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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
World Accordion Day on May 6, 2016
Breaking News: Passing of Mort Herold (1926 to 2016)
AAA Winners, New YouTube Channel, July Festival and More!
Announcing The 3rd Annual Open House for New England Accordion Museum
Michael Bridge and the Spokane Accordion Ensemble
Sergei Teleshev in Trio Voronezh To Perform with Ballet Fantastique
GlamorTango to Perform in New York City
Debra Peters’ World Accordion Day Concert
World Accordion Day Celebration in Victoria, BC
Cody McSherry in "Old Time Gospel Radio Hour" in Pennsylvania
Texas Folklife Presents Big Squeeze 10th Anniversary Concert
International Accordion Concert Celebrating Bev Fess 50 Years of Teaching Accordion
Alex Meixner in May Shows
Lenny Feldman to Perform with Singer Cristina Fontanelli
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Invitation To All Accordionists/Accordion Lovers Past and Present
New Duo: Double Double Duo with Michael Bridge and Dr. Kornel Wolak
Roland Sponsorship of 2016 Coupe Mondiale Digital Category - EU
Spring Happenings at the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society
Dominic Karcic Performs for LIAA
Brooklyn Accordion Club Hosts World Accordion Day Concert
Future events |
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in June
AAA Presents "An Evening with the Stars" in Buffalo in July
Michael Arnone's 27th NJ Crawfish Fest in NJ
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 15-18
Roberta Cantow "Accordions Rising"
National Button Accordion Festival, Pennsylvania - USA
9th Kevin Friedrich & Friends Annual Fundraising Concert - New Zealand
Accordion Association of Calgary Sponsors Accordion Festival/Competition
AAA Master Class and Concert Series July 29-31 in New York City
University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) Community Accordion Ensemble - USA
Long Island Accordion Alliance 5th Year Celebrations
Washington State Fair Concert on September 18
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Joe Cerrito Site: New Video, Ave Maria
Updated Site, Milwaukee Accordion Club, May to August Events - USA
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 The May USA news has an amazing variety of accordion events for you to choose from. From coast to coast including Canada, there are many fantastic accordionists to hear.This month we are celebrating World Accordion Day, officially on May 6. In this publication, you will read about many concerts being given during the entire month to honor the accordion. May 6th 1829, was the date the accordion was first patented, in Vienna, Austria, by Cyrillius Demien. With Mother's Day approaching, you might consider a great gift of tickets to an accordion concert. As always, I welcome you to send info on your accordion events to me at Ritabelll@aol.com. |
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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World Accordion Day on May 6, 2016by Rita Barnea |
 The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) is pleased to welcome you to World Accordion Day. The next event is scheduled on May 6th, 2016.
For the past six years on May 6th, the CIA has been promoting World Accordion day.
Our first World Accordion Day held on 6th May 2009, marked the 180th birthday of the accordion - May 6th 1829, was the date the accordion was first patented, in Vienna, Austria, by Cyrillius Demien. Since 2009, World Accordion Day has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support this event by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of Accordion Day if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their World Accordion Day activity on the website and send a report of their event after for the website. Register Please join us for this annual celebration, as accordionists from around the world pay homage to our wonderful instrument. This global event will serve as an exciting means of bringing us together in our efforts to promote and elevate the awareness and status of the accordion! World Accordion Day at a Glance: What: World Accordion Day When: 6th May (Concerts and events during the month of May may be dedicated to May 6th) Why: a unified global effort to celebrate and promote the Accordion Where: World Wide! What to do: Send info about your celebration of World Accordion Day with photos for a USA news report to Ritabelll@aol.com |
Breaking News: Passing of Mort Herold (1926 to 2016)by Lou Coppola |
  Mort passed away peacefully at age 90 on May 1, 2016 in Cape Cod, MA. Picture left taken in 2006. Picture right circa 1948.Mort Herold was a founding member of the Chicago Accordion Club - Named the newsletter “The Accordiana” Member of the Board for many years - Presenter, soloist, and a member of the CAC Quintet. Winner out of 1500 contestants in the 1941 Chicago Tribune Chicagoland Music Festival with a performance in Soldier Field. While in the Navy during World War 2, he was accompanist for Dennis Day, featured soloist in the Claude Thornhill and Bob Crosby bands and received a letter of commendation from Admirals Nimitz and Calhoun for his accordion programs in battle areas. After the war Mort appeared in his own radio show on WCFL,"Rhapsodies in Velvet" for two and a half years. In 1948 he gave a solo accordion concert in the Chicago Opera House before a capacity audience of 1800 persons, concluding with the premier of Galla-Rini's first Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Mort served as adjudicator and performing artist for numerous state accordion festivals, lectured at the MENC, and founded the accordion department at Vandercook College, where students from all over the States and Canada came to study with him. He founded and led the Mort Herold School of Music on Chicago’s South Side. He served as president of the ATG and, for many years, collaborated with Julio Giulietti in developing the Bassetti (Free Bass) Accordion. He was a Giulietti artist, performing and MC-ing at trade music convention concerts. Mort was also the author of four books on Memory Improvement, published by Contemporary Books,Inc. Chicago. He lectured on memory improvement throughout the United States. He is survived by his wife Cressida Herold, children Richard Herold and June Herold, and granddaughters Stephanie, Lauren and Isabella Herold. Picture below, left to right: Mort Herold with some famous accordion friends, Lou Coppola, Frank Marocco, Manny Bobenrieth and Dr. Carmelo Pino. This picture was taken in June 2006 just prior to Frank Marocco receiving his AAA Lifetime Achievement Award. Photos are courtesy of Lou Coppola. |
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AAA Winners, New YouTube Channel, July Festival and More!by Mary Tokarski |
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 YouTube is blooming with accordion entertainment and the world is watching! It's time for flowers, sunshine and great music events. We exit winter with an explosion of festivals, concerts and shows celebrating the accordion. Be sure to plan your participation in at least a few to stay connected with friends, accordionists (amateur and professional) and to network in our field. Along with plans for all sorts of events, the AAA is implementing lots of new things - including our NEW AAA YouTube Channel The channel is blooming with performers from our recent events and will continue to grow each month. Stay tuned and by all means send your "likes" to all your friends. Let's spread the accordion word. A large part of the AAA Spring focus is on our young people - not only those who already play - but those we want to bring into our bouquet of flowering Accordionists. We are instituting a new program to introduce the accordion to young people through school programs. As our pilot program is built up and fine tuned, we plan to help ALL our members set up and execute programs like these by sharing our methods, what works and what doesn't. Celebrating the youth already in the accordion world is imperative for our future. The Governing Board is working hard at involving young performers in every arena and venue. The summer's SqueezeFest in Buffalo is a great example. We have young artists from New Zealand, Rhode Island, Texas and Canada coming in for the event. Workshops, concerts, Orchestras, competitions . . . we will have it all. The Youth Involvement Program jazz ensemble and Junior Festival Orchestra have become annual favorites of attendees, and have produced amazing results – the Conductor of this year's Youth Involvement Program is a product of past programs. Mitch Guido is an amazing saxophonist who graduated from Macaulay Honors College of Queens College and the Aaron Copeland School of Music with a degree in Music Education with a concentration in composition. He currently is an educator at Westlake Middle School in Westchester, NY and will join us in Buffalo to "lead" the Youth Involvement Program jazz ensemble. Amazing, isn't it? And it is exactly what the program was designed to accomplish – getting non-accordionists to appreciate all the accordion has to offer. The Junior Festival Orchestra conducted by Mary Tokarski has enticed participation from young accordionists from around the nation - and internationally from New Zealand, Canada and Russia. In celebration of Elsie M. Bennett's lifetime of work to commission new works for accordion, the AAA is sponsoring a Composition Competition for aspiring composers. Details and requirements are available on the AAA website. Have a wonderful Spring! Hope to see YOU at the Buffalo SqueezeFest July 6-10, 2016 . For more information: www.ameraccord.com |
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Announcing The 3rd Annual Open House for New England Accordion Museumby Rita Barnea |
 The 3rd Annual Open House ,“ACCORDIONS LIVE”at The New England Accordion Museum will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2016 frrom 1-4:PM at The New England Accordion Museum. The locations is 17 Margaret Lane, Canaan, Connecticut 06018.Entertainment will be provided by Maestro Tony Lovello. Set in a garden party atmosphere, Museum Director Paul Ramunni will guide you through a collection of over 400 accordions, each of which comes with a story and many priceless secrets. Experience a Tony Lovello performance and see their inventory of over 60 new and used accordions for sale. NEAM is a collection of antique and modern accordions as well as related memorabilia. We display models from the very beginning of the accordion era starting in 1820 all the way up to the current day. Their goal is to search and rescue any accordions or memorabilia so that people, especially children, interested in this instrument will learn to play and enjoy what many people have experienced over the last 200 years with accordions. Plan to be there for Museum tours…Sheet music tag sale…..raffle prizes. Complimentary desserts and beverages will be served. The Cost: $15.00 Cover Charge Per Person Contact: Call: Director Paul Ramunni with questions and to register….860-833-1374. Space is limited! Registration Required by June 1, 2016. Email: ramunni@comcast.net Special Sponsor: Emilio Accordions |
Michael Bridge and the Spokane Accordion Ensembleby Rita Barnea |
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| Video above: Michael Bridge performs Astor Piazzolla's Oblivion with Maestro Glenn Klassen and the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. Concert in November 2015, video published February 2016. Accordionist Michael Bridge will perform with the Spokane Accordion Ensemble with Bev Fess as conductor on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at 2:30 PM. The concert takes place at Confederation Park 55+Centre, 2212 13th Street N.W,Calgary. The Spokane Accordion Ensemble was founded in 1950. From their FB page: "The Spokane Accordion Ensemble is a unique blend of players of all ages with a common love of music and the accordion. It is a close-knit group that really enjoys just being together – rehearsals are serious but fun, too. The Ensemble had its beginning as a group of accordion teachers and their advanced students. It is a dedicated group – several travel up to two to three hours each way to attend weekly rehearsals. The Ensemble enjoys entertaining for a wide variety of audiences, from small groups to national conventions, such as the National Studebaker convention, the Leavenworth Accordion Festival, The Kimberley B.C. Accordion Festival, First Night Spokane, a number of retirement centers, Oktoberfests, luncheons, and several performances at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane. Their repertoire ranges from Bach to old standards, Broadway melodies, Movie themes, and yes – a couple of polkas!" Tickets at the door are $25. Student price is $15. |
Sergei Teleshev in Trio Voronezh To Perform with Ballet Fantastiqueby Rita Barnea |
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 Trio Voronezh, featuring accordionist Sergei Teleshev, perform with the Ballet Fantastique on May 6, 7, 8, 2016 at 7:30 PM each evening, at the Hult Center, Eugene, Oregon. The music includes JS Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich, Schnittke, plus some modern Russian composers and folk music. Trio Voronezh’s astonishing virtuosity and delightful artistic innovation gives the trio the ability to alter the way audiences experience classical, folk and contemporary repertoire. From their website: Trio Voronezh is a musical ensemble that produces arrangements of classics across a variety of musical styles, all played upon Russian folk instruments. Trio Voronezh attempt to alter the way audiences experience classical, folk and contemporary repertoire. The diverse repertoire of the Trio includes the works of Vivaldi, Bach, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and Rachmaninov, as well as Russian folk songs, Argentine tangos, gypsy dance music, bluegrass and popular songs by Gershwin. The ever-expanding concert material is arranged by the members of the Trio, and is performed entirely from memory. The musicians of Trio Voronezh have been playing and performing since they were young children, around the age of six. They continued their classical training and pursued further study at the Conservatory in Voronezh, Russia. Vladimir Volokhin went on to win the title of National Champion in the All-Russia Domra Competition in 1988. Valerie Petrukhin has performed with many famous Russian folk orchestras and ensembles and currently is being an honored member of the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society. Classically trained at the Academy of Music in Voronezh, Russia, Sergei Teleshev has won many regional and international accordion competitions. Being accordion player of Trio Voronezh, Valinor Quartet, and Classic Klezmer Trio, he collaborates with many internationally recognized artists, ensembles, and orchestras (including London Philharmonic Orchestra, Doc Severinsen and many others, composing and arranging music, participates in recording projects of different genres. Sergei has been a jury member at International accordion competitions in Russia, Canada and the USA. Recently, he won the National V-Accordion Competition. As the U.S. champion, Sergei represented the United States at the 7th Roland International V-Accordion Festival, in Rome, Italy, where he received a special prize for most online votes on the festival’s webcast. He also performs with Classic Klezmer Trio, Valinor Quartet, Halie Loren and more. For further information: steleshev@yahoo.com, |
GlamorTango to Perform in New York Cityby Kevin Friedrich |
 GlamourTango, a group showcasing female artists in Tango, will perform on Wednesday May 11, 2016 - 7:00 PM at the Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd St. in New York City. The doors open at 6:00 PM with tickets priced at $25 (Advance) and $30 (Door Sales).GlamourTango presents a multimedia show of music and dance, theatrical set and lighting, created as a tribute to those women who quietly wrote the pages of Tango from the very beginning. This is a unique approach within the Tango style, since all performing artists are female. GlamourTango was conceived and is directed by Uruguayan-American pianist and Musical Director Polly Ferman. This passionate celebration of women in Tango consists of an Internationally renowned musical quartet as well as dancers, and a vocalist takes the audience on a musical journey through the 20th century, showcasing a fresh and renovated vision of the role of women in Tango. Shinjoo Cho is the group's bandoneonist. She is also a pianist and accordionist and a versatile solo and ensemble musician embodying many musical traditions. Her musical path began with piano in her native Korea at the age of five. After immigrating to the US in 1991, she continued her study with Peter Coraggio in Hawaii and later with Ingrid Clarfield in Princeton, New Jersey, where she studied piano performance and pedagogy at the Westminster Choir College. During this time, she won numerous scholarships and competition prizes and performed at the Carnegie Hall. Shinjoo traveled to Serbia for an immersion in Balkan music and studied bandoneón in Argentina. She has collaborated with international music, dance, and film artists in multidisciplinary projects. Equally at home with classical music, she participated in the Marlboro Music Festival under the direction of Leon Fleisher and performed with the Cleveland Orchestra in 2012 at the Severance Hall. Currently, Shinjoo splits her time between Buenos Aires, Argentina and the US, performing extensively as a bandoneonist and pianist. She is a principal bandoneonist and assistant director of Orquesta Tipica La Hannibal and in May 2015, she performed as a solo pianist at the inauguration of Centro Cultural Kirchner, which was broadcast live on Argentine national television. For more information email: carlos.grynfeld@conciertosgrapa.com |
Debra Peters’ World Accordion Day Concertby Rita Barnea |
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 Debra Peters & The Love Saints perform in a World Accordion Day concert on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 6-8:PM, at Broken Spoke, 3201 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78704.Debra Peters & The Love Saints host the ‘Accordion Round-Up’ every month at Broken Spoke and May 31st is dedicated to World Accordion Day. Debra Peters & The Love Saints play a variety of blues, zydeco cajun, western swing, and more. They play original music with instrumentation including steel guitar, swing and cajun idle, bass, drummer, and accordion and are well known in the Texas area, almost 25 years of performing. Debra Peters is a versatile musician. She has recorded and edited over 50 videos of a variety of accordion and other music artists. She teachers accordion, piano, and voice in Austin, Texas and produces educational accordion DVD's. She has presented workshops each year at the NAA event and others. Her additional performances have taken place at: Houston Accordion Kings & Queens, San Antonio International Accordion Festival, Dallas National Accordion Association Yearly Holland - Hilversum Live radio show “Country Corner”, France - concert in village outside Paris, Tokyo, Japan - Century Court Playboy Club Kanazawa, Japan - Crystal Night Club EXPO 86 - Vancouver B.C. (with The Yo-dells) EXPO 86 - (solo piano @ Canadian Club) Hamilton Place, Ottawa, London, Sudbury, Toronto Massey Hall Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (El Mogambo) Throughout California, Hawaii (Hilton Hawaiian Village) Florida, New Orleans, New York, E. Hollywood N. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach Newport Beach and throughout Texas. For further information email: dp@debrapetersmusic.com |
World Accordion Day Celebration in Victoria, BCby Rita Barnea |
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| Celebrate World Accordion Day by attending the World Accordion Day Celebration Concert featuring the BC Accordion Orchestra, Bucan Bucan, Victoria Accordion Club Band, Jelena Milojevic, Victoria Youth Accordion Band, and Rebecca Bracewell. The concert takes place on May 6, 2016 at the First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Rd., Victoria, BC. For tickets: 250-384-2111 Children under 12 have free entrance. |
Cody McSherry in "Old Time Gospel Radio Hour" in Pennsylvaniaby Rita Barnea |
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| Cody McSherry and his accordion have been cast in Servant Stage's production of "Old Time Gospel Radio Hour", which runs from May 1st through June 12th at locations throughout Lancaster County, PA. There are 25 shows, and Cody will be appearing in 7 of them (6 which are open to the public). Cody McSherry is twelve years old and a seventh grade student at Resurrection Catholic School in Lancaster, PA. He began his musical studies with piano at age four and accordion at age 6. Cody also studies button accordion, pipe organ, theater organ, saxophone, viola, and voice. He is currently studying accordion with Mary Tokarski. Cody enjoys performing regularly throughout the Lancaster area as a soloist and also with his band, Polterabend. He has performed onstage with the Alex Meixner Band and the Walt Groller Orchestra, and is the youngest member of the Accordion Pops Orchestra in New Jersey under the direction of Al Terzo. Very active in his church, Historic St. Mary’s in Lancaster, Cody is an altar server, sacristan, plays in the instrumental ensemble and sings in the adult choir. Last year, Cody played the role of Gavroche in Les Miserables and Flick in A Christmas Story, the musical, both at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster. He is currently cast in Servant Stage’s Old Time Gospel Radio Hour, where he sings and plays accordion. Cody McSherry in "Old Time Gospel Radio Hour" in Pennsylvania Cody's public show schedule is as follows: Sat.May 14th, 7pm at Ephrata United Zion Church, Ephrata, PA Wednesday May 18th 6:30pm at Moravian Manor, Lititz, PA Sat. May 21st, 7:PM, Calvary Fellowship Homes, Lancaster, PA Thursday, June 2nd 7pm at Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster, PA Friday, June 3rd 7pm at Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster, PA Saturday, June 11th 3pm at Red Caboose Motel, Strasburg, PA Tickets are only needed for the shows at Lancaster Bible College and Red Caboose Motel. They are Free. For the other shows, seats are available on a first-come basis. There are 25 show dates/times, but Cody and his accordion are in only the ones listed above. There are no other accordion players in the show. Cody is cast in an instrumental/vocal group called The Goodwell Family. The show is exactly what it sounds like….a reproduction of an old radio show featuring gospel music acts. There are 70 people in the cast, broken into three instrumental/vocal groups, three male quartets, three women's vocal groups, three children's groups, and 4 featured solo/duo acts. There is one of each type of group in each show, so no two shows will be the same. The mission of Servant Stage is to put together quality shows that they take on the road locally in Lancaster County to various churches, retirement communities, and select other venues. By taking the show to retirement communities, they provide fantastic shows to folks who would not be able to go to a local theater. By running the show for free at local venues, they provide an opportunity for families who may not be able to afford tickets to some of the local theaters to see a live show. For further information: Email: info@servantstagecompany.com Phone: (603)247-4493 |
Texas Folklife Presents Big Squeeze 10th Anniversary Concertby Sheree Scarborough |
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| Texas Folklife is pleased to announce the lineup for the Big Squeeze Tenth Anniversary Extravaganza Concert, to be held on Saturday, May 7, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. The concert will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze statewide youth accordion contest, and feature past contest winners who will showcase a variety of Texas-based accordion genres including conjunto, polka, Cajun, and zydeco. The all-star lineup will include Los Morales Boyz featuring Nachito Morales, Keyun Dickson and the Zydeco Masters, the Dallas Street Ramblers featuring Elizabeth Kelley, and the All Around Czechs featuring Brandon Hodde and Garrett Neubauer. Special guests will include other former Big Squeeze winners such as the first champion Juan Longoria and more! In this important anniversary year, Texas Folklife is focusing its resources on celebrating the successful fruition of the program and showcasing past winners of the Big Squeeze. These young accordion players have become stars and leaders in their communities. Following this year of celebration, the Big Squeeze will be back on the road to look for exceptional young accordion players across the state. In addition, with the recent rekindling of the Apprenticeship Program, Texas Folklife is helping to nurture young accordion talent by pairing young apprentices with mentors throughout the state. Since its launch in 2007, the Big Squeeze has helped Texas Folklife carry out its mission to preserve and promote Texas’s diverse cultural heritage. Through the Big Squeeze program, Texas Folklife has built a reputation as a champion of Texas accordion music genres, and supported over 200 young, talented players in their efforts to carry on these community-based accordion music traditions. In order to better nurture the young talent throughout the state, Texas Folklife restructured the popular contest in 2014 to include three Grand Prize Winners, each from one of three main accordion genres—polka, zydeco, and conjunto. The polka genre included German, Czech, and Polish traditions, while Cajun/zydeco included Creole and Cajun musical traditions, and conjunto included norteño and Tejano. As a result of these efforts, the Big Squeeze welcomed a diverse class of six total champions in 2014 and 2015, including the first-ever female contest winner, Elisabeth Kelley (Cajun). The Tenth Anniversary Extravaganza Concert will reflect the array of unique Texas accordion music traditions by featuring a diverse lineup of past Big Squeeze champions. “The 10-year anniversary of the Big Squeeze is a great opportunity for celebrating the work our organization and our partners across the state have accomplished since 2007 to nurture young Texas accordion talent,” said Texas Folklife’s Acting Director Charlie Lockwood. “Many past winners of the contest have gone on to form their own bands and launch professional performance or music education careers. We are excited this year to be able to bring them back to Austin to celebrate their achievements and highlight the impact of the Big Squeeze as a statewide program.” The Big Squeeze is supported by Hohner, Inc., and by grants from Texas Commission on the Arts, the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, the Houston Endowment, and The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation. Additional support provided by the Texas Music Office and Central Texas Accordion Association. This project is funded in part by The City of Austin through the Economic Development Dept./Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the arts is an investment in Austin’s future. About Texas Folklife: Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. For over 30 years, Texas Folklife has honored cultural traditions passed down within communities, explored their importance in contemporary society, and celebrated them by providing accessible and joyful arts experiences. For further information: Sheree Scarborough (512) 922-5483, sheree.scarborough@gmail.com |
International Accordion Concert Celebrating Bev Fess 50 Years of Teaching Accordionby Rita Barnea |
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| Bev Fess will be honored for her fifty years of teaching the accordion with an International Accordion Concert featuring the Spokane Accordion Ensemble and other special guests including Michael Bridge on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 7:PM at the Okotoks United Church, 43 Riverside Drive, Okotoka, Canada. Tickets at the door are $25. Students are $15 with proceeds donated to the Foothills Country Hospice Society. |
Alex Meixner in May Showsby Rita Barnea |
 Alex Meixner’s performing career began at age 6 with his two sisters and father in an ethnic folk ensemble. From these early experiences through headline appearances at music festivals throughout the US; concert performances with the London Symphony Orchestra, Sandy Duncan and his own jazz and ethnic ensembles; as well as over 50 recordings, Meixner has developed a unique musical mix that appeals to a wide cross-section of audiences.Meixner’s formative musical studies were on piano and piano accordion, but he quickly branched out on drums, diatonic button accordion, bass and trumpet, his college major. This instrumental versatility is combined with a musical background that has included intense studies and performance of jazz, classical, pop, polkas and many ethnic folk music genres with some of the leading artists in the world. His talents in music and comedy were even featured on the Tonight Show on NBC in 2004. Most recently, his “Polka Freak Out” CD with Bubba Hernandez garnered a Grammy nomination in December, 2007. Currently based in Palm City, FL, Alex is performing as a solo artist and with numerous touring ensembles. His solo programs- “Fascinating Rhythms of the World” focus on the fusion of Slavic folk music and Jazz, but also include the inflections of folk, pop and classical styles from Latin America, Africa and other sections of Europe. This music is the basis for a series of multi-cultural music education seminars and performances which are currently available through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts “Artists in Education” program. Alex also leads The Alex Meixner Band in performances throughout North America. Whether you are looking for sure fire crowd pleasing family entertainment, something for the senior audience, classy jazz for a reception or a unique party band- Alex Meixner will work tirelessly to provide the perfect mix for your event. When Alex is not performing with all of these groups, he is devoted to bringing music to students through educational clinics, as well as his private teaching. Alex Meixner and his band are in the middle of their spring tour season. The polka bus is heading off to a bunch of new venues in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Nebraska and Missouri. Most of these are doing concert programs of "Fascinating Rhythms of the World"- where the band and Alex will be playing different world music in addition to some of their regular polkas and pop mashups- but also touching on some of the world folk music and jazz in our repertoire as well as some of the original compositions. On May 4, 2016, Alex will perform a solo show and seminar in Superior Wisconsin at Helmi Harrinton's Worl o fAccordions Museum. The seminar is at 3:PM. The solo concert begins at 6:PM. Alex's Performance Schedule also includes: May 1 Indianola, IA Allied Concert Services Series Call 763-559-8019 May 2 Austin, MN Allied Concert Services Series Call 763-559-8019 May 3 Minocqua, WI Allied Concert Services Series Call 763-559-8019 May 4 Superior, WI World of Accordions Seminar & Solo Concert May 5 Ely, MN Allied Concert Services Series Call 763-559-8019 May 6 Hutchinson, MN Allied Concert Services Series Call 763-559-8019 May 7 Lisbon, ND Allied Concert Services Series Call 763-559-8019 May 10 Anaconda, MT Allied Concert Services Series Call 763-559-8019 |
Lenny Feldman to Perform with Singer Cristina Fontanelliby Rita Barnea |
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| Be sure to attend the Music Event: "Cristina Fontanelli Sings The Great International Songbook and Wine Reception" on Sunday, May 15, 2016 - 4:PM at Baruch Performing Arts Center Engleman Recital Hall 55 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10010 Cristina Fontanelli has become a well-known personality through her recordings, her appearances on TV, radio, in concert, nightclubs, and opera, and through her acting debut on network television. She has appeared as PBS-TV/NY affiliates host for Andrea Bocelli’s “Live From Central Park” also starring Celine Dion and Tony Bennett; for the “Il Volo Takes Flight” special; Vienna Boys Choir and Qi Gong PBS-TV Specials. In November of 2014 Cristina was chosen by the Italian government as a world-wide representative of the Puglia region to sing in Bari, Italy. She is the “voice of Domino’s Pizza” on their national radio commercial, the voice of “Nonna” on PBS-TV Chef Lidia Bastianich’s Christmas special (in over 300 PBS outlets across the U.S.) and has appeared on CBS Weekend NY in interview/performance/co-hosting roles for the past 2 years. She has appeared with Tony Bennett, Joel Grey, Boston Pops, and major concert halls throughout the USA and world. Lenny Feldmann of Middletown, NY has been a professional accordionist for over 50 years. A graduate of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois where he majored in the accordion and received his Bachelor of Music Education degree, he returned to the New York Metro area where he continued to pursue playing professionally. He has performed in Yokohama, Japan at their YES '89 World's Fair, toured with the world famous Mantovani Orchestra, been a featured performer at numerous State and National Association conventions, a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Accordion Association and recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Accordion Musicological Society. Lenny and Cristina first met when they were both on tour with the Mantovani Orchestra where she was the featured soprano soloist and he was the featured accordionist with the orchestra. For the past five years Lenny has been providing International Musical requests every Saturday evening at the Black Forest Mill Restaurant in Highland Mills, NY. For further information on Cristina: Info@CristinaFontanelli.com For further information on Lenny: cordeenman@cordeenman.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Linda Soley Reed is AAMS 2016 Honoreeby Rita Barnea |
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 Above: Slideshow prepared by Dan & Joan Grauman.Pictures above, left to right: Sgt. Major Manny Bobenrieth, Linda Soley Reed, Don Gerundo Joan GraumanLinda conducting 2016 AAMS Festival Orchestra Linda Soley Reed was the 2016 Honoree of The AAMS (American Accordion Musicological Society) on Saturday April 2, 2016 at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey. Organizers of the event were Stanley and Joanna Darrow of AAMS. Over one hundred people attended the event including Linda's friends and accordion colleagues who came from all over the USA to honor her. Master of Ceremonies, Sgt. Major Manny Bobenrieth was the emcee of the evening. Pre-dinner entertainment was provided by Don Gerundo. Lou Coppola and the Stereo Strings entertained beautifully strolling at the event. Guest artists were Joe Natoli, Mary Tokarski, and Eddie Monteiro. First place winner of the MAMTG Virtuoso Competition, Nathan Chapeton, performed his winning solo for the enthusiastic audience and Linda conducted the AAMS 2016 Festival Orchestra. Stanley Darrow led the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra. AAA President Mary Tokarski and Connecticut Accordion Association President Marilyn O'Neil were among those who made presentations. Linda was presented with a beautiful original sketch, created by AAA Historian and artist Joan Grauman, reflecting Linda's long and distinguished career. Linda was delighted with the presentation as well as the fascinating slide show (above) created by Joan and Dan Grauman. Linda Soley Reed began studying the accordion at age seven, participated in the American Accordionists' Association and Connecticut State-wide competitions winning numerous awards. She studied with the late Rudy Molinaro, was a music / theory major at the University of Bridgeport and also studied conducting privately with Dr. Harrison Valante and John Maucieri at Yale. She also studied jazz piano with John Mehegan. Linda became a Certified Teacher member of the American Accordionists' Association in 1962 and by 1971 was an active member of numerous committees as well as the owner of the Molinaro School of Music in Bridgeport, CT. She chaired the AAA "Accordion Day" events for many years. Her ensembles and orchestras consistently won awards and were invited to perform at events both locally and nationally. Linda club dated with a 4 piece group, Odyssey for 15 years. She was adjunct professor of music at the University of Bridgeport during that time. Linda Soley Reed made an important contribution when she served as President of the AAA from 2005 to 2014. Since retiring as AAA President, Linda remains active, currently as a 2nd Vice President and Chairman of the Lifetime Achievement Committee as well as artist liaison for the AAA 2016 Festival July 6-10, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. Picture below: Left to right: Joe Natoli, Mary Tokarski and Lou Coppola. Below Eddie Monteiro trio. |
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Invitation To All Accordionists/Accordion Lovers Past and Presentby Rita Barnea |
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| The Connecticut Accordion Association proudly presents its orchestra in concert, along with a number of special young guest artists. This event will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 1:00PM at Molto Bene Restaurant, 557 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia CT. It will consist of a musical extravaganza, a buffet lunch and silent auction. Musicians include: Jeanine Cariri, flute: Mitch Guido, saxophone; Reilly Lincavicks, vocals; Will Comer, accordion; Nathan Chapeton, accordion; Joseph and Anton Klettner, violin, keyboard, guitar and accordion. Plan to attend for an afternoon of wonderful music, food, and accordion friends, all to support the Youth Program. Proceeds will go towards promoting the accordion to young musicians. Cost is $30.00 per person. Reservation and payment is required by May 16, 2016. Call Marilyn at 203-272-1202 Email: Marilyn@CTAccordion .com. |
New Duo: Double Double Duo with Michael Bridge and Dr. Kornel Wolakby Rita Barnea |
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| Accordionist Michael Bridge and clarinetist Dr. Kornel Wolak are a versatile and extraordinary combination of virtuoso musicianship and eclectic repertoire. About DDD from their new website: "In a classy and dynamic show, Double-Double Duo uniquely fuses classical showpieces with jazz, world and folk music. In the 2015-16 season, they toured Ecuador, Alberta, and Ontario; and in 2016-17, the will embark on two European tours through France, Poland and the United Kingdom. Bringing comedy, virtuosity, and musical sensitivity to a broad repertoire, DDD “brings every composition, from the past to the 21st century, to life!” Playing orchestral works, jazz tunes and world music, “Double-Double Duo is the best of new, young ‘classical’ musicians opening the windows to fresh air and bringing their own style of intellect, expertise, talent and just plain fun to a new 21st century audience.” (Barrie Examiner) Two-time Canadian Accordion Champion Michael Bridge (accordions/piano) has played solo with the Boston Pops and won the prestigious Calgary Stampede Talent Search, out of 300 young artists. Highly acclaimed for his musical imagination, Dr. Kornel Wolak (clarinet/piano) has been praised by numerous critics: “Control and a smooth, elegant expressivity are what make Wolak shine.” (Toronto Star) One of their 2015-16 tour highlights is performing a World Premiere by "Airat Ichmouratov" at the International Conference on Multiculturalism in Wrocław Poland, in collaboration with Prof. Guillaume Tardif and the University of Alberta Wirth Institute. As teachers, Double-Double will be artists in residence at the University of Western Ontario in September 2016, and they perform educational shows and concerts for youth. DDD concert repertoire is hand-picked and designed for each individual audience. The concert programming encompasses a subtle balance of notable classical ‘standards’ and jazz standards, but DDD’s extensive and diverse repertoire can be customized for the specifics of any concert experience. Double-Double’s music is fun and fiery, as they continue to push the boundaries of live-performance to the next level!" For further information: Richard Paul Concert Artists Phone:(416) 595-9555 |
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Roland Sponsorship of 2016 Coupe Mondiale Digital Category - EUby Harley Jones |
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| Video above: 2015 Coupe Mondiale International Digital Accordion category winner Netta Skog (Finland). Roland have confirmed their sponsorship of the Coupe Mondiale Digital Accordion Competition, part of the 2016 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships & Festival, to be held in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, 11th - 17th September. This is the same Coupe Mondiale competition category that USA contestant Corey Pesaturo won in 2009 and Michael Bridge representing Canada placed 2nd in 2013. Roland is a leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, including the V-Accordion, the world’s first digital modeling accordion. Roland has worked together with the CIA, organisers of the Coupe Mondiale, since the introduction of the Coupe Mondiale International Digital Accordion category in 2009. Teachers with suitable level students, are encouraged to make full use of the exciting creative possibilities that the artistically very free Coupe Mondiale rules allow for this category. The competition rules and entry information for the 2016 Coupe Mondiale International Digital Accordion Competition are online at: Coupe Mondiale. |
Spring Happenings at the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Societyby Kevin Friedrich |
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 Each spring and fall, WMAS hosts a “Guest Artist Series” concert. On April 17, the club was treated to a concert by Baltimore, MD’s own “Bean Soup Project”, featuring accordionist Duffy Llama. The Bean Soup Project is the culmination of 20 years of song writing talent and perseverance. The group consists of three main songwriters: Bob Sturgill on vocals and guitar, Lindy McNutt on vocals and guitar and Duffy Llama on vocals, accordion and keyboards. The group is rounded off by Ken Horanoff on bass and Box Turtle Bob Chirnside on drums. At the WMAS concert, Duffy’s wife Holly Degen joined in on washboard. As its name suggests, the Bean Soup Project is meant to be a mixture of many tastes and textures – and they are totally delightful! They received a well-deserved standing ovation from the many members and friends who attended their concert. The next WMAS meeting on May 15, 2016 will feature a workshop by the club’s music director, Joan Grauman. Joan gets questioned often, when people want to purchase new and used accordions, about reed configurations, accordion size, instrument age and condition, what one needs when playing a particular type of music, etc. She hopes to answer these questions and demonstrate different piano accordions in her workshop entitled “Understanding your accordion and understanding your needs when choosing a new instrument”. On June 12, 2016 the club will host its 13th annual Spring Members’ Concert. Guests are always welcome! |
Dominic Karcic Performs for LIAAby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist and AAA Board member, Dominic Karcic, will be the featured guest artist with vocalist Cheryl Spielman at La Villini Restaurant in East Northport, NY who is sponsoring the next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 6:PM.Originally from Astoria, NY Dominic attended St. Francis of Assisi grammar school, William Cullen Bryant high school, New York College of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree and continued his education at the City University of New York (CCNY) where he received his Masters Degree in Music. He was one of the founders and first president of the Adriatic Islands Charity Committee and served as its president for thirteen years during his tenure the committee raising thousands of dollars for senior citizen homes, hospitals and churches in the Mali Losinj (Lussin Piccolo) area of Croatia. The organizations first fund raiser at the Oyster Bay caterering house in Astoria, NY attracted nine-hundred and fifty people and Dominic and his orchestra supplied the music for the monumental event. Dominic has always played professionally (accordion and piano) in the New York metropolitan area and continues to do so today. He and his musicians “The Continental Sound” have been house musicians at the Columbus Citizens Foundation (NYC) for over twenty-five years and he has played for organizations like the Valtarese Foundation (Parma, Italy), Fubinese Society (Piemonte, Italy), Italian Charities of Queens, NY, Italian Heritage Association of Long Island, La Pace Restaurant (Glen Cove, NY) and also at Magnanini Winery in Wallkill, NY. His love for the Valtaro Musette music was instilled in him through his years of study with noted accordionist Peter Spagnoli. In recent years he has been involved in the preservation and documentation of this musical style. He collaborated in writing a biographical article on the life and career of accordionist John “Scudlein” Brugnoli (founder of the Valtaro Musette Orchestra). Come join them for a fun evening. Place: La Villini Restaurant 288 Larkfield Road. East Northport, NY 11731 For reservations: 631-261-6344 Email: dkarcic10@verizon.net |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Hosts World Accordion Day Concertby Rita Barnea |
 The Brooklyn Accordion Club presents a World Accordion Day Concert on Friday, May 6, 2016, from 7-9:PM at 61 Local Cafe & Public House, 61 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, New York.The accordion was first patented on May 6th, 1829. Accordionists all over the worlds are celebrating this special day with concerts/galas. Let's celebrate our beloved accordion's birthday. Bring your friends and families. Kids friendly event. BYO Accordion. If you are interested in performing 2-3 pieces for the event please email. There is limited space for performers for this event. For more info and to sign up to perform: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com, |
Future events |
ATG 76th Annual Accordion Festival July 20-23by Rita Barnea |
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| The ATG ( Accordionists & Teachers Guild) will present their 76th Annual Accordion Festival from July 20-23, 2016 at the Hyatt Lisle ( Chicago). Guest artists include New Zealand World Champion Grayson Masefield, Xia Gang, from China, winner of Russian Competition; Murl Allen Sanders from Seattle; Jerry Cigler Jazz artist from Chicago plus others. The event includes concerts, banquet exhibits, workshops, luncheons with entertainment, competitions, ATG Festival Orchestra and Prep Orchestra and more. Further details will be available in the June USA news. For hotel reservations: 800-233-1234 |
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in Juneby Rita Barnea |
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| The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration takes place June 16-19, 2016. The event, "From the Alps All the Way to Classical and Jazz" will feature: Gary Blair, Jelena Milojevic, Slight Confusion 4tet, BC Accordion Orchestra, Mary Ross-Klektau, Michael Zampiceni, and the Spokane Accordion Ensemble. The event is sponsored by the Northwest Accordion Society. For further information: 206-622-4786 |
AAA Presents "An Evening with the Stars" in Buffalo in Julyby Rita Barnea |
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| The AAA is proud to present an exciting concert, "An Evening with the Stars" on Friday, July 8, 2016 at The Tralf, 622 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. You will want to be there to see the versatility of the accordion as evidenced by the versatility of these exciting stars.! The evening includes: Ginny Mac, Alexander Sevastian, Cory Pesaturo, Grayson Masefield, Dr. Robert Young McMahon, Nora Sirbaugh, Guy Klucevsek, and Quartetto Gelato. More details in the June USA news. Full registration for the Buffalo Squeezefest includes a free ticket for the Friday night Gala Concert at the Tralf. For further information : www.ameraccord.com |
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Michael Arnone's 27th NJ Crawfish Fest in NJby Rita Barnea |
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| What started as a small crawfish boil for 70 people homesick for boiled crawfish in 1989, has turned into Michael Arnone's 27th Annual Crawfish Fest. Featuring the best Music and Food that Louisiana and New Orleans has to offer. Cajun, Zydeco, Delta Blues, New Orleans R&B, Brass, Gospel and Jazz. 24 bands on 4 Stages. The festival takes place June 3-5, 2016 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, New Jersey offering Cajun, Zydeco, Delta Blues, New Orleans R&B, Brass, Gospel and Jazz on 4 Stages. The 2016 talent lineup includes: Funky Meters, Marcia Ball (2 sets), From Good Homes, Jon Cleary and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Cowboy Mouth, Amanda Shaw (2 sets), Bonerama, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Samantha Fish, Nathan and The Zydeco Cha-Chas, David Greely Trio, The Revelers (2 sets), Papa Mali, Mike Zito and the Wheel, Flow Tribe, Brass-A-Holics, Johnny Sketch and The Dirty Notes, Cha Wa, Zydeco Revelators, Alexis P. Suter and the Ministers of Sound, King James and The Special Men, Naughty Professor, Quimby Mountain Band and The Atlanta Cafe Band. Master Workshops by George Porter Jr., Jon Cleary, Marcia Ball and The Atlanta Cafe Band For further information: michael@crawfishfest.com, |
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 15-18by Rita Barnea |
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| The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration will be held from June 15-18, 2017 in Leavenworth, WA. The Northwest Accordion Society has been hosting accordion events in the Northwest for over 25 years. Included in it's accomplishments are monthly accordion socials, the annual "Day of the Accordion" at the Seattle Center, accordion scholarships, and it's elegant quarterly publication "The Northwest Accordion News". Leavenworth is Washington’ s “Bavarian Village ” and a perfect setting for this celebration. Nestled in a narrow valley at elevation of 1100 feet surrounded by wilderness of rugged, majestic mountain ranges, over 2 million visitors per year from all over the world come to experience magical Leavenworth. With the Northwest Accordion Society as your host and Leavenworth as the setting, why not plan to join us and enjoy four wonderful days of everything accordion. Whether you are a competitor, participant or just love great accordion music, there is enjoyment and participation for everyone. Here is a partial list of what is happening: Accordion Competitions; Workshops; Concerts with World Class Performers; Free Performances at the gazebo, grange, and restaurants; Free Accordion lessons; Accordion Parade on Saturday; Accordion Vendors; Opportunity for all accordion players to play; Jam sessions and much more! This is a celebration of the accordion’s versatility and its presence in many cultures. Accordion music is what this event is all about. For further information contact the Northwest Accordion Society: Phone: (206) 622-4786 E-mail: bonniebirch@msn.com. |
Roberta Cantow "Accordions Rising"by Rita Barnea |
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| Recent updates:For those in the academic world who might like to make use of her film, "Accordions Rising" in classroom settings or for university/public libraries and streaming in those settings, you can google: Filmmakers Library Academic Video Store and then search for the title, "Accordions Rising" in the Music Category. The Debut Accordion Festival Screening of "Accordions Rising " by Roberta Cantow, (documentary, 74 min), will be shown at the Leavenworth Accordion Festival on Friday, June 17, 2016 at 11:30 AM in the Grange/Upper. Tickets are $13.00 as Workshop Event. If you would like to be informed of the film's formal release on DVD: Contact Roberta: rcantow@originaldigital.net |
National Button Accordion Festival, Pennsylvania - USAby Rob Howard |
 The National Button Accordion Festival 2016 takes place from Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 27, 28, and 29 of Memorial Day Weekend at the Croatian Club, 601 E. Poland Ave. in Bessemer, Pennsylvania. The festival has a ‘jamming’ format, with a time schedule board for performers or groups on the main stage. A formal program and concert happens on Sunday May 29th, the last day of the festival. Following the concert, the jamming format resumes for the remainder of the day. A feature of the festival is that no bands are hired, and the music comes from the people attending the event. For further information email: Rpivovar@verizon.net |
9th Kevin Friedrich & Friends Annual Fundraising Concert - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
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 Picture above: Kevin Friedrich, Lionel ReekieNew York based Kevin Friedrich returned again to New Zealand, the country where he was born. The 9th Kevin Friedrich & Friends Annual Fundraising Concert was held on Sunday afternoon, 3rd April at the Dargaville Musuem Lighthouse Function Centre. The concert was sold out over 10 days before the concert and the packed audience love the show. The concert consisted of various local performers and groups, often with Kevin Friedrich accompanying them on accordion plus Kevin's New Zealand accordion friends. The theme of the concert was "Around the World" and the music reflected that them with famous pieces from many countries of the world, including New Zealand compositions. The North Shore Music Makers Accordion Orchestra of young people conducted by Christine Johnstone was one of the many popular performances. Special note must be made of accordionists Lionel Reekie and daughters Alina and Alexandra, Maurice Jones and daughter Alanah, Joan and Linda Emmett, daughters of Kevin's original Dargaville teacher, the late Ben Emmett. The star of the concert, Dargaville's favorite son Kevin Friedrich, performed with a number of groups and then performed a solo program of music from different parts of the world, including pieces with two museum accordions that finished with a standing ovation from the very happy audience. Picture below: Kevin Friedrich, Alanah and Maurice Jones, Alexandra and Lionel Reekie, Alina Reekie. |
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Accordion Association of Calgary Sponsors Accordion Festival/Competitionby Rita Barnea |
 AAC hosts their annual Music Festival and Competition to offer amateur accordionists a chance to compete! The date is June 25 and 26, 2016 at MONTGOMERY COMMUNITY HALL, 5003 16th Avenue NW,Calgary, Alberta T3B 0N2
CanadaThis festival is intended for students and other amateur players to be adjudicated and judged against their peers in various categories. Participate as either a competitor or as part of the audience. Each year, they bring in an experienced and often prolific accordionist to judge and critique the competitors. The adjudicator for the 2016 Festival is Penny Sanborn from Calgary. Their special performance guest this year is the Lethbridge Accordion Group under the direction of Bill Sturgeon. They will be performing as part of the gala night, so check in and find out the specifics as the festival gets closer. The Accordion Association of Calgary is in their 27th year of promoting and supporting the accordion in Calgary and beyond. The Accordion Association of Calgary is a registered non-profit association established in 1989. They are a group of teachers, students, parents, and accordion enthusiasts who encourage the playing and development of the accordion. They work together to create performance opportunities for our musicians and listening opportunities for the public. Through recitals, concerts, and an annual music festival, the accordion is alive and well in Calgary! We represent all genres of music played by soloists, groups and orchestras alike. Ethic or Folk, Jazz, Classical, Pop, or Modern musical styles are embraced by our members and teachers. The AAC also maintains a set of guiding principals and standards for grade levels and exams for it's students and have established a music "library" to help maintain the original scores and selections needed for our students to continue to learn. This festival requires competitors to be an AAC member (so all registrations must include the membership fee if not already a member) and places students into various categories based on age and ability level. Categories are further divided into genre such as folk/ethnic, jazz/pop, classical, or virtuoso. Categoris, Rules and Entry Form: 2016Calgary.pdf The deadline for entering is May 15, 2016. |
AAA Master Class and Concert Series July 29-31 in New York Cityby William Schimmel |
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 THE AMERICAN ACCORDIONISTS’ ASSOCIATION MASTER CLASS AND CONCERT SERIESOUR 22ND SMASH YEAR - DR. SCHIMMEL’S 70TH PARTICIPANTS WILL INCLUDE: Micki Goodman, Paul Stein, Dr. Robert Young Mc Mahan, Will Holshouser, Art Bailey, Doug Makofka, Brian Dewan, Yoichi Fukui, Gene Pritsker, Melissa Elledge, Mark Nathanson, Benjamin Ickies, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nelson-Wolf, Dragica Banic-Curcic, Peter Flint, Erica Marie Mancini, Dave Soldier, Mayumi Miyaoka, Tomoka Sugawara, Dan Cooper, Rachel Swaner, Milica Paranosic, Michael Dames, Peter Jarvis, David Stoler, David First, Mary Spencer Knapp, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Lee Mc Clure, Ken Laufer, John Foti, Kathleen Tipton, Marni Rice, Bob Goldberg, Corn Mo, Rachid Eladlouni, Carl Riehl, Linda Reed, Rita Barnea, Dr. Denise Koncelik, Alicia Svigals, Elizabeth Brown , Ted Nash, Jeanne Velonis, Devon Tipp, Sydknee, Michiyo Suzuki, Dr. Thomas Massucci, Bactopus, The Main Squeeze Orchestra, The Famous Accordion Orchestra and many others and a few surprise guests Master Classes at 3 pm - Concerts at 7 July 29, 30 and 31, 2016 at TENRI CULTURAL CENTER - 43A W 13TH ST - BETWEEN 5 AND 6 AVE Reservations and Information - 212 - 876 - 0827 or 203 - 484 - 5095 - accordionbill@gmail.com or billschimmel@billschimmel.com for program lineup of master classes and concerts including topics - go to www.billschimmel.com and click 2016 Seminars - menu is subject to change NO PLACE LIKE HOME! - NO PLACE LIKE THE SEMINARS! - COME HOME THIS YEAR! |
University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) Community Accordion Ensemble - USAby Kevin Friedrich |
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Long Island Accordion Alliance 5th Year Celebrationsby Rita Barnea |
 The next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) sponsored by La Villini Restaurant is on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 - 6 PM as members continue their fifth year of "celebrating the accordion on Long Island". Attendees are invited to enjoy the music of guests artists Ray Oreggia and Dominic Karcic. Upcoming meetings feature: • July 6th - Greg Zukoff • August 3rd - Smorgasbandit • September 7th - Emilio Magnotta • October 5th - Joe DeClemente • November 2nd - Bud and Linda Gramer The Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) is hosted at La Villini Restaurant located on 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY. Phone: 631-261-6344. Reservations are recommended. For more information e-mail: dkarcic10@verizon.net |
Washington State Fair Concert on September 18by Rita Barnea |
| Official video by Voz De Mando performing "Levantando Polvadera". (C) 2014 AfinArte Music LLC. The Washington State Fair has announced a Fiestas Patrias concert on Sept.18, 2016. featuring bands Voz de Mando, Proyecto X and Mariachi Divas. Part of the fair’s 2016 Columbia Bank Concert Series, the concert celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias) which is Sept. 16, 2016. Two of the bands have accordionists: The Latin Grammy-nominated Voz de Mando is based in Los Angeles, and since 2010 have had hit singles such as “Comandos del M.P. (500 Balazos)”, which reached the top 10 of Billboard’s Regional Mexican Songs chart. The band includes brothers Jorge Gaxiola (accordion, vocals) and Miguel Gaxiola (bajosexto, vocals), plus Domingo Bolaños (tuba) and Carlos Sígala (drums). Proyecto X has been based in Salinas, California, since 2012, and is known for songs “Ignore,” “Mi Angelita mi Diablita,” and “The Beast.” Members include Carlos Zamora (bajo sexton and first voice), Eduardo Batres (tuba), Eliodoro “Lolo” Vallecillo (accordion and vocals), Fabian Rodriguez (second voice and animation), Johnny Espino (battery), and Raul Avalos (representative). Advance tickets go on sale 10 a.m. April 9, and cost $20 for adults, $10 for children aged 12 and under, and include fair gate admission. Day-of-show prices will be $30 for adults and $15 for children. Call 888-559-FAIR or buy at the Washington State Fair box office at Ninth Avenue Southwest and Meridian Street from 10:AM- 2:PM Saturdays. |
New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl Arrangements Updated - USAby Gary Dahl |
  Updated Arrangements by well known teacher, performer and arranger Gary Dahl: Indifference, Catalog: DH0076 View sample page. La Vie En Rose, Catalog: DH0181 View sample page. The Battle, from the movie Gladiator, Catalog: DH0254 View sample page. Any clients who have already purchased these titles may email MusicForAccordion.com for the updated arrangement which will be provided to you without charge. Over 200 popular Dahl arrangements at: Gary Dahl |
Updated Joe Cerrito Site: New Video, Ave Mariaby Joe Cerrito |
 Updated site with new video. Joe Cerrito (accordion) and Alex Dilan (organ) accompanying soprano Michelle Giglio in Ave Maria by Giulio Caccini |
Updated Site, Milwaukee Accordion Club, May to August Events - USAby Sherry Huiras, Milwaukee Accordion Club |
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| Updated Site: Milwaukee Accordion Club with meetings for the next few months: Monday - May 23, 2016, Mac Members Perform. Monday - June 27, 2016 Ryan Kautzer and his Yankovic Tribute Band are visiting from Wisconsin. Monday - July 25, 2016 Yard Dog Charlie from the swamp of South West Florida with his belnd of Canjun, Zydeco, blue grass and country. Sunday - August 21, 2016 is the Mac Annual Picnic and Jam. |