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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
REMEMBERING Faithe Deffner, Castelfidardo - Italy
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Celebration of the Life of Faithe Deffner, July 13, 2014
Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival in San Francisco, CA
American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 2014 Festival, New York – USA
Vivant! presents Musical Extravaganza 'Hooray for Hollywood!', Kansas City - USA
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Leavenworth Accordion Celebration, Washington – USA
A World of Accordions Museum Enjoys Unprecedented Growth
Ost Thueringen Jugend Akkordeon Orchester In Fort Wayne
Jac & Co - US East Coast Spring tour 2014 – USA
Video: Nick Ariondo, Memorial Concert Tribute to Edward Hosharian - USA
So You Have Low Back Pain ...... What Can You Do?
“Honoring Dr. Willard (Bill) A. Palmer Festival and Fundraiser”
Video for Independence Day by Joseph Natoli
Future events |
Alex Meixner Upcoming Performances, USA and Scotland
7th Annual Accordions Now! Music Festival, August 8th - 10th
Video: Nick Ariondo Video and Upcoming July 13 Concert - USA
20th Anniversary of SkandJam honoring Walter Eriksson
Ken and Mary @ Polka Festival, Ohio – USA
Beaches Accordion Festival, Newfoundland – Canada
2014 Michigan Irish Music Festival
Victor Prieto Trio Concert, New York – USA
Those Darn Accordions Mid-West Tour – USA
Highlights |
Faithe Deffner Official Obituary by Helmi Harrington - USAby Harley Jones |
 Faithe Deffner, a dynamic and legendary personality in the accordion world, passed away earlier this month. This official Faithe Deffner Obituary has been written by Helmi Harrington, Director of the World of Accordions Museum, Wisconsin, USA, at the request of Faithe Deffner. Pictures and other information has also been added to the internet page. Faithe Deffner Obituary |
REMEMBERING Faithe Deffner, Castelfidardo - Italyby Beniamino Bugiolacchi |
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 Picture above at the 2008 Coupe Mondiale in Glascow: Manfred Gàbler (then Klingenthal Director), Beniamino Bugiolacchi of (Museum Castelfidardo Director) and Faithe Deffner (AAA Delegate). Pictures by the author.The author, Beniamino Bugiolacchi is an entrepreneur in the field musical instruments and the owner and manager of Italcinte, musical instrument strap and accessory manufacturer. Beniamino Bugiolacchi has made many important contributions to the accordion over the years and was instrumental: - in the birth of the Premio Internazionale di Fisarmonica, Città di Castelfidardo accordion competition and festival. - in the founding in 1981 of the "International Museum of the Fisarmonica" (accordion) in Castelfidardo of which he is still a Director. - in writing many publications about the history of the accordion in Castelfidardo region. Beniamino Bugiolacchi writes: I learned a few days ago of the sad passing of Faithe Deffner. This news has left me with a deep sadness as the mutual esteem that united us was huge. I have known Faithe Deffner from back in 1967 when I had been called by the Pro Loco of Castelfidardo to organise at the Teatro Astra in Castelfidardo an exceptional accordion concert organized by Ernest Deffner in collaboration with the owners of the Italian accordion factory Titano Victoria (picture left of program cover). Picture left in 1985, of Pino Bontempi (translator and former singer at the New York Metropolitan), Faithe Deffner and Beniamino in the Castelfidardo square. The show consisted of famous accordionists from the USA making a musical tribute to the Italian manufacturers of this popular instrument. It was from the late '40s that the city of accordions had last hosted big name American accordionists. The last was Peter Deiro. The success of the concert was great because the duo Palmer / Hughes, Stanley Darrow and the orchestra "The Duluth Accordionaires” had brought a wave of genuine musicality and new ideas. Perhaps it was that concert and the immediate friendship born with Faithe Deffner that introduced me to the concept of accordion promotion as a tool in the rock era of that time, which was the antithesis of my musical ideas. I discovered therefore a person tenacious, stubborn, who always looked to the future with optimism, convinced that with adequate and modern promotional campaign tools, the accordion could hold back the declining numbers of accordions being made and maintain an important role for the accordion in the international music scene. Since then, continuous exchanges of opinion on how best to publicize our beliefs; I in the role of Director of the Museum Castelfidardo, Faithe in the guise of distributor, publisher and executive of the Amerian Accordionist's Association (AAA). Here then, our meetings / confrontations with different cultural environments (Moscow, 1985), debates on a plane or debates about accordions at the magnificent contest she organized at the Hilton New York (1988), meetings of the heads of international competitions co-ordinated by the CIA in Glasgow (2008) so that we should come to a closer connection between the various competition and festival organizations, plus countless meetings in Castelfidardo all about promoting and ways to benefit the accordion. I feel greatly saddened in Castelfidardo to learn of YOUR passing. A heartfelt and sincere THANK YOU is owed by many here. The workers of various factories with whom you collaborated and you've got them working, the museum of the accordion that you have provided with valuable donations, all the little world of the accordion to which you have devoted ideas and a lot of passion. Benjamin Bugiolacchi Picture below: 1975 reception by the City of Castelfidardo. Left to right: Sam and Peggy Falcetti, Mayor of Castelfidardo Laura Cianca, Faithe Deffner, Dee Dee and Roger Latulippe. |
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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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Celebration of the Life of Faithe Deffner, July 13, 2014by Linda Soley Reed, President American Accordionists' Association |
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| American Accordionists' Association (AAA) President Emerita, Faithe Deffner passed away in Florida on June 3rd. There will be a Celebration of the Life of Faithe Deffner hosted by Angelica Bargou (picture below with Faithe Deffner at her 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award dinner) to be held at 11:30 am, Sunday, July 13 at the Double Tree by Hilton, Tarrytown, New York, immediately following the AAA Open Meeting and Breakfast. Those wishing to share memories are welcome to attend. RSVP mandatory on or before July 8, 2014 By phone 347-528-3177 or fax 718-984-2599 or by email to: carmela.busso@gmail.com Donations in memory of Faithe Deffner may be sent to the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) c/o M. Kendrick, 120 Valley View Road, Stratford, CT 06614 Messages of condolensce to: carmela.busso@gmail.com |
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Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival in San Francisco, CAby Kevin Friedrich |
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| ATG President Betty Jo Simon welcomes everyone to the 74th Annual ATG Festival which will be held in San Francisco at the Crowne Plaza International Airport Hotel from July 23-26, 2014. Betty Jo is pictured above as a member of the UMKC Quartet, where she is joined by former ATG Presidents Joan C. Sommers and Kevin Friedrich, and former ATG Champion Samantha Jarquio-Wagner. They will perform as part of the Friday evening concert on July 25th, which is being dedicated to the memory of long term ATG Executive Officer, Board of Director and more recently Board Member Emeritus, the late Faithe Deffner. Among the featured artists this year will be Stas Venglevski, the Frank Petrilli Quartet, Xia Gang (China), Antonio Spaccarotella (Italy), Jeff Lisenby and the Peter Di Bono Trio. The popular ATG Festival Orchestra will be conducted by both Joan C. Sommers and Jeff Lisenby. Among the three International guests this year are Xia Gang, a well known Chinese Bayanist who has many international titles, Antonio Spaccarotella, a young Italian accordionist who has won international competitions and who teaches modern and classical accordion at the Nuove Armonie Musical Institute in Italy and popular Scottish accordionist Gary Blair, who will lead a welcome "Jam Session", perform in concert and present a workshop. Also appearing are Jana Maas, Steve Albini, Café Vienna Trio, Jamie Maschler, Michael Zampiceni, The Great Morgani, AbsolutAccord and Reno Di Bono. This year, workshops will include: Bass Workshop by Reno Di Bono, Behind The Bellows by Steve Mobia, The Improvising Accordionist by Jeff Lisenby, Brazilian Music by Jamie Maschler, Rhythms of Bulgarian Folk Music by Joan Grauman, Modern Tango by Antonio Spaccarotella, Orchestrating for Digital Accordion by Steve Albini, Things I Learned At Camp! by Jana Maas, Bellows Hiccups and Other Maladies by Michael Zampiceni and Tips and Tricks on playing Celtic Ceilidh Music by Gary Blair. As ATG continues its efforts to encourage new composers for accordion, it will be featuring an original accordion composition concert on Friday afternoon. Included will be several guest artists, ensembles and the winners of the original accordion composition category which was offered this year. The festival will showcase students in competitions for solo, duet and ensemble categories with many offering cash prizes. All events open to the General Public who will find a diverse array of musical genres performed by a variety of accordionists. The ATG is offering something for everyone, and invite music lovers to come along and discover the magic and diversity of the accordion as presented by this year's ATG Guest artists. For more information on registration and pre-purchased tickets, please visit the Festival Registration page on the ATG website, or guests are welcome to buy individual General Admission Tickets at the Door for each event, and the Hotel has generously discounted their normal parking fee down to $5.00 for visitors attending ATG events for the day/evening. For more information on guest artists, the festival schedule, workshop clinicians and registration information, please visit the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) website. |
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American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 2014 Festival, New York – USAby Harley Jones |
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 The 2014 AAA (American Accordionists' Association) Festival takes place from July 9th to 14th at the Double Tree by Hilton hotel, Tarrytown, New York. The festival includes concerts, competitions, workshops, trade show, and a banquet. Picture left is AAA President Linda Soley Reed.This year’s guests include Guy Klucevsek (picture left) and violinist Todd Reynolds, Vladimir Mollov, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Steve Albini, Don Gerundo, Frank Carozza, The Plainville Plaids, Dallas Vietty, Julie Cardona, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Mary Tokarski, Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini. The Luncheon Concert takes place on Thursday July 10th, 11.30am, in the Conference Center Ballroom. Performers include local accordion entertainer, Frank Carozza, and a presentation by the Plainville Plaids of the show, ‘Forever Plaid’. There will also be a Gala Concert on Friday July 11th, 7pm, in the Conference Center Ballroom, fearuring Guy Klucevsek, Vladimir Mollov, Steve Albini, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, and Mario Tacca and Friends. Vladimir Mollov will perform both classical and jazz plus some of his own compositions. Digital accordion specialist Steve Albini will entertain, and local artist Mario Tacca will be joined by Julie Cardona, Beverly Roberts Curnow, and Mary Tokarski. Mario will conclude the program accompanying vocalist Mary Mancini. The trade show will be located in the Hudson Conference Suite, and is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with an hour break at noon. Exhibitors include Titano, Pancordion, Pigini, Roland, Deffner Music Publications, Busy Fingers, Emilio Magnotta, Dino Baffetti, Bugari, Giulietti, Music Magic, Squeezin’ Art, and the NE Accordion Museum. This year’s conductor of the Youth Program is Vladimir Mollov, who has prepared two pieces for the group: ‘Manha de Carnaval’ and ‘All the Things You Are’. The ensemble will perform on Saturday afternoon at the Awards Concert, which is open to the public without charge. For further information email: ameraccord1938@gmail.com |
Vivant! presents Musical Extravaganza 'Hooray for Hollywood!', Kansas City - USAby Kevin Friedrich |
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 Kansas City based musical group Vivant! presented a musical extravaganza 'Hooray for Hollywood!' on June 1st, highlighting music of film both in arrangements of popular cinema classics as well as cinema themed original compositions by Kansas City based composers Karen Fremar, the founder of Vivant!, and guitarist Jason Scheufler. Vivant's performance of Scheufler's new work, 'Cinematic Caricatures', marked the World Premiere of his new work composed for accordion, flute, cello, electric guitar and piano. Featured guest soloist Julie Silfverberg (Gettler), a member of Vivant!, presented premieres of several new Cinema themed works by Karen Fremar including 'That's the Rainguy (Ode to Dustin Hoffman)’, ‘Monroe (Too Hot to Cha Cha Cha)’, ‘Time's Gone By for Bogey and The Duke’, as well as a magnificent arrangement of the 1984 Academy Award winning hit 'I Just Called to Say I Love You', by Stevie Wonder, from ‘The Women in Red’. Julie was born in Ft. Scott, Kansas where she studied accordion and piano with Margie Fremar. She later moved to Kansas City where she received her Bachelor of Music in Accordion Performance, studying with Joan C. Sommers. She met and married fellow UMKC student Juha Silfverberg from Finland, and after spending some years living and working in Finland, the family relocated back to the Kansas City area where Julie works as a full time music teacher and performer. She has performed in the group The International Trio with husband Juha Silfverberg and friend Kevin Friedrich, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Fremar Foundation of Accordion Arts and is currently the President of the Federated Teachers of Fine Arts and the Mid-America Music Association (MAMA). The second half featured all the Vivant! musicians performing such greats as masterworks by Piazzolla (‘Street Tango’, ‘Los Suenos’, ‘Michelangelo '70’) and popular movie music such as ‘I Love A Rainy Night’, ‘Don't Get Around Much Anymore’, ‘Before Beatlemania’, and ‘Let It Go’. The concert 'Music and Merlot' is an annual concert in Kansas City presented by the Fremar Foundation for Accordion Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and support of outstanding accordion artists, providing education about the accordion, its music, musicians and history, as well as presenting top accordion artists in concert. All of the music was either composed or arranged by Dr. Karen Fremar (accordion/vocals) who was joined by musicians Julie Silfverberg (accordion), Melody Stroth (piano), Judy Johnson (flute), Beth McCollum (cello), Dee Sligar (Keytar bass), Janne Silfverberg (trombone/Latin percussion) and Brian Steever (drums). For more information about Vivant and their CD recordings, please visit Vivant and Karen Fremar. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Steve Albini Performs at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, California - USAby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Steve Albini often performs in the restaurant at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, owned by the famous Hollywood movie director/producer in Geyserville, California on Tuesday evenings. Steve played there this week, commenting “I have been there for almost a year now. Mr. Coppola often comes in. He also has me play for his private events at his home. I perform all night. He likes Neapolitan classics so I usually play and sing something like that for him. The food is fantastic and the winery has a wonderful atmosphere. Mr. Coppola has memorabilia from his movies throughout the winery”. Francis Ford Coppola’s most famous movies include ‘Patton’, ‘The Godfather’ (1, 2, 3), ‘The Great Gatsby’, Apocalypse Now’, ‘The Cotton Club’, and ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’, and many more. Steve Albini will be performing and giving workshops next month at both the AAA festival in New York and the ATG festival in San Francisco. For further information email: steven.albini@gmail.com |
Leavenworth Accordion Celebration, Washington – USAby Harley Jones |
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 Video above: Naomi Harris performing Opale Concerto, part of her 1st Place Leavenworth Open winning program.This year’s Leavenworth Accordion Celebration took place from June 19th to 22nd. Leavenworth is Washington’s ‘Bavarian Village’ and the perfect setting for this celebration. The guest accordionists featured this year included Tony Lovello, Cory Pesaturo, Andy Mikovitch, Juan Barco & Conjunto, and the Spokane Accordion Orchestra. Organised by the Northwest Accordion Society, this year’s event included accordion competitions, workshops, concerts, jam sessions, free impromptu performances at venue such as the gazebo, grange, and restaurants, trade show, free accordion lessons, and an Accordion Parade. Competition results: Variety II, 1. Terry Ranstad, 2. Eileen Webber, 3. Greg Gordon Variety III, 1. Corrie Sams, 2. Jack Donahue, 3. Diane Guffin Variety IV, 1. Holden Tubbs, 2. Marie Cejnova, 3. Austin Hampshire Variety V, 1. Anthony Kusmenkov, 2. Emil Haroldsen, 3. Lisa Niccum Variety VI, 1. Kailyn Crossman, 2. Zachariah Harnett, 3. Rebecca Brandao Duets (Adult), 1. Cejnova/Karban, 2. Tapio/Miller, 3. Hinterberger/Bakker Diatonic, 1. Martin Hergt, 2. Ed Sapala, 3. David Emter Bands, 1. Crazy Czechs, 2. Portatos, 3. Miss Chords March, 1. Greg Gordon, 2. Bruce Bakker, 3. Herbert Hinterberger Classical (Youth), 1. Holden Tubbs, 2. Anthony Kuzmenko, 3. Emil Haroldsen Classical Open, 1. Jan Marhoul, 2. Michal Karban, 3. Marie Cejnova. Leavenworth Open, 1. Naomi Harris, 2. Michal Karban, 3. Robert DeGoede |
A World of Accordions Museum Enjoys Unprecedented Growthby Dr. Helmi Harrington, Curator, A World of Accordions Museum, USA |
  In a phase of unprecedented growth, A World of Accordions Museum is honored by the trust shown by many estate donors in past years and those of recent origin.We proudly announce the arrival of the musical estate of Sylvia Prior (1922-2013). Pictures left and right. Together with her husband Tito Guidotti, their large music studio focused on accordion and piano studies for hundreds of students in Los Angeles and Oxnard in nearly 60 years of operation. An avid supporter of AFNA, Sylvia also contributed to the AWAM display of 2007, the year she sponsored a competition for women at the conjoined AAA-ATG Coupe Mondiale. Sylvia’s daughter Adrian Guidotti contacted the museum a few weeks ago with the offer of her mother’s studio music, reference materials, several accordions, and ca. 150 accordion figurines. The shipment totaled 43 boxes and 1,300 lbs! This major contribution to our resources encompasses early-1900s to present-day publications that include those of her father, Syl Prior, whose accordion studio was founded in 1917. It was like Christmas when we scanned seven boxes, each containing about 150 accordion collections, eighteen boxes containing about 175 pieces of sheet music in titled and alphabetized manila folders, and four boxes of piano music. Much of this music is very rare and includes original compositions by famous persona of whose works we had no examples. Although not yet fully investigated, there are dozens of accordion manufacturer’s and publishers catalogs, scholarly works, and similar materials that will benefit our research projects and answer questions posed by accordion aficionados. Six boxes of figurines encompass valuable Lladro, Hummel, and Hutschenreuther pieces as well as porcelains, wood carvings and hand-made ceramics from around the world. Among the seven accordions are very rare examples: the earliest Giulietti (1920s) of the museum collection, a delightful gold-glitter Zon-Rio previously owned by Art Van Damme, an unusual Excelsior, and two mini accordions—an 18-bass, ornately decorated Excelsior pictured with Sylvana Prior in her childhood, and a Hohner Piccola. Of special significance is the flawless Sylprio piano accordion played by her father. Dan Barski (NY), who in 2013 sent us 17 boxes of cassettes and CDs that prompted new shelving be built and reorganization of the entire recorded music library. He also sent his prize collection of figurines and two additional packages that followed his visit to the museum. His collections of music books and sheets have been incorporated into library filers and have been often referenced. Clearly, this is their best and highest placement. We have received advance notice that the Donald Hulme estate is on its way to us. Donald (1940-2014) was a Coupe Mondiale champion who had many years in the spotlight of fame. He is pictured with accordion greats as well as entertainment personalities. Years ago, the museum had acquired from Charles Nunzio a Hohner Gola said to have been Hulme’s. It features 200-basses in quint free-bass, and an interchangeable bass section (fitted to the Gola by the Victoria Co.) with Stradella and quint converter. Hulme has been a person of interest because of his fine musical accomplishments that contrast with the difficulties of his personal life. Another of his instruments is a contrived Hohner with bellows that extend about 10-feet, which we plan to use ahead of our Fourth of July parade float. We’re hoping for one more trophy for our entry this year. We are also trying to raise money to contribute to a fitting memorial for his barren pauper’s gravesite. With these new holdings we must continue to add filers and displays to do justice to the immense quantities, and our increasing number of volunteers will spend many hours in re-organizing while I look forward to new investigative research. |
Ost Thueringen Jugend Akkordeon Orchester In Fort Wayneby Harley Jones |
| The city of Gera in Germany is a sister city of Fort Wayne, Indiana and on Wednesday 11th June, the Ost Thueringen Jugend Akkordeon Orchester, made up of 25 young accordion players directed by Arnt Schmutzle, were performing at the official start of the Germanfest. The event was opened with the tapping of the beer keg by Mayor Tom Henry. At the opening, video above, the orchestra only performed the national anthems of the United States and Germany. There main concert was on Saturday 14th June in the lower level of Headwaters Park, Fort Wayne. |
Jac & Co - US East Coast Spring tour 2014 – USAby Rob Howard |
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| For over 27 years French accordionist and composer Jacques Pellarin has brought the sounds of France to many parts of the globe. With international song placements, 8 albums and multiple world tours, he has shared his French cinema-inspired accordion compositions with world-wide audiences. Recently he and his vocalist wife Corinne, as ‘Jac & Co’, have toured the East Coast states of the USA, entertaining audiences with the eternal sounds of France. According to the French magazine Le Progrès, they “bring back almost a century of the traditional French 'chanson' songs in the likes of Édith Piaf and Yves Montand, Francis Lemarque. With just voice and accordion, Jac & Co captivate audiences and transport them to the dance halls and street side cafés of France's yesteryears! There were 15 concerts, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, etc, sharing the songs of eternal Paris - Piaf, Montand, Greco, Lemarque, and more. Such was the reception everywhere, ‘Jac & Co’ will return to the USA in 2015. Jacques Pellarin’s two most recent CDs are ‘My French Cinema’ and ‘Paris Ma Jeunesse’, available via his website. For further information email: jacques.pellarin@wanadoo.fr |
Video: Nick Ariondo, Memorial Concert Tribute to Edward Hosharian - USAby Harley Jones |
| Video Published on Jun 12, 2014. The Edward Hosharian/Nick Ariondo "Accordion Concerto in G Minor" for accordion and orchestra evolved through many years of working and collaborating together. The three separate movements: Maestoso-Allegro con fuoco, Lento con espressione, Danza Viva, showcase the accordion's massive range, diversification and challenging virtuoso style. Upon Edward Hosharian's passing in 1990, Ariondo finished the incomplete 1st and 3rd movements, adding a second movement for final completion. The accordion concerto is composed in a modern contemporary style with shades of Khatchaturian, Prokofiev and Shostakovich, embodying the melodic inventiveness of Armenian folk music with the dramatic and rhapsodic Russian classic idiom. Armenian pianist Gevork Gyulatyan has an enormous reputation and plays the orchestral accompaniment with Nick Ariondo in this video of the Memorial Concert Tribute to Edward Hosharian. Edward Hosharian first heard Nick performing at the famous Russian-Armenian Kavkaz nightclub-restaurant in West Hollywood where a mutual respect and a longtime friendship transpired. Hosharian, born in Kiev, Russia, of Armenian parents, was a highly educated teacher, musician, conductor, composer and founder/director of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra (Hosharian featured Ariondo as soloist with the orchestra as well as an orchestra member). |
So You Have Low Back Pain ...... What Can You Do?by Harley Jones |
 The latest chapter released of the book 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain' by John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP) is on the topic "So You Have Low Back Pain ...... What Can You Do?"Low Back Pain is a problem that over 80% of accordionists will experience in their lifetime. This exciting eBook is being published chapter by chapter, with about one chapter being released each month. Released chapters to date are: Introduction Chapter 1 - An Overview Chapter 2 - Learning to Read Your Body’s Signals Chapter 3 - Neck and Neck-Related Symptoms Chapter 4 - The Shoulder Chapter 5 - The Amazing Brain and What It Does For You Chapter 6 - The Elbow Chapter 7 - The Great Accordion Myth Uncovered Chapter 8 - The Elbow Revisited Chapter 9 - Wrist and Fingers Chapter 10 - Caring for our Ten Precious Digits Chapter 11 - Low Back Pain Chapter 12 - So You Have Low Back Pain ...... What Can You Do? There will be a minimum of 24 chapters, 12 chapters released so far. Special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by e-mail as it is released. For more information, and to purchase: John Bonica |
“Honoring Dr. Willard (Bill) A. Palmer Festival and Fundraiser”by Dr. Helmi Harrington, Curator, A World of Accordions Museum, USA |
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 The two-day festival at the AAA affiliated Harrington ARTS Center and A World of Accordions Museum in Superior, WI “Honoring Dr. Willard A. Palmer” was dominated by the presence of “Big Red,” the magnificent harpsichord previously owned by Willard Palmer and donated in 2013 to A World of Accordions Museum by Willard A. Palmer, III. The acoustically ideal Hanni Strahl Concert Hall was the setting for well-balanced programs filled with music, educational and entertainment events. Both Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen issued proclamations denoting “Dr. Willard A. Palmer Days.” This Second Annual event encompassed more than seventeen hours during which Dr. Palmer’s unequalled accomplishments were reviewed and illustrated. In all aspects the event was an extraordinary success. Held from May 3-4, 2014, the opening session introduced both father and son in biographic summaries of comparable import. Willard Palmer, III, presented the opening session by explaining construction of the 1976 harpsichord made by A. Cecil Taylor of Houston , Texas . This highly valuable asset contributes to the esteem in which the institution is held as a national resource. “Big Red,” affectionately named for its vermillion and gold casing, is ten-feet in overall size, with two manuals, eleven pedals controlling six plectra, and its own website showing mechanisms and details of Houston artist Brent Tinkler’s hand painted soundboard of Texas flora and motifs. Special displays documenting its transport and restoration (completed for the events by Bill, III) were set up in the concert hall’s foyer. In a session describing the genius of Dr. Willard Palmer, the topics “Scholarship and Pedagogy: Methodology and Transcriptions” were discussed and demonstrated by Museum curator Helmi Harrington Ph.D. She took several pieces of Palmer’s editions from harpsichord to piano to accordion performances that pointed out interpretive differences resulting through the instruments’ characteristics. Among her selections was included use of the Titano Super-V Emperor accordion, outfitted with MIDI system, eight rows of bass buttons including double converter pitches from “C1” to “B5,” among additional features. She restored this instrument in 2013, when included in the younger Palmer’s donation of his father’s estate to the museum. A unique person of diverse talents, Willard Palmer, III, spoke on “Secrets Behind the Masterwork Editions,” revealing information that only he could deliver. In the segment entitled “Master of Magic, Mystery and Mirth” he offered an audience-engaging entertainment of tremendous appeal. Surprising parallels between the invention/evolution of banjo types and early accordions came to light in his “Cultural Influences on Banjo and Accordions” lecture/demonstration. Here accompanied by his wife Julie, Palmer has the ability to captivate and hold listeners’ interest by interjecting humor into scholarly insights. Attendees were enticed to remain on-site through lunch and refreshments provided each day by local restaurants. Concerts were plentiful and varied. One such involved symphony violinist Carolyn Carver and Helmi Harrington playing Palmer arrangements and performance favorites. They also accompanied lyric soprano Amanda Bush (Master’s degree candidate) in performances of original works on which Willard Palmer based arrangements used in Palmer-Hughes books. One such was Puccini’s “Un Bel Di,” recorded during one of Palmer’s last public appearances. Another concert, involving 26 performers from Harrington’s studio, presented an historic synopsis of accordion ensemble genre from folk music and virtuoso pieces to original contemporary compositions. This program included works by, among others, Carrozza, Piazzolla, Brehme, and Pauline Oliveros, a well-known graduate of Palmer’s accordion department at the University of Houston . Touring A World of Accordions Museum were about 100 people including Mayor Hagen and former State Representative Mike Jaros. Attendees were introduced to the rich taxonomy of accordion family instruments, the books, recordings, music and history files libraries, the American Accordionists’ Archival Collection room, and the evolving Deffner Legacy rooms. Retired Professor Dr. Anthony Bukoski, popular mid-west chronicler and special friend to the museum, read excerpts from his books. Intermittent music by Harrington and an informal jam-session group played titles mentioned in his anecdotes. The festival was concluded with champagne toasts in memory of Dr. Willard Palmer and the generosity of Willard Palmer, III, his wife and family. |
Video for Independence Day by Joseph Natoliby Harley Jones |
| Video Celebrating Independence Day. Highly respected soloist Joseph Natoli published on the 4th July, America the Beautiful. Joseph writes: "Happy Birthday America. I am privileged and grateful to be a part of one of the greatest countries on earth.....America the Beautiful." |
Future events |
Dr William Schimmel Accordion Seminars eBook Downloadby William Schimmel |
  Dr William Schimmel writes: "Here is my free e-book: on credibility and why you should attend the seminars." Download the eBook at: SchimmeleBookThe American Accordionists' Association (AAA) is proud to announce the annual Master Class and Concert Series – "THE SEMINARS" The Everyday Accordion: Ordinary x Proper = Radiant" Dr. William Schimmel is the moderator and curator. The 20th Anniversary year takes place on August 1, 2 ,3 at The Tenri Cultural Institute, 43 A West 13th St –between 5 and 6 Avenues. Master Classes 3:PM – Concerts 7:PM William Schimmel further writes: "Time Out New York has called the seminars "the apotheosis of the accordion". Join us this year for the culmination of this years accordion events - and enjoy the e-book." Download the eBook at: SchimmeleBook |
Alex Meixner Upcoming Performances, USA and Scotlandby Harley Jones |
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| Performances in July and August by Alex Meixner include time in Scotland as well as several US states. Dates are: July 17, Pulaski, WI, Pulaski Polka Days July 18-20, New Ulm, MN, Bavarian Blast July 25-27, Milwaukee, WI, German Fest August 8, Fleetwood, PA, Evergreen Club August 9, Pittsburgh, PA, Teutonia Maennerchor August 10, Bethlehem, PA, Musikfest August 13-19, Edinburgh, Scotland, Space UK, Fringe Festival August 22-24, Oregon, OH, German-American Festival August 29-September 1, Berea, OH, Cleveland Oktoberfest |
7th Annual Accordions Now! Music Festival, August 8th - 10thby Donna Regis |
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| Come meet your accordion friends old and new at Accordions Now! Music Festival. Find out why folks return year after year to this warm, friendly gathering of accordion aficionados. The 7th annual Accordions Now! Music Festival co-sponsored by New Hampshire Accordion Association and Accordion Connection LLC takes place August 8-10, 2014 at the beautiful Courtyard Nashua [NH]. Talented artists and presenters include Tony Lovello, Glen Robertson & Catfish Howl, Brent Buswell, Accordions Now! Festival Orchestra [ANFO], Sam Falcetti, Lynda Fish, Dorean Kimball, Nancy Leonard, Dan Mackowiak & the Just-for-Fun Play-Along Ensemble, Richard Messina, Rachel Quirbach, Paul Ramunni & New England Accordion Museum, Donna Maria Regis, Jerry Tramontozzi, Carmen Vitanza, and – if you wish – you. At Accordions Now! you have many opportunities not only to listen, but to participate. On tap are concerts, hands-on workshops, open mike cabaret, just-for-fun play-along (music sent in advance, but no rehearsal), informal jam sessions, accordion museum presentation and exhibit, vendor displays, welcome and cocktail receptions with live entertainment, door prizes, festive luncheon buffet with musical welcome, gala dinner, an invitation to “sit in with the band” Catfish Howl and more. Various admission options are available to fit your busy calendar. Please note that July 11 is the sign-up deadline for ANFO [Accordions Now! Festival Orchestra]. July 11 is also the deadline for the special room rate at Courtyard Nashua. Festival Schedule is: FRIDAY, August 8 3 pm Hotel Check-in, New England Accordion Museum Exhibit 5-6 pm Informal Welcome by NHAA members, Registration, Music by Carmen Vitanza 6-7:40 pm Open Mike Cabaret, Cash Bar (food may be brought in from Courtyard Cafe) 7:45 pm Prelude Concert: Rachel Quirbach 8 pm Concert: Brent Buswell Post-Concert CD Signing, Photo Ops, Open Mike resumes, Night Owls Jam 'til ? SATURDAY, August 9 8:30-9:00 am Registration, Music by Jerry Tramontozzi 9am-4 pm Vendor Displays, New England Accordion Museum Exhibit 9-11:30 am Workshops by Sam Falcetti, Lynda Fish, Dorean Kimball, Times TBA 11:30 am Festive Luncheon Buffet, Musical Welcome by Richard Messina 12:00 pm Presentation: Paul Ramunni's "Boxes of Stories" Volume III 1 pm 3rd Annual Just-for-Fun Play-Along with Dan Mackowiak 2 pm ANFO Rehearsal; Jam Session for non-ANFO players 4 pm Concerts: Donna Maria Regis & Friends, ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra [ANFO] 4:45 pm Cocktails [cash bar], Music by Nancy Leonard 5:45 pm Gala Dinner 7:15 pm GALA CONCERT: Tony Lovello, Glen Robertson & Catfish Howl...and YOU? Post-Concert CD Signing, Photo Ops, Night Owls Jam 'til ? SUNDAY, August 10 11 am Hotel Check-out, Accordions Now! Friends Say Farewell Until 2015 All accordion fans are welcome to come experience first-hand the Accordions Now! motto: LOTS OF ACCORDIONS, LOTS OF MUSIC, LOTS OF FUN!! More information: AccordionsNow@yahoo.com or 603.216.9582 |
Video: Nick Ariondo Video and Upcoming July 13 Concert - USAby Harley Jones |
| LACMA's Sundays Live presents: Accordionist and Composer Nick Ariondo and Friends for a Bastille Day Concert Celebration. Debussy to Piaf, Bizet, Satie, Ariondo, Aznavour, Trenet, Gainsbourg & more.... Sunday, July 13, 2014 from 6pm to 7pm, streamed "live" over the internet. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Leo S. Bing Theatre ~ Free Admission, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles CA, just east of Fairfax 323-857-6234. Nick Ariondo, internationally noted accordion virtuoso, composer, arranger and Double Grammy-Award winner with the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra has performed onstage with Placido Domingo and can be heard in the award-winning film "Life of Pi". An artist of diverse musical styles from classical to world-ethnic & modern contemporary, this evening's performance will highlight a celebration of French classics and musical delights. Video above: Nick Ariondo performs the Chopin: Polonaise in A (Military) Op.40, No.1. The Polonaise, considered a stately ceremonial procession, originated in the 17th century at the Polish court as an accompaniment for festive processions. Early dance-related examples occur in works of Bach and Handel during the Baroque era. But, in the hands of Chopin himself, the Polonaise was used as a symbol of national heroism and chivalry with life and spirit of its native Poland. Frederic Chopin was a prolific composer of piano music -- born in Poland, died in Paris, of Polish and French parentage. |
20th Anniversary of SkandJam honoring Walter Erikssonby Kevin Friedrich |
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| Formerly known as the 'Walter Eriksson MusikFest', the renamed SkandJam will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Saturday July 26th 2014 at the popular Vasa Park in Budd Lake, New Jersey. The festival, produced by Walter Eriksson's daughter Jeanne in honor of her father, will feature dinner, music and dancing, and will begin at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $40.00. This anniversary event will feature accordion bands such as the 'Amazing Accordion Kings', 'SmörgåsBandet' the 'Swedish Meatballs' and a reunion of the 'SAC', the Scandinavian Accordion Club of New York. Born to Scandinavian parents in New York City on 30 May 1926, Walter Algot Eriksson became a formidable figure in the accordion and Scandinavian music scene in New York spending his life teaching and performing. At the peak of his teaching career, his studio hosted more than 1,000 students! He began lessons at age 9, and was already playing professionally age 14, and made his first recording by age 15. Walter’s parents recognized his musical abilities early and enrolled him into the High School of Music & Art in New York City. His first record was sponsored by C.A. Hanssen and Bros., and the group was called Scandinavian Music Makers with Gunnar Lindholm on guitar and Karl Lorentzen on bass. During the course of his active career, which involved many trips to Sweden and Scandinavia, Walter appeared on American TV programs such as I Remember Mama, the NBC Home Show, the CBS Children’s Show “Around The World with Gunther Less,” and was a guest on the Merv Griffin Show, The Arthur Murray Show and Faye Emerson Shows. He made radio commercials for Rheingold and SAS Airlines. He recorded with RCA Victor a series of folk dances under the direction of Michael Herman that were used in all New York City public schools. Walter had his own radio shows, including “Scandinavian Breakfast Club,” “Viking Melody Time” and “Scandinavian Echoes,” passed on to him by Hans Berggren. Walter played in the presence of Nordic Royalty: King Olav of Norway, King Carl Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Crown Prince Harald & Crown Princess Sonja of Norway, Princess Margareta & Christina of Sweden, and President Urho of Finland. He has also entertained celebrities Liv Ullman, Ann-Margret and Victor Borge and accompanied opera singer, Lauritz Melcior. He was featured on stage at Lincoln Center for the 1976 USA Bicentennial, along with the King of Sweden. Walter was honored with prestigious awards: Knights Cross First Class Order of Vasa from the King of Sweden, the St. Olav’s medal from the King of Norway and the Finnish Government Cultural Medal and various honors in the USA including Man of Year at New York´s Vasa Day along with Eric-Olof Ericson. In the 1980s Walter accompanied the Vasa Folkdancers as their main musician and toured with them in 1983 to Sweden and Åland. In 1987 the Scandinavian Accordion Club of New York was born, working together with his daughter Jeanne Widman. In 1988 the SAC appeared at the South Street Seaport as part of New Sweden ´88, where Walter and his son Wally played on stage in the presence of King Carl XVI Gustaf & Queen Silvia. For more information please visit www.WalterErikssonMusikFest.com or for reservations, please call 718-415-0602 or e-mail Dragspel@aol.com |
Ken and Mary @ Polka Festival, Ohio – USAby Rob Howard |
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| The `Ken and Mary Turbo Accordions Express` band perform on July 3rd, 6pm, at this year’s polka festival at `Germania’ (German Village), 543 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio. Ken has over 40 years of music experience, playing the diatonic button accordion and also the tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, and mandola. He was even bestowed the title “Baron of the Banjo” by Frankie Yankovic. Ken had his own rag/jazz band for many years, playing in and around Ohio as well as performing in the German Pavillon at Disney’s Epcot Center and at the Altstadt Fest in Goslar/Harz, Germany. Mary’s music career has spanned over 30 years, playing both the organ and the piano accordion. She has performed at numerous festivals, banquets, and for parties. For further information email: kenandmarymusik@yahoo.com |
Beaches Accordion Festival, Newfoundland – Canadaby Rob Howard |
 The annual Beaches Accordion Festival takes place from July 12th until 20th at the Beaches Heritage Centre, Church St, Eastport, Newfoundland. The daily itinery includes: Saturday July 12th - Accordion Greats Wednesday July 16th - Dine and Dance at the S.U.F. Thursday July 17th - Future of the Accordion Friday July 18th - Best of Bonavista Bay Saturday July 19th, 2pm - Salvage Stages, Accordion players in different Fishing Stages; Best of Newfoundland (8 pm) Sunday July 20th, 2pm - The Gospel Accordion Too July 14th to July 16th - a series of workshops on step dancing, square dancing and accordion skills will be held over 3 days. More details will be available later. For further information email: ephs@nf.aibn.com |
2014 Michigan Irish Music Festivalby Harley Jones |
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| The 2014 Michigan Irish Music Festival Entertainment lineup has been announced. The event takes place, 12th to 14th September in Muskegon, Michigan. Some of the lineup includes: Gaelic Storm La Bottine Souriante Moxie The Dave Curley Band The Olllam Pogey Socks in the Frying Pan Seamus Kennedy And many more! |
Victor Prieto Trio Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
| Jazz accordionist is Victor Prieto is involved with the ‘Auction Project’, July 1st to 5th, with Arturo O’Farrill and David Bixler, at Muncie Indiana, Birdland, New York. The Victor Prieto Trio with vocalist Liliana Araujo perform together on Friday July 11th, 10.30pm, at Terraza 7 Live Music, 40-19 Gleane Street, Elmhurst, New York. For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
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Those Darn Accordions Mid-West Tour – USAby Rob Howard |
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| Those Darn Accordions have announced details of their August Mid-West Tour. The TDA website will have tour updates. August 2nd - Winona, Minnesota August 3rd, 4th - St Louis with The Compton Heights Concert Band, Missouri August 5th - High Noon Saloon, Madison, Wisconsin August 6th - OPEN! August 7th - O'Marro's Public House, Oshkosh, Wisconsin August 8th - Shank Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 9th - FitzGerald's, Berwyn, Illinois San Francisco's accordion-fueled rock 'n' roll band, TDA, pumps out polkas, rock classics and catchy originals chronicling life in the weird lane. Fronted by singer-songwriter/accordionists Paul Rogers and Suzanne Garramone, TDA promises to forever rearrange your understanding of the accordion. TDA's extreme squeezeboxers mix solid keyboard chops with a groundbreaking use of guitar effects pedals and amps to produce a super-cool sound like nothing you've ever heard emanating from an accordion. Behind the amazing wall of wheeze, drummer Michael Messer and bass player Lewis Wallace anchor the band, providing a firm foundation upon which the manic TDA accordionists can layer huge slabs of sonic mayhem. For further information email: tda@thosedarnaccordions.com |