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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Accordion Major, University of Alabama School of Music
The Accordion Emoji is Here!
Dick Contino Estate Comes to AWAM
Lidia Kaminska with the Atlantic Classical Orchestra
2020 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations Released, Castro Marim - Portugal
Nick Ariondo Performs on Soundtrack of New Movie, "The Call of the Wild"
National Accordion Convention 2020 - Orchestras
American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 2020 Festival in Alexandria
May 6th is World Accordion Day! What Are You Doing to Celebrate?
Welcome to Chicagoland Accordion Academy
30th AAMS Festival March 6, 7
Sam Reider: New Recordings and Upcoming Shows in February
Steve Riley’s International Accordion Kings Concerts
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Stas Venglevski and Cory Pesaturo Perform in Ukraine
Article: Linda Soley Reed and Mary Tokarski, Lifelong Advocates for the Accordion
Hanzhi Wang Performs with Omer Quartet at Morgan Library & Museum
Cory Pesaturo: New CD and Performances
Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble Performs on February 23
Stas Venglevski’s Musical Adventures
New England Digital Accordion Orchestra Performs at First Night in Cape Cod
Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues
Washington, DC Captivated by Scythian!
Dr. Mike Middleton Performs for Alabama Accordion Association
Paolo Belanich to Perform for LIAA
Future events |
Geoff Berner - Grand Hotel Cosmopolis Launch Tour - Canada
Grupo INTOCABLE in September Event
Carozza, Karcic, Toscano - Val Taro on May 24
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 Welcome to the February USA news. The news this month features accordion events, personalities, concerts, competitions, festivals, new recordings and more! There will be a new accordion emoji for your phone! Enjoy the February news! |
Accordion Major, University of Alabama School of Musicby Rita Barnea |
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 Dr. Craig Funderburg, Executive Director, Alabama Accordion Association has set up a website (www.accordionpledgeua.net) to accept pledges to endow the Accordion Chair and 15 Scholarships. By endowing the Accordion Major, the funds remain intact in perpetuity while its earnings will provide scholarships, professorships, academic chairs, libraries, and the Accordion Major. Dr. Craig Funderburg and the Alabama Accordion Association are asking accordionists to support this opportunity to establish an Accordion Program at a Major University in the United States. Craig writes: "Alabama is already known as the “Million Dollar Band.” The Accordion Program could be the “Million Dollar Accordion.” The program needs “pledges” of $3.5M. That equates to about 7,000 enthusiasts pledging $500 apiece. No funds are being collected at this time. The University will not begin accepting funds until sufficient pledges have been made to guarantee the success of the Accordion Major. Verbal commitments have already been received from leading accordionists such as Grayson Masefield, Cory Pesaturo, and Michael Bridge who could participate as either active or visiting professors for the Accordion Curriculum. Here is a philanthropic opportunity to build public interest in the accordion and provide advanced accordion education for aspiring accordion musicians. You can memorialize a spouse, family member, or colleague with a living legacy. Again, at this time, only pledges are needed. Please make pledges at https://www.accordionpledgeua.net. No pledge amount is too small. We sincerely appreciate your support and consideration." Appreciatively, Dr. Craig Funderburg, Executive Director, Alabama Accordion Association csfunder@gmail.com 205-317-8663 |
The Accordion Emoji is Here!by Rita Barnea |
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| The accordion is among the 117 new emojis which will be available in 2020. Also included is a long drum. The new emojis will be available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android and other devices later this year available to some billions of users. |
Dick Contino Estate Comes to AWAMby Kevin Friedrich VP - A World of Accordions Museum |
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 AWAM proudly announces the impending arrival of Dick Contino’s estate as a major landmark event for our museum. This 1940s idol and national heartthrob prompted unparalleled accordion enthusiasm that inspired thousands of aspirants and greatly promoted the industry in general.Contino won the hearts of American audiences after winning Horace Heidt’s talent contest with his version of “Lady of Spain.” Thereafter featured on major television shows, his public performances drew extraordinary audience numbers and unprecedented income. His name became, and remains, one of the most prominent in American accordion history. His brilliant virtuosity and charismatic stage presence regularly thrilled Las Vegas audiences even into his advanced years. Contino died in 2017 at age 87. Mrs. Judy Contino, in current phone calls, declared her intention to donate a significant portion of her husband’s estate in order to draw ongoing public attention to the legacy of his contributions to American culture. In addition, for our 2020 World Accordion Day festival she committed to presenting a 45-min. talk to include unpublished excerpts of Dick’s life, some with humorous anecdotes that portray the real person who was more than a world celebrity. The announced donations include recordings, photos, music in published and manuscript form, and sundry items of varied import. One of these will be a life-size mannequin accompanied by some performance clothes worn in his Las Vegas shows. This figure will be displayed in our Special Exhibits Area as a new focal attraction of the Concert Hall. It is particularly interesting to note that during our 2019 festival, Bill Palmer, III, incidentally related the story of how Contino urged his father to construct what became the Palmer-Hughes Accordion Method. He will retell the anecdote as a tie connecting World Accordion Day (May 2) and our Eighth Annual Dr. Willard Palmer Festival (May 3). Additional connections between the two upcoming events will involve musical titles that Contino made household favorites, played by the ACM Band and soloists including Dr. Michael Middleton. Much has been written about Dick as an American idol: “He was promoted as the ‘Rudolph Valentino’ of the accordion…With muscled arms built up with barbells and Charles Atlas’s dynamic tension exercises, Mr. Contino played the accordion like a rock star. His fingers flew over the keys. Elvis-like, he wiggled, shook and swaggered. He played polkas, jazz, romantic songs, show tunes and folk music. And, of course, Lady of Spain.” |
Lidia Kaminska with the Atlantic Classical Orchestraby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
 Lidia Kaminska will perform with the Atlantic Classical Orchestra in a series of concerts in Florida from March 3-6, 2020. Under the direction of Musical Director David Amado (picture right), Lidia will be featured on bandoneon performing Aconcagua Concerto by Astor Piazzolla. The concerts take place in Vero Beach (March 3rd, 7.30 PM), Jupiter (March 4th, 7.30 PM) and Stuart (March 6th, 4.00 PM and 8.00 PM).The concerts "Masterworks lll" are billed as featuring "the third of four tries Beethoven made at writing an overture to his only opera, Fidelio. The Leonore Overture No. 3 is the most symphonic of the pack, expansive, dramatic, and moving. We’ll follow with Astor Piazzolla’s Concerto Aconcagua, inspired by the eponymous peak and packed with Argentinian flare, drama, and beauty. It is a rare showpiece for bandoneon and orchestra that virtuoso Lidia Kaminska will bring to a full boil. After intermission is Schumann’s third symphony. Filled with his trademark lyricism, tenderness, heart-on-sleeve sentiment, and outsized passion, it is a masterpiece of German Romanticism.” Accordionist Lidia Kaminska, the winner of Astral Artistic Services’ 2007 National Auditions, has performed extensively in both the U.S. and Europe. Ms. Kaminska’s chamber music, concerto, and solo performances explore the complex and expressive range of the accordion as a classical instrument, and her repertoire includes a broad range of classical, contemporary, and avant-garde music. She conceived her first album, Breaking Boundaries, as part of her mission to change the perception of the accordion from parlor entertainment to a serious classical instrument; Philadelphia Magazine claims “she transforms the accordion into a massive force – more pipe organ than squeezebox – and burns through [classical repertoire] with virtuosic speed and technique.” Ms. Kaminska began playing the accordion at the age of eight. By eleven she was competing in International competitions in Bulgaria and Germany, and just a year later gave solo performances in Holland, Austria, and Germany, as well as in her native Poland. Upon receiving a Master’s degree from the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, she came to the U.S. to study at the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC) studying with Joan C. Sommers, and at 25 she became the first (and only) person in the U.S. to receive a Doctorate in Accordion Performance. The recipient of a 2009 Career Advancement Award from the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia, Ms. Kaminska also received First Prize in the 2002 Accordion Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Competition in Orlando, Florida, the Special Prize in New York City’s International Tango Music Competition, with the Argentine tango ensemble Tango Lorca and Second Prize at the 2007 Coupe Mondiale International Competition for Ensemble Music. She has researched and performed the works of Astor Piazzolla extensively. Also possessing a special interest in new music, Ms. Kaminska has premièred works by Julia Alford Fowler and Paul Rudy and has appeared with the contemporary music ensembles New Ear and Musica Nova. She has also performed with both the Owen/Cox Dance Group and at the world première of BalletX; she went on to collaborate with Mathew Neenan of BalletX, and with dancer/choreographer Jorge Laico, for Pennsylvania Dance Theatre. Ms. Kaminska recently performed in a concert entitled “From My Latin Soul,” with legendary tenor Plácido Domingo in Washington, D.C.’s Constitution Hall. Symphony in C featured her in a sold-out performance as soloist in Piazzolla’s Aconcagua concerto for bandoneón, and she recently made a return appearance at the Symphony. She has also been a featured soloist with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, the Brooklyn Friends of Chamber Music, the Kielce Philharmonic Orchestra of Poland, the Strings of Lodz, the Concord Chamber Orchestra, the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. She has also been presented at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Philadelphia Magazine featured her in its 2006 “Best of Philly” issue, and her interview with Marty Moss-Coane was recently broadcast on WHYY and NPR. Lidia made her bandoneon debut in the Spring of 2007 and has been active performing on it ever since. For more information on the March performances, please visit www.atlanticclassicalorchestra.com. |
2020 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations Released, Castro Marim - Portugalby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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 The 73rd Coupe Mondiale will be held from 05 - 11 October 2020 in Castro Marim, Portugal, hosted by the CIA member Mito Algarvio - Associação de Acordeonistas do Algarve, President: João Pereira.The festival with 20,000 Euro in prize money 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 • Chamber Music - Classical • Chamber Music - World Music 2020 rules and regulations at: Coupe Mondiale The on-line entry system will open in Spring and the entry closing date is 31 August 2020. The Coupe Mondiale festival will also feature the magnificent World Accordion Orchestra XIII, to be held on Sunday, 11 October 2020 at the conclusion of the festival competitions. You will find a complete record of the 2019 Coupe Mondiale at: http://www.coupemondiale.org/2019/cn_coupemain.html In Chinese http://www.accordion-news.cn/news.aspx?d=20-Dec-2019&lang=cn |
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Nick Ariondo Performs on Soundtrack of New Movie, "The Call of the Wild"by Rita Barnea |
  Accordionist Nick Ariondo performs on the soundtrack composed by John Powell of a new movie, "The Call of the Wild" [Harrison Ford/20th Century Fox]. The movie will be released on February 21, 2020 in movie theaters. The movie, starring Harrison Ford, is about a sled dog who struggles for survival in the wilds of the Yukon.Nicholas S. Ariondo (Nick Ariondo), accordionist/composer/arranger/pianist received his BA and MA Degrees in Music Performance & Composition at California State Univ., Los Angeles, CA. Nick Ariondo's music accomplishments include:25 ASCAP Awards, onstage performances with opera legend Placid Domingo, studio session work at Capitol Records with Paul McCartney ,Double Grammy Award winner with the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, performed on the Oscar-winning film 'Life of Pi', music by Michael Danna, a featured soloist with Oscar-winning conductor/composer Alexandre Desplat 'The Shape of Water' with the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra at Disney Hall, cameo on-screen performance in 'Bridesmaids' award-winning film, music by Mike Andrews, first American to receive Italy's Ancona/Castelfidardo Prize for his chamber music, inclusion in the International Who's Who in Music (14th Edition) Cambridge, England, 1990 Artists Fellowship Grant recipient: California Arts Council, composer/arranger of numerous works cataloged with ACCO-Music Publishing/ASCAP and is a Publisher member of BMI. Nick's diverse musical background includes classical to modern contemporary, jazz, gypsy and multi-ethnic world styles. As a session musician, his accordion is heard on many a soundtrack for film and television (composers John Powell, Randy Newman, Mychael & Jeff Danna, Danny Elfman, Joseph Trapanese, Chris Young, Howard Shore, Alan Silvestri, Joel McNeely, Lyle Workman, etc.) . As a composer/arranger, Ariondo's arrangements of Russian folk songs were featured in Warren Beatty's film "Love Affair", music by Ennio Morricone (1994, Warner Bros.) As a concert artist, Nick performs his original compositions/arrangements with orchestras, chamber music ensembles, vocalists and in solo recitals throughout Southern California and abroad. For further information: accomusic@nickariondo.com |
National Accordion Convention 2020 - Orchestrasby Markus Baggio |
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| The doors for the National Accordion Convention will open again on Wednesday evening March 18, 2020 with registration, Orchestra rehearsals and an opportunity to meet and mingle. The official start will be Thursday morning and the conventioneers will see and experience several changes, from the layout of the rooms, more orchestras, but mostly importantly new presenters and sessions. No excuses not to come. This year the conventioneers can chose between four Orchestras, there should be something for everybody! There will be several rehearsals for each orchestra during the convention. Symphonic Orchestra with Matthias Matzke (Germany) Traditionally this orchestra will require a certain level of expierience. The repertoire will include original accordion literature as well as popular music arranged by Matthias like “Snow Down” or “Legend of Zelda”. Matthias will incorporate acoustic and digital instruments. Fun band with Dick Albreski (OK) The Fun Band with Dick will perform as an opening for the Friday evening concert. Everybody is invited to join. The focus is on “having fun playing with others”. Dick often describes it as a controlled Jam. The titles are kept easy enough so everybody can join. There will be also an extra session on Thursday for those who never played with others. Come and feel the experience. Popular songs like “Dark Eyes”, “Jambalaya” and others are part of the repertoire. All instruments are welcome. Dance Band with Sheila Lee (TX) Sheila started with the Dance Band in 2019 a new initiative and is continuing this for 2020. She covers a large variety for music from all genres from “Achy breaky heart”, “Over the rainbow”, “Twist and shout” and many others. Sheila and the band will open the Dance Party on Friday evening. All instruments are welcome. Digital Orchestra with Sam Falcetti (MA) Sam will join us with a new approach. Playing digital only, and therefore the arrangements are different. They are not like typical accordion arrangements, there are more like a brass band. As you may be able to rely on other players playing the same voice, here you are the star. The arrangements provide easy and more complex voices, so don’t feel intimidated. At least 14 players are needed. All digital instruments are welcome. The Digital Orchestra will perform during the banquet on Saturday evening. The website will constantly be updated, and all orchestra music should be available for download and practice first week in February. Here the link to the sheet music and files: http://accordions.com/naa/conv7Music.html Please visit the website to see details about all sessions: http://accordions.com/naa/conv3Work.html The registration is already open: http://accordions.com/naa/conv6Registration.html |
American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 2020 Festival in Alexandriaby Harley Jones |
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 American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 2020 Festival will take place July 8-12, 2020 at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Alexandria, Virginia.Full information to book your hotel room and the link to receive the AAA group discount is now on the AAA website: American Accordionists' Association New and exciting honors competition categories with cash awards will be added as well as sponsorships at all levels for the artists and events, will all be announced in the upcoming AAA February Newsletter and here on accordions.com For information released so far about the event and the performers, download the 2020 AAA Festival flier: 2020AAAFlier.pdf |
May 6th is World Accordion Day! What Are You Doing to Celebrate?by Harley Jones |
 What are you doing for World Accordion Day to promote the accordion in your country? World Accordion day is on May 6th, which is the day the accordion was patented in 1829.World Accordion Day was started in 2009 by the CIA and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. A key part of this event is the World Accordion Day website. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support this event by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of Accordion Day if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their World Accordion Day activity on the website and send a report of their event after, for that website. No event is too big or too small. ALL accordion events celebrating World Accordion Day are welcome. This is a CIA promotion for the accordion in which every accordion enthusiast can participate and help bring our accordion world together as well as strongly promote the accordion. |
Welcome to Chicagoland Accordion Academyby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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 The recently established accordion program in Chicago is off to a great start with new enrollments furthering the excitement. Founder Mary Ann Covone reports that the interest is high and the students are motivated and committed to their newly established accordion orchestra. In the 1940-60s, the accordion was a very popular instrument in Chicago. There were schools in every section of the city with hundreds of students at each school taking lessons and participating in “accordion band.” When the students were very young and novices at the accordion, they played in the “beginner band.” As their skills developed, they would progress moving up to the intermediate band and ultimately to the senior level band! These bands traveled to competitions around the country sponsored by the American Accordionists Association (AAA) and the Accordionists and Teachers Guild (ATG). The accordion was a part of every day life and had its own “social life” as accordionists from all over the country (and the world) shared this common interest and came to know each other! Mary Ann recounts that she grew up in that life (albeit a little later in time), and the good times, good teachers and good friends have impacted and influenced her life in ways I could never have imagined. I am grateful for those experiences and am planning to recreate them for all through the Chicagoland Accordion Academy (CAA). Anyone that has ever played the accordion, and it still holds a special place in your heart, or those wishing to learn for the first time, are invited to join the activities! Together they are renewing the enthusiasm and recapturing the fun of playing the accordion! The Chicagoland Accordion Academy classes are geared toward adults who want to learn to play for their own enjoyment. Students learn to read music and to listen to music and learn how to adapt it to the accordion. Our students have expressed a variety of reasons why they want to play the accordion such as: * They like the sound of the instrument * They have an older relative who played * They inherited an instrument * They want to play with an ethnic group * They want to play music of their heritage * They played as a child and want to resume learning * They played the piano but want to learn accordion because it is portable * They know that playing the accordion provides an outlet from the stress of everyday life. Whatever your reason is for wanting to play the accordion, the Academy will work with you and help you achieve your goal! Mary Ann Covone is one of a handful of classical accordionists in the United States. She studied with Joan Cochran Sommers and continues to play in the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) Chamber Accordion Ensemble under her direction. Mary Ann graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Accordion Performance from UMKC and has performed and taught extensively in the Chicago area for many years. She has presented programs that include light pop, ethnic and semi-classical music. Recently, Mary Ann performed with the West Suburban Orchestra and the Loyola University Orchestra in various Shostakovich works. She has also played in the pit orchestra in the show Cabaret with the Beverly Theater Guild. Mary Ann is available to teach all genres of music at all levels. For more information please visit www.chicagolandaccordionacademy.com or contact Mary Ann at: maryann@chicagolandaccordionacademy.com or call (847) 274-0435. |
30th AAMS Festival March 6, 7by Rita Barnea |
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  The 30th AAMS Festival events begin on 5:PM on Friday March 6, 2020 and continue through 9:30 PM on Saturday March 7, 2020. The events include 4 workshops, 2 festival orchestras which will be directed by guest conductors Dee Langley and festival honoree Joan C. Sommers. Festival orchestra music is now available.All events will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel-Cherry Hill. Route 70 Cherry Hill, NJ AAMS room rate is $110.00 plus taxes. Registration is now being accepted. All full registrations received prior to February 1st will receive a $10.00 credit per full registration towards one honoree banquet ticket. Attend exciting workshops presented by Joan Sommers, Joe Natoli, and Al Terzo. Workshop topics are: “Really Useful Technique to be Mastered in Pieces Instead of Exercises! And The Importance of Sight-Reading Skills!” Presented by Joan C. Sommers: Joan Cochran Sommers began teaching at the age of 14 and soon after that also began conducting an accordion ensemble. In addition to having many award-winning accordion orchestras, she also taught many students who earned prizes in the different levels leading to and including the Coupe Mondiale. During her years of teaching all levels of students, she found there were certain pieces and selected exercises which could produce some of the many important techniques needed in order to become an award-winning player. She will demonstrate some of these during this workshop. Bring an accordion if you would like to do so. “Combining Studio Quality Digital Home Recording with Video Production” Presented by Joseph Natoli:“This workshop anticipates giving you the freedom to finally record yourself in the privacy of your own home, thereby avoiding the steep hourly fees of recording studios (from $100—$200 per hour). But it is taken one step further to show you how to use Video software to take your studio quality audio track and expertly combine it with a recorded video of your performance. Also, you will be shown how to insert text and/or other pictures in addition to your video performance to come up with a nice production that will be ready for YouTube, a DVD disc, or to post elsewhere online if that is your desire. You will be taught to use inexpensive and even FREE audio and video recording software that has all the tools and capabilities that you will ever need to produce very high-end studio quality recordings and videos.Certainly, everyone has different motivation for why they want to record themselves — to keep as a memento, share recordings with family and friends, create a professional demo CD/DVD, to create marketable and respectable studio quality recordings that can be sold for extra income, or to create an audio track along with your YouTube videos. Whatever your reasons, this course will provide you the tools to realize your ambitions.” “Al Terzo and Friends” Performances and composer biographical info on some of the accordions standard repertoire. Question and Answer Panel: Please submit questions ahead of time for discussion by workshop presenters and festival orchestra directors. Reserve your spot at the exciting honoree banquet, with MC Manny Bobenreith. 2020 AAMS guest of honor: Joan C. Sommers For more information, contact Joanna Darrow: acmeaccordion@gmail.com 856-854-6628 Flying in for the festival, please note that Philadelphia international airport (phl) is only 20 minutes from festival location. A dedicated website is now available for your reservations. To book your hotel rooms online: please go to this web address: https://book.passkey.com/e/49928858 Need to make your reservation by phone? Contact 1-888-233-9527 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM Be sure to mention AAMS – American Accordion Musicological Society in order to receive the rate of $110.00 plus taxes. Single – Double – Triple – Quad Reservations must be made by 5 PM on February 10 in order to receive this special rate. |
Sam Reider: New Recordings and Upcoming Shows in Februaryby Rita Barnea |
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 Video: Sam Reider and the Human Hands play "Trio Sonata: I. Reel""Trio Sonata: I. Reel " by Sam Reider, 2019 Featuring: Dominick Leslie - mandolin, Duncan Wickel - violin, Sam Reider-accordion. Recorded live to tape at The Creamery Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn Sam Reider said, “The Baroque trio sonata, a nearly-four hundred year old musical form employed by composers like Arcangelo Corelli, was a suite of miniatures, derived from the popular dance forms of the day. My first trio sonata experiments with three different traditional fiddle tune styles. The first movement is a “reel” in 4/4, featuring three voices in counterpoint and with a continuo bass (played by the left hand of the accordion). The second movement is a “jig” in 13/8. The third movement is a “breakdown” featuring improvised variations over an unsymmetrical theme and ending in a short cannon. The Trio Sonata can easily be arranged for a variety of trio and quartet formats with or without accordion—and so I am making the score for this piece temporarily available for free. If you have a band or feel like playing through it with some of your friends, I would love to hear what you come up with.” Sam is also recording with Venezuelan cuatrista Jorge Glem, making a duo record that combines original and traditional music from their two countries. The record features several special guests including legendary clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera. The release date will be in late 2020 or early 2021. Upcoming 2020 shows: 2.16 - San Francisco, CA Freight and Salvage *Opening solo for Hawktail* 2.18 - Alameda, CA Barefoot Quales Presents Concert Series 2.19 - Arcata, CA Arcata Playhouse 2.20 - Ashland, OR House Concert 2.21 - Portland, OR Portland Folk Music Society 2.22 - Eugene, OR Tsunami Books The Human Hands EP is now available for download and is also streaming on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon. For further information: sam@samreidermusic.com |
Steve Riley’s International Accordion Kings Concertsby Christine Johnstone |
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| Accordionists Alex Meixner, Steve Riley, Geno Delafose, Yves Lambert and Josh Baca (pictured above) will perform two concerts entitled “International Accordion Kings” next month. The first will be held at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge, LA on February 6, 2020.The second concert is a Crossroads Show which will be held at the James Devin Moncus Theatre, Acadiana Center for the Arts, in LA on February 7th. The concerts feature Alex Meixner (and Alex Meixner Band’s guitarist, Jim Meyer) who will join the other accordionists for a night of accordion music moderated by cajun accordionist Steve Riley. Attendees can look forward to Cajun & Creole music, French Canadian music, Eastern European folk music, Conjunto music, Polka music & more. For details email: info@alexmeixner.com Pictured left to right: Josh Bacca, Steve Riley (bottom), Yves Lambert (top) & Alex Meixner (right).  |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Ksenija Sidorova Introduces the Classical Accordion - Classical FM Video Seriesby Rita Barnea |
| The popular Latvian-born accordionist, Ksenija Sidorova, introduces the accordion as part of Classic FM's (UK Radio station) new video series, “Discover Instruments”. The instrument is a piano accordion (Nova model, picture below) with free bass as used in many international competitions, same as used by the 2018 Coupe Mondiale winner Radu Ratoi who also won the 2019 Coupe Mondiale Masters category in China against 50 other competitors. |
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Stas Venglevski and Cory Pesaturo Perform in Ukraineby Rita Barnea |
| USA accordionists Stas Venglevski and Cory Pesaturo performed a jazz improvisation concert and held masterclasses in Kharkiv, Ukraine on December 8 and 9, 2019. They entertained at the Organ Hall of Kharkiv Philharmonia in Kharkiv City which included a program of classical to pop to jazz. The following day, they presented two masterclasses at the National University of Kharkiv, featuring jazz and improvisation techniques. Stas and Cory were very enthusiastically received by the large audience. For more information: Cory.Pesaturo@gmail.com |
Article: Linda Soley Reed and Mary Tokarski, Lifelong Advocates for the Accordionby Joan Grauman, AAA Historian |
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 Rita Barnea, Editor USA News: A new historical article in the series by AAA Historian Joan Grauman (picture right) in cooperation with the USA News, to help promote the history of the accordion in the USA.Thank you very much to Joan Grauman for these articles. Read the full article by Joan Grauman titled: "Linda Soley Reed and Mary Tokarski, Lifelong Advocates for the Accordion" at: LifelongAdvocates.htm Previous articles: 1. "What Events Led to the Formation of the American Accordionists' Association?" at AAA-Formation.htm 2. "Joseph Biviano and Charles Magnante – A Lifetime Commitment to the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA)" at: Biviano-Magnante 3. “Beverly Roberts Curnow – Former Accordion Queen and World Accordion Champion still bringing joy with her beloved instrument! (Women in the AAA Through the Decades)”. 4. "80 Years of AAA Logos and Promotional Materials" 5. "Growing up in the accordion schools: The 1950s through the 1970s" |
Hanzhi Wang Performs with Omer Quartet at Morgan Library & Museumby Rita Barnea |
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 Hanzhi Wang who was the first accordionist to win first prize at the Young Concert Artists Competition performed with the Omer Quartet at the Morgan Library & Museum in NYC on January 29, 2020. The program included: Scarlatti, "Keyboard Sonatas, K. 9, 146, 159" Alfred Schnittke, "Revis Fairy Tale" Moszkowski, "Étincelles" Haydn, "String Quartet in G minor, Op. 20, No. 3 Katherine Balch (YCA Composer), "With Each Breathing" Daniel Nelson, "My Inner Disco" "The collaboration of the Omer Quartet and Hanzhi Wang was the real surprise of the evening, a genuine find and a genuine delight." —Communities Digital News (Washington, D.C.) Hanzhi Wang was awarded YCA performance prizes with the Candlelight Concert Society in Columbia, MD; the Sinfonia Gulf Coast in Destin, FL; the Tri-I Noon Recitals at Rockefeller University in New York City; the Vancouver Recital Society; Tannery Pond Concerts (NY), the Usedom (Germany) Festival; the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (NC); the University of Florida Performing Arts Prize; and at the Krannert Center at the University of Illinois in Urbana. Additional engagements include appearances for IRIS Orchestra in Tennessee, Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and YCA alumnus Alexander Fiterstein’s Clarinet Academy in Minneapolis. Hanzhi Wang won First Prize in the 40th Castelfidardo International Accordion Competition in Italy, has served on the jury for the Accordion Competition of Rome and Portugal’s International Accordion Festival, and inspired the next generation of accordionists with lectures, performances and master classes at the Manhattan School of Music, Royal Danish Academy of Music, Tianjin Music Conservatory, Beijing’s Capital Normal University, Tilburg and Ghent Music Conservatories (Belgium), and the inaugural 2018 Nordaccordion Festival in Norway. A Young Concert Artists Fellowship for Hanzhi Wang for the 2018-19 Season was sponsored by Alan & Judy Kosloff and Mike Lubin & Anne-Marie McDermott. In addition, she holds YCA’s Ruth Laredo Prize and the Mortimer Levitt Career Development Award for Women Artists of YCA. Hanzhi Wang earned her Bachelor’s degree at the China Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, and her Master’s degree at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen as a student of Geir Draugsvoll. She is now on her Spring 2020 tour. Omer Quartet. Photography by Matt Dine. Hanzhi Wang. Photography by Matt Dine. |
Cory Pesaturo: New CD and Performancesby Rita Barnea |
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 Accordionist Cory Pesaturo continues his travels around the world not only performing as a soloist but also playing with top musicians wherever he goes. In January, Cory performed at the NAMM show for Band in a Box, and played with Earth Wind & Fire's Myron McKinley, Dave Weckl's Steve Weingart, and Chick Corea's guitarist of 40 years, Frank Gambale.Cory also went to the Grammy's for the 3rd time. Cory’s CD Release of "Unscripted" with fellow World Champion, violinist, Mari Black will be available next week. CD Release shows below. The CD features all genres of music as you would expect from CPez. 2/15 @ 8:00pm -- Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland RI 2/19 @ 8:00pm -- Club Passim, Cambridge MA 2/22 @ 8:00pm -- Puffin Cultural Forum, Teaneck NJ 3/1 @ 3:00pm -- The Dance Hall, Kittery ME Cory will be returning to the NAA Convention in Texas, March 18-21 in Richardson, Texas. He performs at the 80th Anniversary of the ATG in California, August 5-9 in Los Angeles, California. For further information: cory.pesaturo@gmail.com |
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Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble Performs on February 23by Rita Barnea |
  The Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble will perform at the renowned Kittle House, 11 Kittle Road, Chappaqua, NY on Sunday, February 23, 2020 from 4:PM to 8:PM. The Ensemble will play music selections from around the world to compliment the theme for the evening - "It's a Wonderful World". You will experience fine dining as the Kittle House chef prepares an array of international foods for the buffet dinner. Ensemble performances include a music segment by Mary Mancini (Artistic Director and Manager) and Mario Tacca (Music Director).$85 Per Person All Incusive includes complimentary glass of wine or beer. Reservations are required. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an evening of fine food and great music while supporting local restaurants and local artists, performing live music. Mission Statement of the Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble: To have fun and gather with friends! To make great music together! To bring the melodic and unique sounds of the Accordion to people of all ages! To bring joy to others! Questions and inquiries can be made to marytmancini@msn.com or by calling 914-737-8872. Go to manciniandtacca.com for all up to date information! |
Stas Venglevski’s Musical Adventuresby Rita Barnea |
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| Virtuoso Stas Venglevski performed in several unique venues over the past few months. Stas shares, I was glad to share the beauty of accordion sound with children as part of Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s ACE program.” The MSO Arts in Community Education Program is nationally acclaimed and enhances students’ education through the integration of music and art into the school curriculum, accomplished through six ACE program components. ACE integrates music and arts into daily core subjects, giving students a comprehensive learning experience. It is nationally recognized as a model in arts education. Stas is a regular participant of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE) and has introduced many young students through his presentations which always reflect his love of the instrument and his warm, engaging personality. Stay said, “The entire concert I performed with Cory Pesaturo in in Kharkov, Ukraine last month has now been released. Once again, Sergey Neverov, thank you for the invitation and fine organization.” Stas and Cory presented a varied program highlighting the versatility of the piano accordion and the bayan. Stas joined the Seattle Symphony Orchestra in January 2020 for the premiere of “Figaro Get’s a Divorce” orchestral Suite written by British-Russian composer Elena Langer and conducted by Maxim Emelyanchev. “Just having accordion part written in to the orchestra score is way too cool and makes the orchestra sound completed!”, Stas said. “Figaro Gets a Divorce” is conceived as a sequel to Mozart's 1786 opera Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) based on the 1778 play La Folle Journée, ou Le Mariage de Figaro, by Pierre Beaumarchais. In December, Stas performed “Concerto #2” by American composer Anthony Galla-Rini with the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Mike Kamenski at the Hamilton Art Center in Sussex, WI. Stas will perform with the Nuremberg Symphony on April 25, 2020. For further information on Stas Venglevski at email: meghada33@gmail.com |
New England Digital Accordion Orchestra Performs at First Night in Cape Codby Rita Barnea |
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 The New England Digital Accordion Orchestra conducted by Sam Falcetti performed two concerts at Cape Cod, Chatham, Massachusetts in First Night Chatham 2019-2020 at the First United Methodist Church on December 31, 2019. The Orchestra was part of the 70 bands and entertainment at 10 venues on December 31st. The church held 250 people and was completely full for both concerts. Their live concerts were piped outside while the orchestra played and were live on two radio stations. The Orchestra is proud to have been a part of one of the largest “1st Night” celebrations in the country. The New England Digital Accordion Orchestra is the nation’s only digital accordion Orchestra. They reproduce virtually every musical instrumental sound through a technology that’s as versatile as it is portable. One accordionist aptly described this instrument as “an orchestra in a box!” The New England Digital Accordion Orchestra was formed and is conducted by internationally recognized accordionist and music educator, Anselmo (Sam) Falcetti of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. It rehearses at Falcetti Music in Springfield,Massachusetts and is made up of talented longtime and more recent players, some professional and others hobbyists. Each accordion is capable of playing two or more “instruments” at the same time, even varying the volume of each. The orchestra is complemented by drums, percussion, guitar, and vocalists. The NEDO currently features more than 20 players representing four of the six New England States. They perform in many genres including jazz, standards, classical, big band, Broadway, ethnic, country and rock. The Orchestra may sound like a brass band, a full-out symphony, marching band, or a classic Big Band, but accordions are exactly what produce these musical styles and many more! The audience hears horn and wind sections, strings, guitars and rhythm sections, along with the true tones of the accordion in arrangements orchestrated by internationally famous Quincy Jones and John Franceschina. “You see accordions but you clearly hear flutes and trombone solos. Then we play “Pennsylvania Polka” and you have a polka band sound”, said Falcetti, who has watched accordions evolve over a 60-year musical teaching career. Listed below are the orchestra members and where they are from. John Camardella-Springfield, Ma. Digital Accordion Barney Courtois-Granby, Ma. Drums/Percussion Scott Cunningham-Worcester, Ma. Digital Accordion Bob Czarnecki-Colchester, Ct. Digital Accordion Carmen D’Angelo-Stoneham, Ma. Digital Accordion Tony D’Eramo-Ashland, Ma. Digital Bass Accordion Michael Dran-Bethel, Ct. Digital Accordion Michael Drumheller, Wilbraham,Ma. Drums/Vocalist Karen Drumheller, Wilbraham, Ma. Vocalist Michael Falcetti-Ludlow, Ma. Digital Accordion Martha Flood-Adams, Ma. Digital Accordion Mark Galica-Westfield, Ma. Digital Accordion David Gamache-Belmont, Ma. Digital Accordion Paul Gluck-Longmeadow, Ma. Electronics Charles Gruszka-Harwich, Ma. Digital Accordion John Kalinowski-Portland, Ct. Digital Accordion Guyde Lombari-Providence, R.I. Digital Accordion Jay Maggi-South Hadley, Ma. Guitar Bill Maver-West Granby, Ct. Digital Accordion Pat Poehler-Palmer, Ma. Digital Accordion Diane Quirbach-Milford, NH. Digital Accordion Bob Datz-MC & Media Consultant Peggy Falcetti-Manager To arrange a performance or for further information, please contact Sam Falcetti at (413)2045522 or email: samfalcetti@gmail.com. |
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Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodriguesby Rita Barnea |
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| Video 1:“Tirou" by Gabe Hall-Rodrigues | Performed by Creosote Video 2: "Te Faço um Cafuné" by Dominguinhos & Ze Carlos | Performed by Creosote Accordion Duo 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. November 2018, the duo competed in the Trophee Mondiale in Loule, Portugal. They represented the US with original pieces and arrangements for the accordion. The band includes Jamie Maschler-accordion, Gabriel Hall-Rodrigues-accordion, Emilio Vargas-saxophone, Sean Brogan-bass, Joel Oroz-drums and William De Carlvaho- Percussion 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. Upcoming Performances: February 1st Letters Aloud (more details to follow) February 4th Tango Happy Hour w/ Creosote @ Orfeo Seattle, WA February 8th Forro Pacifico w/ En Canto, Xaxado Mission and Felipe Hostins Union Cultural Center Seattle, WA 8pm February 10th Letters Aloud Dallas Art Museum Dallas, TX February 14th Valentines Dinner at the Sorrento Hotel 5-7pm February 18th Tango Happy Hour w/Creosote @ Orfeo Seattle, WA For further information: jamie.maschler@gmail.com |
Washington, DC Captivated by Scythian!by Frank Busso, Jr., Director of Ernest Deffner, Inc., USA Distributor for Pigini |
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 On January 4, 2020, Scythian was the headliner at Washington, DC’s famed “The Hamilton” venue. The sold-out crowd was treated to an evening of Celtic, folk, rock, and bluegrass selections. The family-friendly show was perfect for both a relaxing dining experience and for dancing the night away!Washington DC-based Scythian (sith-ee-yin) began over 12 years ago as a bunch of college buddies playing Celtic music in the streets and has grown to be a headliner on the US Celtic Festival Circuit as well as a name in the Bluegrass/Americana Festival Circuit. They found that their brand of high-energy folk music found a resonance that led The Washington Post to state: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” For over 12 years they have found success as an independent band and have played over 1,300 shows all over the united states, Europe, Canada and as far away as Australia. Scythian’s accordionist is Dan Fedoryka. Dan and his brother, Alex, are the founding members of the band, which hosts annual fan trips to Ireland and the Labor Day weekend “Appaloosa “festival in Front Royal, Virginia. February Performance Schedule: February 19 – Music Box Supper Club, Cleveland, Ohio, February 20 – Byrne’s Pub, Columbus, Ohio February 21 – The Loft 28 West, Aurora, Illinois February 22 – Brightside Theatre, Dayton, Ohio February 27 – Lincoln Theater, Raleigh, North Carolina February 28 – Barter Theater, Abingdon, Virginia February 29 – Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain, North Carolina |
Dr. Mike Middleton Performs for Alabama Accordion Associationby Rita Barnea |
 The Alabama Accordion Association is proud to present Dr. Mike Middleton on February 15, 2020 at 1:PM and 7:PM at the Brookwood Baptist Church, 3449 Overton Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223Dr, Mike Middleton’s musical accomplishments include: Texas State Accordion Champion: 1st Place, 1982 Texas State Accordion Champion: 1st Place, 1983 American Accordionist National Champion: 3rd Place Duet Category, 1983 American Accordionist National Championship: Semi-Finalist, 1983 International Texas Folk Music: 1st Place, 2001 Dr. Middleton’s CD’s: Around the World and Back to Texas: Accordion Solos Accordion and Tuba Favorites: Dr. Middleton & Mr. Capps Amazing Grace Accordion Variations Accordion to Mike & the Middletones: Back in Texas Admission, Workshop and Concerts are free, courtesy of The Alabama Accordion Association Dr. Mike Middleton is an accordionist and his main musical interests are Midi Enhanced Accordion music from all genres. He performs mainly for charity events and local festivals, including all styles of international accordion music. Mike also enjoys arranging compositions on the accordion, and has recently been performing at many churches and for senior groups throughout Central Texas. Mike's latest performances include his renditions/arrangements of "Ghostriders in the Sky", "Variations on an Amazing Grace", "Beer Barrel Polka Variations", "Russian Minka Variations", and other favorites. Dr. Middleton is currently employed as Director of Nuclear Medicine and Professor of Radiology, at the Scott & White Clinic/Texas A&M Health Science Center. He has served as President of the American College of Nuclear Physicians and the Southwest Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, Secretary/Treasurer of SNMMI, and other leadership positions. He has also been Secretary of the Scott & White Clinic Healthcare Board of Directors, 2008-present. Dr. Middleton has also been nominated for VP-Elect of the SNMMI. Dr. Mike Middleton has been entertaining audiences in central Texas for over 3 decades. While in college, he was named Texas State Champion accordionist in 1981 & 1982, and had placed in several national competitions. To help pay for medical school, he was contracted as a repeat solo performer at the famed Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas as well as other venues. In 2001, after 2 decades of not competing, Dr. Middleton won the (one time only) Accordionist and Teachers Guild/Texas Accordion Association's International Texas Folk Accordionists Competition in San Antonio, Texas. The Alabama Accordion Association states, “We are a group of happy accordion enthusiasts that meets so we can…have fun with this versatile instrument! Currently, we have members of all age groups and skill levels, and are always seeking to find more people who love to play the accordion, or just love to listen to accordion music." For further information: csfunder@gmail.com |
Paolo Belanich to Perform for LIAAby Rita Barnea |
 La Villini Restaurant of East Northport, NY is sponsoring the next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. The featured guest artist will be Croation accordionist Paolo Belanich. Paul started to play the accordion at 5 years old. Born on St. Peter's Island (Ilovik) in the northern part of the Croatian Adriatic Sea, he grew up surrounded by the accordion which was always the center of entertainment. Presently, Paul, who sings in English, Croatian and Italian, performs with his brother in the Tri State area. He entertains in Slovenian and Austrian polka styles with a blend of Valtaro Musette flavor which he grew up with. Per- forming and playing mostly by ear he has recorded some of his music which consists of different rhythms other than polka and waltzes. Paul always says, "What fires me up the most and gives my heart the happiest feeling, is polka music. Playing accordion since the early 60's, my love for the accordion is the same today as it was back then. I just hope that the American public realizes how beautiful the accordion is as a musical instrument." The Long Island Accordion Alliance is celebrating their ninth year of bringing great accordion music to Long Island. Join them for wonderful camaraderie and music. Place: La Villini Restaurant 288 Larkfield Road. East Northport, NY 11731 631 – 261 – 6344 Reservations are highly recommended. For further information: dkarcic10@gmail.com |
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Flogging Molly on Tour in Marchby Rita Barnea |
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| Video: "Life is Good" The 2020 edition of Flogging Molly's annual St. Patrick's Day Festival Presented by KLOS 95.5 on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 will feature the legendary Celtic punk band headlining the Hollywood Palladium once again for the band's 6th annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Additional groups include the Mad Caddies and Street Dogs to kick off the show that is sponsored by Breckenridge Brewery's Nitro Irish Stout. The free Pre-Show Outdoor Festival will return in the Palladium parking lot with performances from members of Flogging Molly with Matt & Dennis taking the stage as an Irish acoustic duo, and a DJ set from bassist/vocalist Nathen Maxwell. Headlining the outdoor stage are LA icons The Briggs, with additional sets from hometown Celtic rockers Hoist the Colors, the Texas grit punk group Vandoliers, a Live Broadcast from Frosty, Heidi and Frank on KLOS 95.5, and Irish dancing from Power Academy of Irish Dance. The festival, as always, will be fully immersed in the holiday celebration with an abundance of décor, photo ops, beer games, food trucks, activations and more! Must be 21+ to enter the outdoor festival. Starting out as the house band at Molly Malone's and building a loyal following through endless touring, Flogging Molly is a staple in the punk scene and is currently supporting “Life Is Good”, their first new LP in over eight years. The album is filled with rousing songs that are timeless in their sentiment but directly related to today's most pressing concerns: politics, the economy, unemployment, planned boomtowns gone bust, immigration policies gone awry, and much more. The Flogging Molly Palladium show will begin at 6:PM. Tickets are available now. The FREE Pre-Show Outdoor Festival will begin at 12:PM Flogging Molly includes Dave King (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, bodhran), Bridget Regan (violin, tin whistle, vocals), Dennis Casey (guitar, vocals), Matt Hensley (accordion, concertina, vocals), Nathen Maxwell (bass guitar, vocals), Spencer Swain (mandolin, banjo, guitar, vocals), and Mike Alonso (drums, percussion). Flogging Molly will be making the following appearances this March: 12 - Funner, CA - Harrah's Resort SoCal 13 - Maricopa, CA - Harrah's Ak-Chin 14 - Cabazon, CA - Morongo Casino 15 - Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Resort 17 - Los Angeles, CA - The Hollywood Palladium (St. Patrick's Day Festival) |
Geoff Berner - Grand Hotel Cosmopolis Launch Tour - Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
 Accordionist Geoff Berner (picture left) will tour Canada next month with the Bird City folk group to launch his latest album Grand Hotel Cosmopolis. The video above is the title song that Geoff Berner wrote for the Grand Hotel Cosmopolis - a social justice project that houses refugees and asylum seekers in Augsburg, Germany. The album is on the COAX/COAX Europa labels and the video was shot on location at the Grandhotel, by Magdalena Hutter. Geoff Berner's music combines klezmer, punk, political satire and Balkan dance rhythms. 2020 Tour dates are: February 14th – Tranzac at Toronto, ON February 15th - The Black Sheep in Wakefield, QC - February 16th - Casa Del Popolo in Montreal, QC February 20th - The Ain't Hollywood in Hamilton February 21st - The Garnet in Peterborough, ON February 22nd - The ANAF in Guelph ON February 28th – The Wise Hall in Vancouver, BC The tour will continue in Europe this March. For details email: bernergeoff@gmail.com |
Grupo INTOCABLE in September Eventby Rita Barnea |
 Group Invocable will perform at The Filmore Silver Spring in Silver Spring, MD. on September 4, 2020 at 8:PM.Intocable (Untouchable) is an American Tejano and Norteño band from Zapata, Texas that was started by friends Ricardo Javier Muñoz and René Orlando Martínez in the early 1990s.Intocable fuses the genres Tejano and Norteño with a musical signature that fused Tejano's robust conjunto and Norteño folk rhythms with a pop balladry. Intocable is a very influential influential group in Tejano and their tough Tejano/Norteño fusion has become the blueprint for dozens of Tex-Mex groups. The group's style, which combines romantic, hooky melodies, tight instrumentation and vocal harmony, is consistently imitated by other Tejano and Norteño groups, including Imán, Costumbre, Solido, Estruendo, Intenso, Duelo and Zinzero. After years of dedication and passion, the dream became an indisputable reality. With #1 hits such as “Robarte un Beso,” “Prometí,” “Te Amo (Para Siempre),” “Culpable Fui (Culpable Soy),” their latest “Tu Ausencia,” as well as fan favorites like “Dame Un Besito,” “Eres Mi Droga,” Enséñame a Olvidarte,” “Sueña,” “Contra Viento y Marea,” “Llueve,” “Arrepiéntete,” among others, INTOCABLE continues to entertain and delight audiences in both the United States and Mexico. Invocable were the first of their genre to play at Dallas Cowboys Stadium, at the halftime show of the 2011 Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins game, also at The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles. They garnered two of the 5 nominations to the Billboard Regional Mexican Awards and got a nod for Best Norteño Album to the 2011 Latin Grammy for their album INTOCABLE 2011. They were also nominated for a Grammy for the album. INTOCABLE 2011 was released under the group's own music label Good-i Music and the first two singles, Robarte Un Beso and Prometí, went to Number 1 on US regional radio charts. The 3rd single Arrepientete also did very well on radio and their 4th single Llueve was premiered live onstage at the 2012 Premio lo Nuestro where the group swept with all three categories they were nominated for. On January 23, 2016, Intocable announced their partnership with St.Jude, a pledge first of its kind in the music industry. After witnessing firsthand the groundbreaking research done at St. Jude, Intocable knew they had to help the organization in any capacity possible. Today, their support will not only create awareness for the cause, but their pledge of support will contribute to assure that families pay for nothing and can focus on letting their child live. INTOCABLE Group Members: Ricardo Javier “Ricky” Muñoz – (Lead Vocalist, Accordion) René Orlando Martínez – (Drums, Chorus) Sergio Serna – (Percussion) Johnny Lee Rosas – (Second Vocals, Bajo Sexto) José Juan Hernández – (Group Motivator and Rhythms) Alejandro Gulmar – (Bajo Sexto) Felix Salinas – ( Bass ) Awards: Grammy Award for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album (2005) · Latin Grammy Award for Best Norteño Album (2013, 2005) · Grammy Award for Best Norteño Album (2011) Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award (2012) .[3] “When we make a new record, we never try to top the previous one, but truly enjoy and live in the moment. every song, note, word comes from our hearts.” – INTOCABLE |
Carozza, Karcic, Toscano - Val Taro on May 24by Rita Barnea |
 Enjoy an afternoon dinner party at Magnanini Winery Restaurant and Cantina with live music by Frank Carozza, Dominic Karcic, and Frank Toscano. Enjoy homemade specialties, live music, wine and more! The event takes place on May 24, 2020 from 12-5:PM at the Magnanini Winery, Restaurant and Distillery, 172 Strawridge Rd. Wallkill, NY, For reservations: 845-895-2767 |