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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
2009 AAMS Guest Artists: Dee Langley and Dr.Robert McMahon
Kevin Friedrich to Perform with Auckland Symhony Orchestra in New Zealand
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Petition for a New Cabinet Position: Secretary of the Arts and Culture
National Accordon Association (NAA) Convention, March 12-14 in Texas
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
2009 Frank Marocco Accordion Event a Big Success!
"Polkas for Charity-Polka Fever" New CD!
Future events |
Dr.Schimmel Performs in Two American Premieres
Eric Stern & Vagabond Opera in February Shows
Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys in February Performances
Cory Pesaturo Performs in February
22nd Annual A.A.M.S. Accordion Festival, March 6-8, in Pa.
Minnesota State Polka Festival: March 27-29
Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild: Spring Festival and Competition March 27-29
Accordions by the Sea Festival: June 26-29 in Canada
2009 Carrefour Mondial de l'Accordéon Festival: September 3-7
Highlights |
Editor's Note: Online is YOUR Line to Communication!!by Rita Barnea |
| Did you know that Accordions USA News is YOUR accordion news site? It is very easy to have an article about you or your organization online! If you, your group, or accordion organization have an upcoming concert, CD release, or special event, please send the information and photos to me at Ritabelll@aol.com. There is another part of this news site that is a great way to list your events MONTHS in advance!!: Go to accordion yellow pages which is also in the left hand column under "Sponsored sites". Click on "Add listing" and then "Submit new event" which is under "Events". Your event can be listed for everyone to see! And.......remember........... this is free! If you have any further questions, please contact me and I will be happy to assist you! Best wishes for success in all your accordion events! Rita Davidson, Editor |
2009 AAMS Guest Artists: Dee Langley and Dr.Robert McMahonby Rita Barnea |
  Dee Langley and Dr. Robert McMahon will be the AAMS Festival featured guest artists on Saturday evening, March 7, at the Park Ridge Hotel and Conference Center in King of Prussia, Pa.Dee has participated in seminars and symposiums on accordion styles and techniques in Chatel, France and Klingenthal, East Germany. She also has performed with the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers and Ethnic Dance Theatre as well as officiating as Director of the EDT Folk Orchestra. She went on concert tours of Poland, France and the Czech Republic. Dee has performed accordion works with the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, and the Northwoods Classical Players (members of the Chicago Symphony). Dee has also premiered compositions with the Ancia Quartet, the Minneapolis Philharmonic and Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra working with contemporary composers including, Peter Blauvelt, Mary Ellen Childs, Becky Dale, Shelley Hanson, Mark Hellem, Carleton Macy, Carole Saline and Kim Sherman to expand the visibility of classical accordion with other instruments. Dee Langley, co-founder the Minnesota Accordion Club, currently lives in Minneapolis, where she teaches accordion and performs with her accordion duet partner, Greg Dagoumas, as "Just Du-et", and is a member of the Bulgarian group, "Traki". She is President of the Accordionists' and Teachers' Guild, Int., and a member of the American Accordion Musicological Society and the American Accordionists' Association. Dr.Robert McMahon is the 2009 Honoree of the American Accordion Musicological Society. A native of Washington, DC, Dr.Robert McMahan began his musical career at age twelve when he became an accordion student of Louis Coppola. He later won many first place awards in the American Accordionists' Association national competitions in classical and contemporary original music divisions in the 1960s. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Robert Hall Lewis, Jean Eichelberger Ivey, and Stefan Grove. Dr. McMahon holds a master's degree in the Great Books program at St. John's College and is on the music faculty of the College where he is Professor of Music and coordinator of theory and composition studies and classical accordion. As a noted classical accordionist, he has tirelessly promoted the instrument in serious contemporary music across his entire career. He has recorded on the CRS and Orion labels and was accordionist for the Baltimore Symphony during his years of residence in that region. Presently, he is an officer of the Board of Governors of the American Accordionists' Association and is the chair of its Composers Commissioning Committee. He became active with the AAMS in 1992. For more info please contact Joanna Arnold Darrow: accordion1@comcast.net. |
Kevin Friedrich to Perform with Auckland Symhony Orchestra in New Zealandby Rita Barnea |
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| Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) President and New York based accordionist, Kevin Friedrich, has registered the first event in celebration of the newly established CIA World Accordion Day. World wide performances are being coordinated on or near May 6th, the official date of World Accordion Day and the date of the original accordion patent, as a means of bringing increased awareness to the diversity and popularity of the accordion and the many musical genres in which it is found. Kevin will perform ‘Gem of the Kaipara’ with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Gary Daverne, who is also the composer of the work. Written for solo accordion, String orchestra and percussion, the concerts will take place on May 3rd at the Auckland Town Hall and May 10th at the Bruce Mason Center, both in Auckland, New Zealand. His fourth and fifth appearances with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, this piece was written as a musical tribute to the late Jenny Cocurullo, a strong support of the accordion and the arts in the Northern region of New Zealand called the Kaipara. Mrs. Cocurullo always promoted the Kaipara as the Gem of the North, however, she was in turn considered the ‘Gem of the Kaipara’, thus the name of this work in her honor. In addition to these concerts in May, the Auckland Symphony Orchestra will also feature works with solo accordion at the opening concert of the upcoming 62nd Coupe Mondiale in Auckland, New Zealand, from Auckland 25-30th, 2009. For more information, please visit the website of Kevin Friedrich. To buy online Gary Daverne CD's and Music. |
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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Petition for a New Cabinet Position: Secretary of the Arts and Cultureby Rita Barnea |
 Artists are rallying around a call that has been getting louder with each administration. The call is for a secretary of the arts and culture. With the incoming administration, one of the most honored voices is that of Quincy Jones. From the National Examiner: "The arts are what show who we are as a society. It shows where we are headed and where we have come from. So, it comes as no surprise that in this new regime that is about to take over, that someone from the creative world would step up and speak out. Step forward, music legend and producer Quincy Jones who is urging President-elect Barack Obama to create a ministry of culture. One of the best ways to promote and preserve the cultural health of this country would be to give the arts Cabinet-level status. A petition has emerged and is making its way across cyberspace." Jaime Austria, who plays bass for the New York City Opera and the American Ballet Theatre Orchestra, started the petition after hearing Quincy saying he plans to ask President-elect Barack Obama to create a secretary of the arts post on a podcast of WNYC’s Soundcheck. Secretary of the Arts - Read the Petition Secretary of the Arts - Sign the Petition. You can do so anonymously. As of this issue we are happy to report that the petition now has more than 221,000 signatures and it continues to garner mainstream press coverage. As accordionists and musicians, we should take the time to learn about this petition for a Secretary of the Arts and Culture. It can only benefit all of us and help create a more peaceful and harmonious world. |
National Accordon Association (NAA) Convention, March 12-14 in Texasby Rita Barnea |
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  The 2009 NAA Convention will take place at the Hyatt Hotel in Richardson, Texas from March 12 - 14. The theme for 2009 is “Networking in Action, It's All About The Accordion.” The 2009 Accordion Convention is sponsored in part by "The Roland Road Show" by Roland Accordions and Concerto Accordions International.Mary Tokarski is serving as the 2009 Convention Music Director. Some of the award winning performers will include Mary Tokarski, the "Gene Van Accordion Orchestra & Entertainment Showcase," and Joe Natoli who was the winner of the first ever U.S. V-Accordion Festival in Los Angeles on September 20, 2008. The National Accordion Association Convention will offer many exciting workshops. New this year will be the introduction and incorporation of electronically generated music with traditional accordions. Sponsors of these new workshops include presentations by Roland Accordion Company and Concerto Accordion Company. Among the many interesting workshops will be: "Accordion Dreams: A Journey into Cajun and Creole Music" by Blair Kilpatrick; "The Accordionist’s Spine" by Ian Blair Fries, M.D; "Entertaining Children!" by Andrea Jansen; "2009 Diatonic Accordion Techniques" by Ron Pivovar; Shelia Lee from the Bay Area Accordion Club;Central Texas Accordion Association (CTAA) and the Multi Ethnic Cultural Association of Central Texas (MECA);MIDI Workshop Utilizing Roland V Accordions by Dan Kott, Joe Klaus, Ron Lankford, and Yesenia Sanchez and many more! During the National Accordion Convention there will be workshops, jam sessions, accordion bands, a swap shop, and a National Polka Party and Concert on Friday night featuring: 4th Generation (Wesley Kucera),Sound Connection (Houston), Chris Rybak, and the legendary Pivovar Trio! There will be "Orchestra Performance Training Workshops" with Dee Langley and Nick Ballarini and their groups. Some of the exhibitors will be: Roland Accordion Company, Accordion-O-Rama, Petosa, Accordion Embroidery by Carol Willenberg, Accordion Stuff by Debra Peters, MECA and the Kohl Music Company. For further information please visit the National Accordion Association (NAA) website or contact Norman Seaton email: natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
NAMM Show Features New Roland Accordionby Ron Lankford & Ron Schwarz |
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 The NAMM Show, held annunally in LA is for the music trade only and not open to the public with some 86,000 people from the music trade attending. Ron Lankford of Roland USA reports: "Roland is pleased that the unveiling of the FR-1 V-Accordion for its American release at the NAMM Show was a huge success." "The attention that was given to the new FR-1 and the whole Digital V-Accordion line was the best ever. There are now 4 models that are currently available in the Roland digital accordion line-up and even though the FR-1 is the smallest offering, it's accordion features certainly don't say entry level." "Weighing in at less than 12.5 pounds, 26 treble keys, 72 bass buttons, 4 orchestra voices, 4 organ voices, has 7 accordion models and is a midi controller. It's certainly not the average beginning accordion." "The accordion demonstrations at the Roland NAMM booth were provided by two of the finest, Eddie Monteiro and Cory Pesaturo. For the first time in NAMM history, the accordions were invited to take Center Stage." NAMM asked Roland to sponsor a tribute to the accordion recognizing the accordion’s return to popularity. The show received the name "Accordion Palooza". The stage was located in the middle of the vast central lobby of the convention center. This is a huge area nearly five stories high and three or four hundred feet long. This area is also a transitional space between the two center halls so large numbers of people were constantly walking through on their way to exhibits. It was fun to see one person after another stop to check out the accordion music. Cory was backed by drummer Mike Snyder and keyboardist Rick DiPiro, this trio had the place rocking in no time. More and more folks paused to listen, and those who stopped, stayed. Cory started the show with a blast that proved the accordion was alive and well at NAMM. Following Cory, Janet Hane and Wilma Rodriguez were the next to come on stage. Their songs were completely different from Cory, the combination of teacher and student playing fun music had people intrigued, the folks captivated by the Hispanic songs chosen. Janet and Wilma finished up receiving a rousing round of applause. The next performer was Roland’s famed artist Luigi Bruti who is also Roland’s Director V-Accordion Marketing. Luigi had accompaniment but his was from midi files played through a Roland keyboard. If you have watched Roland presentations on the Internet you likely have seen Luigi explaining the features of Roland accordions. The Internet shows are nice, but Luigi in person was phenomenal. This artist has a way of finessing every nuance out of the FR7 -- he was on top of every note, pause and transition -- all perfectly coordinated. The audience was surprised when Luigi left the stage and continued his presentation strolling through the crowd. This man knows how to get and hold the attention of an audience. The next entertainer was Eddie Monteiro who is widely known for his jazz styles and his fingers that have their own PHd on the bass buttons. Eddie never needs a bassist--his left hand qualifies for its own union card. Eddie’s coordination and combination of accordion, keyboards (modules) and vocal work was another bulls-eye for the Roland show. Roland had been allotted one hour for the ACCORDION PALOOZA show and we were 50 minutes into the clock, but the knockout was yet to come. For the finale Cory and Eddie were back with Mike on drums and Rick on keyboard. This jam session was designed to show everyone the orchestral sounds of Roland accordions. The finale stopped traffic throughout the lobby. It was like being at a jazz festival, but of course, no surprise if you think about it, we were at a Roland “V” Jazz Festival. This show was an eye-opener. If anyone wondered about the future of the accordion in the 21st Century they got their answer that morning. The presentation showed the true power of these instruments—the power to entertain and thrill both the player and the listener. The convention attendees that morning all had things to do, places to go, and deals to make--but Roland accordion music caught their attention--and held it. Friends I have said it before, and I’ll say it again: the accordion is back! |
2009 Frank Marocco Accordion Event a Big Success!by Joan and Dan Grauman |
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 The 2009 Frank Marocco Accordion Event (FMAE), which took place for the third straight year in Mesa, Arizona, was a rousing success. On January 21st, fifty accordionists from 15 states and Canada came together for four days of rehearsals, workshops, and evening activities, culminating in a standing-room-only concert (325 people in the ballroom and another 50 standing outside) on the evening of January 24. Guest artists, Mary Tokarski and Stas Venglevski, added tremendously to the participants’ experience. To the delight of all attendees, Frank Marocco invited Stas Venglevski to be a permanent member of the staff for future events (the staff consists of: event directors and organizers, Joan and Dan Grauman; musical director, conductor, and arranger, Frank Marocco; assistant musical director, Stas Venglevski; director of audio, video, and photography, Bruce Lawrie). Each day began with 3 hours of rehearsals in the morning, followed by lunch. Wonderful workshops took place each afternoon: “The Art of Practicing” by Mary Tokarski; “100 Years of Musette in Paris” (a multimedia presentation) by Bernard Metais; and a relaxed question/answer/introduction to the bayan session with Stas Venglevski. Master teacher, Ilmar Kuljus, held one-on-one sessions with those who wanted help with problem areas. During our free time, participants enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather, the heated pool, and a little sightseeing. After dinner, evening activities took place nightly. Concert night was very special. The orchestra played selections by Leroy Anderson, Henry Mancini, Astor Piazzolla, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Stas Venglevski. All but the Shostakovich and Venglevski selections were arranged for accordion orchestra by Frank Marocco. In addition to the orchestral pieces, there were solos and duets performed by guest artists Mary and Stas, as well as Gail Campanella, Anthony “Tip” Ciotti, Lenny Feldmann, Steve Gordon (accompanying his wife, soprano Diana Gordon), Joan Grauman, Frank Petrilli, Amy Jo Sawyer, and John Simkus. Frank Marocco wowed the audience by playing two numbers, accompanied by outstanding young local musicians, Wes Anderson on drums and Sean Brogan on bass. After the concert, guests and musicians enjoyed music provided by FMAE participants, including: Joe Baccellieri, Elwin Ellis, Bob Moloznik, Norman Panto, and Bob Vitale. People were dancing in the aisles and we all hated to see the evening end. All in all, this was a magical experience for everyone. Next year’s event has been scheduled to take place on January 14-18, 2010. A waiting list has been started. To get on this list or for further information, please email Dan and Joan Grauman at f-m-a-e@comcast.net. Please visit www.azfamily.com/video/?z=y&nvid=323874 to see Frank Marocco’s appearance on Good Morning Arizona. To buy online Stas Venglevski Music & CD's. To buy online Mary Tokarski CD's. |
"Polkas for Charity-Polka Fever" New CD!by Rita Barnea |
 Polkas For Charity would like to announce the release of its second CD project , “Polka Fever!” The CD contains 21 songs featuring the following musicians and vocalists: Polka Family, The Knewz, Klancnik & Friends, Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones, Brave Combo, Henny & the Versa J's, Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra, Polish Connection, Dennis Polisky & The Maestro's Men, Eric Noltkamper Band, Dynabrass, John Gora & Gorale, Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen, Polka Country Musicians, The Eddie Forman Orchestra, The Crawdaddies, Charm City Sound, Verne & Steve Meisner, Freeze Dried, Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push and The Polkas for Charity Band! The CD, like the previous release, "Let's Get This Party Started", is produced by Ted Borzymowski and has a diverse mix of polka music styles featuring Slovenian, Polish, Country and traditional cuts. Polkas For Charity was formed by Ted Borzymowski {ted@polkasforcharity.com} to bring musicians together to record Polka music and, through these recordings, raise money for a specific charity. All the proceeds from "Let’s Get This Party Started!"will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital located in Memphis, TN. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility and has completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. All patients accepted for treatment at St Jude are treated without regard to the family’s ability to pay. Danny Thomas had a dream that “No child should die in the dawn of life”. You can find out more about St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org Polkas for Charity released “Let’s Get This Party Started!” in early June, 2007. You can check for more info on this recording at www.polkasforcharity.com or order the CD by sending $17.00 (includes $2.00 shipping and handling) to: Polkas For Charity P.O. Box 835 Fallston, MD 21047-0835 |
Future events |
Victor Prieto has February Shows in NYCby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist and composer, Victor Prieto is revolutionizing the way that the accordion is played by creating new sounds and techniques for this instrument. His music embraces different tendencies that come from Jazz, Tango, Classical and Celtic Roots enriched with new rhythms and colors. He is the creator of a new technique for the accordion called “chord approach on both hands”, which creates rich and elaborate harmonies.Encouraged by his mother, Victor begun to play the accordion at the age of nine. He pursued his studies in Classical accordion at the Orense Conservatory (Spain), while taking harmony, arranging and improvisation classes at Estudio Escola de Musica (Santiago de Compostela, Spain). After receiving a scholarship by the highly respected Jazz school, Berklee College of Music, Victor decided to pursue the performance major under the direction of Joanne Brackeen. Victor majored in accordion at Berklee College of Music. In 2002, Victor moved to New York where he quickly established himself as one of the most prolific and versatile accordionists on the music and Jazz scenes. As a leader Victor has performed at many prestigious venues and events such as Berklee Performance Center, Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Blue Note NY, New Jersey Performance Art Center, Three Rivers Musical Festival, Williamsburg Jazz Festival, Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. Victor has shared the stage with Yo-Yo Ma, Jeff Ballard, Chris Cheek, Paquito D’Rivera, Regina Carter, Donny McCaslin, Lionel Louke among others and is involved in projects such as Pablo Aslan’s Avantango, Emilio Solla’s NY Jazz Tango Project, Alexis Cuadrado’s Trio Iberico and Fernando Otero X Tango. He is a recipient of numerous awards and prizes for excellence in accordion performance and composition including the Creative Performer award from the Spanish Association of Artists and Performers, and the first prize at CMZK’s Concourse of Composition (Argentina). February performances are: Feb 8 8:00 PM W/ Pablo Aslan at Joe¢s Pub Feb 12 8:30 PM Victor Prieto Trio at K.B. Gallery Feb 17 11:00 PM W/ Emilio Solla and NY Tango at Jazz at Lincoln Center Feb 18 11:00 PM W/ Emilio Solla at Jazz at Lincoln Center Feb 19 11:00 PM W/ Emilio Solla at Jazz at Lincoln Center Feb 20 12:00 PM W/ Emilio Solla at Jazz at Lincoln Center Feb 21 12:00 PM W/ Emilio Solla at Jazz at Lincoln Center Feb 26 8:00 PM Trio Iberico with Alexis Cuadrado & Brad Shepik, at La Lanterna For more info e mail: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
Dr.Schimmel Performs in Two American Premieresby Dr. William Schimmel |
 Dr. William Schimmel will perform in a controversial chamber work by the Austrian composer George Frederich Haas. This 80 minute work, titled “In Vain”, is scored for 24 instrumentalists and is performed largely “in the dark”. The performances will take place at Miller Theatre, Columbia University, New York, 8 PM on February 6 and at the Austrian Consulate, 8 PM on February 9 in Washington DC. The composer will attend both events and will speak about the work beforehand. Michel Galante will conduct the Argento Ensemble in this American premiere. For more information: www.millertheatre.com On February 12, Dr. Schimmel will perform Ken Ueno’s “That I May Transcend, That a Universe My Heart Shall Unfold” for sho and accordion. The sho is a traditional Japanese free reed instrument similar to the Chinese Cheng. The performance will take place at the Institute for Medieval Japanese Studies, Columbia University, New York at 6:30 PM. Remi Miura will be the sho player. For more information: www.medievaljapan.org On July 24, 25 and 26, Dr. Schimmel will moderate the 15th Annual Master Class and Concert Series (THE SEMINARS) sponsored by The American Accordionists’ Association. The title of the 2009 series is: “WELCOME HOME SKINNY almost (not) (t)here”. In addition to a staggering range of styles, approaches, attitudes, ideas and angles, there will be numerous world and American premieres. For more information: www.billschimmel.com and www.ameraccord.com |
Eric Stern & Vagabond Opera in February Showsby Rita Barnea |
 Eric Stern is the Northwest’s own premiere operatic tenor, accordionist, pianist, composer and consummate showman, an unparalleled devo with incendiary stage presence and devilish virtuosity. Trained in Europe, he has performed there, in the U.S. and Canada garnering critical acclaim for his musicianship and his stunningly imaginative songwriting.In Portland, Oregon, he leads Vagabond Opera, a Balkan Arabic Klezmer-based, original absurdist cabaret ensemble. Eric Stern composes, arranges, fronts, and is the lyricist for the band. He is also the co-founder, accordionist, and singer of Hazz Hazz Hulu an Arabic and Turkish ensemble. Eric Stern has appeared on NPR and in New York City, Paris, Seattle, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Philadelphia, Portland, and Santa Fe. Most recently, Eric Stern has played throughout the Northwest at the Oregon Country Fair, Tractor Tavern, The Willamette Valley Folk Festival,The Fez, Sam Bond’s Garage, McMenamin’s Summer Concert Series, Dante’s, Rose Garden Amphitheater, MusicFest Northwest and opening for Al Franken at the Oregon Democratic Fundraiser. He performs as a solo act or with the Eric Stern Trio. February performances are: Sat, Feb 7th 7:30pm, Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, Shoreline, WA Sun, Feb 8th 9:00pm, Yale's Blues Club, Vancouver, BC Fri, Feb 13th 9:00pm, Someday Lounge, Portland, OR For more info: bill@eyefortalent.com |
Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys in February Performancesby Rita Barnea |
 A hot, new band in Southwest Louisiana’s Zydeco scene, Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys features the accordion mastery and soulful vocals of front man Jeffery Broussard, from the legendary band, Zydeco Force, along with long-time contributor to Cajun and Creole music, fiddle and guitar player, D’Jalma Garnier III. Jeffery Broussard was named "Accordionist of the Year" at the 2007-Zydeco Music & Creole Heritage Awards . He was also a Louisiana Division of the Arts grant recipient 2007-2008 The band delivers great, pack-the-floor renditions of Creole classics as well as their own brand of contemporary Zydeco. Early Creole music, as played by legends Canray Fontenot on fiddle and Jeffery’s father, accordion player Delton Broussard, is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence of interest in Louisiana today. Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys are taking the next generation’s perspective of this music and presenting it with contemporary flair and expertise. February Performances are: Feb 20 Teaneck,NJ at Mexicali Blues Cafe, Info: (201) 833-0011 Feb 21 Cranston,RI at Rhodes On The Pawtucket, Info: (401) 783-3926 Feb 22 Henderson,LA at Pat's Atchafalaya Club (Fisherman's Wharf), Info: (337) 228-7110 Feb 24 Mamou,LA at Mamou Mardi Gras, Info: (337) 468-3272. Feb 27 Opelousas,LA at Opelousas Evangeline Down's Casino, Info: (337) 594-3137 Feb 28 Mallet,LA at Boucherie, Info: (707) 799-2399 For more info please e mail: saanenkerson@hotmail.com |
Cory Pesaturo Performs in Februaryby Rita Barnea |
 Cory Pesaturo, will appear at Chan’s Jazz Restaurant in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on February 28 at 8 PM.Cory, from Rhode Island, is a renowned accordionist. He began playing at the age of 9 and has since, most notably, become the youngest person ever to win the National Accordion Championship in 2002. He was accepted on the accordion at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. where he studied Contemporary Improvisation and a multitude of music varying from Italian and French, Bulgarian and Jewish, to Classical and Jazz. He became the first person to major in and graduate as an accordionist at the New England Conservatory. Pesaturo has also been called "The Fastest Instrumentalist since Art Tatum" on various occasions for his lightning fast technical ability. He also performs on piano, clarinet and saxophone. Pesaturo’s career has taken him to a range of venues ranging from sitting in for an ill Myron Floren on the Lawrence Welk show at age 12, to performing at the White House on four different occasions, to playing for President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton at a total of 10 events. He became the youngest person ever to perform at a State Dinner, which was held in 1999 for the President of Hungary. A mention about this is in Hillary Clinton's book, "An Invitation to the White House". Pesaturo has been called "A dangerously good talent" with his digital Roland V-Accordion, as he can be an entire jazz ensemble at the same time; drums behind, comping with left hand chords, walking bass lines and playing solos with various instruments on his right hand - all simultaneously. Roland has since put Cory on their elite accordion team of 4 American accordionists which hopes to bring back the accordion to its former fame. Pesaturo has also performed with different symphony orchestras around the country, first being the Brockton Symphony Orchestra in 2003, where he became the youngest accordionist ever to be the soloist with that symphony. For further information email: CoryPesaturo@corypesaturo.com |
22nd Annual A.A.M.S. Accordion Festival, March 6-8, in Pa.by Rita Barnea |
 The AAMS Accordion Festival will be held March 6-8 in King of Prussia, Pa. The Festival begins with the Friday evening 7:30 PM concert featuring the WPOA, selected guest accordionists, Polka Patch, and Zeidico Time, produced by last year's Honoree, Rik Kaplan. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!Saturday features the competition categories and various accordion workshops of great interest. AAA Board member, Lenny Feldmann, will be the MC of the Festival events and will present a workshop on Saturday. Frank Hodnicki, Tom Groeber, Joe Grum, Bernie Gardzella, Dean Ratzin, Dr. Robert McMahan, AAA and ATG Board member Mary Tokarski and ATG President, Dee Langley, will present workshops during the weekend. The Annual Banquet takes place at 5:30 PM Saturday evening where this years Honoree, Dr. Robert McMahan, will be recognized. Entertainment at the banquet will be provided by Dr. Lou Persic (2006 AAMS Honoree). The 7:30 PM Gala Concert will include the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra, Joanna Arnold Darrow and Stanley Darrow, Mary Tokarski, Dr. Robert Young McMahan (the AAA Secretary-Treasurer) and featured guest artist, Dee Langley. On Sunday, there will be more competitions and exciting workshops. After lunch, the Awards Concert begins featuring the AAMS Festival Orchestra directed by Dee Langley, Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra, Ron Onda, Bernie Gardzalla and featured performer, AAMS 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Lenny Feldmann, known internationally as "The CordeenMan". There also will be the presentation of awards and trophies. During the weekend, there will be accordion displays, accordion repair seminars, accordion memorabilia, tapes, CD's, videos, and sheet music. For further information, please contact Joanna Arnold Darrow, Email: accordion1@comcast.net |
Minnesota State Polka Festival: March 27-29by Rita Barnea |
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| The Minnesota State Polka Festival will be held from March 27-29, 2009 at the Medina Entertainment Center. Some of the groups that will appear: The Full Circle Band featuring Polka Hall of Famers, Lenny Gomulka, Jimmy Weber and Al Piatkowski, along with Mike Stapinski, Roger Malinowski, and Mike Matousek. Also performing will be Craig Ebel's DyVersaCo, The Bill Koncar Band (MN} &Bruce Bradley Band (MN), Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones (IL), Stephanie (NY) “America's Polka Sweetheart!"and Her Honky Polka Band, The Dolina Polish Folk Dancers and many more. In addition to musical entertainment, the Minnesota State Amateur Old Tyme Waltz Championships, the Minnesota State Amateur (Standard) and the Polka Dance Championships (Adult Divisions) will be held. "POLKAS FOR CHARITY – POLKA FEVER", a CD to benefit St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will be available at the festival. For further information about this exciting event email: info@mnstatepolkafestival.com |
Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild: Spring Festival and Competition March 27-29by Rita Barnea |
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| The Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild (MAMTG) is sponsoring their "Spring Festival and Competition" on March 27, 28, 29, 2009 at the Holiday Inn, Hazlet, New Jersey. The competition features piano, keyboard, accordion, guitar, percussion, voice, woodwinds, brass, and strings. The Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild (MAMTG) was founded by a group of professional music educators from the Tri-State area to establish and maintain high professional teaching and ethical standards, exchange music-related ideas, information and fellowship among colleagues, promote music education in our area, and to provide a platform for area music students to display their talents in a competitive environment. The Guild has been recognized as a viable musical organization throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic and New England States. Among the activities will be a Battle of the Bands, solo and duet categories, entertainment, and an awards banquet. There will be a "Mid Atlantic Idol" voice category sponsored by K & S Music with cash prizes. There will also be a "Battle of the Bands" sponsored by R.S. Berkeley Musical Instruments with cash prizes. Al Terzo, a member of the governing board of the American Accordionists' Association, is the Festival Chairman. For more info, please e mail: mamtg@hotmail.com |
Accordions by the Sea Festival: June 26-29 in Canadaby Rita Barnea |
| The Victoria Accordion Club is sponsoring its 3rd Annual Accordions by the Sea Festival which will take place at the Victoria Edelweiss Club in Victoria, BC, Canada from June 26-28. The guest artists will be Patricia Bartell from Spokane, Washington, Andy Mirkovich from Seattle and Ivan Preanicov, winner of the Canadian Roland Accordion Competition 2008. Formerly from Russia, he is now a resident of Victoria, BC. There will be workshops, concerts, jam sessions, and private lessons. The first two festivals were a huge success receiving much positive feedback. For more information please e mail: midimary@shaw.ca |
2009 Carrefour Mondial de l'Accordéon Festival: September 3-7by Rita Barnea |
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| The Carrefour Mondial de l'Accordéon swings into town September 7-9 and brings five intense days of festivities. Plunge into this musical universe where the accordion is king. The artistic programming will masterfully unveil the charm, versatility and character of this fine instrument. Each year, artists from around the world come together in Montmagny to share their passion for the accordion. The Carrefour Mondial de l'Accordéon is a beautiful harmony of cultures where different styles, genres and repertoires unite to form a magical song for a public of all ages. Montmagny (Québec) has been a proud host of this event since its creation in 1989. For further information email: accordeon@montmagny.com |