![Jacques Mornet's [non] Method Book with Video Support](http://www.accordions.com/index/squ/graphics/jmornet-en.jpg)
Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Final World Accordion Day Broadcast is on June 6th. Don’t Miss It!
Film “In Tribute to a Great Man - Louis F. Coppola”
IDEAS and The Whole Note
Remembering and Honoring Eugene Ettore
List of Cancelled/Rescheduled/Online 2020 Accordion Events
New Series “The Whole Note” Premiers Online on June 13
Passing of Rose Marie Caccamise, Owner of Roxy’s Music - New York
New Song “Night is Just the Shadow of the Sun” includes Accordionist Gary Schreiner
Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts Transitions to a Virtual Music Competition
“Clarinet for the Soul” with "The Circus of the Mind" for Accordion, Clarinet, String Quartet
New Song ”Quarantine" featuring Those Darn Accordions, Family and Friends
Virtual Accordion Camp on June 27
2020 Las Vegas Accordion Convention is Cancelled
Not Just Oom-Pah Will Be Online
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Report: 9th May World Accordion Day - Worldwide
Review: World Accordion Day Broadcast 23rd May
New Art Deadline for 2021 Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar is July 10
Video: Dedication to Lou Coppola by Alexander Poeluev - Russia
Mario Tacca at Special Assumption Church Concert, New York
Passing of John Castiglione, 1938 - 2020 - Michigan
Accordionist Rachel Bell’s Newest Composition
Cancelled: 32nd Carrefour Mondial de l’accordéon 2020
Rob Reich in Lifestream Performances
Cancellation of Stowe Tango Music Festival Bandoneon International Competition
Quaranstream Fridays by Scythian
Vancouver Squeezebox Circle Meets Outside on June 4
Music Happy Hour with Accordionist Erica Mancini
Future events |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Presents JP Jofre on June 14
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 June is National Accordion Awareness Month. National Accordion Awareness Month was established in 1989 to help spread the word about the resurgence in popularity in the accordion and to educate people about the accordion. AWW certainly educates the world about the accordion all year long!The June news includes videos of several new wonderful songs. Also included is information on accordion events which have been cancelled or will take place in an online format. There are many special reports and videos on the World Accordion Day Broadcasts: May 6, May 9, May 23. Make sure you see the next one which will be on June 6. See articles in this publication for more information. We hope that we will soon be back to live accordion concerts, festivals and events. Be careful and be safe, Rita Barnea |
Final World Accordion Day Broadcast is on June 6th. Don’t Miss It!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The final broadcast of World Accordion Day will be on June 6, 2020 Broadcast WAD2020 Starting times: * Rome 7.00 PM * Moscow 8.00 PM - * New York – 1.00 PM - * LA - 10 AM *Auckland – 5.00 AM (June 7th) * China - 9.00 AM broadcast (June 7th). These events are informative, educational and entertaining. See accordionists from around the world performing and talking about what they do. Learn about accordion organizations all over the world who are working very hard to promote the accordion. You can view earlier broadcasts 24/7: 6th May, 9th May, 23 May are online at: WAD2020 Join us for the final episode of the World Accordion Day Project this Saturday. This episode will include messages & performances from past Coupe Mondiale World Champions Tutto a Dio - Augustinas Rakauskas & Greta Staponkutė - Rakau, Liu Zhao, João Campos Palma, Carmine Sangineto, Mariya Kushnikova & Ma Qi. It will include interveiws and presentations with: Marko Štumperger- President of the Association of Slovenian Accordionists with guests Zoran Lupinc & Igor Zobin. Jacques Mornet & Ludovic Beier from CNIMA Blai Navarro García - International Public Relations Manager of Associació Catalana d'Acordionistes ACDA Yuri Shishkin & Alexander Poeluev from International Music Center 'Harmony' President Joseph Natoli & Executive Secretary Joan C. Sommers from the Accordionists & Teachers Guild International ATG Dr Helmi Harrington presenting A World of Accordions Museum & CIA Vice President Jörgen Sundeqvist representing Sveriges Dragspelares Riksförbund with guest Composer Fredrik Högberg. |
Film “In Tribute to a Great Man - Louis F. Coppola”by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Clay & Co. helps Stephanie Myers direct a short film commemorating Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) United States Air Force Strolling Strings service premier band leader, AAA's Lifetime Achievement Award winning accordionist, KCRA host and sportscaster, and Stereo Strings strolling musician/chamber ensemble Director, Louis F. Coppola. We invite you to join in watching a special presentation on the life of Lou Coppola, and to celebrate his musical legacy on his birthday, Monday, May 25, 2020 (Memorial Day). Louis Coppola passed away on April 20, 2020 in Washington, District of Columbia. An accomplished classical accordionist, Mr. Coppola won numerous titles on his instrument and was the first accordionist to win three consecutive national championships. He was also the first American to represent the USA, at age eighteen, in the Coupe Mondiale world accordion competition in Brighton, England. Excerpts from Stereo Strings website: He performed with the acclaimed United States Air Force Strolling Strings for over 28 years, ultimately becoming the leader of the organization. His Air Force career took him to the palace of Anwar Sadat, to the Far East & all over the globe. He has played at the White House for hundreds of heads of state & performed for nine U.S. Presidents in the course of his years in the military. Lou Coppola managed his own company, Stereo Strings, for over twenty years. He provided music entertainment for the Washington, DC area as well as throughout the country. Stereo Strings performed with 28 violinists at the opening of the new Ronald Reagan National Airport. Lou and his ensemble had one of the longest consecutive engagements in the country, having performed dinner music every weekend at the Officers’ Club in Fort Myer, VA. for an astounding 44 years. For information on his 2018 AAA Lifetime Achievement Award: Lou Coppola |
IDEAS and The Whole Noteby Joe Natoli and Michael Soloway – co-founders of IDEAS |
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 What a time we are moving through on the planet these days! And yet, even so, as we begin to approach 1000 participants on our Face Book page, where it all started, more and more digital/electronic accordion players are stepping up in support and becoming registered members of IDEAS. It seems that the dream of creating and sustaining a singular home and community for the world’s digital and electronic accordion players has become a reality. We are grateful for the positive energy and synergy that is now existing from all over the world as so many come aboard to share and enjoy the creative wonders of their chosen instrument. It seems that this is an IDEA whose time has come. Our firm motto of “Come As You Are” has removed so much of the usual competition and made the door very easy to open for so many who are seeking the comfort of this group. Thank you all for the rapid growth. Onward and upward as the new world begins to unfold around us. As so many accordion events are disappearing for this year, IDEAS is beginning to evolve a potential concept for a virtual Symposium of a possible new design in November – the usual time of our physical international gathering. Our membership is watching patiently with us, and allowing a natural evolution to formulate. The result could well be an entirely new type of event – virtual and cyber-involved. After all, this is an organization centered around digital/electronic instruments and our Symposiums have been filled with technological education and advancements. It only seems natural that something like this may ultimately occur from this group. Like everything else right now, it is unknown, but watch carefully here and on our Face Book Page and web site for information as we move forward. In the meantime other very exciting things are happening. The current one involves IDEAS moving out into the entire accordion world by incorporating Mr. Tris Gour into our faculty. Tris is heavily involved in carrying on the legacy of Gary Dahl with his organization – Gary Dahl–The Legacy Continues (GDTLC). Tris is proficient with, and has love for both the acoustic and digital accordion. We consider him the “balance” point between the two instruments – the fulcrum, if you will, in the middle of the see-saw between the acoustic and digital accordion worlds – and he is very comfortable maintaining that vision in his music and teaching. He is bringing his vision and music to the public with bimonthly cyber programs called The Whole Note and Joe Natoli will be the premier guest in episode two – The IDEAS The Whole Note. To honor and support that episode, and to add to our collections and library we are holding the IDEAS The Whole Note, whereby members will be contributing to our web site their best programs and digital sets of acoustic accordion sounds and configurations. After all, we digital players still play acoustic music with acoustic simulations with a great deal of joy and pleasure! All of the submissions must be from members and will be cached in the new IDEAS Acoustic Library on the web site for all members to access and use freely. Furthermore, each member who submits at least one program or set (hopefully even more) will receive from Tris Gour a specially prepared E-BOOK - complied specifically for the event – eight beautiful Gary Dahl/Tris Gour arrangements from The GDTLC Collection as a complimentary reward for their effort and contribution. No competition, because we do not compete with each other – just a mutually beneficial EVENT all around to create a wonderful acoustic sound library for our members to access at will, and support Tris Gour’s super cyber shows – THE WHOLE NOTE. Watch for them. More can be found about them in this publication in the appropriate post and notice. This promises to be a great event on many fronts as Tris and IDEAS together look out to the entire accordion community. We will focus for this moment together, and explore our acoustic roots with a library of wonderful programmed acoustic sounds as Tris brings his fascination with all accordions – acoustic and digital into the world of IDEAS. |
Remembering and Honoring Eugene Ettoreby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video 1: “Rhapsodie Espagnol” composed by Eugene Ettore, performed by Rita Barnea at the 80th Anniversary AAA Festival in Washington DC. Video 2: "Prelude & Scherzo” composed by Eugene Ettore, performed by Rita Barnea. June 2, 2020 would have been Eugene Ettore’s 99th Birthday. In honor of his birthday, I am posting the link to the website I created to educate all about a unique, versatile and talented individual who made great contributions to the accordion world and musical world in general. I encourage you to visit this page at: Eugene Ettore I was extremely fortunate to be his student. He prepared me for my long career as a music teacher in the public schools. I played the accordion every day for my students! It is a fabulous asset to any music teacher! Eugene Ettore inspired all of his students with an approach which included discipline, encouragement, and kindness. Those of you who had a music teacher as a guiding light in their lives will understand the importance of having a teacher/mentor. The lifelong benefits and influence branch out into so many other areas of life. Eugene Ettore was well known as a fabulous composer for the accordion. He performed as both soloist and in the duet team, “Concert Duo” with Carmen Carrozza, his great friend. As a Renaissance man, Eugene Ettore also played the French Horn, and wrote method books for the accordion and French Horn. He was an artist, inventor, piano tuner/rebuilder and Braille transcriber etc. He was President of the AAA (American Accordionists’ Association) three times! I presented a lecture/concert workshop, “The Life and Music of Eugene Ettore” at the 2018 AAA Festival in Alexandria, Virginia. In honor of Eugene Ettore’s birthday, I am offering a free download of the recording of his original compositions: http://www.musicforaccordion.com/eTracks/inform/davidson/index.htm If you would like to see recent performances of some of his works, please visit: 1. Eugene Ettore: "Spanish Holiday, for Accordion": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFhxhXcb7pQ 2. Rita Barnea Workshop "Accordion Miniatures”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPyCpSxiT8E 3. Rita Barnea Workshop "Five O'Clock Rush”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-7JMjGdU1c If you wish to learn his music, please email me and I will send it to you as a free download. I hope that you enjoyed learning about Eugene Ettore. He greatly deserves to be remembered and recognized for his important contributions. I would love to see more accordionists learn and perform his works. I welcome any comments sent to me, Rita Barnea, at Ritabelll@aol.com. Cell: 201-675-4861 |
List of Cancelled/Rescheduled/Online 2020 Accordion Eventsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Below is a list of cancelled, rescheduled or online accordion events. Many have recently changed to an online format. Please send your cancelled, rescheduled, or online event ASAP to Ritabelll@aol.com.We will include them in the July and future publications. It is very important to keep people informed of accordion events. We all look forward to the day when we can again attend them in person. Gordon Kohl San Diego Accordion Camp– April 2-4, 2020 RESCHEDULED FOR June 4-5 at Mangia Italian Restaurant in Chula Vista, CA. CANCELLED Call Gordon at 619-395-0454 or email at Gordon Kohl @ GordonKohlAccordions.com Rose City Accordion Camp– June 7-12, 2020 , Collins Retreat Center in Eagle Creek, Oregon CANCELLED. The 2021 RCAC Accordion Camp is currently scheduled to take place May 2-7 at the Collins Retreat Center, Eagle Creek, Oregon. Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration – June 18-21, 2020 in Leavenworth , WA is cancelled. The festival is now scheduled for June 17-20 2021. Information at: LIAC San Antonio Accordion Association June 30 Meeting is Cancelled Cotati Accordion Festival– Cotati, CA is CANCELLED for 2020 Not Just Oom-Pah! Accordion Concert and Workshops June 14, 22-28,2020 from Austin, TX Now going ONLINE - LIVE Two online FACEBOOK concerts June 14, (Alicia Baker Straka) June 22 (Kevin Solec-ki), plus 5 online ZOOM workshops June 24-28 and an online Meet and Greet Night on June 23. Gaby Thompson from San Antonio presents online Dance lessons too! Register by June 15 at accsaj@gmail.com with price at $100 for 5 workshops, 2 concerts and Zoom Meeting night! Two Youth Scholarships will be offered. Apply online by June 5. All materials delivered online, so register TODAY! See article in this publication. American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Convention– July 8-12, 2020 is now CANCELLED) in Alexandria, Virginia. The 2021 Festival will take place June 14-18, 2021 in Philadelphia. Info online at: American Accordionists' Association Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Convention– August 5-9, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Info online at Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International ATG - CANCELLED 2020 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Festival IS CANCELLED For further information: Ritabelll@aol.com |
New Series “The Whole Note” Premiers Online on June 13by Tris Gour |
 On June 13, 2020, Episode 1 of The Whole Note will be coming live to Facebook with recordings available via our YouTube channel immediately following the event. Gary Dahl–The Legacy Continues (GDTLC) has been working for several months to bring a new type of entertaining and educational experience to both the acoustic and digital accordion communities. Episode 2 will be airing on FB live on June 27, 2020 at 7:PM EST. It will be immediately available on the Youtube channel and the FB page. There will be a new episode every two weeks. Some of highlights include: • Professional grade entertainment for both the digital and acoustic accordion communities looking into what could possibly be a “new normal” in light of the recent global changes the music industry has experienced. • Announcing new Accordion Sheet Music Specials in addition to special announcement regarding new product offerings by GDTLC. • Provide educational briefs as part of each Whole Note episode that we call “Whole Tips”. Each episode will feature a new method, technique, or topic that will help the accordion community gain a better understanding of technology and its offerings. • Random episodes will feature guests with both the technical and industry experience that will provide the catalyst to get more people involved in “all things accordion”. Tris Gour (picture left) makes his home in Northern Indiana with his wife Gloria. He has been a musician, performer, and accordionist from a very young age. Tris began his studies at the age of 8 with the prestigious Gene Van Accordion Conservatory of Northern Indiana. Tris won numerous state accordion championships in several divisions and went on to receive the first runner-up in the AAA US Open Pop Solo division and winning the US Open Jazz Combo division. Tris started playing professionally at the age of 13 and by age 15 was playing 50 weeks per year. During his later teen years, Tris lead a top tier band that performed throughout the Midwest at popular hotel chains, night clubs, and private and corporate events in addition to being featured as a guest act for famous entertainers. More recently, Tris performed with a prominent R&B Tribute Band that included musicians who toured with Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Curtis Mayfield, Junior Walker, George Michael, and Aretha Franklin. Tris currently owns and operates August Dream Studios LLC, through which he has provided music for commercial and film scoring projects, music equipment manufacturers, and has aided in the development of software sample libraries. After the unexpected passing of his last teacher Gary Dahl, Tris began managing Gary Dahl–The Legacy Continues and teaches accordion to students located all over the globe. For further information contact: Tris Gour |
Passing of Rose Marie Caccamise, Owner of Roxy’s Music - New Yorkby Rita Barnea |
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 AWW announces that on June 5, 2020, at the age of 80, Rose Marie Caccamise (Batavia, New York) passed away. Born July 19, 1939, Rose Marie Caccamise owned and managed the music store, Roxy’s Music for many years. She carried on the tradition started by her father (Orazio Frank Caccamise 1910-1987 - picture left) supplying quality instruments, musical repairs, lessons, and service at competitive prices. After a few big moves and almost 30 years in the Genesee Country Mall, Roxy’s finally settled in the current location, a 15,500 sq. ft store located at 228 West Main St. in Batavia. In 2009, Roxy’s Music Store won the prestigious Business of the Year Award from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. Offering lessons, sales, and repairs, Roxy’s quickly became a hub for accordionists from all over the New York area. The business quickly transitioned from solely selling accordions to a full-service instrument store offering guitars, drums, pianos, orchestral instruments and much more. Throughout the years, Roxy’s remained a pillar of the musical community and is still one of a small number of accordion dealers in the state. Roxy’s Music Store began as an accordion studio in 1934, founded by accordionist Roxy Caccamise. Read more of the Roxy Caccamise story in the Journal of New York Folklore: Voices-2005b.pdf page 28 Rose had many friends in the accordion world and was respected by all. She will be greatly missed. |
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New Song “Night is Just the Shadow of the Sun” includes Accordionist Gary Schreinerby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Gary Schreiner recently played the accordion for a new song called “Night is Just the Shadow of the Sun” composed by Leejay Rudeniak. Additional musicians included Jordan Jancz on acoustic bass guitar and vocalist Elizabeth Ward Land. The song is very lyrical and emotional with a beautiful melody. Gary Schreiner is a multi instrumentalist and Emmy Award-winning composer for TV & Film. He has scored hundreds of TV commercials and contributed music to many TV shows and movies. Gary has performed with diverse artists such as Elton John, Rosanne Cash, Joan Osborne, Patti Labelle, Pedrito Martinez, Yoko Ono, Pheobe Snow, Marvin Hamlisch, Run-DMC, Carly Simon, John Pizzarelli, Julio Fernandez (Spiro Gyra), Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Kermit the Frog. He recently produced the band Aztec Two Step's latest album, “ Naked”, as well as Rick Moranis' last album "My Mother's Brisket & Other Love Songs". Gary has written music for hundreds of television commercials including: Award winning Cotton Council Commercial, Ralph Lauren (My Romance), McDonalds, Pepsi, Applebees, Advil, Honey Bunches of Oats, Duracell, and a number of Super Bowl spots (including one for Pepsi). His arrangement and production of Stevie Wonder's “Don’t You Worry About a Thing”, was the long-running centerpiece of UPS’s national campaign. His musical compositions have also been featured on many TV shows such as Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, X Files, and Chappelle’s Show (including the infamous Muppet-like-puppets-singing-about-all-sorts-of-venereal-diseases-episode!). Gary has composed in collaboration with his writing partner, Curt Sobel, music featured in films such as “Ray”, “Donnie Brasco”, "Parker", “Thank You for Smoking”, “Love Happens”, and “Get On Up". In the theater world Gary has co-written the music (with fellow Emmy-award winning composer, William Electric Black) for the shows "American Star!!!" and “My Boyfriend is a Zombie" both featured at the Theater for the New City. Cellist Jordan Jancz said, “Leejay Rudenjak is a wonderful songwriter with whom I’ve had the recent pleasure of working with. Unfortunately, the current shelter-in-place regulations have put a hold on his current studio project so I chose one of his beautiful songs and enlisted the help of Elizabeth Ward Land and Gary Schreiner along with the magic of digital file sharing and green screen to share it with you here on social media. Please enjoy “Night is Just the Shadow of the Sun.” I asked Leejay to share his thoughts about the accordion. He said, “I don't play accordion, but I wish I did. I love the instrument as well as bandoneon, concertina, and other variations. I grew up playing the organ. I was lucky enough to have a Hammond B3 as a boy, and my fakebooks covered most every hit song since 1900. I also studied classical music and some serious jazz, including Brubeck and Jimmy Smith, and I was a church organist during high school at a nice little Presbyterian church near the famous Lakehurst (NJ) Naval Air Station. Somehow they let me into Yale, where I majored in art. I've been writing songs since then, mostly bad, but sometimes you get lucky--like a monkey at a typewriter. I finally recorded three CDs in my 50s, mostly guitar-based, and with the help of the fantastic CT producer Richard Neal. Through him I met several great musicians, including bassist/cellist/guitarist Jordan Jancz and accordionist/keyboardist/harmonica player Gary Schreiner. Both have played on my records. Following a serious stroke late in 2017, my writing took a new turn thanks to being forced to use my left hand and thus more of my right brain, and my writing returned to the keyboard from the guitar: which for me meant better melodies and chords. I was at work on a new collection--again with Richard Neal--when the Virus hit. Among the songs I had recorded (with the help of gifted singer/songwriter/pianist Mark Mirando as well as Jordan Jancz) was "Night is Just the Shadow of the Sun." Knowing of my stroke-related nerve pain, my stalled project, and the nature of this song, Jordan surprised and lifted me with a lovely recording and video of the song made during the sequester with beautiful accordion accompaniment by Gary Schreiner and a rather beguiling vocal performance by Elizabeth Ward Land. It is a wonderful rendering. I had the title and central idea for a few years, a seeking to provide comfort to a child (and to myself) about nighttime; but I only wrote the song in its current form after my stroke, in 2019. The song simply says, in so many words, night just means the sun is shining somewhere else right now. I take comfort in that idea. Thank you Jordan, Gary, and Elizabeth! A song is nothing until it is performed.” For further information on Leejay Rudenjak: leejay.rudenjak@gmail.com For further information on Gary Schreiner: |
Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts Transitions to a Virtual Music Competitionby Peggy Falcetti |
 The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been felt worldwide. One organization, the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM), has worked hard to overcome the difficulties of the pandemic by transforming their annual music competition into a new virtual format. For the past 57 years, the annual New England Music Festival has been held during a weekend in April where over 600 students and their families gather to compete and showcase their musical abilities. With categories for accordion, drums, guitar, piano, voice, and violin players, there is a wide variety of musicians represented. Also, just last year, the ATAM added categories for adult musicians as well. The ATAM also distributes over $5,000 in cash awards and scholarships each year at this event. The competition includes many music studios throughout New England. Unfortunately, the New England Music Festival, which was to be held during the last weekend of March at the Boston Marriott Newton, had to be postponed due to the pandemic. While the competition had originally been postponed to July, the members of the association made the difficult decision to convert the competition to a virtual format. This decision did not come easily, but the ATAM found it to be the safest and most effective way to hold the competition during the uncertain times of Covid-19. With this transition to a virtual competition, the students who had worked so hard to prepare their competition pieces will still be able to perform. The ATAM has worked hard to find a virtual format that would be efficient and simple, so that all of the original contestants would have the opportunity to remain in the competition. The students will be working with their teachers and studios to record their performance and post a video for each of their categories onto YouTube. The judges will then be sent a scoresheet and video for each contestant and will score and critique each performance. This alternative design is not the ideal way to host a music competition, but the ATAM thought it was important to make sure that all of the hard work of the students and teachers was not wasted. During the difficult times of this pandemic, it is important for these contestants to keep doing what they love, playing music, while making sure they are staying safe. The ATAM is looking forward to hosting the 59th Annual New England Music Festival at the Boston Marriott Newton on April 9th, 10th & 11th 2021, but for now they are capitalizing on the advantages of technology to continue spreading joy through music during these tough times! For further information: peggyf1944@gmail.com |
“Clarinet for the Soul” with "The Circus of the Mind" for Accordion, Clarinet, String Quartetby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 David Carovillano, accordionist/composer and his wife, Becky on clarinet (Acclarion) have recorded a new virtual concert presentation, “Clarinet for the Soul” which you will enjoy immensely. Becky shares, “Coinciding with the 14th anniversary of our wedding concert and with the support of the Windsor Arts Culture and Heritage Fund's COVID-19 Enhanced Funding to help Windsor’s creative arts community, we are happy to present a concert of beautiful music composed by David Carovillano featuring the clarinet with virtual instruments.”You can watch the entire video above. If you would like to hear and see the accordion, clarinet and strings composition, please skip to 41:00 on the video. The program includes: “Clarinet for the Soul" featuring music by David Carovillano Rebecca Carovillano, clarinet David Carovillano, accordion Nadine Deleury, cello Virtual instruments programmed by David & Rebecca Carovillano Becky and David share, “As the world slowed down, we are grateful we had the chance to record this concert for you in our studio (mostly into the wee hours of the morning as we work around our two-year-old daughter's rambunctious schedule!). Spending hours and hours programing virtual instruments to play alongside the live clarinet and accordion was a monumental task but the end result helped us bring these pieces to life in a way we could have only dreamed years ago. Thank you to Nadine Deleury for her passionate performance of the solo movement from David's cello concerto "From the Ashes". Selections include: "Can I Dream?" for clarinet, violin, piano "The Arrival" for clarinet and string quartet "Daydream" from "Reflections Suite" for eflat clarinet and piano "Clouded Focus" from "Reflections Suite" for Bass clarinet and piano "Capriccio Cattivo" for clarinet and piano "Reminiscence" for clarinet quintet "From the Ashes (cello concerto), Mvmt. III" for solo cello "The Soul Awakens (clarinet concerto), Mvmt. II" for clarinet and orchestra "The Circus of the Mind, Mvmt I" for accordion, clarinet and string quartet (a preview of our next project!) At 41:00 We are so excited to share these works with you - created with love and passion! Enjoy the concert and we'd love to hear from you! Musically Yours! David & Rebecca Carovillano Supported by the City of Windsor's Arts, Culture, and Heritage Fund (ACHF), Clarinet for the Soul will feature instrumental "new classical" music including the world premieres of "The Soul Awakens" Clarinet Concerto (mvt. 2), The Arrival for Clarinet and String Quartet, selections from the album, "Reflections: Instrumental Love Songs for Clarinet and Piano", and a guest appearance from the former principal cellist of the Michigan Opera Theater, Nadine Deleury, premiering the 3rd movement cadenza from Carovillano's new Cello Concerto, "From the Ashes". The concert concludes with the return of Acclarion, giving a sneak peak performance of new music for accordion, clarinet, and string quartet! Acclarion's four albums, featured on national and internet radio and selling globally on itunes, give classical masterpieces a makeover and showcase vibrant, contemporary works. Shattering expectations all over North America with their rare ensemble, the duo has performed with Order of Canada recipient George Zuckerman, given live CBC concerts at the Glen Gould Studio with pianist Angela Park, and shared the stage with harpist Erica Goodman for their concert-wedding at the University of Toronto. For further information: rebecca@acclarion.ca |
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New Song ”Quarantine" featuring Those Darn Accordions, Family and Friendsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Enjoy the new song, "Quarantine" performed in quarantine by Those Darn Accordions (TDA): Paul Rogers (vocals, accordion, piano, guitar), Susie Davis (vocals), Carri Abrams (vocal), Ian Luke (drums), Lewis Wallace (bass), Suzanne Garramone (cocktails), Laura Rogers (vocal, guitar), Jonny Rogers (guitar). This rock 'n' roll accordion band can entertain any crowd. With four accordion players out front, and bass and drums holding down the rhythm, the band pumps out an outrageously original sound that works for almost any occasion, from giant festival stages to cozy clubs and unique corporate venues. Fronted by squeezebox wizard/lead singer Paul Rogers, the band writes many original rock and funk songs, and also explores more-eclectic musical genres like ska, country and the prerequisite polkas. The aim is always to entertain, with an emphasis on solid musicianship and an unmistakable sense of humor. TV appearances include: American Music Awards (with Drew Carey), Penn & Teller's Sin City Spectacular, Donny & Marie, Good Morning America, MTV Rock N' Jock, Wild Chicago, Bay Area Backroads,The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, ABC's World News Now and many more! TDA have been features in Time, People, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Utne Reader, Dirty Linen. For further information: E-mail: tda@thosedarnaccordions.com Phone: (360) 531-0276 |
Virtual Accordion Camp on June 27by Christine Johnstone |
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| A Virtual Accordion Camp is planned for June 27th, 2020, which will include a variety of workshops and concerts. Whether you’re an experienced accordion player or just starting out, you are invited to join the fun, camaraderie, and inspiration of a camp setting from the comfort of your own home. The day will feature an afternoon of workshops culminating in a meet-the-artist-style concert with camp staff. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and expand existing ones in multi-level Zoom classrooms, with topics ranging from repertoire-building to bellows control to techniques for the left hand. The camp is geared towards piano accordion players, though other accordions are welcome. Tutors include: Rachel Bell (accordionist, performer, tunesmith, and music educator) who will run workshops on Breton Repertoire and Left Hand Techniques. Alex Cumming (traditional singer, accordionist, pianist and dance caller) who will give workshops on English Repertoire and Bellows Techniques. Jeremiah McLane (composer, accordionist, pianist, and educator) who will give workshops on Right Hand Techniques and Bal Folk Repertoire. All participants will gather together to recap the day and have time for some Q&A's. The concert will include 90 minutes of music and fun with the camp tutors in an informal "chance to meet" style concert. For further information email: info@virtualaccordioncamp.com |
2020 Las Vegas Accordion Convention is Cancelledby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video above: Grayson Masefield performing at the 2019 Las Vegas Accordion Convention. He performs the nearly 20 mins long major cyclical work "Impasse" by Franck Angelis to great applause.Paul Pasquali, Event Organizer (picture right) announces that the 2020 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention has been cancelled. Check future publications for information on the 2021 event. Keep practicing and hope you will attend the next Las Vegas International Accordion Event. www.accordionstars.com |
Not Just Oom-Pah Will Be Onlineby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  The 2020 Not Just Oom-pah accordion concert and workshop series has moved to a live online delivery system. The event will include featured presenters Alicia Baker and Kevin Solecki who will give concerts and workshops online as follows:Alicia Baker workshops include: Parisienne Cafe Music, All About Articulation, Tips & Tricks for Left Hand Accordion, Bellows, Bellows, Bellows, The Ultimate Coordination - Singing While Playing Accordion and How to Use Piano Sheet Music for Accordion. Kevin Solecki workshops include: Different Styles of Polka Performance, Other Styles of Ethnic Music, History of Polka, How to Embellish Your Music (How to Play a Polka Effectively and Playing with Others (Duets/Bands). 2020 Concerts will be presented on June 14th & 22nd with workshops from June 23rd to 28th. Not Just Oom-pah are also offering one free Youth Scholarship for a young accordionist age 18 or under. Applications are due by June 5th. Nick Ballarini will be at the Meet and Greet workshop session. ALL Times are CST= Central Standard Time Tuesday, June 23 - Meet and Greet Online, 8 -10 pm CST Wednesday thru Friday, June 24 - 26 Alicia Straka presents each night @ 8-10 PM CST Saturday, June 27 - Kevin Solecki presents @ 1-4 PM CST Sunday, June 28- Kevin Solecki presents @ 1-3:30 PM CST The Not Just Oompah Accordion Workshop and Concert Series is the brainchild of two Texas based accordionists, Laura Niland, from San Antonio, & Shirley Johnson from Austin. They shared their thoughts, “The Accordion in many cultures is a treasured instrument. In the USA it is often ridiculed & scorned. Texans often only think of Oom-Pah accordion styles: Polka, Conjunto, Cajun, or Zydeco music. However the accordion is so much more! There is a World of accordion styles, each with its own sounds, rhythms, and techniques. Our mission is to bring exciting & interesting accordion music to audiences. Concerts performed by professional, dynamic musicians, who are experts in their genre of music, such as Classical, Jazz, World, etc., will show the public the creative and entertaining quality of this unique instrument. Workshops given by these experts educate accordionists of all ages and skill levels, who then can go out and show others that there is more to accordions than just Oom-Pah! Our vision is to stimulate enthusiasm for accordion music of all genres. Our long term vision is to partner with other organizations and possibly produce accordion workshops, camps, festivals, and concert series here in Austin as well as in other parts of Texas. Also in the future we would like to develop programs that introduce this instrument into the music and band curriculum of local schools.” This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.” Additional Support is from Texas Folklife, Central Market in Austin, Accordion Renaissance, Accordion for Kids USA, and the San Antonio Accordion Association. Registrations are requested by June 15th, 2020. For details email: Ljniland@texas.net |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Report: 6th May World Accordion Day Broadcast - Worldwideby Christine Johnstone |
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| Accordionists around the world have taken part in a 6th May broadcast, WAD2020 presenting a variety of interviews and videos around the world. WAD2020 includes: An introduction and performance by 2019 CIA Coupe Mondiale winner Kirill Rusinov A welcome by Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) and Kevin Friedrich (USA) Information and plans for the 2020 73rd CIA Coupe Mondiale hosted by the Accordion Association of Algarve, Portugal from October 5th to 11th, 2020 Information and performances from the Czech Accordion Association – accordionist Milan Rehak likes to entertain by playing something different, performing a fascinating arrangement of “Bach Meets ACDC” Interview with Motion Trio and world premiere of a new work by Motion Trio and the Ratingen Kammerchoir entitled “Helicopter” to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Motion Trio playing together. The CD will be released soon. Performances at 2019 CIA Coupe Mondiale (Shenzhen, China) by winners and concert performers, plus 2019 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival and a new composition by Nova Wan were all featured in the China Accordion Association segment. Article below with further information. The final performance is Radu Ratoi playing Dance Macabre by Saint-Saens. Radu is the winner of the 2019 CIA Coupe Mondiale Masters Category 6th May broadcast: WAD2020 |
Report: 9th May World Accordion Day - Worldwideby Christine Johnstone |
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| Accordionists have taken part in the 9th May broadcast, WAD2020 presenting a variety of interviews and videos from around the world. WAD2020 9th May includes: An introduction by Xu Xiaonan (China) speaking about his experience at the CIA Coupe Mondiale where he was the first Chinese Coupe Mondiale winner in 2012 in Spoleto, Italy. He then performs his own composition “Breeze in Summer” with pianist Xu Gehui. A performance by Matthias Matzke (Germany) who won the Coupe Mondiale Junior Virtuoso Entertainment class in 2011 and the Digital Accordion class in 2014. Matthias performs Ghost Love Score – Nightwish. An interview with DHV Vice President Georg Hettman who gives information about the DHV such as what the organisation offers, where they operate and members of the organisation. He then presents a performance by the HUMI Accordion band (Poland), 1st place winners of the Mixed Instrumentation Orchestra Youth division at the Innsbruck Festival. Georg Hettman is then joined by CIA Music Committee member Andreas Nebl and the CEO of the Hohner Konservatorium, Bernhard van Almsick who give interesting interviews regarding musical styles and how the school assists students to find their own musical style. This is followed with a video performance by Felix Fritschi. A performance by past Coupe Mondiale winner Valerio Russo, who performs a composition by Renzo Ruggieri. An interesting interview and performance with Vincent van Amsterdam from NOVAM (Netherlands) and performances from their 90th anniversary celebration concert. This is followed by information on the accordion in The Netherlands. Interview and performance with the Royal Danish Academy of Music Professor, Geir Draugsvoll who talks about the Academy, teachers, programs etc. along with various performance videos. Interview and performance with Mikk Langeproon from Eesti Akordioniliit (Estonian Accordion Society) who talks about their society, members and events organised by them. The broadcast finished with the winners of the Coupe Mondiale International Ensemble World Music 2018 - The Pillers (Austria). Plus much more for your enjoyment at: WAD2020 |
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Review: World Accordion Day Broadcast 23rd Mayby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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 Video above: Excerpt from the AAA segment where there was a video about the accordion in US Military music groups. Grayson Masefield and Kevin Friedrich interview Frank Busso Snr.Latest Episode 3, 23rd May 2020 Broadcast - Video now online at: WAD2020 This episode includes messages & performances from past Coupe Mondiale World Champions Tian Jianan, Andrea Di Giacomo, Bozidar Boza Rajic, He Qian, Pawel Janas, Pietro Adragna & Vladimir Stupnikov. It also includes interviews and presentations with: HVÖ-Vice-President Dr. Herbert Scheibenreif & HVÖ-secretary Johannes Münzner Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) General Secretary & President of Suomen Harmonikkaliitto - Kimmo Mattila President of "Music Art" Nemanja Potparic Founder of "Center of Musical Art" & Chairman of the CIA Music Committee - Alexander Selivanov President of Accordeon Salon Jef De Haes from Belgium American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Board Member Frank Busso Snr. The show hosts are CIA former President and current CIA Ambassador Kevin Friedrich (USA) and CIA Music Committee Deputy Chairman Grayson Masefield with technical assistance from CIA Public Relations Harley Jones. One final broadcast 6th June 2020 Broadcast WAD2020 Starting: * Rome 7.00 PM * Moscow 8.00 PM - * New York – 1.00 PM - * LA - 10 AM *Auckland – 5.00 AM (June 7th) * China - 9.00 AM broadcast (June 7th).   |
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New Art Deadline for 2021 Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar is July 10by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Accordionist Renee de la Prade has announced an art deadline extension for the 2021 edition of the Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar. The new deadline is July 10th, 2020. The extension gives everyone plenty of time to book plans and back-up plans for the photo shoots in these crazy times of Covid-19. Also, it will still allow her to release this calendar in September, 2020 which is when all the other calendars turn up in stores. What is the Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar about? Why does it exist? Excerpts from their website: The Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar is the brainchild of Renée de la Prada, who was working as a street performer, professional Irish musician and accordion repair technician in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2008 when the first Accordion Babes calendar was produced. Through her job at Smythe’s Accordion Center, and through her gigs with the celtic band Culann’s Hounds, Renée got to meet hundreds of accordionists who travelled through California. The 2021 Edition will be themed "An Instrument Beyond Time" and will feature images which have a look associated to an era....any era. Do you love the 60's? The 80's? The Roaring 20's? 19th Century ballgowns? Film noir femme fatales? Or do you want to be a sci-fi space babe? Or a queen of ancient history? The theme is broad-ranging so you can be creative with how you apply it to your photo. Wearing a vintage outfit in a plain-background studio can work just as well as having a more theatrical or natural background. Hopefully this theme will attract some amazing older lady artists (hint hint). It would be an honor to include you Grandes Dames of accordion in 2021! This is an independently-produced project geared towards professional musicians. The Accordion Babes calendar features photos of beautiful, empowered, alluring women with their accordions. Each artist is featured not just in the calendar, but with one song on the accompanying CD. If you would like to do a photo shoot for this edition please email Renee at: editor@accordionpinupcalendar.com As Covid-19 has also led to the cancellation of summer accordion gigs, Renee is continuing with her weekly Friday online concerts. Accordionists are welcome to book with Renee to perform at these concerts. |
Video: Dedication to Lou Coppola by Alexander Poeluev - Russiaby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
| Video: During an online concert, Coupe Mondiale winner Alexander Poeluev dedicated the piece "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen to the memory of Lou Coppola. The complete concert by Alexander Poeluev can be seen online at: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=29-May-2020&lang=en#art16498 |
Mario Tacca at Special Assumption Church Concert, New Yorkby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| On May 13th 2020, Mario Tacca (accordion) and Mary Mancini (vocals) performed at a special online concert streamed from the Monsignor Francis Ansbro Adoration Chapel at Assumption Church, Peekskill, New York in commemoration of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. The duo performed for an hour, playing some of the most loved Marian Hymns, from the 1700’s to the present. Mario Tacca, on the Board of Directors of the AAA, was born in Italy. During his childhood, his family moved to the Alsace Lorraine region of France where he began his musical studies. This is where his love and intense desire to play the accordion began. He loved the sound! He would pick up the accordion and imitate some of the songs his mother used to sing. The desire and love never diminished, despite having to walk three miles weekly to his teacher with his instrument strapped to his back! While in France, he was the winner of many regional and national accordion competitions. He went on to become a world champion, winning the World Cup of Italy, the Grand Prix of Paris, the US National Competition and the International Accordion competition held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Mario Tacca dazzles audiences across the US and around the world with his outstanding virtuosity and his exciting interpretations of international music, the classics and pop. Mario has recently been seen on MTV in a commercial for a pilot Italian Food program. Also, he was seen on the Food Network in a commercial for “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” His latest recording, “Journey Through the Classics” features great melodies from the Classic Repertoire. Internationally acclaimed vocal artist Mary Mancini has been featured in the New York Times, the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, and the Journal News and has performed in a variety of venues around the world. Able to sing in eight different languages, Mary draws from a deep repertory reservoir. She is adept at pop, show tunes, operatic arias, and sacred music and has received worldwide acclaim. Le Republicain Lorrain, in Alsace-Lorraine, France, writes that the “purity of her voice, the ease with which she interpreted the most difficult pieces showed that she is a great artist.” Mary has headlined numerous concert halls and festivals in North America, Europe, and China. She has performed at the Garden State Arts Center, Resorts International Casino Hotel, Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, and Mohegan Sun Resort Casino in CT. As a dynamic and popular performing duo, they have completed two concert tours of China. As guests of the China Ministry of Culture, they toured five cities in three weeks and performed with three symphony orchestras. Joining them on their tour was highly acclaimed Chinese tenor, Douglas Song. In addition to performing with the Symphony Orchestras, some of the most memorable moments included a performance held at the 1600 seat True Color Jazz Supper Club in the booming city of Shenzhen and in the 3500 seat Golden Opera House. Presently, they frequently perform online with inspirational music and thoughts. |
Passing of John Castiglione, 1938 - 2020 - Michiganby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| May 26, 2020 was the date of passing of Giovannine (John) Castiglione (October 22, 1938 - May 26, 2020), Director and Owner of Castiglione Accordion and Distributing Co, LLC Warren Mich. His family shares, “A generous, loving man John Castiglione was and always will be to us, a man to whom family was always uppermost in his mind, a man who was there for everyone of us whenever, wherever and for whatever was needed." He supported his children and grandchildren in following their dreams, which often included education and music, in part inspired by him as he had a zest for learning and reading and was the head of a family owned accordion store. John was 3 years old when he started playing the accordion, following in the footsteps of his father, Vincent. When the senior Castiglione came to America from Italy, he bought an accordion. Then he played it for a stranger and that person offered to buy the accordion (for three times the original cost). Vincent sold that one and bought another and another. That was almost 80 years ago and the start of what became Castiglione Accordion Co. Vincent eventually opened a studio on Gratiot and McClellan in Detroit, originally bringing accordions in from New York and then importing them from Italy. John grew up in Detroit , graduated from Denby High School and went on to graduate from Michigan State University. He moved to California where he eventually met his wife Anne, the love of his life. They settled in the Detroit suburbs and John began his lifelong work at Castiglione Accordion Company established by his father and mother Vincent and Giovanna Castiglione in 1935. John Castiglione assumed control of the company in 1960 after his father suffered a minor heart attack. Vincent Castiglione died in 1972. The company moved in 1988 from its offices on East Seven Mile Road in Detroit to a new office complex on 11 Mile Road in Warren, where the peripatetic Castiglione was launching an extensive office complex. The business, according to a 2012 news article by the Macomb Daily includes John Castiglione, and employees Bill Dietz, Yakov Todromovich and Stephanie Sturgill and offers its own Castiglione accordions, as well as many other brands of Italian accordions. John also had many interests. First and foremost his love of the outdoors, hiking and camping when the children were young and his love of travel. He and his wife were able to travel across the world to Europe, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand meeting and making some heartfelt and lasting friendships along the way. John is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Fran (Castiglione) and Jim Marshick and niece Joanna (Marshick) and husband Joe Dinello. A memorial luncheon will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, family suggests Memorial Tributes to either American Cancer Society or Hospice of Michigan.” Photo: In this photo, 3-year-old John Castiglione sits in front of his father's original store at Gratiot and Harper on Detroit's east side. |
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Accordionist Rachel Bell’s Newest Compositionby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Here is a lovely new song composed by Rachel Bell. Karen Axelrod plays the piano on the video. Rachel shares, “A brand new tune, "Waltz for Claire." A gift for our friend Claire Takemori to say thanks for the incredible work she's doing right now to make gigs happen and to connect musicians, callers, and dancers during this time when we can't gather. Claire, we are so grateful for your time, energy, creativity, and encouragement!” Rachel Bell is an accordion player, tunesmith, and music teacher based in Brattleboro, VT. She is in demand throughout the United States and beyond for concerts, contra dances, English country dances, French dances, workshops, children’s classes, and school residencies. Rachel Bell grew up playing the piano and spent her college years studying music education and classical piano. As a college freshman, she surprised even herself when she picked up a piano accordion and “accidentally” fell in love with it. She is involved with many accordion related projects: A vibrant and versatile collaboration with Karen Axelrod, exquisite violin and viola sounds from Eric Martin, a rich and energetic contra dance band called Seaglass, and a slew of French-focused music and dance adventures with Susan Kevra are just the tip of the iceberg. A recent addition has been a joyful musical partnership with Becky Tracy, and other combinations often round out the mix. In addition to a busy performance schedule, Rachel also offers creative, hands-on music classes for children from birth through the teenage years. For bookings and more information: rachel@rachelbellmusic.com For info on children’s classes and school residencies: CrabAppleJamMusic@gmail.com |
Cancelled: 32nd Carrefour Mondial de l’accordéon 2020by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Carrefour Mondial de l’accordéon President, Christiane Bouillé has announced the cancellation of the 32nd Carrefour Mondial de l’accordéon 2020 due to Covid-19. The event was to be held in Montmagny, Quebec in September 2020.Faced with the obligation to comply with the guidelines of Public Health, including the measure of physical distance of 2 meters and various other limitations and constraints, it has become impossible to hold this international event. They are determined to offer a large and quality event in 2021 and have already started working on it. Anxious to maintain a closeness with its accordion fans, festival-goers and volunteers, the team at Carrefour Mondial de l’accordéon plans to unveil an online program throughout the summer. A variety of different scenarios are currently being considered, some of which depend on the evolution of the Covid-19 situation. For further information email: direction.accordeon@montmagny.com |
Rob Reich in Lifestream Performancesby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Rob Reich has started a new daily livestream called "321 Improvise!" Every day at 321pm PDT he will be streaming a short, unpremeditated improvisation on Facebook Live. Rob said, “I started this ritual a few days ago, and it's been a fun way to share my musical explorations with folks! Improvising helps me unlock creative energies. I am often surprised and delighted (and sometimes frustrated) by the results. Sometimes I find myself falling into old patterns, and then sometimes I stumble into something totally new and unexpected. Anyway, I'm excited to develop this practice during this time of lockdown.” Rob has released his first Patreon video. Rob shared, “I started a Patreon page earlier this month, and am feeling so grateful for the support folks are showing! So far I have 16 patrons, pledging a total of $140 per month. Maybe you're interested in supporting my music-making? You can contribute as little as $2 per month. Please email me for more information: rob@robreich.com. One of the perks of supporting me on Patreon is that you'll get premiere access to my newest work. Last week I released a new music video, "Do You Wanna Swing With Me" to my Patrons. Today I unveil it to the general public.” You can hear Rob play vibraphone, accordion, piano, guitar, and drums at the SAME TIME. Rob will also present Friday Night Livestream Concerts where you can see him perform every Friday 8:30 to 9:PM on his FB page. For further information: rob@robreich.com |
Cancellation of Stowe Tango Music Festival Bandoneon International Competitionby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  The Stowe Tango Music Festival and Bandoneon International Competition organizers have announced the cancellation of this year’s event which originally was planned for August 2020. The Stowe Tango Music Festival is the United States' premier tango music festival, noted both for its unique series of performances and its high level of musical training.Organizers Hector Del Curto and Jisoo Ok are already working on meaningful virtual ways the STMF community can come together and enjoy music and each other. The medium may be different, but they can and will still share the essence of the Stowe experience. If you have a 2020 festival pass, you can take one of the following options: ** Donate the value of your credit as a tax-deductible contribution. Your generous support during this difficult time helps the festival to remain strong and keep providing tango music and education. ** Use your credit towards the 2021 Festival Pass. ** Request a full refund to your original method of payment by June 1st. After June 1st, your 2020 pass will be converted to a credit toward the 2021 Festival Pass. Founded by bandoneonist Hector Del Curto and cellist Jisoo Ok, the highlight of the festival is the Stowe Tango Music Festival Orchestra – a truly unique tango orchestra comprised of an extraordinary group of selected students from all over the globe and world-class artists including guest tango legends from Argentina. The festival also features numerous events for dancers and the world's only annual bandoneon competition – Che Bandoneon International Competition. The Stowe Tango Music Festival's mission is to to integrate and expand Stowe and surrounding communities by making Tango accessible to everyone through the music, the dance, the art, the educational programs and community events. It offers a wide range of opportunities for aficionados and newcomers to connect with Tango Music in new and innovative ways.The Stowe Tango Music Festival is sponsored by The Argentine Tango Society. For further information: stowetangomusicfestival@gmail.com |
Quaranstream Fridays by Scythianby Christine Johnstone |
 Four piece band “Scythian” performed an online show entitled “Quaranstream” on May 15, 2020.The band includes accordionist Dan Fedoryka (picture right), who, with his brother Alex, are the founding members of the group.The group had seven partners who cross-streamed the performance to their pages for a potential audience of up to 1 million viewers! As their touring shows have been cancelled indefinitely, the band hopes to entertain you with future “Quaranstream’ Fridays. For details email: scythianmail@gmail.com |
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Vancouver Squeezebox Circle Meets Outside on June 4by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The June Vancouver Squeezebox Circle will happen next Thursday (June 4, 2020 at 7:PM- note earlier time!) rain or shine.Plan A: Weather permitting, it will take place outside in Vancouver's Maclean Park (https://goo.gl/maps/yjmEsxj9GoK3oXGf8) Plan B: If it's rainy, it'll be a Zoom event, open to people who can't get to Vancouver. Even if it's in the park, you need to get in touch ASAP if you want to propose a song or two so that the song list can go out by Monday. Currently, there is a list of over a dozen songs, but there's room for one or two more... so if you're planning on coming to the park on Thursday FB message or email (squeezeboxcircle@gmail.com) your song requests. If you're out of town but want to be notified of the Zoom details, drop a line as well! The Vancouver Squeezebox Circle shares everything about squeezeboxes for folks in and around Vancouver (BC Canada) -- Performance tips, sheet music, lessons, repairs, buy & sell, videos, gig opportunities etc.. Rowan Lipkovits and Accordion Noir present a regular series of low-impact social gatherings for squeezeboxes (accordions, bandoneons, bayans, concertinas, melodeons etc.) and the people who squeeze them. An evening to share songs in all styles, trade tips and stories for novices and old hands alike. By donation. In addition to music (and semi-musical noises), doubtless history, stories and jokes will be shared and swapped. Maybe you'll find a teacher? Maybe you'll find a student? Maybe you'll find your future fiancee? (No guarantees, but at least you can look forward to a good serenade or three.) For further information: squeezeboxcircle@gmail.com |
Music Happy Hour with Accordionist Erica Manciniby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Watch accordionist Erica Mancini in her online program on Thu, Jun 4, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT. Missing live music and a good happy hour cocktail? See Atlas Obscura musician Erica Mancini perform. Erica is a full-time accordion player in New York City and is excited to welcome you to her home in the heart of Little Italy. Erica will teach you how to make her favorite cocktail, a Negroni, and show you around her classic 1970’s vintage Rococo apartment.After the tour Erica will serenade everyone with a selection of old French, Italian and vaudeville songs. Requests can be submitted early in advance to adriana.molello@atlasobscura.com up to a day before the experience. Once registered, you can access the Zoom room for this experience through your confirmation email or Eventbrite account. Erica Mancini, a Chicago-land native born to Argentine parents, moved to New York City in 2009 to pursue a degree at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Before her move, she was deeply involved in marching band, orchestra, and jazz band (doubling on drum set/percussion and electric bass), as well as other musical projects of her own, being mostly punk bands. Shortly before arriving to NYC, she decided to pick up a new instrument—the accordion. She worked closely with teacher and mentor Bill Schimmel, with whom she studied with privately for the duration of her time at NYU. After graduating in 2013, she has performed as an accordionist, vocalist, and percussionist internationally and throughout the US with many different groups and also as a solo artist. Mancini has worked for private agencies and high-end clients (Hermes of Paris, Delta Airlines, Gwenyth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, Vueve Cliquot, Carven) and has performed at events at iconic New York locations such as The Whitney Museum of Art, World Trade Center One, and The Rainbow Room. She has also been featured in curated urban public performances at City Center in Washington DC, as well as Penn Plaza 33, Battery City Park, and Bryant Park in NYC. She has been featured on national and international television (NBC5, Argentine radio and TV, HBO), and has performed in a variety of musical situations. In addition, Mancini has developed a passion in aerial / circus arts, (particularly with the aerial silks), and is one of the few people in the world to play accordion and sing while doing aerial acrobatics on the silks. Her original project, called Ghost Pony, is a psychedelic spaghetti western band in which she also plays accordion while performing on the aerial silks. This project has performed at Lincoln Center, Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery, LA’s Globe Theater, performing alongside Xiu Xiu, Black Marble, Elliot Sharpe/William Schimmel, and more. In her creative downtime, she likes to spend her time combining the accordion and different electronic elements (such as Ableton, pedals, and effects) and developing new sounds and ways to use the accordion in compositions and within the context of improvising. She frequently performs with several different jazz bands, singing, playing and leading her own ensemble The Bee’s Knees, and also with many other groups including The Gotham Easy (New Orleans weirdo hot jazz), Bon Musique, Carte Blanche, Via Paris Jazz Band, The Hot Toddies, The Bailsmen, and more. Her theatrical and film involvement has kept her busy throughout the past few years, and she has had the pleasure of performing in the following projects: “A People’s History of Silicon Valley”, multi-instrumentalist/acting, ANT Fest at Ars Nova, (2019), “Brecht’s Galileo”, multi-instrumentalist/accordion, Irondale Theater, (2019), “EVITA”, onstage accordion/singing/acting, Riverside Theater, Vero Beach, FLA (2019), “Minky Woodcock, The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini” produced by Speakeasy Dollhouse, accordion/acting, Theater 80, (2018), “The John Oliver Show”, on-camera accordion, on-camera accordion, Troma Films, (2018), “Happy End” accordion in the ensemble for Kurt Weill Operetta, New School, “Il Postino”, on-stage accordion at Kaye’s Playhouse for Daniel Catan’s opera, New School , “Truffles: A Murder Mystery” accordionist in off-broadway musical show for over 5 years, “Svejk”, accordion in an NYU Gallatin theater production, Mancini has also performed in McKittrick Hotel at “Sleep No More”, Atlas Obscura events “Into The Veil”, “Dances of Vice” events, ‘Speakeasy Dollhouse’: “The Illuminati Ball” and “Ziegfeld Follies”, as well as various burlesque and variety shows/productions in NYC. |
Future events |
2020 Annual Master Class and Concert Series to be Presented Onlineby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Dr. William Schimmel and the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) will present a 2020 Master Class & Concert Series with Dr William Schimmel, moderator and curator from July 31st to August 2nd,2020. For the first time, this event will be presented OnLine and will consist of 2 one-hour segments each day: 1st hour (3:PM): Master Class: Talks/Workshops and the 2nd hour (4:PM): Concert/Performances.The cost is $25 per one hour session or $40 per day; $110 for 3 days. Please provide your email address so we can provide directions on “how to tune in.” Audience will receive an invitation one week prior to the event. Be sure to leave e-mail address. Download flier: 2020AAAMasterClass.pdf Dr. William Schimmel, one of the principal architects in the resurgence of the accordion, holds Bachelor of Music, Master of Science, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in composition from the Juilliard School. Schimmel's music has been featured in a number of television shows and films, perhaps most notably 'Scent of a Woman' starring Al Pacino, where Schimmel appears in the famous Tango scene. Schimmel performs music in many genres, has commissioned and premiered hundreds of new works, has written a number of books and articles and has made numerous recordings and videos. He has served and continues to serve as Artist in Residence of The American Accordionist's Association (AAA) where he also serves as Distinguished Lecturer in Residence and member of the Governing Board. The Seminars were brought to the AAA by Dr. William Schimmel with the idea of presenting all facets of the accordion to The New York Artistic Community, with the notion of finding ways to find new angles of expression, composition, video art, performance, dance, design, trapeze, as well as new takes on old ideas and bringing the Accordion Ancestry into fresh new light. The response has been overwhelming in the establishment of an accordion culture in New York City and its influence has gone global. For further information please visit www.ameraccord.com or contact Dr. Schimmel at: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Presents JP Jofre on June 14by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Video: "TARANGUINO" by JP Jofre Hard Tango Chamber Band Live Seattle Town HallThe Brooklyn Accordion Club plans to hold the following upcoming Zoom meetings. Attendees will need to RSVP for each meeting. The club asks "If you are interested in performing a piece or two during the open mic, please let us know by email so that you are on the program! Also, if you have a question about accordion playing in general, email us your questions. Your questions will be answered by the presenter or your peers in the audience." Sunday, June 14, 2020 from 8:PM to 9:30pm (EDT - NYC time) Guest presenter: JP Jofre (bandoneonist) Originally from San Juan, Argentina, Juan Pablo Jofre Romarion aka JP Jofre, is an award-winning bandoneon player and composer. J.P. Jofre began playing percussion and guitar at the age of 14 and later attended the Escuela de Musica de la Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Argentina, where he studied, drums, guitar, piano, voice, and composition, before deciding to dedicate himself to the bandoneón. His music has been recorded by 16 Grammy winner Paquito D’ Rivera, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and choreographed/performed by ballet-star Herman Cornejo (Principal Dancer of the American Ballet Theatre) among others. He has performed and given lectures at Google Talks, TEDtalks, The Juilliard School of Music, The New School, etc. A recipient of the National Prize of the Arts grant in Argentina, Mr. Jofre has collaborated with many famous musicians in a wide range of musical styles, including Paquito D’Rivera, Kathryn Stott, Symphony Silicon Valley, Santa Rosa Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Argentina, San Antonio Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Philippe Quint, Fernando Otero, and Fred Sturm among others. Mr. Jofre has been part of many prestigious festivals including the Celebrity Series of Boston, Umbria Jazz Festival, Great Performers at Lincoln Center, Seattle Town, Belgorod Music Festival, Sudtirol Jazz Festival, Bachanalia Taiwan, and Lorin Maazel’s Castleton Festival among others. For details email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |