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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
18th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Report
Victor Prieto and the Cristina Pato Quartet
Amy Jo Sawyer, Commissioned Composer for “Glorious Grands” Piano Extravaganza
"Accordions Rising" Documentary Updates
Alexander Sevastian Releases New CD
Rob Curto’s Dance Party
NAAC Online Annual Meeting is December 10
Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs Perform for Belleville Roots Music Series
Bachtopus to Perform in NYC
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Emmanuel Gasser’s New Composition
Dr. William Schimmel Continues His Busy Schedule
Accordion Pops Orchestra Performs on November 19 in New Jersey
Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini Perform for Long Island Accordion Alliance
2018 Accordion Babes Pin Up Calendar is Available Now
Updated Arrangements by Gary Dahl - USA
Video: Button Box Fest, Reading, Pennsylvania - USA
Renzo Ruggieri New Release: Accordion Kids (ten pieces) eBook - Italy
Jon Hammond Stolen Giulietti Classic model 127, Serial No. 14258
Future events |
Rose City Accordion Club Camp in June 2018
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 November is here! Holiday concerts and events are approaching. You are welcome to send information on upcoming concerts, festivals, accordion events for the December news.Thanksgiving will soon be here. Thoughts turn to being thankful for meaningful people in our lives, etc. In addition to family and dear friends, my thoughts are about the many great music teachers that influenced my life not only as a musician and music teacher, but also as a person. Last month, I had asked for your thoughts about your accordion teachers and received a few responses which were included in that issue. Please continue to share your thoughts. Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season. Send ideas/comments to 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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18th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Reportby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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 The 18th Las Vegas International Accordion Convention ran from 23rd to 26th October 2017 at the Gold Coast Hotel. Full report with pictures at 2017LasVegasAttendees were from many parts of the USA, Canada, Brazil, Austria, France, New Zealand, Australia and Switzerland. This event used the ballroom for meals and concerts, has a store where music, accordions, clothing and CDs are sold and has 2 large rooms for masterclasses along with a smaller concert venue. All lighting, sound and technical equipment is trucked from Utah in a Uhaul truck. Before the convention began, a group of Concerto players had a dinner and a class on Sunday 22nd October. Providing masterclasses and concerts were (alphabetical order): Gina Brannelli, Kim and Dan Christian, Liz Finch, Gordon Kohl, Grayson Masefield, Cory Pesaturo, Joan Sommers, Mary Tokarski, Stas Venglevski and Michael Zampieni. 2017 Honorees were: Gordon Kohl, Prof. Joan Sommers, and picture left, Accordion Leadership Award to Paul Pasquali. Tributes to Dick Contino were made by his son Pete and wife Judy and throughout the event by many players. Orchestra rehearsals under the baton of Joan Sommers were held daily and their performance closed the event with Lady of Spain. Thank you to Paul Pasquali. I look forward to next year - 15th to 18th October 2018. Picture below: Cory Pesaturo, Grayson Masefield and Stas Venglevski Full report with pictures at 2017LasVegas |
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Victor Prieto and the Cristina Pato Quartetby Rita Barnea |
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| Video: Cristina Pato and The Migrations Band performs "Muiñeira for Cristina", a composition by Victor Prieto, and is part of Cristina Pato's album "Migrations. The Cristina Pato Quartet is playing at the Mondavi Center in Davi, CA on Friday and Saturday at 8:PM. Tickets available at 530-754-2787. The international accordionists and composer, Victor Prieto, is on Tour in USA till March 2018. He will appear Wed - Saturday at Mondavi Center for Performing Arts. UC Davis. His future performances include South Korea again to present his Quartet at Daegu Central Univeristy and also work with many accordion students there. North Carolina will be next, in Chapel Hill (Nov 3rd). Erie PA, at Brunos Cafe (Nov 14th). Princeton University (Nov 16-17). Frankfurt Germany (Nov 24-27). 2018 events include: Victor Prieto USA Tour February 2018;Victor Prieto European Tour April 2018; Victor Prieto Cuadro Latino; Cristina Pato USA Tour; Victor Prieto Trio China Tour; Valenur Quartet USA Tour.and more... New DVD coming up "Live at Berklee College" Read future USA news publications for Victor Prieto's International Jazz Accordion Master Classes City of Ourense 2018 For a full Itinerary of concerts, Clinics and Collaborations visit: http://www.victorprieto.net/control.php?sph=a_iap=1006__p_rpp=1__a_lst_dfecha=06/09/2017 |
Amy Jo Sawyer, Commissioned Composer for “Glorious Grands” Piano Extravaganzaby Keith Sawyer |
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| Amy Jo Sawyer, Accordionist and President of the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, Int’l, (ATG), was commissioned by the Salt Creek Chapter of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association to compose music for their “Glorious Grands” Piano Concert presented Oct 8, 2017 on the Campus of the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, (near Chicago). The Commissioned Music was for Eight Hands (two pianos). The title of the Three Movement piece was “Sweet Salt Creek Suite”. The titles of the movements were: Cotton Candy Waltz, Rocky Road Blues and Toffee Tango. The selections were performed by sixteen piano students on eight “nine foot” Steinway pianos on one large stage. One of the piano instructors, Lemi Yang, from China, also played the accordion. The Salt Creek Chapter asked Amy Jo to include two accordion parts on the Tango, so she wrote parts for Lemi and herself to perform with the eight pianos. The concert featured thirteen groups of pieces by different composers with 245 students and 30 teachers participating. Two performances of the concert were presented to full audiences. Amy Jo is a Nationally Certified Piano Teacher by the Music Teacher’s National Association (MTNA). She holds BA degrees in Composition & Piano Performance, and a MA in Jazz Keyboard Performance. In 2014 she received the Commissioned Composer Award sponsored by the Illinois State Music Teachers Association for original Piano solos. Amy Jo is an accomplished accordionist and has performed with the St. Louis Symphony on many occasions including accompanying famous Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, on his appearance with the St. Louis Symphony. She has performed the accordion parts to many movies with the St. Louis Symphony including, “The Godfather’, “Ratatouille” and “Lord of the Rings”. She performed “Fiddler On The roof” with the St. Louis Muny Orchestra in the 2016 season. She recently performed at the “Cotati Accordion Festival” in California where she played with Bass and Drums as a Jazz Trio. She has written many compositions for the accordion including orchestra, solo and duets. One of her original orchestra compositions, a Tango – “Juntos” (Together) was performed in Castelfidardo, Italy, in 2011 by the Frank Marocco orchestra. It was also performed by the Las Vegas Convention Orchestra at the Las Vegas Convention directed by Joan Sommers in 2012. The duet version of “Juntos” is the headliner piece on a CD by Dallas, Texas, accordionists, Elena & Gregory Fainshtein. In 2011, she wrote “Recuerdos” (Memories) after receiving a request by Joan Sommers to write an Orchestra piece celebrating Joan’s 50 years of conducting Accordion Orchestras at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, (UMKC). Some of her original music has been performed by the President’s Quintet at ATG Festivals (www.accordions.com/atg). Amy Jo has two accordion CDs available: “According To Amy”, original selections along with standard Jazz repertoire, and Classically Amy”, all Classical selections, many of which are piano pieces that have been arranged for accordion by Amy Jo. She maintains a private studio in her home in O’Fallon, IL, where she teaches Piano, Accordion, Composition & Theory. For further information: AmyJo@apci.net |
"Accordions Rising" Documentary Updatesby Rita Barnea |
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  Here is the latest information on the documentary, “Accordions Rising”. Thanks to the distributor, Indie Rights, "Accordions Rising" will be marketed for foreign sales at the American Film Market in Santa Monica taking place on Nov. 1-8, 2017. This film would be a wonderful, appropriate holiday gift for accordion lovers.In addition to availability on many US streaming sites, including Amazon,: (bit.ly/2lrM3NzAccordions_on_Amazon), You Tube and Google Play, the music documentary, Accordions Rising is now available on Amazon (for streaming and download) in the following countries: Canada, Australia, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland. In addition, DVDs and Blu Rays will soon be available in many of the major Retail stores as well. However, if you cannot wait for them to show up there,or would like to consider a DVD or Blu Ray for holiday gift giving, contact Roberta Cantow at rcantow@originaldigital.net for whichever format you prefer OR visit the website: www.accordionsrising.com. In addition to the disks, T-Shirts can be purchased (black or white). Roberta Cantow was recognized with her first grant from The American Film Institute while still a graduate film student at NYU. Through the years, The New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts and others provided grants for the completion of 4 film works. She received a NY Area Emmy for her film, Clotheslines, about the symbolic and artistic role of laundry in women’s lives, as well as many other awards and presentations. Her films and videos have garnered several Best of Category Citations in film festivals around the country as well as an Award of Excellence for Dreamtime, in 2008 and Awards of Merit for Not a Still Life, and Accordions Rising, all in the documentary category, from the Accolade Competition. Her work has been exhibited in many of the venues for independents, including a presentation in the Cineprobe Series of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. Her four 16mm films were selected for archival preservation by the Donnell Media Center, New York City, in 2001. All of her work will be housed in the Sophia Smith Women’s History Collection of Smith College (in perpetuity). Roberta is not currently working on a new film, but she is actively engaged as Project Coordinator with the Berkeley-based StoryCenter, through a funded initiative to bring digital storytelling to Palomar College where she teachers and to make it a campus wide phenomenon. Excerpts from “Accordions Rising” website;"Accordions Rising" offers entertaining, conversational style interviews, anecdotal commentary and both formal and informal music performances from celebrated accordionists, composers and bands performing in America today. These musicians make up the colorful and thoughtful cast of characters who drive the story by tracing their uniquely personal attractions to the instrument and sharing their surprisingly divergent paths: from immigrant roots, Creole or Roma beginnings, for example, to a recognition of the very special niche this so-called “low art” form provides for inspirations in jazz, classical, new music, pop, fusion forms, operatic styles and beyond. The film provides a tapestry of fascinating individuals, deep passions, and above of all else, profound dedication to the instrument. We learn that though still a rebellious lot, these music makers have an audience in some of the hippest hideaways and most sought after mainstream venues. The film makes clear that the “accordion world” is actually a curious continuum that includes everything from wacky and kitsch to sophisticated, serious, meditative and post modern. As Dr. William Schimmel points out, “the accordion is the icon of the 21st century.” Excerpts from “The Crazy Mind, Interviews with interesting people”: How long did you take to make 'Accordions Rising'? What is the most challenging aspect of making this film?:"From the time I started shooting until completion, it took a total of 6 years (although I was also completing another film during this time period). This film was especially challenging to make for many reasons: I was not extremely knowledgeable about music in general or accordions in particular; I knew that I would need to get permissions and licenses and need to become familiar with fair use doctrines in documentary. In addition, the participants were spread out across the country which meant a lot of travel, and I made the entire film without a film crew. In short, everything about making the film was challenging including everything I continued to learn about the subject even after the film was done. The premise of the film was that the accordion is way more than the negative impression many people have about it. I worked to emphasize all that was new, exciting and different in the way that musicians and composers were making music with the instrument. I could not have predicted that the "accordion world" would be the primary audience and that many of them, not all, would want to see more of what was familiar to them: polkas, traditional ethnic music, accordion orchestras, classical accordion, etc, all of which were excluded from Accordions Rising. Although many in the accordion world have appreciated the film, my sights are set on widening the net. Those who are less familiar find the film to be a great big surprise." Why did you choose the premise in the film?:"The premise in Accordions Rising, in general, is that people believe that the accordion has fallen out of favor. A mere mention of the word, "accordion" often causes folks to roll their eyes because they consider it corny and old fashioned or the instrument of yesteryear. When I discovered that they were wrong, I intended to set the record straight. Who/what is the focus? Why did you make it?:"I was drawn to all the ways that the accordion is thriving in the culture whether in theatrical performance, performance art, or music. Accordions Rising depicts musicians who are creating off the beaten path: those interested in new music, experimental music, the visual of an illuminated accordion accompanied by a soprano and operatic voice; rock/pop bands with a harder edge, an edgy songwriter, etc. I made the film to say that there is so much more to the instrument than what people think and that the instrument is much more versatile than what is commonly known. At one point I referred to the film as demonstrating how "accordions R us." I meant to say that the many styles of playing and types of music that it is possible to play on the instrument reflect all of the diversity that is the current landscape of the U.S." For further information: rcantow@originaldigital.net |
Alexander Sevastian Releases New CDby Rita Barnea |
 Video 1: Alexander Sevastian SoloVideo 2: Quartetto Gelato Alexander Sevastian recently released a new solo CD presenting music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The CD includes ‘Prelude and Fugue a-minor BVW 543’, ‘Chaconne BVW 1004’, ‘Toccata and Fugue D-minor BVW 565’, ‘Passacaglia and Fugue c-minor BVW 582’, and ‘Badinerie’, Choral f-minor BVW 639 and Air’. Born in Belarus, now living in Canada, Alexander Sevastian has won several international competitions, most notably the CIA Coupe Mondiale in Washington DC in 2007. He has performed throughout Canada, the USA, and also Serbia, Italy and Russia. Alexander Sevastian is the 2007 World Accordion Champion, as well as winner of 3 other International competitions. Alexander studied at the Gnessin Academy of Music in Russia with Friedrich Lips and at the University of Toronto with Joseph Macerollo. After coming to Canada in 2001, he joined Quartetto Gelato and toured all Canadian provinces and all US states. Recent performances include appearances in Russia, the Bahamas, Mexico and Korea. The highlights of this past season included a concert at the Las Vegas Accordion Convention, a concert at the Peninsula Chamber Music Festival with the symphony orchestra under the baton of Vicor Yampolsky in August, and a number of recitals in Toronto and Montreal. Performances in 2017 included a concert with clarinetist Julian Milkis at the Symphony Space in New York in March and a concert with the Sudbury Symphony in May. Alexander has recorded 5 solo CDs. His future performances include: November 7 Boise, Idaho, USA with Quartetto Gelato December 21 Toronto, ON, Canada with Quartetto Gelato 2018 January 12-13 Wainwright, AB, Canada with Quartetto Gelato January 14 Spruce Grove, AB, Canada with Quartetto Gelato January 17 Calgary, AB, Canada with Quartetto Gelato January 19 Lloydminster, SK, Canada with Quartetto Gelato January 20 North Battleford, SK, Canada with Quartetto Gelato January 24 Flin Flon, MB, Canada with Quartetto Gelato January 26 Pinawa, MB, Canada with Quartetto Gelato January 28 Kenora, ON, Canada with Quartetto Gelato Order the new CD at Alexander Sevastian. For further information email: sevastian2004@gmail.com |
Rob Curto’s Dance Partyby Rita Barnea |
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| Rob Curto’s Forro for all Dance Party will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 7:PM at the Milky Arthouse in College Park, MD. The Milky Arthouse is located on 7416 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD. Excerpts from his FB page: When master accordion player Rob Curto’s Forró For All hits the stage, the music will move you! Rob's forró music is an easy and fun two-step country dance popular in Brazil’s northeastern region.Rob Curto’s Forró For All trio will be joined on stage by special guest singers Jo Silva Silva and Cissa Paz music. Rob Curto’s Forró for All is led by accordionist Rob Curto, originally from New York City, and widely lauded as forró’s main ambassador in the United States. Rob is one of the foremost musicians responsible for introducing North American audiences to northeastern Brazilian Music. He was an original member of the band Forro in the Dark along with Mauro Refesco (David Byrne, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Smokey Hormel (Beck). He is a member of the band Matuto, which he founded with guitarist Clay Ross to explore the cultural intersections between Brazilian music and folk traditions of Appalachia and the American South. Rob also composes his own music and collaborates with musicians from all over the world. More info: www.robcurto.com Rob Curto's Forró For All band includes drummer Chad Brown and Baltimore-based singer Rose Moraes. EVENT DETAILS Friday, November 10 MilkBoy ArtHouse in College Park, MD Free forró dance lessonstarting at 7PM by Amtchat Edwards $21 pre-sale, $26 at the door $125 for reserved VIP Booth seating next to stage (4 seats) Please note that the majority of the house is standing room only. Limited seating is available but not guaranteed. Parking:There is a metered surface one block from MilkBoy ArtHouse and garage parking two blocks from MilkBoy ArtHouse. More parking and metro transportation info here: https://www.milkboyarthouse.com/visit. This event is a partnership with The Clarice and MilkBoy ArtHouse, a local crossroads for dynamic entertainment, social gathering and creative dining in downtown College Park, MD. |
NAAC Online Annual Meeting is December 10by Rita Barnea |
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| The NAAC has moved their annual member meeting from the third Sunday of October to the second Sunday of December. This meeting will be held online through streaming or video conferencing software. Every year on the second Sunday of December, the NAAC holds its annual member meeting. The meeting may be attended by all members of the NAAC. Members will vote on pertinent topics. Members will be given notice prior to the meeting via email. The North American Accordion Collaborative is a non-profit organization that helps accordionists of varied interests by identifying their specific needs and by building opportunities to meet those needs. For further information: contact@thenaac.org |
Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs Perform for Belleville Roots Music Seriesby Rita Barnea |
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| Video: Los TexManiacs in Luckenbach, Texas. Joined later by Los Lobos Mark your calendars and get ready to tap your toes. On Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 Grammy Award winners Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs will make their Newburyport debut at the Belleville Roots Music Series, 300 High St., Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950. Exerpts from Wikipedia: Los Texmaniacs is a conjunto band created by Max Baca in 1997. Baca wanted to create a band that incorporated elements from genres such as Rock & Roll and Jazz while still honoring the roots of conjunto Tejano. In 2010 Los Texmaniacs won a Grammy Award for Tejano Album of The Year "Borders y Bailes". Members of Los Texmaniacs have changed over the years but current members include Max Baca on bajo sexto, Josh Baca on accordion, Noel Hernandez on electric bass, and Lorenzo Martínez on the drums. Los Texmaniacs have collaborated with various artists from different genres including Rick Trevino (country music), Flaco Jimenez (Tejano), Los Lobos (Latin) and even Hip Hop recording artist/songwriter King Montana. King Montana aka Aztek Astronaut is first cousins with Max Baca. Max Baca was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His grandfather was an amateur accordion player, and his father, Max Baca, Sr., played accordion in his own band. Narciso Martínezwas one of his father’s idols, and Baca treasured his recordings. At age five, Max started learning accordion. The first two songs Baca learned were the polka, "Monterrey," and the swing classic, "In the Mood." This combination of musical genres with the conjunto music he inherited from his father portended the future direction of Baca's musical career. When he was twelve, Baca and his brother Jimmy formed their own group from Albuquerque New Mexico- Los Hermanos Baca- The Band had hit after hit in the Land of Enchatment to include- "Hey Baby Que Paso" an original hit of The Texas Tornados. The Members: Jimmy Baca Accordion & Vocals, Max Baca Bajo Sexto & Vocals, Lee Ray Romero, Jr. Bass Guitar and Carl Lee Lucero Drums. Max had been playing in Albuquerque with Los Hermanos Baca when one of his major idols, Flaco Jiménez, invited him to come to San Antonio and play bajo sexto in his band. Flaco taught Baca the old techniques and encouraged him to play all twelve strings, in contrast to many other players, who ignored the lower strings, relegating the bass line entirely to the electric bass. Max continued to play with Flaco, but wanted to keep the creative flame of the Texas Tornados alive in his own work when he decided to create Los Texmaniacs. Grammy Award winners, Los Texmaniacs, are considered by many to be the new kings of Tex-Mex . Annointed by Flaco Jimenez , Los Texmaniacs feed the masses, with only the best in musical fare. Founded by Max Baca (bajo sexto, vocals), the TexManiacs are a product of his wide-ranging experience touring and recording with Flaco Jimenenz, the original Texas Tornados, Los Super Seven and even the Rolling Stones. Max has participated on eleven Grammy winning projects. Max is the premiere first call bajo sexto player in the world. “The audience can expect to hear a hot band featuring the accordion, bajo sexton, bass and percussion, much of which is very danceable,” said Ken Irwin, co-founder of Rounder Records and one of nine members of the Belleville Roots Music Series committee, “as well as emotional ballads that will give them a feel for music of the American southwest and Mexico. It’s mostly upbeat music, which will have their toes tapping.” “It’s really similar to Cajun music and to polka music,” Baca said. “Tex-Mex sits right there in between them. The bajo sexto is what makes the Tex-Mex sound.” Baca is considered the premiere first call bajo sexto player in the world. Bajo sexto (Spanish for sixth bass) is a Mexican string instrument with 12 strings in six double courses. He has appeared on 11 Grammy-winning projects with artists as diverse as The Rolling Stones, Ricky Skaggs, Los Super Seven, Lila Downs, and Texas Tornados. Conjunto is roots music, similar to blues or country, and began on the farms and ranches of southern Texas at the end of the 19th century. As they worked the land together, Mexican, Czech and German immigrants shared their musical traditions, blending accordions and polkas with classic Mexican folk music.This fusion yielded an irresistible, danceable beat with infectious melodies set to lyrics expressing themes of love and loss. Since the end of the 60s and into the early 70s, the music has evolved, adopting the label “Tejano,” and borrowing sounds from rock, R&B, country and other genres. “We have been booking roots music for seven years now, with the mission of presenting a diverse range of music to our audiences and helping create community through music,” said Sheila Taintor, one of nine members of the Belleville Roots Music Series committee. “This is our second concert of music with Spanish-speaking roots from Texas, and as a Hispanophile, I am thrilled. “Tejano, or Tex-Mex music, originated among the Mexican-Americans of central and southern Texas, and has German influences as well. I’m looking forward to seeing - and hearing - the special instruments: the guitarrón, the bajo sexto and the button accordion.” For further information: texmaniacs@gmail.com |
Bachtopus to Perform in NYCby Rita Barnea |
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| Bachtopus accordion ensemble will perform at NYC St. Peter’s Chelsea (346 West 20th Street) on November, 5, 2017, at 4:PM. Members are Robert Duncan, Peter Flint, Denise Koncelik, Mayumi Miyaoka, and Jeanne Velonis.The quintet will play pieces written by accordionists Sy Kushner, William Schimmel, Guy Klucevsek, Peter Flint, and Stas Venglevski. Also slated are “Life and the Maiden” by Ryan O’Donnell, and works by J. S. Bach. A suggested donation of $10 benefits the food bank at St. Peter’s Chelsea. Excerpts from their website: Bachtopus is a contemporary accordion ensemble from New York City that performs music by living composers and Johann Sebastian Bach. The ensemble was borne out of a fruitful musical duet between Robert Duncan and Mayumi Miyaoka, who partnered during the Winter of 2011. Denise Koncelik and Peter Flint, who were members of the Brooklyn Accordion Club, joined the duet to play Bach’s organ music, which is well suited to the accordion. The group soon shifted focus to become one of the few accordion ensembles in the United States that plays new music. Having established a large repertoire in just a few years, Bachtopus seeks to play more original compositions, commissioned works, and contemporary music that is interesting, accessible, and grounded in traditional folk music. The ensemble has performed for diverse audiences, and previous performance highlights include: Make Music New York, Bach in the Subways, The New Museum, Accordions Around the World, Meetup.com, and the American Accordion Association Seminars. Bachtopus performs music by and is inspired by Accordion Tribe, Motion Trio, the Kronos Quartet, Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, Stas Venglevski, the Bang On a Can All-Stars, and Jacques Cousteau. The group features original compositions by Peter Flint and Sy Kushner, and arrangements by Robert Duncan and Denise Koncelik. The members of Bachtopus are Robert Duncan, Peter Flint, Denise Koncelik, Jeanne Velonis, and Mayumi Miyaoka. Robert Duncan, is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the City University of New York and received a BA in Music Humanities at the University of California at San Diego. He is the founder and director of Bachtopus. Peter Flint has degrees in electronic music, history, and composition from Oberlin College and Conservatory and New England Conservatory. He has studied accordion with Walter Kuehr, William Schimmel, and Rob Curto, Conrad Cummings, Michael Gandolfi, Scott Wheeler, and Lee Hyla. He is deeply interested in Afro-Cuban music and recently had an orchestral composition performed in Havana, Cuba by the Camerata Romeu.He is on the board of directors at the Third Street Music School Settlement. Denise Koncelik, DMA, is a freelance musician and arranger with degrees in music theory/composition, pedagogy, and performance, and taught at Midwestern State University and Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Koncelik played piccolo/3rd flute and jazz piano with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra for 13 seasons, and has performed at Symphony Space, Joe’s Pub and le poisson rouge. She is co-director of the New York Flute Club Ensemble Program, a member of the Chelsea Musica, and plays bass accordion in NYC’s Main Squeeze Orchestra Mayumi Miyaoka, is an Academic Librarian/Archivist by day, and accordionist by night. She is the founder/organizer of Brooklyn Accordion Club, and is the compiler/editor of a self-published magazine, SqueeZine! – Chronicles of Accordionists. Mayumi studied with Stanley and Joanna Darrow at ACME Accordion School in NJ, and with Dr. William Schimmel in NYC. Jeanne Velonis is a classical recording engineer and the newest member of Bachtopus. Initially self-taught, she has studied accordion with Leah Barkan and Mary Tokarski. Program: "Midnight Waltz” (Stas Venglevski) "Chusedl No. 6” (Sy Kushner) “BOctoblues” (William Schimmel) "Mit Guenstlichem Herzen” (Oswald Von Wolkenstein) "Immortal Bach" (Nystedt, Knut) "String Quartet No. 1, Mvt. 1” (Ryan O’Donnell) "Life and the Maiden" (Ryan O’Donnell) "Fugue in A minor, BWV 543” (J. S. Bach) ~Intermission~ “Widerstehe doch der Sünde,” BWV 54 (J. S.Bach) Vegetative States (Peter Flint) “Tangocide" (Guy Klucevsek) "Lord’s Prayer" (John Taverner) "As They Waltz Off Into the Sunset" (Guy Klucevsek) For further information: drkoncelik@mac.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Vivant! in Concert, Kansas Cityby Kevin Friedrich |
| The Fremar Foundation presented the popular Kansas City based ensemble Vivant! in an annual concert October 8, 2017 entitled 'Tango, Swing & Bling'. Vivant! is a mixed ensemble comprising professional musicians whose focus is to share their own unique and original brand of music. Each of the musicians trained at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). They all have active professional musical careers having performed in concerts world-wide. The musicians for this concert were Julie Silfverberg (accordion), Karen Fremar (accordion/vocals), Melody Stroth (piano), Eman Chalshotori (cello), Jason Scheufler (guitar), Judy Johnson (flute), Janne Silfverberg (trombone/Latin percussion), Dee Sligar (bass) and Brian Steever (drums). The program consisted of September by Earth, Wind and Fire; Concierto Para Quinteto by Piazzolla; One Note Samba by Jobin; Cinematic Caricatures by Scheufler; Introduction & Allegro for Accordion and Synthesized Tape by Fremar; Night Train by Forrest; Soledad by Piazzolla; Vexation by Fremar; Fly Me to the Moon by Howard, Otorio Porterio by Pizzolla and Does Anybody Really know What Time it Is? by Lamm. The Fremar Foundation supports and presents outstanding musical artists in concert; provides music education and specific information about the accordion and its history; and provides scholarships to college bound high school seniors who have excelled in fine arts or performing arts. For more information on the Fremar Foundation or upcoming events, please visit www.fremarfoundation.com. |
Emmanuel Gasser’s New Compositionby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist and composer, Emmanuel Gasser would like to share his latest composition, "Boreal Rhapsody No. 1". He said, “ I tried to express the rugged and primitive beauty of the Boreal Forest and this is what I came up with. Enjoy !I wrote the Boreal Rhapsody No. 1 trying to express the rugged and primitive beauty of the Boreal Forest in which I live. The piece starts with a Pentatonic minor scale portraying the vast unknowns and potential dangers that may lay in the forest. The following Pentatonic major scale represents the serenity felt among the unmovable friendly giants: the trees. The lighter delightful keys bring out the beauties and playfulness of God's treasures and creatures which live hidden within. Two sinister parts contrasting the up-beat themes represent a snow storm, the ferocity of some predatorial animals and a waterfall. The reason why it is called Boreal Rhapsody No. 1 is because one piece of music is not capable to hold the diversity of such a massive ecosystem. I already have ideas for future Boreal Rhapsodies. "Boreal Rhapsody No. 1 " was entered in the Composition contest hosted by the Trophee Mondial in Aveyron, France. Here is some additional information about the Boreal Forest (some of this is included in the beginning of the video) What is the Boreal Forest? The boreal forest is one of the great wonders of the natural world. It spans much of the Northern Hemisphere, from North America and Asia to parts of Europe, and is considered public land. The forest is home to unique plants, animals and human cultures that have coexisted for thousands of years. Those who live and work in Canada’s boreal region consider it a critical part of their culture, economy and collective future. The Boreal’s Ecology Canada’s boreal region covers almost 60 percent of the country’s land area, essentially spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific. At 2,000,000 mi², (over 5,740,000 km²), it is one of the largest and most complex ecosystems on the planet. The boreal is fantastically diverse and complex. An ecosystem of lakes and wetlands moderates the climate, produces oxygen and purifies the water supply for its inhabitants. Much of the world’s freshwater is in the boreal’s lakes, rivers and streams. More than 208 billion tons of carbon are stored in the boreal’s trees, soils, water and peat, meaning that the forest has a significant impact on the planet’s ability to regulate the levels of carbon in the atmosphere." The 21 year old award winning accordionist, Emmanuel Gasser, lives in St. Charles, ON. He has been playing accordion with great enthusiasm since the age of nine and practices several hours a day. He is recognized as one of the best young accordionists in North America, winning numerous trophies and awards in many North American and International competitions, as well as representing Canada at the Coupe Mondiale, Trophée Mondiale, FIF Castelfidardo, IAWK Germany and IAC Switzerland. Despite being young in years, Emmanuel has exceptional musical maturity, having composed over 40 original pieces. He has won First Place in the International Elsie Bennett Composition Competition hosted by the American Accordionists' Association with his compositions in 2016 and 2017. In the past he has studied with several world champion accordionists and is currently studying with Alexander Sevastian. In future he hopes to develop a career as composer and performer; performing solo, with ensembles and orchestras. More recent awards include First Places in the Carmen Carrozza Memorial Competition and Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition both hosted by the American Accordionists' Association at their annual Festival last July. He is an excellent musician and has won several trophies and awards at the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships in BC, in 2010, 2011 & 2012 , at the American Accordionist Association Festival in Charleston, SC in 2011, at the ATG in Chicago IL in 2012, at the Victoria International Accordion Competitions in BC in 2012, at the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in 2013 and 2016. Emmanuel also won first place in the International Elsie Bennett Composition Competition hosted by the American Accordionist Association in 2016 with one of his compositions. Emmanuel won the Youth Entertainment Award in recognition of his outstanding talent at the 2010 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention. In 2011 he won the "Frank Marocco Scholarship" for being an outstanding and dedicated accordionist. Emmanuel has successfully represented Canada in prestigious international competitions such as Coupe Mondiale, CMA, PIF Castelfidardo in Italy, IAC in Switzerland, IAWK in Germany. Emmanuel also won the 2017 NLFB Meltdown. The NLFB Meltdown is a session of auditions for the NLFB (Northern Lights Festival Boréal ) which took place on July 7 - 9, 2017. It is an annual music festival of many different genres held in Sudbury, Ontario. His musical talents have been nourished and developed by the assistance of several world champion accordionists. He is currently studying privately with concert accordionist Alexander Sevastian from Toronto. Emmanuel has also completed various internet and survey courses on Classical Music and Music History with Prof. Robert Greenberg ( San Francisco Conservatory of Music ), Classical Composition with Prof. Peter Edwards ( University of Singapore ) and on Jazz Improvisation with Gary Burton ( Berklee College of Music ). Congratulations to Emmanuel Gasser! For further information: emmanuel_gasser@yahoo.com |
Dr. William Schimmel Continues His Busy Scheduleby William Schimmel |
 On July 29, 30 and 31, 2017, Dr William Schimmel directed his 23rd Annual Accordion Seminars to a capacity crowd producing the best weekend yet. The 24th Annual Seminars will take place on July 27, 28, and 29, 2018 at Tenri - the theme: "Thinking inside the Box".He performed the accordion part written just for him for the Disney Cruise Ship production of "Beauty and the Beast". Dr. Schimmel is featured in a new short film by A. Lauren titled “Artemis" - the subject is Alzheimers and will be shown soon. Last month, Dr. Schimmel performed as soloist with The Minnesota Orchestra performing "Valentino Dances" by Domenick Argento. This was a celebration of Mr. Argento’s 90th Birthday. Dr. Schimmel has turned this except from his opera,"The Dream of Valentino" into a mini Accordion and has toured and recorded it with the Minnesota Orchestra on Reference Records.It received a rave review in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press: “William Schimmel made Argento’s Tangos sizzle and squeal” “What Schimmel did for his role in ‘Valentino Dances’ was comparable to the kind of show - stopping pyrotechnics you’ll get from a great rock guitarist or jazz saxophonist” - (Rob Hubbard of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press) - (complete review enclosed in file) Mr. Argento’s first instrument was the accordion - and the irony is that although Mr Argento and Dr. Schimmel are twenty years apart, they shared the same composition teacher, the great opera composer Hugo Weisgall and the notoriously fearsome ear training teacher, Rene Longy. Dr. Schimmel has six new videos on YouTube: “1601" on a text by Mark Twain, "A Bellows Pleated World and The Owl I thought I knew (in preparation) all directed by his wife, Micki Goodman and "Old Manayunk", A cyberpunk reality -"Symphony #6 (Pathetic/Pastoral) Cyberpunk" and "Hoffman Combat", A reality that fuses "Tales of Hoffman" by Offenbach with "Il Combattimento do trancedi e clorinda" by Monteverdi. Dr. Schimmel can be heard in the soundtrack to the film “Norman" starring Richard Gere, the Showtime Series "Ray Donovan" starring Liev Schreiber and the PBS series, “Sacred".On November 3, 2017, he will premiere his new work, "Green Jackets", in memory of Suzanne Bloch - who was the daughter of Ernest Bloch, the great Jewish 20th century composer. Dr. Schimmel was her ear training assistant in the late 1960’s early 70’s at the Juilliard School.The concert will take place at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains New York. Denise Koncelik will join him on tenor recorder. On November 5, 2017 His “Bactoblues" will be performed by Bactopus at St. Peter’s Church in Chelsea, Manhattan. For further information: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Accordion Pops Orchestra Performs on November 19 in New Jerseyby Rita Barnea |
 The Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo will perform on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at 3:PM at:Conlon Hall Auditorium 19 North William Street Begenfield, NJ 07621 This will be their fourth concert for the benefit of Saint John the Evangelist Church in Bergenfield, NJ. In addition to a wide range of music they will include several Christmas favorites. The concert is open to the public for a $10 donation, which is used by St. John's for charitable purposes. Conductor Al Terzo is a teacher, arranger, and conductor who has been with the orchestra since its inception in 1970. He is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, New Jersey Music Teachers Association, and National Association of Music Educators. Mr.Terzo serves on the governing board of the American Accordionists Association and is a founding member of the Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild. He his an accomplished accordionist who has performed at the Garden State Arts Center and Newark's Symphony Hall. Currently Mr. Terzo teaches accordion and piano in New Jersey. For further information: E-mail: webmaster@accordionpops.com |
Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini Perform for Long Island Accordion Allianceby Rita Barnea |
 La Villini Restaurant of East Northport, NY is sponsoring the next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) on Wed., Nov. 1, 2017 at 6:PM. The featured guest artists will be Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini.Plan to attend. The location is La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY 11731. Phone: 631 – 261 – 6344. lavillini@yahoo.com Mario Tacca 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 unmatched virtuosity on the accordion and his exciting interpretations of international music, the classics and pop. 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.” The Spring City Evening News in Kunming, China, writes that “audiences were greatly impressed by Mary Mancini’s singing ability…Through her music, we see her heart is smiling.” 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. Mary, with Mario Tacca, has 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. For further information: dkarcic10@verizon.net For information on Mario and Mary: marytmancini@msn.com |
2018 Accordion Babes Pin Up Calendar is Available Nowby Rita Barnea |
 The Accordion Babes 2018 Album & Pin-Up Calendar is now available for pre-order.Renee de la Prade, the organiser, writes: “Our theme for the year is Calling All Muses. The front cover features Meredith Pangrace of Cleveland, Ohio. In the 2018 edition, number nine in the series, we have artists from the USA, Canada, Germany, France and Portugal. We're an international crew now and I have to say it feels very exciting to not just be a local project anymore...”. The accordionists pictured are all professional players, and not models, and the calendar comes complete with a CD featuring each of them.The Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar is the world's first sexy calendar that also comes with a CD. They are redefining sexiness by putting out both a fun collection of sexy accordion photos, and a compilation CD which gives people the chance to hear the artists' music. For further information email: squeezeboxgoddess@gmail.com or accordionpinupcalendar@gmail.com |
Updated Arrangements by Gary Dahl - USAby Harley Jones |
 Updated Arrangements just released:Silver Bells composed arranged by Gary Dahl Catalog: DH0044 Tarantella Napolentana arranged by Gary Dahl Catalog: DH0261 View samples of the music online. |
Video: Button Box Fest, Reading, Pennsylvania - USAby Dianna McSherry |
 Thank you to Dan Grauman for providing the two videos above from the Button Box Fest, Reading.The article about the festival was published last month at: http://www.accordionusa.com/#art3124 The 2018 Button Box Festival is already in the works, so mark your calendars for Labor Day weekend next year. |
Renzo Ruggieri New Release: Accordion Kids (ten pieces) eBook - Italyby Harley Jones |
  Renowned accordionist, teacher and composer Renzo Ruggieri has just released a new eBook (.pdf file able to be sent to you by email) titled Accordion Kids Catalog rrenzo512Renzo Ruggieri writes: "Accordion Kids features progressive songs for young accordion students. From first notes, to small imitations of animals, to singular genres such as Disco, Baroque and Blues. The use of the left hand loses regularity in the accompaniment (march / waltz / tango) to bring the young player closer to the new rhythms of the present times." Price is only 10 Euro (or USD$ equivalent) for these exciting young childrens compositions that are a "must have", for every teacher of young children. Available online at Catalog: rrenzo512 |
Jon Hammond Stolen Giulietti Classic model 127, Serial No. 14258by Harley Jones |
 Well known musician Jon Hammond has now found the serial number of his stolen accordion, a Giulietti Classic model 127 Serial No. 14258.This accordion was stolen from his mother's house in Boston, MA in 1976. Picture right of Jon Hammond circa 1976, playing the stolen accordion. At the time, John was attending Berklee College of Music and this accordion has a history, being an accordion of the great pioneer USA accordionist John Molinari. If you have any information about the accordion, please email Jon Hammond: jonhammond@jonhammondband.com |
Future events |
Mark Your Calendars for the AAA’s 80th Anniversary Celebration!by Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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| The American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) is planning a spectacular festival to celebrate its 80th anniversary! The event will be held at the beautiful Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in Alexandria, Virginia, July 11-15, 2018. Featured guest artists include Stas Venglevski with Tatyana Krasnobaeva, Joe Natoli, The Trifilio Tango Trio, Mary Tokarski, members of the US Air Force Strolling Strings and more. We are delighted to announce that Joan Cochran Sommers will be conducting the Festival Orchestra. Mitch Guido will be returning to conduct the Youth Jazz Ensemble, and Mary Tokarski will conduct the Junior Festival Orchestra. There will be exciting competitions, exhibits and workshops. Returning to present a workshop will be Dr. William Morse, Principal Conductor of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra in Golden, Colorado. Dr. Morse conducted the AAA Festival Orchestra in 2017. Emmanuel Trifilio will give a workshop on the bandoneon. Other workshop presenters include Rita Barnea and Joe Natoli. Look for more information on the workshops and new archival displays in the December Accordion USA News. Joe Natoli, winner of the 1972 AAA Virtuoso Competition, has been commissioned by the AAA to compose a solo work for the accordion, in honor of the 80th anniversary, which he will premiere at the festival. The AAA will also be presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award during Saturday evening’s banquet to Louis F. Coppola. An accomplished classical accordionist, Lou Coppola won numerous titles on his instrument and was the first accordionist to win three consecutive national championships. He was also the first American accordionist to represent the AAA, at age eighteen, in the Coupe Mondiale, in Brighton, England in 1955. He performed with the acclaimed US Air Force Strolling Strings for over 28 years and still performs with his own group, Stereo Strings, in the Washington, DC area. Hope to see everyone there!! |
Rose City Accordion Club Camp in June 2018by Rita Barnea |
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| The Rose City Accordion Club’s Annual Accordion Camp will be held from Sunday, June 10 – Friday, June 15, 2018 at the Silver Falls State Park Conference Center, Sublimity, Oregon. Wayne Tiusanen, President of the Rose City Accordion Club shares, "It is my pleasure to announce that our 2018 accordion camp will again be held at Silver Falls State Park in Silver Falls, Oregon. We have two new professionals who will bring new talents to the camp.The conductors for the week will be Beverley Fess and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues; and instructors will be Mary Tokarski and Courtney Von Drehle." Scholarships: Two full scholarships are available for the 2018 Rose City Accordion Camp in memory of Joe Baccellieri and Cathy Feaster. Baccellieri was a nationally known accordionist who performed and taught in Portland. He was a conductor and instructor at past Rose City Accordion Club camps and other accordion events. Joe was passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge and love of music with others; and was a big supporter of camp. This scholarship is to be awarded to current accordion students and must have a written note from their instructor supporting their participation. Cathy and Jim Feaster from Anchorage, Alaska, attended camp for many years. While Jim is the accordionist, Cathy was an enthusiastic supporter of camp and all things related to the accordion. She assisted camp staff with many activities and was an invaluable camp ambassador at each year’s event. This scholarship is open to anyone who would like to enjoy participating at camp that may otherwise not be able to attend. Anyone who would like to participate in either of these scholarships can apply by sending me an email stating which scholarship you are applying for. My email is:wjtiusanen@yahoo.com.” Bobbie Ferrero, the co-director of the Rose City Accordion camp, initially called the Gala Rini camp, said,"It has been a summer staple for many accordion players. But we are always looking for more accordion players to join us in this unique experience nestled in the forest near Silver Falls State Park, Oregon. There’s one word to describe the 2017 Rose City Accordion Camp…….. Addictive!!. This camp, the only one of its kind in the US, is an experience that begs repeating. Out of the 42 campers this year, 32 have been to camp in previous years. The campers come from across the US and Canada. The camp has been located at Silver Falls State Park where it celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. The main draws of the five day camp are the orchestras where the campers gain skills under the guidance of national and/or world known accordionists. Each day the orchestras practice for the final performance held on the last night of camp open to the public. The campers strive for perfection of their part by also practicing in small groups during some of the free time that is provided. When not practicing, the campers engage in interactive workshops and individual lessons provided again by the nationally recognized accordionists. For some this is a reunion. This is the once a year encounter to play with friends that meet only at camp. Each evening there are performances by the campers either as a solo performance or a combo of players who find a spare minute to practice together. To top off the campers’ performances, the professional conductors and workshop leaders share their music with us also.” The Rose City Accordion Club, located in Portland, Oregon, is a non-profit organization comprised of individuals who share enjoyment of and enthusiasm for the accordion. The Club embraces all styles of accordion music and welcomes all who have an interest in the accordion whether they play or not. Their intent is to promote the future of the accordion and the enjoyment it gives to all. Future publications will include more information about this wonderful accordion camp. Stay tuned! For further information: Bobbie Ferrero – Co-camp director Rferrero02@yahoo.com |