazz, and big band, while trying to never lose sight of that simple melody. See news article above: "Remembering Ennio" was written for the recent loss of iconic film composer Ennio Morricone. Joe has always admired and frequently learned from Maestro Morricone’s many talents in melody creation and development, thematic reference, and orchestration. Therefore, devastated by the very recent loss of this great musician, Joe wanted to pay tribute to Maestro Morricone with his own composition. Video 3: "Homage & Offspring to the Bee" (subtitle: "Son of a Bee") Like many musicians Joe is not without his whimsical side. So he wrote this very difficult and challenging perpetual motion type piece meant to commemorate the parent piece by Rimsky-Korsakov entitled “Flight of the Bumblebee.” Think of this composition however as a modernized sequel or child to the original piece, but it never directly quotes material from the original. Rather it just develops vague but somewhat recognizable references to the original that takes it down many paths not expected, again opening with and inserting jazz harmonies along the way. It’s like an ambitious son showing off to the father about what he might do with a similar musical motivation but in a more hip and contemporary context (hence the subtitle “Son Of a Bee”). This piece is dedicated to Joe's lifelong friend David Janesh, and outstanding accordionist himself. Joe’s music and CDs (including Chameleon Vol 1, Vol 2, and soon to be released Vol 3 can be purchased by writing to janpressmusic@yahoo.com. |
2020 Coupe Mondiale Entry System Online - Portugalby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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  CIA Secretary General Kimmo Mattila announces that the 2020 Coupe Mondiale online entry system is now open for entries to the 73rd Coupe Mondiale from the 2020 General Competition Rules page: 2020CM-RulesSecretary General Kimmo Mattila invites all (44) CIA members to register delegates to the 144th International Congress of Delegates which meets twice in Castro Marim. The 73rd Coupe Mondiale will be hosted by the CIA member Mito Algarvio - Associação de Acordeonistas do Algarve led by President João Pereira from 6-10 October, 2020. CIA President Mirco Patarini invites competitors from all nations to please lodge their entries and highly praised the officials of Castro Marim and President João Pereira of Mito Algarvio for all their assistance. The festival will feature competitions as follows: • 73rd Coupe Mondiale • Masters Coupe Mondiale • Junior Coupe Mondiale • International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Junior International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music Due to Covid-19 safety regulations, no ensemble categories or World Accordion Orchestra will be held. Pictured below is the Biblioteca Castro Marim, a small venue with excellent accoustics, where the competition categories will be held. Entry closing date is 5th September 2020 and all entry and hotel information is online at: Coupe Mondiale CIA Secretary General Kimmo Mattila announces that the 2020 Coupe Mondiale online entry system is now open for entries to the 73rd Coupe Mondiale from the 2020 General Competition Rules page: 2020CM-Rules Secretary General Kimmo Mattila invites all (44) CIA members to register delegates to the 144th International Congress of Delegates which meets twice in Castro Marim. The 73rd Coupe Mondiale will be hosted by the CIA member Mito Algarvio - Associação de Acordeonistas do Algarve led by President João Pereira from 6-10 October, 2020. CIA President Mirco Patarini invites competitors from all nations to please lodge their entries and highly praised the officials of Castro Marim and President João Pereira of Mito Algarvio for all their assistance. The festival will feature competitions as follows: • 73rd Coupe Mondiale • Masters Coupe Mondiale • Junior Coupe Mondiale • International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Junior International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music Due to Covid-19 safety regulations, no ensemble categories or World Accordion Orchestra will be held. Pictured below is the Biblioteca Castro Marim, a small venue with excellent accoustics, where the competition categories will be held. Entry closing date is 5th September 2020 and all entry and hotel information is online at: Coupe Mondiale |
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GDTLC’s Digital Essentials Release Rescheduled to September 30by Dennis O'Toole |
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| The upcoming release of GDTLC's Digital Essentials is being rescheduled, with the new release date being September 30. This time should allow time for a high quality product at a time of erratic and unpredictable work schedules. In the mean time, don't miss GDTLC's upcoming episode 1 of The Whole Note, a new video series for accordionists. Join us on GDTLC's Facebook page on August 8, 2020 at 7:PM for our live broadcast. The Gary Dahl, The Legacy Continues (GDTLC) organization curates the large collection of Gary Dahl’s accordion arrangements. After Gary’s passing, GDTLC was founded by accordionist Tris Gour and engraver Dennis O’Toole, with the support of the Dahl family. Not simply an archive of arrangements, GDTLC has expanded and modernized its offerings and services. GDTLC will soon be releasing its latest product, Digital Essentials, developed by Tris Gour. GDTLC’s Digital Essentials is a foundation collection of sound programming for digital accordionists. This initial product is for the Roland FR-8X and the Bugari Evo. The Digital Essentials collection includes both accordion Sets and User Programs. There are two refined accordion Sets that deliver distinct and rich sounds based on a sampled 2013 Borsini SuperStar IV with musette tuning. These unique sounds are not available elsewhere. The first Set is a faithful, “as sampled” (stock) Set with a digitally added third middle reed and two levels of tone chamber. It includes both dry and wet settings. The second Set is a similar instrument, but with digitally adjusted tuning for a noticeably milder musette. These sounds were created with a careful and exacting process of sampling and sound programming to reproduce the timber and characteristics of the Borsini SuperStar. These Borsini Sets are a great addition to the instrument sounds already available. GDTLC’s Digital Essentials includes 112 User Programs built on top of the Borsini Sets and carefully layered with orchestral sounds in both treble and bass. Each combination is carefully crafted for an effective musical impact, and has been acoustically adjusted and balanced for best results. This collection provides rich and professional sounds, suited to a wide range of musical styles and interests. The User Programs are grouped into 8 User Program Banks for fast and convenient installation. They are also available as individual User Programs for installation wherever you’d like. GDTLC’s Digital Essentials collection will be available beginning September 30, 2020 and can be ordered on GDTLC’s website at AccordionMusicAndLessons.com at that time. |
William Schimmel 2020 AAA Annual Master Class and Concert Series Online Presentationby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) will present a 2020 Master Class & Concert Series with Dr William Schimmel, moderator and curator from July 31st to August 2nd, 2020. For the first time, this event will be presented online and will consist of 2 one-hour segments each day: 1st hour (3pm): Master Class - Talks/Workshops 2nd hour (4pm): Concert/Performances. Please provide your email address so we can provide directions on “how to tune in.” Download flier: 2020AAAMasterClass.pdf Purchase your tickets online at: AAA Shopping Cart Dr Schimmel performs music in many genres, has commissioned and premiered hundreds of new works, has written a number of books and articles and has made numerous recordings and videos. He has served and continues to serve as Artist in Residence of The American Accordionist's Association (AAA) where he also serves as Distinguished Lecturer in Residence and member of the Governing Board. The Seminars were brought to the AAA by Dr Schimmel with the idea of presenting all facets of the accordion to The New York Artistic Community, with the notion of finding ways to find new angles of expression, composition, video art, performance, dance, design, trapeze, as well as new takes on old ideas and bringing the Accordion Ancestry into fresh new light. For further information please visit AAA |
IDEAS Symposium 3.0 To Go Virtual This Yearby Michael Soloway |
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| After following the new world of the global pandemic with awe and wonder, fear and apprehension, reservation and thought — Joe Natoli and Michael Soloway, the co-directors of IDEAS could not let the positive inertia of the first two annual November symposiums wind down. With the encouragement of IDEAS’ growing membership, and in keeping with the evolving direction of today’s universe, they have decided to create an entirely virtual event in November of this year. The decision took some time, but the process is on! It will be a R/EVOLUTION in accordion events — the two concepts of Revolution and Evolution will interplay in real time in a virtual cyber environment. What will it look like? How will it work? Only over the next month will that become clearer— just like a new involved musical piece being composed. Watch all of the internet networks, and group media as this revolutionary event evolves, clarifies, and becomes entirely available to digital accordionists from all over the globe. |
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Alex Meixner Performs at Virtual Musikfest 2020by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Video: Alex Meixner playing Foghorn Polka in duo with Joshua KayThe 2020 Virtual Musikfest will be held online from July 31st to August 9th, 2020 and will include 40 all new, exclusive concerts. Alex Meixner will participate in both the recorded video portion of the 2020 virtual Musikfest and also a full band performance that will be broadcast live on August 8, 2020 on Service Electric TV from 2.30 to 4:PM. Alex will also give a solo video performance which will be shown during the fest at a date still to be announced. Meixner’s formative musical studies were on piano and piano accordion, but he quickly branched out on drums, diatonic button accordion, bass and trumpet, his college major. This instrumental versatility is combined with a musical background that has included intense studies and performance of jazz, classical, pop, polkas and many ethnic folk music genres with some of the leading artists in the world. His talents in music and comedy were featured on the Tonight Show on NBC. His “Polka Freak Out” CD with Bubba Hernandez garnered a Grammy nomination in December 2007. Alex has performed as a solo artist and with numerous touring ensembles. In 2016 Alex collaborated with the notable advertising agency, BBDO, to produce the infamous Hormel Pepperoni commercials contributing to a successful sales campaign and contract renewals. At the end of 2016, he recorded with comedy phenomenon, Jack Black, for the major motion picture, ”The Polka King, ” that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. Alex’s reputation for professionalism and quality performance attracted additional commercial opportunities including performing on radio commercials for Ford Trucks and the soundtracks for numerous episodes of Moonshiners on the Discovery Network. Alex has performed on over 50 albums, including 17 as a leader or soloist. His performance with his Father on Canadian Polka King, Walter Ostanek’s, “Music and Friends” won a Grammy Award. His album Polka Freak Out, a collaboration with Bubba Hernandez, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. He has also recorded with a vast number of diverse artists as a soloist or sideman including avant-garde accordionist/composer Guy Klucevsek, Grammy winner Brave Combo, TexMex Rock icon The Krayolas and Irish entertainer Seamus Kennedy. Musikfest 2020, presented by the nonprofit ArtsQuest, will take place July 31-Aug. 9, 2020. This year’s festival will include 40 concerts shown via Musikfest.org as part of Virtual Musikfest, nearly 40 performances by bands live from the Service Electric TV studios and then shared via Musikfest.org; an on-site food and beverage experience at SteelStacks that will include at least 10 Musikfest favorite food vendors. Additional details on the festival, including possible in-person events and concerts at SteelStacks, will be announced throughout the summer. Launched in 1984, Musikfest has grown into the largest free-admission music festival in the nation, presenting more than 400 artists on 17 stages over 10 days. ArtsQuest is looking to raise the $1 million to not only support Musikfest, but also help ensure it can resume its year-round programming for the community when it’s safe to do so. The nonprofit typically presents approximately 4,000 concerts, classes, events and educational programs throughout the year, with 50 percent of these free for the community. Photo credit: Michael G. Stewart For details email: info@alexmeixner.com |
Gene Pritsker’s New Composition “Memories Are Not Enough” Miloš Katanić, Accordionistby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Video 1: "Memories Are Not Enough" performed by Miloš Katanić Video 2: “Maggots and Other Chamber Music of Gene Pritsker” Composer Gene Pritsker has created a new composition for accordion, “Memories Are Not Enough” (video 1) which is included in his new album "Maggots and & Other Chamber Music of Gene Pritsker" (Video 2), released on July 3rd, 2020 on Composers Concordance Records/Naxos. Gene Pritsker explains his accordion composition,” ’Memories Are Not Enough’ develops a simple melancholy chord progression that I found very sentimental when I was writing it. Searching for a title for this composition, my thoughts turned to think about my son as a young child and how he has grown, and that I have these memories of this child, who does not exist in that way anymore, and I had a feeling that my memories were not enough. That phrase appeared, and I decided that this should be the title of the piece. The music develops two melodies, in a simple form, with hints of bitonality and the blues. The accordion, I feel, is the perfect instrument for such a pensive piece of music. Accordionist Miloš Katanić made a cool video with a score for my solo accordion piece when he performs 'Memories Are Not Enough'." I really identified with the expressive and thought provoking emotions expressed in "Memories Are Not Enough" having 26 and 30 year old sons. The music evoked memories of them when they were small and how quickly time passes, precious moments never to be recaptured. I highly recommend your listening to it along with the other compositions on "Maggots". ‘Maggots’ consists of a collection of various recordings, from an array of diverse ensembles, of composer Gene Pritsker’s very eclectic chamber music. From larger chamber music like the baritone concertino ‘Maggots’, ‘Berlin Suite’ and ‘Kostabi-isms’ to the sitar and string quartet piece ’The Most Incorrigible Vice’ and the duet ‘Bitter Suite’ as well as two solo compositions ‘Memories Are Not Enough’ & ‘Figar-OH!’. The album spans a wide timbre range and the eclectic nature of these compositions takes you on a journey through genre-bending music and a unique musical style. “mischief-maker” and “cultural blender-in-chief.” Pritsker is a serious artist, yet much of his work is witty and irreverent.” …“Anyone can draw a mustache on the Mona Lisa, but few musicians draw it as artistically and creatively as Gene Pritsker.” - Fanfare Magazine “American contemporary composer Gene Pritsker keeps on exploring new paths.”. - United Mutations Composer Gene Pritsker has composed over seven hundred works, including chamber operas, orchestral and chamber works, electro-acoustic music and songs for hip-hop and rock ensembles. His compositions employ an eclectic spectrum of styles, that are influenced by his studies of various musical cultures. He is the founder and leader of Sound Liberation, an eclectic hip hop-chamber-jazz-rock-etc. ensemble. He also Co-Directs Composers Concordance. His music is performed all over the world at internationally recognized festivals and by highly respected ensembles and performers. Gene co-founded the Grammy-nominated Absolute Ensemble with Kristjan Jarvi and has been a composer in residence and guitarist since its creation in 1993. He worked closely with jazz fusion legend Joe Zawinul and has orchestrated major Hollywood movies, including 'Cloud Atlas', for which he wrote additional music and composed his ''Cloud Atlas Symphony’. He is also the lead orchestrator for such TV series as Babylon Berlin, Netflix's Sense8 and Messiah Gene shares, “My music is extremely eclectic, from orchestral music to chamber music to hip-hop, rock, opera, electronic to incorporating my studies of various world cultures. Music has no bounds - I view the world of music as one big genre. My motto for my art is “ending the segregation of sound vibration” He is also a guitarist/rapper/Di.J./ and producer and incorporates each of these musical attributes to create music that is “not designed for easy listening or to melt into the background. It is insistent. It demands attention and curiosity." - New York Newsday. Accordionist Miloš Katanić (1991) was born in Kragujevac, Serbia. He studied for his master’s degree program at the Anton Bruckner Private University in Linz, in the class of professor Alfred Melichar. He’s currently in the postgraduate program at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, in the class of professor Janne Rättyä. He has performed and competed at concerts and competitions throughout most European countries. Amongst his many achievements are first prizes won on “Premio internazionale della Fisarmonica di Castelfidardo” in Italy, the “Australian International Accordion Championship” and “The 33rd Harbin Summer Music Festival in China”. He has taken part in many seminars led by major accordion artists such as Yuri Shishkin, Matti Rantanen and Vladimir Besfalminov. He has also been a part of many projects, both solo and with other ensembles, most notable of which is the Kokoro duo.He was the recipient of the “Edith Rebhahn” scholarship for 2016 at Anton Bruckner Private University. Close collaboration with composers in creating of new pieces for accordion is his current primary interest and this resulted in his debut CD called “The Breath” with pieces written exclusively for him. Gene Pritsker’s future performances: Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 6:PM: The premiere of 'Pandemic Dance #17' with Kathleen Supove and 'The Day Saturn Lost its Rings' for narrator and 4 pianists on one piano on the poetry of Robert C. Ford as part of Social Bubble Salon concert # 4 'Piano Theme' at Kostabi World. On Facebook Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 7:PM: Premiering 'Casey Jones ReMix' as part of "The Days Between" - commemorating the 25th anniversary of the death of Jerry Garcia brought to you by "Home (Away)' FaceBook Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 5:PM: The premiere of 'Bitcoin Without A Blockchain' for baritone, clarinet, and piano on the poetry of Robert C. Ford as part of Social Bubble Salon concert #5 'Wall Street Roof' at 20 Pine Street Roof. For further information: gene@genepritsker.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Archival Articles Added to the AAA Websiteby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Joan Grauman has been AAA Historian for many years. You can read her varied articles on well known AAA accordion personalities on the AAA website at: AAA Archival InformationEach month, more of AAA Historian Joan Grauman's articles are carefully placed on the AAA website. On a wide variety of topics, these articles provide a glimpse into AAA's wondrous past, as well as on the happenings in the accordion community in the US today. Articles that have been added this past month are: 9. Spotlight on Frank Busso -- Musician, Educator, Conductor and Ambassador of the Accordion (2017) 10. Joe Cerrito: Consummate Musician and Extraordinary Educator (2016) 14. Guy Klucevsek and Cody McSherry -- A Heartwarming Story of Coincidences (2017) 27. Gabe Hall-Rodrigues and Jamie Maschler: Catching Up with "Creosote" (2020) 28. JoAnn Pankow and Art Piel: And All Because of a Bumper Sticker (2019) These articles now join eleven others that have been uploaded previously. "By July 2021, I hope to have all 28 of my already published articles on the AAA website along with 4 more on my 'to do' list," says Joan. You will greatly increase your accordion knowledge of some of your favorite accordionists. Stay tuned! AAA Archival Information |
Ladom Ensemble - Toronta Summer Music Online Concertsby Christine Johnstone |
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 The Ladom Ensemble (picture left) played everything from Radiohead to Prokofiev, from Piazzolla to originals at the Toronta Summer Music (TSM) Online Festival this week.The quartet includes Michael Bridge (accordion), Pouya Hamidi (piano), Beth Silver (cello) and Adam Campbell (percussion). Michael was online chatting in real time and answering questions. The concerts were free to all thanks to a generous sponsorship. Their “Main stage concert” was held on July 28th, followed by a “Kids Concert” on July 29th. Their program included Dance of the Knights (Prokofiev), Noor (Hamidi), Weird Fishes/Arpeggi (Radiohead), East Coast Medley and Libertango (Piazzolla) among others. |
Dan Newton in Live Stream and Outdoor Concertsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Accordionist Dan Newton announces his live summer gigs: On August 2, 2020, Sunday 6pm CT, Pat Donohue & Friends @ Zephyr Theater Outdoors, Stillwater, MN. Pat welcomes Richard Kriehn and Dan to the stage for an outdoor concert in this quaint river town. On August 9, 2020, Sunday 6pm CT, Honky Tonk Jump @ Zephyr Theater Outdoors, Stillwater, MN Dan’s Upcoming Streaming Schedule: Monday, August 3, 17 and 31, 2020 @ Noon CT - All Request Stream Email your requests to daddysqueeze@yahoo.com NOTE: Can't join us at the time we're live? You can also watch any of these concerts on my facebook page after the live stream ends! Donations appreciated. All of Dan's live streams dating back to March 17, 2020 are available to watch again. Excerpts from his website: Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton has been dazzling audiences with his creative accordion style for over 30 years. His fresh approach to the accordion 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. Dan has produced more than 25 albums for himself, his band, and other performers. He has appeared on recordings by other artists such as Garrison Keillor, Son Volt, The Proclaimers, Peter Ostroushko, Prudence Johnson and Pat Donohue. His music was featured for one season on MTV's series The Real World: Paris. Dan has performed at the Lincoln Center, NY, Kennedy Center, Washington DC, Accordion Festivals in Vienna, Austria, San Antonio, TX and Cotati, CA, Bastille Days in Milwaukee, WI, Kaustinen Folk Festival in Finland and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Dan was also a frequent guest on the Garrison Keillor’s radio show A Prairie Home Companion. Dan spends much of his time playing accordion with his group Café Accordion Orchestra, performing Vintage Swing, Latin, American, and French Café music. Dan leads a number of other bands including; Jumbo Ya Ya, The Rockin’ Pinecones, The Hula Peppers, and The Daddy Squeeze Band. Dan shares, “Thanks for all your support. I can't wait to start playing for you in person again. Stay safe and healthy, spread love, touch people with your heart and keep singing and dancing!” For more information: daddysqueeze@yahoo.com |
Connecticut Accordion Association Presents Creosoteby Marilyn O'Neil, Connecticut Accordion Association President |
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| Video: Creosote perform “Semente” by Snarky Puppy at Petosa Accordions in Seattle, WA. Recorded with Harmonik Microphone system. Filmed by Steve Gute and Alexander Carter Watch award winning accordionists Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues as you go with them on a guided tour showcasing some of the rich musical culture surrounding the accordion in Brazil. Follow along using the custom PDF with notated rhythms, listening examples, and concert program. Find the video and music on their website: www.creosoteduo.com Creosote is the dynamic accordion duo with renowned Seattle accordionists Jamie Maschler and Gabriel Hall-Rodrigues, together they create original and Brazilian music inspired arrangements with a unique and endearing twist. They have performed at several accordion events throughout the country, perform regularly in Seattle and recently were featured performers at the National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) Museum of Making Music. In November 2018, the duo competed in the Trophee Mondiale in Loule, Portugal. They represented the US with original pieces and arrangements for the accordion. Jamie and Gabe met at Petosa Accordions in Seattle, WA where they both currently work selling teaching, and repairing accordions. The duo is currently working towards opening the Emerald City Accordion School and recording their first full length album in Brazil end of 2020. Jamie’s original music has been aired on the Radio in Seattle, Austin, Salvador BR, and Canada. Jamie has been featured performer and presented workshops on stylized Brazilian and Tango music for the Leavenworth Accordion Convention, National Accordion Association, Accordion Teachers Guild (ATG), American Accordion Association (AAA), Port Townsend Accordion Festival, Seattle Flute Society and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival in AK. In January 2019 Jamie and Gabe played Brazilian music at the NAMM for the Museum of Making Music in Anaheim, California. Gabe attended Arizona State University (ASU) receiving his bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy in 2011 and his master’s degree in Jazz Piano Performance in 2013. His teacher was the award-winning pianist and composer, Mike Kocour. Virtual Tip Jar: Venmo: jamie-maschler paypal: jamie.maschler@gmail.com |
Cory Pesaturo Presents Online Programsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video 1: Cory Pesaturo & Ludovic Beier Funk Duo "For Miles" Dedicated to Miles DavisLudovic Beier - Chromatic Melodica, Keyboards Cory Pesaturo - Bass, Drums Video 2: CPez's Concert for the ongoing series Accordion Friday's! Cory Pesaturo performed for the online program, Accordion Fridays, on June 5, 2020. Every Friday from about 11:AM to 9:PM (Pacific time), Accordion Babes hosts 5-7 artists’ free live-streamed accordion concerts on the Accordion Babes Facebook page. Visit to check out who is playing this Friday… this will be an ongoing event for summer 2020 due to the cancellation of so many festivals. Please come out and enjoy some live music and support these musicians who have lost so many gigs. These events are free and open to the public. Cory Pesaturo (“C Pez”) won the trio of World Championships on Acoustic, Digital & Jazz Accordion, and is a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston on accordion. In 2017, Pesaturo became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria to break the Marathon Accordion Record, in which Cory played for over 32 hours. His performances at all 3 of his World Championships were played on accordions which were not his, and were generally 90% improvised. Cory has given 2 TED Talks, 2 Google Talks, an EG Talk, and spoken at various other conferences on the accordion. For further information: cory@corypesaturo.com |
New Accordion Gift Website Launched – USAby Dan Grauman |
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 Dan Grauman (picture left) proudly announces the new website, AccordionGifts at www.accordiongifts.com has been launched. Accordion-themed items, including clothing, jewelry, stationery, and novelties have traditionally been much more difficult to find than similar items with images of other instruments, such as violins, clarinets, drums, etc. AccordionGifts hopes to change that. Some gift items on this website include original art by accordionist and artist, Joan Geller Grauman. Many thanks go to accordionist and artist Cody McSherry for creating our beautiful logo. A new item in limited stock is the beautiful accordion-shaped purse with zippered compartment inside as well as on the backside. The purse includes a shoulder strap. |
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"Third Grade Can Be Fun" by Carol Perkinsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Carol Perkins is a member of the Milwaukee Accordion Club. She shares her experiences accompanying the third graders in their Spring Concert. It was a rewarding time not only for Carol but also for the students who were fascinated by her accordion. See links for the complete story. 3rdGradeCanBeFun.pdf Carol received her RNBSN from the University of Wisconsin. She took accordion lessons from age 8 through HS. Why did Carol play the accordion? Carol shares, “According to family legend, when I was 3 years, I broke away from my mom and ran up to the accordion players at a farm meeting. In farming country in northern Wisconsin there were dairy farm coops. They always had lunch and accordion music at farm meetings. All the families would go. My parents could not afford music lessons but seeing how motivated I was they worked hard to provide me with lessons and an accordion. It was a big sacrifice for them. To this day, I am grateful to them. When I am entertaining I always try to reach a person that is least interested or least able to be interested or participate. That is a part of my nursing background. All of the years in nursing prepared me to do this. Music is what gets people out of their shell.” Carol played at a small town German fest for a few years. The director was a music therapist and Carol learned from the director how to incorporate her ideas. Carol said, “I love to play and enjoy reaching out to people and I think a person can connect to others through music. I played in a county senior dining room and there was man who was a double amputee. He loved my accordion music. The faster I played the faster he would “dance” with his wife in the wheelchair! Everyone was delighted to witness his joy. I derive great satisfaction from bringing happiness to others through my accordion playing” For further information: aperkins@perkins-engineering.com |
Brooklyn Accordion Club August Zoom Meetingsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  The Brooklyn Accordion Club has two exciting meetings coming up in August which will be held on Zoom.The first Zoom meeting will be held on August 16, 2020 at 2:PM EST and will feature a Brazilian Music Workshop with Rob Curto (photo right) who is an accordionist, composer, arranger and keyboardist based in New York City and Philadelphia. He is a founding member of the band Matuto which was selected to showcase at WOMEX (world music conference) in 2011 and chosen to represent the United States State Department overseas as part of the American Music Abroad program in 2013 and 2015. Rob has released 4 CDs as a band leader and is a prolific composer/arranger. His musical collaborations include performing and recording with Latin Grammy award winner Lila Downs, Klezmer clarinetist David Krakauer, trumpeter/composer Frank London, Punjabi Indian singer Kiran Ahluwalia and icon of Brazilian Forró, the great accordionist Dominguinhos. He is widely regarded as one of forró’s foremost ambassador in the States. An early devotee of North American swing music, bebop piano, funk, rock, and blues, he has combined these influences with his mastery of their Brazilian counterparts forró, chorinho, samba, maracatu, and frevo to produce stunning new results. He spent years living and playing in Brazil, completely absorbing and interpreting the country’s musical traditions. The second Zoom meeting will be held on August 30, 2020 at 2:PM EST and features Improvisation with Vitor Gonçalves (photo left) who is a pianist, accordionist, composer and arranger from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After an illustrious career as an in demand musician in Brazil, playing with such icons as Hermeto Pascoal, Maria Bethânia, Itiberê Zwarg, and many others. He currently lives in New York City. A frequent resident on the stages of Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Jazz Standard, and the Jazz Gallery, Vitor leads his own quartet, co-leads the groups SanfoNYa Brasileira and Regional de NY, and collaborates with figures in the New York scene such as Anat Cohen, Vinícius Cantuária, Yotam Silberstein, Anthony Wilson, Cyro Baptista, and others. He also has played in Jazz Festivals and venues around the world, such as Newport Jazz, Jazz à Vienne, Umbria Jazz Festival, Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, and the Coliseum in Lisbon, Portugal. Admission to both is free. For further information: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
AAA Carrozza Scholarship Dinner is Cancelledby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) has regrettably had to cancel this year’s Carrozza Scholarship Dinner which was due to be held on September 13, 2020 at the Famee Furlane of NA Club in College Point, New York.Chairman, Dominick Karcic is working on a follow up for this event either later in 2020 or in 2021. Further details will be announced as soon as possible. |
Video: Moses Concas Harmonic, America's Got Talent - USAby Diatonic News |
| Moses Concas surprises the America's Got Talent judges With Harmonica Beat-Boxing! Moses Concas was the winner of the 7th season of Italys Got Talent in 2016 and has since made concerts all over the world. |
Oktoberfest Cancellationsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Gordon Groening (picture right), accordionist with the Canadian group Gordanaires, has announced that their performances at the following 2020 Oktoberfests have been cancelled:Mt Angel Oktoberfest 2020 in Oregon, USA in September – cancelled Leavenworth Oktoberfest 2020 in Washington, USA in October – cancelled The group is looking forward to performing at the 2021 Oktoberfest events. Band members include: Gordon Groening, accordion, Founding Member 1976 Danny Groening, drums, Founding Member 1976 Mark Bender, bass guitar, Since 2012 Dan Burnett, saxophone, Since 2015 Trevor Laishley, guitar, Since 2017 Brothers, Gordon and Danny, have been playing music together for over 42 years. They started playing as a duo, Gordy on the accordion at the age of 15 and Danny on the drums at the age of 8. Their parents encouraged them to pursue their musical endeavours and played a huge role in finding places for the two boys to play their music. This little duo had to have a name so Mom and Dad came up with the Gordanairs which combined the boys two first names together (Gor – Dan). With their popularity growing and the venues and engagements getting larger, Gordy and Danny decided it was a great opportunity to add members to the band. With the band having a more versatile sound, the Gordanairs have been regular performers at various Oktoberfests and Wine Festivals throughout the Pacific Northwest. They are a favorite throughout the summer months in front of the gazebo in Leavenworth on the weekends. The Gordanairs have become very well received not only for their European Musical style but also for their entertaining performances. All the entertainers wear German Authentic costumes and provide a delightful program that has been very well received by both young and old at all of their engagements. The Gordanairs’ Musical style and performances express their desire for keeping the German traditions alive. The band has released many recordings in the European Style, and will continue to entertain and make music for all to enjoy. We’re sure that you will agree that their music and entertaining style display the love they have for European music and the timeless traditions that make up the music they play. For further information: gordyg@telus.net |
New Compositions for Accordion Orchestra Released by Gary Daverneby Harley Jones |
 Gary Daverne releases two new accordion orchestra compositions.ED0091a - Bob the Bandsman March for accordion ensemble/orchestra Score ED0091b - Bob the Bandsman March for accordion ensemble/orchestra all parts ED0092a - Hokianga Hornpipe Accordion ensemble/orchestra Score ED0092b - Hokianga Hornpipe Accordion ensemble/orchestra All Parts Free download of the score so the Conductor or the Music Director can view the complete score. |
2020 Not Just Oompah! ZOOMs into Success !by L. Niland and Pam Tom |
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  The 2020 Not Just Oom-Pah! (NJO) Accordion Concerts and Workshops (June 14, 22-28, 2020) went virtual this year for the first time. The event was launched with one-hour FaceBook concerts by NJO presenters Kevin Solecki (Polka Plus), and a week later with Alicia Jo Straka (French and International) which included on-line question and answer chats between workshop participants and presenters. The opening event began with a 2-hour Meet and Greet Zoom social session with over 60 attending, to introduce participants and presenters. A quick Zoom tutorial was also presented. During the 5 consecutive days of NJO, Alicia Jo Straka gave 3 two-hour workshops covering French and International music styles. Kevin Solecki followed with Polka Plus music on Saturday 3-hour workshop and a 2.5 hour workshop on Sunday. Gaby Thompson, dance instructor, created video dance lessons for polka, schottische and waltz dance steps on her Facebook page so participants could practice Social-Distance Dancing at home. There were over 50 NJO participants. Representation from 18 USA States and Ontario, Canada, made this NJO’s first international program. States represented: CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, IN, MS, NH, NJ, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, and WA. This year’s youth scholarship recipients were students of Elena Fainshtein (Dallas, TX): Peter Gresser and Elijah Clements. US Accordion leaders participating included: Rita Barnea, editor for www.accordionusa.com, Charlie Lockwood, Dir. of Texas Folklife: Jim Rice, Pres. of Accordion Renaissance (Virginia Non-profit that sponsored our scholarship recipients), Joe Natoli, Mike Soloway and Bob Donovan from International Digital Electronic Accordion Society; Laura Jean Niland (San Antonio Accordion Assoc. Pres.), Mitch White (Central Texas Accordion Assoc.. Pres.) and Coreen Bergholm (Yuma Accordion Club Pres.). Accordion Lovers Society International members attending were Donna Kaspar, Coreen Bergholm, and Pamela Tom. The NJO administrative team consisted of: Shirley Johnson (from Austin, TX) and Laura Jean Niland (from San Antonio, Texas) who spent countless hours reformatting presentations and re-working advertising in order to make the online program successful. NJO support staff included: Mario Pedone, Nick Ballarini, and Terry Cavanagh. This project was made possible by a grant from the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Dept., and supported by Texas Folklife, Accordion Renaissance, Accordions for Kids USA, San Antonio Accordion Association, and Austin Central Market. Check the website for future workshops currently in the planning stages for the Fall of 2020. For details on next year’s annual NJO, visit website in early 2021 at www.NotJustOompah.org For further information: ljniland@texas.net |
“We Love Accordion” August 15 Zoom Meetingby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 On Saturday Aug. 15, 2020 12:PM EDT WLC will host a Virtual Club Meeting and membership offer. We Love Accordion (WLA) was created to service the accordionists living in the triangle of space between Youngstown, Cleveland, and Columbus Ohio. In their nearly 4 years of existence, WLA has tried to fill a gap in Ohio which had lacked a really effective accordion club that provided all the benefits including -- monthly meetings that provide special workshops, open mic performances, many diverse music learning classes, ensemble playing, and concerts. Club President Joe Natoli said “In this context, the unfortunate Covid-19 pandemic has actually provided us a silver lining, because it has caused us and enabled us to understand how to continue our club via Zoom online services. What that means is that we can now open up our membership to all of Ohio and even further to the rest of the US. We are even working on the ability to still enable open mic and ensemble playing by the use of inexpensive audio interfaces owned by each member of the club.” WLA dues are $35 per year, and if you are interested in joining and becoming part of the club, the next meeting is Saturday Aug. 15, 2020 from 12:PM to 2:PM EDT. You are certainly welcome to join your first meeting without paid dues to see how you enjoy it. Please contact Joe Natoli, Club President at janpressmusic@yahoo.com. Joe will provide the Zoom meeting link and password. All are welcome!  |
Future events |
AAA Festival: July 14-18 2021 in Philadelphia, PAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Festival 2020 in Alexandria, Virgina is cancelled. AAA President Dr. Joseph Ciccone shares, “It is with great disappointment that due to the circumstances surrounding the Corona Virus (COVID-19) emergency, we have made the necessary decision to cancel the AAA Festival July 8-12, 2020 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Alexandria, Virginia. Our guest artists have been working hard over many months to prepare this wonderful event and we are so sorry that we will not be able to share these magnificent performances with you. Hopefully our artists will be available to perform at our 2021 AAA Festival in West Philadelphia. We are committed to public safety, including that of our many loyal attendees, guests and performing artists, and to help support the nation’s strong efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19, we join a long list of events that have already been cancelled. For those who purchased event packages and tickets, we offer them the following options: a full refund, leaving it as a donation or applying it to the 2021 AAA Festival at the Marriott Philadelphia West Hotel in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania July 14-18, 2021, The rate for the hotel remains the same - $130 plus free parking. We sincerely apologize for this cancellation but feel it is absolutely necessary for the good of everyone at this time." 2021 will feature the Festival Orchestra conducted by Mary Tokarski, Competitions, Vendors Workshops, Youth Involvement, Jazz Ensemble Junior & Senior, Fun Band and "The Divas" being the well known ladies of the AAA: Linda Soley Reed, Mary Tokarski, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Rita Barnea, Joan Grauman, Joanna Darrow, Jeanne Velonis, Marilyn O’Neil and Rachel Quirbach. Further performers and details will be announced in the coming months. For further information visit: American Accordionists' Association (AAA) |
ATG Announces 2021 Festival in Lisle, Illinoisby Christine Johnstone |
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 The Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) have announced that their 2021 festival will be held at the Hyatt in Lisle, Illinois from July 21st to 25th, 2021. Further details on the event which includes concerts, exhibits, workshops and competitions will be announced soon.The new ATG board of directors includes President Mary Ann Covone (picture right), First Vice President: Liz Finch, Second Vice President: Beverley Fess, Treasurer: Kenn Baert, Executive Secretary: Esther Lanting and board members Joanna Darrow, Donna Dee Ray, Kevin Friedrich, Dr. Helmi Harrington, Gordon Kohl, Karen Lee, Joe Natoli, Cory Pesaturo, Amy Jo Sawyer, Betty Jo Simon, Joan Cochran Sommers and Stas Venglevski. For further information: kenbaert@gmail.com |
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Houston Accordion Orchestra Retreat 2021by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The 2021 Houston Accordion Orchestra Retreat will be held from January 14th to 16th, 2021 with Stas Venglevski at the Kemah Boardwalk Inn, in Kemah, Texas, USA. The event, entitled “Tango Fever” is for accordionists interested in playing in an orchestra and will include 3 days of rehearsals culminating in a concert on the final day. Attendees will also be treated to work with special guest artist and conductor Joan Cochran Sommers. Stas is an accordionist, musician, arranger, entertainer and teacher. His repertoire includes his original compositions, and a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. Stay is a regular participant with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Arts in Community Education Program (ACE), has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, has done television commercials, and has performed in theater productions. Stas has produced numerous recordings and has published several books of original compositions. Additional information about Stas and his music can be found on his website www.stasv.com. For details email: meghada33@gmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Stas Venglevski’s Twelve Hot Tango Compositions Released - USAby Harley Jones |
 Stas Venglevski has released:Catalog vstas063 "Twelve Hot Tango Compositions For Solo Accordion" as a pdf book able to be emailed to you: 01. Busy Fingers Tango 02. Elephants Tango 03. Meg Tanguera 04. Invite Tango 05. Tango for Two 06. Lonely Dancer 07. Tango Pasadena 08. Tango Mobile 09. Ecstasy Tango 10. One Tulip 11. Yellow Roses 12. Meg Tango. View music sample pages online for each tango at Catalog vstas063 Price US$25 or Euro equivalent View CD's and mp3 albums and other compositions by Stas at: Stas Venglevski |