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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
BREAKING NEWS: Passing of Nils. O. Lundin
Here are your 2015 Accordion New Year's Resolutions!
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Eddie Monteiro: Guest Artist for Connecticut Accordion Club
Regarding the Completion of the film, The A Word: Accordions Alive and Kickin’
Pasha Newmerzhitsky with Gogul Bordello Gypsy Punk Band
"From Broadway to the Met….plus" with Dominic Karcic
Silicon Valley Accordion Society to Feature Paul Betken
Dr. William Schimmel and Corn Mo Record Schubert's "Die Winterriese"
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Dr. Robert Young McMahan in Recent Performances
Cotati Accordion Festival Donates $23,800 to Local Nonprofits
Stolen Accordion in Texas
Tribute to Roy Carrier
WMAS Celebrates Season with Festive Music, Food and Much laughter!
Video: Cajun Strangers on the 30 Minute Music Hour.
Donor Gives Salmen High Orchestra an Accordion
Music Videos of the Festive Season
Future events |
2015 Accordion Events
Jazz Accordionist Cory Pesaturo to Perform at NAMM
New Hampshire Accordion Association Membership Kickoff Meeting January 17
Winter Folk Music Festival in Montpelier
2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concerts
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 Welcome to the 2015 USA News! Do you know that the first publication of the United States National News www.accordionusa.com was published on December 1,1999 with former CIA President Kevin Friedrich as the accomplished National News Editor for the first ten years of the news? As of December 2014, I began my seventh year as USA National News Editor and I can only say that as the years go by, I am even more interested in and excited about the accordion world, the developments in technology which have enhanced the news capabilities, and the limitless possibilities of what the Internet can bring to all of us in terms of not only entertainment but also education in the musical world. By taking a few moments to click on the USA news or any other of the other AWW news sites, you can open an entire universe of valuable and fascinating information about the accordion. Special thanks and deep gratitude go to AWW Founder and Worldwide Editor Harley Jones who brilliantly conceived the idea of Accordions Worldwide and brought his ideas to reality. I suggest that you read the history of AWW by clicking on: http://www.accordions.com/aww_history.aspx It is well worth taking the time to read about the accordion websites. The January 2015 USA News contains articles about upcoming events in 2015 including news about the young accordionists who are carving out new careers and opportunities in the musical world. THE ACCORDION IS ALIVE, ADMIRED, AND ACHIEVING MORE POSITIVE RECOGNITION THAN EVER BEFORE! As always, you are invited to send your ideas and comments to me at Ritabelll@aol.com. I extend an invitation to all accordionists and accordion organizations to please send me news of your upcoming events. You may include both photos in jpg form and videos. ( YOUTUBE links are fine). As you may already know, I like to feature accordionists at all levels of accomplishment. It is WHAT you do with your accordion, not always how good you are. The accordion is everywhere! See this publication to learn about it. All issues going back to the first one in 1996 are available 24/7 in archives on this site. Be sure to read the USA news for continuing coverage on upcoming festivals, concerts, events, and the people who make them happen. Best wishes to you all for a happy, healthy, and musical New Year! Read below for some New Year's Resolutions which you may want to implement this year. Happy New Year! |
BREAKING NEWS: Passing of Nils. O. Lundinby Rita Barnea |
 Nils Olaf Lundin, of Norwell, formerly of Quincy, an accomplished and respected musician, died Dec. 28, 2014 following a brief illness. He was 93. Born in Torsaker, Gavleborg Sweden, Oct. 30, 1921, he was one of seven children born to the late Lars V. and Maria O. (Stahlberg) Lundin. He emigrated with his family to the U.S. in 1929 and settled in Quincy, where he graduated Quincy High School in 1941. Mr. Lundin served his newfound country with honor during WWII in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in the South Pacific nation of New Guinea as a Cryptographer. He was honorably discharged in Oct., 1945 with the rank of Sergeant. After his time in the service, Nils began his career with Pneumatic Scale Corp. of Quincy, where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 1985 as an Inventory Supervisor. A highly regarded Accordion player and composer in both the US and Sweden, he began playing as a teenager in the Lundin Brothers Orchestra, which also included brothers Carl and Eric. His life-long love of music served to promote and encourage the preservation of Scandinavian music, dance and tradition; earning him a medal from the King of Sweden in 1981 recognizing his achievements. He was also awarded the prestigious Elin award |the Swedish equivalent to a Grammy award- for his American Wooden Shoe Polka. Mr. Lundin was a long- time, active and faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church of Quincy, where he loved to entertain and support the childrens programs and other important causes. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Vikings Stenkil Lodge #92, Vasa Order of Braintree, American Legion and the Lions Club. He was the husband of the late Audrey (Smith) Lundin, and former husband of the late Rena (DuBois) Lundin. Loving father of Carol Lundin of N.H., Christopher Lundin and wife Mary Lou of Fla. and the late Catherine Sides and husband Ed Sides of Texas. Cherished grandfather of Darrin Sides of N.Y., Sandra Lundin of Fla. and Scott Sides of Mass. Great-grandfather to Mia, Noah and Kiera Sides, all of N.Y. He was the dear brother of the late: Anna Larson and Joseph, Lars Oke, Carl, Eric and Helge Pelle Lundin. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great- nephews, extended family and close friends. His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited, was on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015 at 10 a.m. in Faith Lutheran Church, 201 Granite St., Quincy, with the Rev. Heidi Johnston, Pastor, officiating. Visiting hours Monday, Jan. 5, from 3 - 7:PM at the Hamel, Wickens & Troupe Funeral Home, 26 Adams St., Quincy Center. Interment private. Instead of sending flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to either Faith Lutheran Church, or the Catherine Sides Memorial Scholarship Fund, sending either to: c/o Carol N. Lundin, 22 Holly St, Concord, NH 03301. Hamel, Wickens & Troupe Funeral Home 26 Adams St Quincy, MA 02169 (617) 472-5888 |
Here are your 2015 Accordion New Year's Resolutions!by Rita Barnea |
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| Can you think of any more? Please send them to me and I will add them to the February news. 1. I promise to practice my accordion every day. You can find at least 20 to 30 minutes a day to practice your accordion if you want to. If you find time for watching the news on TV, or talking on your cell phone, enjoying your tablet, computer or just sitting on your couch, you can find the time to take your accordion out of its case! With a little effort, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Practicing your accordion is relaxing, a stress reliever and also good exercise! And you don't need a doctor's appointment or a prescription! 2. I promise to play my accordion for friends and family at least once a month (more often would be even better)! Everyone who has ever seen me perform has always commented on the beauty and complexity of the instrument{ as if there were something very magical about playing the accordion. But it is magical, isn't it?) Going to a family dinner or having the family and friends over?....... take out your accordion and play for them. No matter what your level of proficiency is..........people will be amazed by your playing. 3. I promise to learn at least one new song every month. Try to expand your repertoire. It doesn't have to be a concerto! What about a new popular song or one from the past that you always wanted to learn. Don't have the music? Look it up on the Internet or e-mail your accordion friends. If you want the song........ it is out there: however, if you really cannot find it, try to play it by ear, sound it out, write out the notes. It may take time, but it is a good experience to learn it on your own. It is possible, don't be afraid to try it. 4. I promise to attend at least two or more accordion events in 2012. There are many accordion festivals, concerts, accordion clubs etc. around the country.Search the USA News www.accordionusa.com each month and you will find an event in your area. Not only will you have a wonderful time listening to great accordionists, but you will be able to participate on any level from beginner to advanced. There will be accordion bands, ensembles, people who will enjoy meeting you and hearing about your experiences with the accordion. If you want to meet interesting people who share your love of the accordion, you will find them! You will not only hear great music but you will go away with new friends. 5. I will purchase at least two accordion CD's. books, sheet music, or DVD's this year! There are so many wonderful accordion CD's. Search the Internet and you will find lists of accordion artists. It is important to show our support for these outstanding musicians by buying their CD's! Visit MusicForAccordion.com to find your favorite accordion CD! 6. I promise to introduce the accordion to people who have never heard one before. This is a special opportunity for you to expand the musical horizons of someone. The accordion is so versatile, found in cultures all over the world and running the gamut from folk to classical and everything in between! There is a visual fascination with the accordion that no other instrument can claim. How do we do it? Keys, buttons, bellows, It is a coordination of fine motor skills that places an accordionist at the top of the list of the best multitaskers in the world! 7. I promise to send news about my accordion club, association, concert, event to Ritabelll@aol.com for a possible article in the USA news. PLEASE! We want to know all about your accordion activities. Please let me know far in advance, if possible, so that readers can plan their schedules accordionly ( Could not resist that one!!). 8. I will think about treating myself to a new accordion! Why not? When you have a new instrument, you sound better!! 9. I promise to read the USA News (www.accordionusa.com) news every month and the weekly news, Accordions Worldwide (www.accordions.com). Check on the Fan Club page for the latest updates. 10. I will reread Resolutions 1-9 again and again! Happy New Year to All! |
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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Eddie Monteiro: Guest Artist for Connecticut Accordion Clubby Rita Barnea |
 Jazz accordionist Eddie Monteiro will be the featured guest for the Connecticut Accordion Club on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 1:PM. The location is: Vasi's Restaurant 1700 Watertown Ave. Waterbury, CT 06708 Eddie Monteiro has over 30 years of musical performance in classical, jazz, dance, theater, cabaret and choral ensembles. Member of Bobb Rosengarden, Skitch Henderson, Peter Duchin, Ray Bloch, Michael Lanin and Marty Ames orchestras. Eddie performs in the New York Metropolitan area and worldwide. A member of pit orchestras on stage in Broadway revival performances of both "Evita" and "Carnival". He has recorded radio and television jingles for Sesame Street, General Foods, Pontiac, Colgate, Palmolive, Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Bennigan's Restaurants and more. Lead artist of innumerable society bands performing throughout the world at social events, political gatherings and corporation conventions, Monteiro also is the youngest honoree ever elected to the American Accordionists’ Association Hall of Fame in 1994. Eddie Monteiro has performed at Jazz Festivals throughout the world. National performances include the JVC Jazz Festival and the Toyota Jazz Festival in New York City, Salishan Jazz Festival and the Centrum Jazz Festival both in Washington. Internationally Eddie was a guest at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, the Jakarta Jazz Festival in Indonesia, Sea Jazz Festival in Helsinki, the Norwegian National Accordion Competition, Sweden's Annual Accordion Festival in Ransatter and in January of 2000 Eddie closed the Jazz In El Tambo Festival in Punta del Esta, Uruguay performing with Paquito D'Rivera, Leny Andrade, John Patitucci and Benny Golson. He has conducted workshops and seminars at the Manhattan School of Music, Kansas City Jazz Workshop, Artists in Jazz at Pace University, Topeka Jazz Workshop and a Harmony & Improvisation Clinic in Norway. His numerous recordings include Double Standards, The Real Thing, A Perfect Match (with Nancy Marano featuring Gerry Mulligan, Roger Kellaway and Claudio Roditi), Under Paris Skies (with Karen Akers), A Walk on the Wilde Side (with Ronny Whyte), Jazz Influence and Arkadia Jazz All Stars: Thank You John! (a tribute to John Coltrane) and was featured on the album with the vocal group ‘String Of Pearls’. His work has also included a soundtrack recording with Marvin Hamlisch and an appearance on film ‘Mortal Thoughts’ with Bruce Willis. A graduate of NYU with a B.S. in Music Education, Eddie studied accordion with Charles Nunzio, (one of the founding members of the American Accordionists’ Association), piano with Madame Olga Van Till and advanced harmony studies with Marty Holmes. He presently is a music teacher and choral director at Ann Street School (New Jersey) and is also Musical Director at Matawan-Aberdeen High School Summer Theater and vocal director for Matawan Avenue Middle School’s Spring musicals - conducting, coaching and accompanying students on productions of numerous Broadway plays. 'The Trio' a CD recorded with Joe Cocuzzo (drums) and Lenny Argese (guitar) was the most recent release in 2006 when the group was performing weekly at the Retreat Lounge at the Short Hills Hilton (NJ) Eddie is a member of the AAA Governing Board and is a Certified Teacher Member of AAA as well as a member of Music Educators' National Conference, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Technology Institute for Music Educators, National Education Association, Jazz Educators Association the Sommelier Institute and is an Amateur Radio General Class Operator. Eddie will be joined by Jack Varanelli on Drums!! Don't miss the surprise opening act!!!! $5.00 cover for CAA members. $10.00 All Others. For further information: Marilyn@CTAccordion.com |
Regarding the Completion of the film, The A Word: Accordions Alive and Kickin’by Roberta Cantow |
 I was looking forward to completing my ‘accordion’ documentary by the end of this year and I am happy to say I will have almost made it. There are a few things I had not bargained for, such as how much time it can take to acquire unanticipated licenses and permissions, let alone how to meet some of the associated financial obligations. Most films these days are made with the assistance of production and post production teams. Although I do rely on the services of others, all of my films are pretty much hand-crafted by me alone. Given that choice and the factor of limited time, I could not imagine taking on the burden of launching a crowd-funding campaign because it would have consumed a lot of time, which I saw as time away from the actual making of the film. Over a 4-5 year period, the film is getting made from out of pocket funds. Since I am not rolling in money, my job supports my “habit.” Thus, it is a balancing act. I am very thankful for the various notes of interest and support that I have received from this accordion newsletter-reading community. It is encouraging to know that there are any number of people out there enthusiastically “waiting the in the wings.” I will be relying on the patience of all regarding the film’s release. I hope it is understandable that I would rather complete it according to my vision as opposed to doing it in a way that is just to get it done. To that end, I am putting out a call, here, for the one remaining missing item: video footage that depicts people dancing at a wedding, preferably polka dancing. If anyone can offer footage of that nature, please contact me. I only need about 30 seconds. I am also interested in hearing from readers who might be interested in purchasing the finished film. I would like to know whether or not the preference will be for a hard copy (DVD) or, if, as I understand, Video on Demand has truly become the preferred offering. The more people willing to reply via my contact information, below, the better prepared I can be for that preference. Once that is known, I am going to consider the possibility of a pre-sale (offer it for sale in advance of its release), as a way to help support the final post production costs. But would there be any takers? It is worth noting that some of the first tier and second tier film festivals disqualify films that have been sold on DVD in advance of that festival’s screening dates. This means that until it is known if the film will “make it” on the festival circuit or not, the film can not be offered for sale from a website. So far, the film does not have a website, only a facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheAWord). However, one of the ways around this will be through this forum and my personal email contact information which is: rcantow@originaldigital.net. Of course, I would have to rely upon the discretion of the accordion community for this to “fly.” I continue to be excited about the film and am grateful for all of the encouragement I have received from this community. - Roberta Cantow |
Pasha Newmerzhitsky with Gogul Bordello Gypsy Punk Bandby Rita Barnea |
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 Gogol Bordello is a Gypsy punk band from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, formed in 1999 and known for theatrical stage shows and persistent touring. Much of the band's sound is inspired by Gypsy music. The band incorporates accordion and violin (and on some albums, saxophone) mixed with punk and dub.The band has appeared in a number of popular films, most notably in 2005's Everything Is Illuminated in which the lead singer, Eugene Hütz, co-starred with Elijah Wood in a dramedy and adventure story about the Nazi purges in Ukraine. The entire group was present for one shot in which they played a brass band in a set that included the Star Spangled Banner. They also played the traditional Yiddish tune "Bublitschki". Gogol Bordello contributed the song "Start Wearing Purple" to the film's score. The band also has their own documentary called "Gogol Bordello Non-Stop". This documentary was filmed in 2008 and follows the band's progress. In 2012, the band recorded a song titled Let's Get Crazy for Coca Cola's Euro 2012 advertising campaign. How did they get their name? "Gogol" comes from Nikolai Gogol, a classical Russian writer, born in today's Ukraine (Gogol himself used the older common name "Little-Russia"). He serves as an ideological influence for the band because he "smuggled" Ukrainian culture into Russian society, which Gogol Bordello intends to do with Gypsy/East-European music in the English-speaking world. "Bordello," in Italian, refers to a brothel or a "gentleman's club." The band was originally titled Hütz and the Béla Bartóks, but Eugene Hütz says that they decided to change the name because "nobody knows who Béla Bartók is in the United States."[3] The band played their first show as the unofficial band at an after-hours club called Pizdetz where they became the house band and DJ Hütz became the house DJ. The band has toured tirelessly throughout Europe and America. They have made numerous appearances at international festivals and have toured with such diverse bands as Primus, Flogging Molly, and Cake. In an interview with NPR, frontman Eugene Hütz cites Jimi Hendrix and Parliament-Funkadelic as among the band's main musical influences.[3] They have mentioned Manu Chao, Fugazi, Zvuki Mu, Karamelo Santo, Sasha Kolpakov and The Clash as influences as well. Current members: Eugene Hütz (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion) – Ukraine (1999–present) Sergey Ryabtsev (violin, backing vocals) – Russia (2000–present) Elizabeth Sun (percussion, backing vocals, dance, general performance) – China/Scotland (2004–present) Thomas "Tommy T" Gobena (bass[10] backing vocals) – Ethiopia (2006–present) Pedro Erazo (percussion, MC) – Ecuador[11] (2007–present) Oliver Charles (drums) – USA (2009–present) Michael Ward (Guitar / Backing Vocals) – USA (2012–present) Pasha Newmerzhitsky (accordion; backing vocals) – Belarus (2013–present) |
"From Broadway to the Met….plus" with Dominic Karcicby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Dominic Karcic and vocalist Cheryl Spielman will be the featured performers on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 6:PM at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY. Come hear the music from the American Song Book, Broadway, Tin Pan Alley, Opera, Operetta plus much more. For Dinner reservations contact: Frank 631-261-6344 |
Silicon Valley Accordion Society to Feature Paul Betkenby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Paul Betken of Arizona will be the featured performer at the Silicon Valley Accordion Club on January 4, 2015 in San Jose, California.At the age of 15 yrs., Paul mentored under the blind jazz accordionist, Leon Sash. Their friendship blossomed into a life long relationship with Leon’s gifts of wisdom and music. Paul has performed for many years as a soloist and with small groups and orchestras throughout Metro Chicago. His experience is anchored in most all musical genre’s in extensively varied venues. He has performed in shows, private parties, theatres, country clubs, hotels and lounges etch and was a former resident accordionist in Chicago for Bobbi Vinton. As a resident of Tempe, AZ for the last 10 years, Paul enjoys casual engagements and jam sessions all around town. He keeps active at national events and festivals. In June, 2014, he released his latest CD, “Paul’s Turn – Jazz Accordion” showcasing the accordion in a Pop/Jazz mode featuring songs which one would not expect to be heard played on the accordion. Past and recent performances: • Annual Arizona Accordion Festival (2007 to present) • International Accordion Convention in Las Vegas (solo lunch concert – October 2010) • Florida Smash, Southeast Accordion Association, Orlando, Florida, November, 2012, “A Tribute to Leon Sash,” concert • North Hollywood Accordion Club, July 2012 • 1st Runner-up, Senior Division, Roland Accordion Festival Competition (2012) • the “Jazz Series” at Sacred Grounds, Phoenix, AZ, “A Tribute to Leon Sash” July, 2013 • International Accordion Convention in Las Vegas (duet concerts - September 27, 2012 and October 28, 2013) • Mesa Accordion event, concert – February, 2014 • Workshop and concert at the NAAC convention (Dallas, 2014) • Cotati Accordion Festival, August, 2014. Future concert schedule: • Dallas NAAC 03/2015 • Las Vegas International Convention 06/2015 Silicon Valley Accordion Society meetings are held the first Sunday of each month at Harry's Hofbrau 390 Saratoga Avenue San Jose, CA 95129 at the corner of Kiely Blvd. Doors open at 1:00PM, the program begins at 1:45. The door fee is $5, under 16 - no charge. For further information: pdbetken1@msn.com, |
Dr. William Schimmel and Corn Mo Record Schubert's "Die Winterriese"by Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Dr. William Schimmel and indie rock singer Corn Mo have released the entire cycle of Franz Schubert’s Die Winterreise (Winter Journey) available for digital download on bandcamp.comDie Winterreise, published in 1828, consists of 24 songs set to the poetry of Wilhelm Muller. Corn Mo, who has released seven albums of his own material, performs the vocal part in his own highly personal “legit” manner and Dr. Schimmel realizes the accordion part directly from the original piano part giving it folk-like as well as orchestral dimensions. The recording consists of live performances from the American Accordionists’ Association Master Class and Concert Series 2013/14 - The Schimmel Seminars - at the Tenri Cultural Institute of New York. For more info: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
WATCH: Tom Izzo Playing Christmas Songs on His Accordionby Rita Barnea |
| Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has his own weekly radio show and, most of the time, the show focuses on basketball. In addition to being a great basketball coach, Izzo is also a skilled accordion player.It's become a yearly tradition for the Spartan basketball coach, donning his accordion and rocking out some Christmas Carols for the Tom Izzo Radio Show. This years edition featured "Jingle Bells" and "Up on the House Top" with the players singing along.The videos above comes from the Vine of Michigan State director of basketball operations Kevin Pauga. Tom Izzo is a great example of how playing the accordion brings a very unique and enjoyable musical experience to everyone. Consider playing YOUR accordion for others in 2015 and don't worry about your level of expertise! |
Dr. Robert Young McMahan in Recent Performancesby Rita Barnea |
 You can download the printed program at: 2014WCC.pdfDr. Robert Young McMahan was recently invited by Dr. Joe Miller, Director of Choral Activities at the Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Princeton, NJ, to perform in the WCC annual Christmas program, “An Evening of Readings and Carols”, at the Princeton University Chapel, for the evenings of December 12 and 13, for large sold-out audiences. The chapel is of cathedral size and has an audience capacity of almost 2000 people. He accompanied a sextet of singers in Benjamin Britten’s "Friday Afternoons, Op. 7, no. 5", “A New Year’s Carol”; played a full introduction to Malcolm Sargent’s a cappella arrangement of "Silent Night"; and played a solo, "Prelude and Sarabande", for accordion, by George Kleinsinger, which is an AAA commissioned work. Dr. McMahan commented, "Its meditative, rather wistful mood and use of modes made it an ideal interlude for a Christmas program of this sort. This was a truly heady experience for me in that the classical accordion was exposed to some 4,000 people, mostly of educated backgrounds who have known nothing of the accordion in this capacity. I received multiple compliments from many people, including the Chapel organist, a noted artist, who was amazed at the accordion’s capabilities and unique idiomatic qualities. This may well be the largest audience of non-accordionists who like classical music but have not heard the instrument in this capacity for which I have ever performed. Though the Kleinsinger is a late intermediate-level, 3-minute piece, and certainly not highly virtuosic, it demands mature interpretation and beautifully displays the accordion’s lyrical and song-like qualities. In short, the situation for this concert was perfect for the accordion and this particular selection." Next performance by Robert McMahan is in a one-act opera in which accordion is used throughout. Performances are January 9 and 10, 7:30 PM, with the Princeton University Opera Theatre, Gabriel Crouch, conductor, David Kellett, director, in the University’s Richardson Auditorium, 68 Nassau St, Princeton, New Jersey. The opera is "Tobias and the Angel" (an Old Testament story), by the English composer Jonathan Dove. The first half of the evening will feature Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and the second half will present Tobias and the Angel, in which he will be playing. Dr. Robert Young McMahan, DMA is a Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Theory Studies, Music Dept. of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). He is also Secretary of the AAA. For further information: grillmyr@gmail.com |
Cotati Accordion Festival Donates $23,800 to Local Nonprofitsby Rita Barnea |
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| The Cotati Accordion Festival this year partnered with two new nonprofits, bringing the number to seven youth organizations it supports within the Cotati/Rohnert Park/Penngrove communities. The CAF in 2014 donated a total of $23,800 to local organizations, which is the largest one-year total to date. Donations included: $5,260 to the Cotati/Rohnert Park Co-Op Nursery - $5260; $5,620 to the Cotati/Rohnert Park Education Foundation (the foundation’s largest cash donor); $5,260 to Thomas Page Academy (pays for one year of Mister Music); $3,260 to Cotati Boy Scout Troup No. 4; $1,500 to Penngrove Elementary 6th Grade Outdoor Education; $300 cash and $300 in kind to Piranhas swim team in Rohnert Park; and $300 cash and $300 in kind to Rancho Cotati Little League. These groups provide the festival with the people power to keep the festival running smoothly. Their duties range from set up to clean up, security, staffing the gates, organizing the raffle, handling money for beer and wine sales, running the parking lot shuttle, etc. This year, Petaluma Poultry donated $5,000 to the CAF plus and an additional $2,263 from food sales which was then divided among the seven nonprofit groups. The CAF’s silver anniversary (25 years) is scheduled for Aug. 22-23, 2015. See future USA news publications for more info. |
Stolen Accordion in Texasby Rita Barnea |
| From the Houston news KPRC Local 2, contributed by Keith Garvin, Anchor/Reporter: Jose Martinez continues to jam with his Norteno band Grupo Arriero -- but one important piece is missing. His primary accordion is in the hands of a thief who stole it outside a home in the city of South Houston early Sunday morning after the band had wrapped up an engagement late Saturday night. The thief stole the accordion from Martinez' SUV, and Jose believes he was trying to steal the other one as well. The search for the instrument has gone viral after Martinez posted the incident on his Facebook page. There have been hundreds of shares and friends asking friends to keep an eye out at pawn shops and on the streets. "It feels good to know that many people appreciate you and are willing to help you out even if they don't know me," Martinez says, "people I've never met before sending me personal messages." The accordion is valued at about $4,000 -- quite a bit of money, but Martinez places even more value on the instrument. He's played the accordion for more than half his life. It's how he takes care of his wife and three daughters and he wants it back to continue his career with his band. "It provides for me and my family and it has been for the past 15 years," says Martinez. "I started playing when I was 14 and it's been a part of my life for a very long time." Anyone with information about the stolen accordion is asked to contact police with the city of South Houston. |
Tribute to Roy Carrierby Rita Barnea |
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| Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, Chubby Carrier and the Swamp Band, paid tribute Tuesday, December 30, 2014, to the bandleaders’ father, the late Roy Carrier, during their fifth annual tribute party at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki in Opelousas. Also performing were Jeffrey Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band and Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie. “I always like to go old school,” organizer Troy “Dikki Du” Carrier said. The non-smoking event was a successor to the holiday bash that Roy Carrier hosted for more than 15 years before his death in 2010 at the Offshore Lounge in Lawtell. For almost 30 years at that location, the elder Carrier allowed newcomers to jam with his band The Night Rockers on Thursday nights and encouraged them to carry forward the traditions of zydeco music. “Musicians who didn’t know how to play zydeco, that’s where they learned,” Dikki Du said. The lounge helped to launch many musicians, including Delafose, Beau Jocque and Carrier’s Grammy Award-winning son Chubby. Roy Carrier developed his singular accordion style after a farming accident that claimed part of an index finger. Like his father, a sharecropper, he mostly played gigs in St. Landry and surrounding parishes. His primary job on an offshore oil rig — seven days on, seven days off — allowed him time to practice when he was away and perform and record while he was at home. After he retired from the rig in the late 1980s, Roy Carrier helped to spread the popularity of zydeco by touring beyond Louisiana. Wherever he performed, he encouraged his fans to visit Louisiana. That’s how the Carrier Festival around New Year’s Eve became a destination event for out-of-town music lovers, his son said. “So many people were coming down for New Year’s” and the Carriers’ event, Dikki Du added, other venues started to book special events that make the turn of the year a busy season in Acadiana for visiting zydeco dancers and musicians from coast to coast. Proceeds from the event may help speed up the reopening of the Offshore Lounge, which closed after his father’s death. Earlier this year, he paid off his father’s $10,000 loan on the club. “Now I can sleep at night,” the younger Carrier joked. “I took on the challenge to keep the Offshore Lounge on the ground in Lawtell,” he said. “I wanted it to be paid off before anything else happens there.” |
WMAS Celebrates Season with Festive Music, Food and Much laughter!by Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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 What a terrific way for the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS) to end the year: our 12th annual Holiday Concert, held on December 14, was attended by the largest audience we have ever had (140 people), and it was a huge success! We had 24 accordionists and a guitar player in the Holiday Orchestra, several soloists and, for the first time, our duos all consisted of accordion with another instrument. We had two accordion duos with violin, one with oboe, and one with classical castanets. All played beautifully and added so much to the festive atmosphere. As always, so many of our members and their spouses worked hard to make the day a success. We had beautiful handmade decorations and centerpieces, a tremendous amount of delicious refreshments, many hands when it was time to move tables and chairs, and the list goes on and on. Our emcee, Ken Kunec, kept the concert light and amusing with his jokes and his uplifting musical interludes, and our very own percussionist, Santa Claus (Luis Uribe), looked so “adorable” that the musicians had a hard time playing through their laughter. “It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most; it’s making a great deal out of the little ones.” -- Jean Webster. Since the club was founded in 2003, WMAS has been making a great deal out of the little pleasures and accomplishments of our constantly growing membership. We work as a group, for a group, that celebrates our deep love and appreciation of the accordion. We at WMAS want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy New Year! Photo descriptions: Top:WMAS Holiday Orchestra, Joan Grauman conductor. Bottom: Accordion Duos, clockwise from top L: Rocio Ford(castanets) and her father, Robert Ford; Michael Hansen(violin) and Robert Ford; Judy Humphrey(oboe) and Peter DiGiovanni; Nick Sungenis (violin) and Mark Nejako. Left: Percussionist, Luis “Santa” Uribe with Val & Donna Zadnik and Mara Cherkasky. |
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Video: Cajun Strangers on the 30 Minute Music Hour.by Harley Jones |
| Cajun Strangers on the 30 Minute Music Hour, Wisconsin Public Television. Performing an original composition: "Amiral Rouge". Amiral Rouge is a translation of the English "Red Admiral" which is a North American buttery. Published on Sep 24, 2014. |
Donor Gives Salmen High Orchestra an Accordionby Rita Barnea |
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| As contributed by Jeffrey Hursey: "Musical talent is in no short supply at Salmen High, which is why instrument donations are so special to the school. Responding to an article asking about spare instruments, Salmen's orchestra received an accordion donated by Ms. Irma Hillery. As it would happen, orchestra student Gabriell Pivovaro has experience with the accordion, having played it now for about a year and a half. The accordion is now an integral part of the orchestra and newly formed polka band. The orchestra would like to give a special thanks to Ms. Irma and her generous gift." This is an example of how one person's generosity and love of the accordion will educate and have a positive impact on young students and their audiences. Photo: Salmen High School student Gabriell Pivovaro (left) plays an accordion generously donated by Ms. Irma Hillery (right). |
Music Videos of the Festive Seasonby Harley Jones |
Video 2: Maurice and Alanah Jones
Video 3: Lionel Reekie
| Video 1: Father and daughter duo, Masha and Sergei Teleshev play the 'Good News Polka' and wish everyone a Happy New Year. Video 2: Another father and daughter duo, Maurice Jones and Alanah (New Zealand) in concert in December performing 'Rockin Around the Christmas Tree'. Video 3: Lionel Reekie has made many concert tours in North America, and was filmed singing "O Holy Night" ("Cantique de Noël") by Adolphe Adam at the same concert in Takpuna, New Zealand. |
Future events |
Manny Corallo and Frank Toscano Perform January 7th for LIAAby Rita Barnea |
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| Accordionists Manny Corallo and Frank Toscano will be the featured guest artist at the Long Island Accordion Alliance meeting on January 7, 2015 at 6:PM. Composer, arranger and music editor Manny Corallo started at age four playing the drums and soon switched to the accordion. Manny took lessons from his father’s accordion teacher – Frank Toscano! As Manny says, it was at first a father son-bonding thing to both play the accordion. But soon Manny had a lifelong love affair with music. At age 13 he also began piano lessons with Frank and has gone on to compose and arrange music, first for commercials, and then he began arranging for various artists. Manny then had a chance to score a children’s cartoon, which led him to scoring music for the movie "Pokemon". Manny has gone on to score and arrange music for many projects including recordings and live productions. Manny attributes his success to a great music education from Frank Toscano and is very proud of his musical relationship with Frank and Angelo Di Pippo as the Accordion Kings. Please see the following site for more information on Manny: www.musicforaccordion.com/inform/mcorallo/ Frank Toscano has made music his entire life. For more than 47 years Frank has been a music educator and professional musician. For over four decades Frank has headed the “Frank Toscano School of Music”. Born & raised in New York, Frank came from an Italian family who valued the idea of music being played in the house constantly. Without a choice from his father, Frank took lessons on the accordion under the direction of Emilio Chiesa & never dreamed that it would become the passion of his life! Frank’s passion is both education and performing. Frank is an accomplished pianist, accordionist and jazz artist who has performed with many artists. He can be heard on many recordings of other artists too numerous to mention. You can hear Frank on his recording “Accordion to Frank” as well as on the Accordion King’s new release. Recently, Frank, along with Manny Corallo, joined Angelo Di Pippo to form the acclaimed group, Accordion Kings. To contact Frank: Frank@franktoscano.com The event takes place at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY. Call 631-261-6344 for reservations. For more information: dkarcic10@verizon.net |
2015 Accordion Eventsby Rita Barnea |
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| Here are a few of the many 2015 accordion events taking place this year. Read the February 2015 and future publications for details about these events and many more. Start planning your accordion vacations now! The M.A.M.T.G. is sponsoring their 2013 Music Festival from March 27-29, 2015 in east Hanover, NJ. It will be held at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey. There will be $20,000 in awards and cash prizes. For more info: mamtg.org The Las Vegas International Accordion Convention takes place in Las Vegas at the Gold Coast Hotel from June 22-25, 2015. Many well known and virtuoso accordionists will perform including Riders in the Sky, Grayson Masefield, Joey Miskulin, Stas Venglevski Mary Tokarski, Luciano Testani and more. Plus The Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra directed by Professor Joan Sommers. |
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Jazz Accordionist Cory Pesaturo to Perform at NAMMby Rita Barnea |
 Jazz Accordionist Cory PesaturoCory Pesaturo is "Revolutionizing the Accordion" which is the title of his TED Talk on October 2, 2014 which you will see in the above video. . Cory Pesaturo's performance will surprise and delight, tracing the history of the accordion in America--including it's downfall in popularity in the 1960's until today--and what he's doing to reinvent the instrument (hint: LED lights are involved). Get ready for an entirely new perspective on the accordion as various styles of music are skillfully performed on this distinctive instrument. Cory Pesaturo is an American musician from Cumberland, Rhode Island who has been playing the accordion since the age of nine. Cory is one of only four accordionists in history to win a World Championship on both acoustic and electronic accordion, and is the only person to also win a world championship in jazz. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations) Cory Pesaturo continues his busy performance career at the NAMM Show for the 7th straight year from January 22-26th, 2015 in Anaheim, CA. He will be recording with Scott Page of Pink Floyd who has become a great friend of his recently. In December 2014, he sold out his Annual RI Jazz Concert which featured Jazz Legends Bob Giullotti, Marty Ballou and John Allmark. Generously sharing his talents, Cory volunteered at the Hasbro Children's Hospital in December playing Holiday music for the entire hospital. For further information: cory.pesaturo@gmail.com |
New Hampshire Accordion Association Membership Kickoff Meeting January 17by Rita Barnea |
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| The NHAA will hold their annual membership kickoff meeting on Saturday, January 17, 2015 from 12:30 - 4:00 PM at Accordion Connection, LLC, 136 Route 106,Gilmanton, NH 03237 Call: 1-800-328-5227 for more information. During the meeting there will be a jam session/warm-up, open mike for all accordionists followed by a business meeting, social time and play along in memory of Nils O. Lundin Accordion enthusiasts of all ages are warmly invited to become part of New Hampshire Accordion Association's musical family. If you have not already renewed your NHAA membership or if you have yet to join NHAA's fun, friendly group of accordion-lovers, please accept this open invitation to do so. You don't have to play. Non-players are welcome, too! Whether you play, used to play, just like the accordion or want to know more about it, everyone is welcome -- accordionists of any level, from beginner to professional, as well as those who prefer just to listen. If you have yet to experience an NHAA meeting, please come as their guest! After you discover how much fun they have, you will probably want to join. And NHAA membership dues are a bargain -- only $30 per family per calendar year.Come one, come all -- and, if you want to, bring your accordion! ACCORDIONS NOW! Music Festival is on hold at this time of publication. Many people have been inquiring about ACCORDIONS NOW! 2015.Courtyard Nashua has recently notified the organization the function space customarily used will be closed for renovation during July, August, and part of September. Festival plans are on hold, but watch for alternate events and dates. Please inform the NHAA by 4:PM Friday, January 16, 2015 if you will attend the meeting. If the weather for NHAA meeting day is questionable, please check with Sue Welch at Accordion Connection before traveling to Gilmanton. If driving conditions in New Hampshire are hazardous, we will use emails and a telephone tree to advise members who usually attend not to attempt the trip. For more info: Donna Maria Regis, Music Director 1-603-216-9582 regisdonna@yahoo.com Suzanne Welch, Executive Secretary 1-800-328-5227 |
Winter Folk Music Festival in Montpelierby Rita Barnea |
 The Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture presents the Fifth Annual Winter Folk Music Festival, ‘Spice on Snow’ fromJanuary 15th-18th, 2015 The festival will take place in various locations in downtown Montpelier including: Bethany Church, Skinny Pancake, City Hall, Charlio's World Famous, Sweet Melissa's, Capitol Grounds, Bagitos, North Branch Cafe, and the Summit School. This festival is supported in part by the Montpelier Alive, Skinny Pancake, Vermont Violins, Vermont Public Radio, Young Tradition Vermont, WGDR Goddard Radio Station, and many others. Winter is cold in Vermont! The Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture will heat things up by hosting ‘Spice on Snow’ Winter Music, Food and Dance Festival January 15th-18th, 2015. There are nationally known artists performin in capitol city of Montpelier to teach workshops and play concerts throughout the weekend; featured artists include: Jay Ungar and Molly Mason (who's fiddle tune 'Ashokan Farewell' was made famous by Ken Burn’s Civil War documentary, and who are the founders of Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camps), The Revelers from Louisiana (featured on the TV series ‘Treme’, and Anthony Bourdain’s ‘No Reservations’), Corey Porche (Cajun/Zydeco dance and accordion), Jeremiah McLane and Ariel Friedman (Quebecois and Original Music), Jon Gailmor (Kids songwriting workshops and performances) and the Green Mountain Playboys (Montpelier's own Cajun band). Other performances include: The Starline Rhythm Boys (Honky-Tonk/Rockabilly), The Rear Defrosters (Rockabilly/Honky-Tonk), Two Cents in the Till (Bluegrass), the Zeichner Family Band (Celtic/Appalachian), the Ollabelles (A Capella harmony singing), and more. Celebrate the winter with dances, cooking classes, music workshops, and concerts. The Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture is a non-profit folk music school located in Montpelier, Vermont. We host ongoing classes, workshops, and concerts for adults, children and families year-round. For a complete festival schedule, go to summit-school.org. For information, call 917-1186 or e-mail director@summit-school.org. Festival tickets can be purchased online at the website or at Vermont Violins, 2 Main Street, Montpelier. Photo ofAccordion player and dance instructor Corey Porche. Photo courtesy of Corey Porche. For more information: http://summitschool.wix.com/summitschool#!winterfestival/c10p |
2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concertsby William Schimmel |
 Be sure to mark your calendar for the2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concert Series with Dr. William Schimmel as Moderator/Curator.chock full o’ learnin’! a few items to drink in - OR CHEW ON! - or eliminate bill’s reality suite no 2:! 1. the enjoyer 2. everybody thinks it’s windy 3. the owl I thought i knew! wist! in all the old in between spaces ideals bra bra brasil ssiere in your eyes thankYOU Peter Gabriel (double passacaglia) love and rage klezbach bachianas argentinas mini brandenburg (faux) toccata and fugue in d minor a bach sandwich a.bach reality noah’s arch liszt’s hungarian reality (regards enescu) four obereks vonweber’a conzertstuck expedited concertante originale sullivan vs gilbert scoreggia de la fuga (fart of the fugue) it was Dr Schimmel’s former mentor, Dr. Jacob C Neupauer who used to urge us TO: “dIp our cups into the pool of knowledge” creating a New Power! It was Tammy in Tammy in the Bachelor (the movie) who expressed to a college chum that her head was exploding from “all that learnin’ “ and that’s exactly how we feel at the Seminars! Our heads explode like the old hootie owl hoots! and Hurricane Tammy - well, you know what I mean SO... (thank you again Peter Gabriel) here’s your chance to “dip your cup into the pool of knowledge” let it overflow and come back for more and more and more we know the virtue of less - but ........? (shoulder shrug/hands up) perhaps not too much or too little .......? Nahhh! - too much It’s our 21st smash year at The Seminars: Dates: August 7, 8 and 9, 2015 Place: Tenri Cultural Institute - 43A West 13th St - between 5 and 6th Aves Times:Master classes at 3 PM - Concerts at 7 PM For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |