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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Deadline: Oct. 26, 5 PM
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Stas Venglevski Releases New CD: "Original Stas"
Alicia Baker to Perform Concerto with OSU Symphony Orchestra
"Accordion Heroes" Concert on October 4th
Vladimir Mollov Presents Concert at WMAS on October 16
Michael Bridge wins 5th Roland V-Accordion Festival in Canada
3rd Annual O.C. Accordion Festival: Big Squeeze on Oct. 9
2011 Southeast/Florida Accordion Association SMASH
AAA Presents 2012 Festival in Baltimore
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Sam Falcetti: Here Comes the Judge
Rocco Jerry Performs in Concert
WMAS Sponsors Successful Oktoberfest
Falcetti Music Hosts Roland Event
Future events |
Long Island Accordion Alliance Meets on October 4th
Guy Klucevsek's Composition to be Performed by Flexible Orchestra
Bob Goldberg, Accordionist for "Brooklyn Underground"
San Francisco Accordion Club Features Accordion Babes and Tony Lovello
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 Fall is here and so are more accordion events!Thankfully, it never ends. The accordion is always present from one season to the next……..There are more accordionists and accordion happenings than ever before! Read the USA News for the latest information. I encourage all accordion associations, clubs, and accordionists to send me information, photos etc. about your upcoming events. The USA News is the best online source for news, not only for accordionists, but for anyone who is interested in our favorite instrument! Remember to also list your concert/festival in the accordion yellow pages future events. It is a free service! Click on "Add new Events" by the Yellow Pages box located at the top of the page to the right. Follow the easy instructions and your event will be seen by thousands of people all over the world! Send all news info to me for the USA News at Ritabelll@aol.com by the 20th of the month. Thank you! |
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Deadline: Oct. 26, 5 PMby Rita Barnea |
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| The Las Vegas International Accordion Convention is set to begin Monday, October 31, 2011 with a Masquerade Dinner Concert! This year the convention will have the highest number of classes and workshop presenters in their history. Registration will be open until 5 PM October 26. There is still time to become part of this amazing event. There are more than 50 workshops and classes scheduled. Dr.Ian Blair Fries, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, is a new addition and will present a unique workshop on the anatomy of the hand and the accordion, helpful to all. The event begins on Monday evening with an exciting concert which features Peter & Mady Soave, Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini, and Bruce Gassman. Tuesday evening's concert will feature the Soundscape Accordion Trio followed by the incredible Frank Marocco quartet. Wednesday’s evening will be highlighted with their first Art Van Damme Youth Awards followed by a concert with Mary Tokarsky, and Angelo Di Pippo with the Accordion Kings! Thursday will definitely be a night to remember -- the grand finale will conclude the 2011 convention with a concert featuring the inimitable Alex Sevastian followed by the glorious sound of a 52 piece accordion orchestra with full symphony percussion, the Fourth Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra, conducted by Professor Joan Cochran Sommers. As registration comes to a close, you can find out more about various registration options and register online at www.accordionstars.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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Stas Venglevski Releases New CD: "Original Stas"by Rita Barnea |
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 Stas Venglevski has released his latest CD, "Original Stas". It contains all original compositions by Stas Venglevski. The artwork for the cover was designed by AAA Board member, Joan Grauman,His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought "Stas" Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan. A two-time first prize winner of bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the United States. He now lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of "Concerto No. 2" by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of "Bayan and Beyond", composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. Stas Venglevski is a regular participant of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced numerous recordings including transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions which are available. Stas will be a guest artist at the "Accordion Heroes in Concert" at 7:PM on October 4th, 2011 at the North Creek Presbyterian Church in Mill Creek, Washington. For tickets: mail@petosa.com. See the "Accordion Heroes" article in this issue. To order his new CD: stasvenglevski@sbcglobal.net $15.00 plus $2.00. The music is also available for purchase. |
Alicia Baker to Perform Concerto with OSU Symphony Orchestraby Rita Barnea |
 On October 13th at 7:30 PM, twenty year old Alicia Baker from Milwaukie, Oregon, will perform the "Concerto in B flat Major for Accordion and Orchestra" by Chaikin with the Corvallis-OSU Symphony Orchestra.Alicia has been playing the accordion since the age of 6, and is also accomplished on piano and voice. Alicia currently attends Oregon State University, where she is studying to be a triple music major with degrees in music education, piano performance, and vocal performance. Her future dreams include teaching choral music, along with performing every chance she gets! Alicia has had much success on the accordion, winning various competitions including the “Happy Hans Open” at the Kimberley International Old-Time Accordion Competition in 2007, 2010 and 2011. She also competed and won several divisions at the Leavenworth International Accordion Competition in 2009. In September 2009, Alicia attended the National V-Roland Accordion Festival in Los Angeles, winning the privilege of representing the USA at the International V-Accordion Roland festival, which took place in Rome, Italy of November 2009. Alicia currently works for Roland as a product specialist, where she hopes to continue spreading the joy of accordion music as well as increase the popularity of this wonderful instrument. As the longest continually-operating orchestra in the state, the Corvallis-OSU Symphony Orchestra, led by music director and OSU music professor, Dr. Marlan Carlson, is a major force in the music scene of the Willamette Valley. From its inception in 1906 as a collegiate orchestra composed of nine male members, the symphony has grown into a highly regarded, 80-member ensemble performing five major concerts each season. High-profile soloists from around the world complement the musical artistry of students, faculty, and community members, along with professional musicians from Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Corvallis. One might say that the Corvallis-OSU Symphony offers classical music with Northwest flair.The concerts are affordable, and a bit of background information and education is usually provided for the audience. All Corvallis-OSU Symphony concerts are held at the LaSells Stewart Center at 26th Street and Western Boulevard on the Oregon State University campus. The box office opens one hour prior to each concert. Parking is available in most OSU parking lots, including the Reser Stadium lot across the street from the concert hall, as well as in the parking structure just north of the: LaSells Stewart Center, OSU 875 SW 26th Street Corvallis, OR 97331-3101 (541) 737-2402 For further information about this concert or purchasing her CD's: bakerajo@gmail.com |
"Accordion Heroes" Concert on October 4thby Rita Barnea |
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| The “Accordion Heroes” concert to take place on Tuesday evening, October 4th, 2011 at the North Creek Presbyterian Church, 621 164th Street SE, Mill Creek, Washington. The artists who will perform are: Stas Venglevski, William Cosby, Misha Litvin, Nick Ballarini, John Simkus, Jamie Maschler, and Murl Sanders and the concert is co-sponspred by Petosa and Giulietti Accordions. Single tickets are $20.00. 2 tickets are $35.00 Children 13 and under are free. Do not miss this very special concert which brings accordion artists from all over the USA to Washington state! For information on tickets please call 425-743-2386 mail@petosa.com |
Vladimir Mollov Presents Concert at WMAS on October 16by Rita Barnea |
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| Accordionist Vladimir Mollov will perform on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 4 PM at the Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church, 3435 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, Virginia. Born to a family of self-taught wedding musicians, Vladimir was inspired by the sounds of the accordion since early childhood. Even at one-and-a-half years old he “played” his little accordion alongside his father at a wedding. At the age of seven he began accordion lessons with the nationally recognized pedagogue Nadejda Nicheva in Kazanluk, Bulgaria. At his later stages of musical development he studied with Professor Peter Marinov at the National Music Academy, internationally recognized accordion artist Hristina Danova, and Nedelcho Dimitrov, a laureate of national and international accordion festivals and competitions. At thirteen Vladimir participated in an accordion competition in Vladivostok, Russia placing fourth. Two years later he placed first in the International Competition for Accordion and Guitar in Asenovgrad, Bulgaria, and received fourth place in the International Accordion Competition in Castelfidardo, Italy. Since then Vladimir has been recognized at national and international accordion competitions including a first award recognition at the National Competition for Variety Music and Jazz on accordion in Novi Pazar, Bulgaria. In 2002, Vladimir joined the Duquesne University Tamburitzans in Pittsburgh, PA. For the four years he was a student at the university, he performed over three hundred and fifty shows with the ensemble and arranged music for several of the dances and instrumental numbers on the shows. Presently he teaches and is available for concerts. For further information: joangrauman@verizon.net or call 1-301-662-0203 |
Michael Bridge wins 5th Roland V-Accordion Festival in Canadaby Rita Barnea |
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| Michael Bridge is the 5th Roland V-Accordion Festival National Grand Champion. He will represent Canada at the International Finals in Rome, Italy on October 21st and 22nd. Additionally, he was given the Roland FR-7X V-Accordion as his prize. Michael impressed the audience and judges alike with his wide musical range, stunning technical abilities and commanding stage presence. Michael performed four pieces ranging from Broadway, Baroque, and Jazz. Though all contestants showed technical proficiency, Bridge's passionate performance brought the audience to their feet and earned him the first place finish. Michael is presently in Shanghai, China, where he is a contestant in the 2011 Coupe Mondiale competition. (Week of October 1st) Having grown up learning traditional folk music on the piano accordion, he more recently switched his focus to a chromatic and free-bass instrument to be able to compete at a higher level and study the accordion at the University of Toronto, under the world-renowned pedagogue, Joseph Macerollo. Michael Bridge travelled to Croatia in October of 2010 to represent Canada at the Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes Coupe Mondiale/World Cup. He competed in the junior category (18 and Under) in a field of 20 competitors who represented 17 different countries. Michael was awarded 5th place for Canada. In July 2009, Michael performed three concerts in Lorraine, France at the 3me Festival International de la Lorraine. In June of 2010, Michael was honored to be invited to perform with the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Symphony Hall in Boston in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the wildly popular public radio show, "From The Top", which promotes pre-collegiate aged classical musicians. Michael was delighted to be a solo concert artist at the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention in both October of 2009 and 2010. While there, he also instructed theoretical workshops and a master class. He also performed as a headliner at the Edmonton Accordion Extravaganza in September of 2010 and taught a workshop as well. Michael began piano lessons at age four and piano accordion lessons at age seven. In August 2008, Michael attended the International Music Accordion Campus in Italy conducted by Peter and Mady Soave and Jean-Louis Noton to begin studying the bayan/concert accordion. Michael won the Open Championships at the Edmonton and Kimberley competitions and also won the Virtuoso Championship at the Calgary Festival. Under the guidance of his long-time teachers Beverley Fess (accordion) and Donna Holloboff (piano,) Michael completed the Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 10 curriculum on both instruments. He has embarked on intensive theoretical studies of music, from Middle Ages to present, under esteemed Canadian composers Robert Rosen and Timothy Janz. He has also spent years developing an ability to jam or improvise in any style of music - from jazz to classical, from folk to pop songs. At the age of fourteen, Michael released his first CD of original compositions entitled "My Stuff." He has also published a book of sheet music to match this CD. His second CD of original works, "Sharon's Song," was released in October 2009. He is a captivating young musician, determined to raise the profile of the accordion for the next generation. Runner-up Eugene Laskiewicz from Mississauga, ON, and 3rd place winner Kimberley Pritchard from Brooklin, ON, also gave impressive performances.The National Finals took place at the Hansa Haus in Mississauga, Ontario on September 8th. The top three semi-finalists, chosen from entries received from all over Canada, and the Youth Division Grand Prize Winner, Yifei Zhang, performed for a full house and an expert panel of industry professionals. The jury included world renowned adjudicator Joe Macerollo, Canadian accordionist and vocalist Linda Cara, the 1st Roland V-Accordion Festival National Finals Winner John Lettieri, and National Executive Director of Conservatory Canada Victoria Warwick. For further information on Michael Bridge: michael@michaelbridgemusic.com In photo below: Kimberley Pritchard, Michael Bridge, Eugene Laskiewicz |
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3rd Annual O.C. Accordion Festival: Big Squeeze on Oct. 9by Rita Barnea |
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 “The Big Squeeze", the 3rd Annual Orange County Accordion Festival takes place again at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa, California, on Sunday, October 9, 2011. The event will run from 10 AM to 4 PM in conjunction with all of the swap meet activities. Top photo of Chris Rybak, the Accordion Cowboy. Five stages of accordion based entertainment in a variety of music genres. Cajun and Zydeco bands featured on the Mardi Gras Stage with Bonne Musique Zydeco at 11 AM; Grammy nominated Lisa Haley & the Zydekats with Gee Rabe on Accordion (right photo) at 12:45 PM; Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic at 2:30 PM; Mardi Gras parade at 12:15 PM with New Orleans “Traditional” Jazz Band ,the Laissez Les Bon Temp Rouler Second Line Dancers and Circus Joy's Mardi Gras on Stilts.Free face painting and mask crafts to prep for the parade with the Ukulady. Tex Mex Stage featuring Los Fabulocos and Miguel Garcia and the Vaquetones. Other performers include Fred Mlakar and the Oberkrainers, Jim Gilman-The Squeezinator, Bobby Dietsch, Roberto Rosa, L.A.'s Accordion Diva "Gigi" Gee Rabe, Button Accordionist Otono Lujan, “Mr. Squeeze” Phil Parlapiano, Ketchup Soup with Mrs. Hobbs- L.A'.s "Post-Pop Cabaret Squeezebox Diva" and Miss December in the 2011 Accordion Babes Calendar and Bryan J, the rock and roll strolling accordionist. Accordion Cowboy Chris Rybak, World Champion Accordionist Alicia Baker, Internationally acclaimed musician Steven Albini and Linda Herman, One Woman Dance Band, presented by the Roland Corp. Accordion Road Show presented by Jeffrey Iacono from Borsini Accordions: Bring any accordion for a FREE LIVE professional appraisal and ask the expert about repair, tuning, building and other burning squeezebox questions. FREE Zydeco and line dance instruction by AJ Gibbs. Bring your button or piano accordion for a FREE lesson and open jam session. Free accordion storage provided. Gourmet Food Truck Alley, Beer Garden and Market Place vendors. If you have never been to the Orange County Accordion Festival, then 2011 is the year to be there! Line up of musicians features all your favorite accordionists! The Big Squeeze and admission to the swap meet are free with the donation of a canned food item to support the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Or $2. Children 12 and under are always free. Parking is free, or preferred parking is available for $5. Swap Meet is located at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds, (88 Fair Drive) runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Orange County Market Place is on Facebook. More information also by calling 949-723-6660. Bottom photo of Linda Herman, One Woman Dance Band |
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2011 Southeast/Florida Accordion Association SMASHby Rita Barnea |
 The 11th Annual Florida Smash will take place in Orlando, Florida from November 11th to 13th, 2011 at the International Palms Resort. The event is organised annually by the Florida Accordion Association, President Karen Adam. This year the 11th Annual Florida Smash will feature guest artists Kim and Dan Christian, Venanzio Cipollitti, Tony Lovello, Walter Kasprzyk. Additional performers include: Dave Mussatto, Bob & Anita Siarkowski, Nancy Leonard, Barbara St. Denis, Linda Ann Warren, Donna Dee Ray, Carmen Vitanza, Dick Richards, Jerry Tramontozzi, Wacek Koneczny, and MORE ! Dealer displays galore, and the famous Friday night Cafe Accordeon hosted by Alvaro Barsi. Events include: Friday, November 11th: The famous Café Accordeon, hosted by Alvaro "Beaver" Barsi, 4:30 - 2:00 a.m. in the hotels' Front Street Café. Anyone may play. Food is available for purchase until 9 PM, beverages available for purchase until 2:00 a.m. Snacks provided. Accordion orchestra rehearsal - time TBA. Dealer displays are open. Saturday, November 12th: registration desk & dealer displays open 8:30 a.m. The day includes professional accordion performances, lunch & dinner, accordion orchestra performance, the grand evening concert, and 50/50 raffles. After the close of the evening concert, accordionists will congregate in the Front Street Café for jamming, and more accordion fun. Lunch & dinner buffet Saturday with accordion entertainment. Sunday, November 13th: 9:00 am: Optional breakfast and accordion concert by Jerry Tramontozzi, dealer displays open before & after breakfast. Breakfast buffet. NEW this year --- GOT ACCORDION? If you need to rent an accordion, please contact John Gaunt, Accordions & Keyboards, 727-443-4113. Please call him ASAP so that he may bring one for you. The International Palms Resort has many amenities: a gorgeous outdoor, heated pool and Tiki bar, gift shop, hair salon, business center, game room, Dollar Rent-a-Car on site, in-room microwaves, mini refrigerators, coffeemakers, and safes. Walking distance to many restaurants, shopping, and major attractions, 15 miles from the airport. For additional information: Please e-mail: FLACCASSOC@bellsouth.net, or go to Florida Accordion Association website or call 850-936-8722 between 6:00-7:00 PM, CST. |
AAA Presents 2012 Festival in Baltimoreby Rita Barnea |
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| The American Accordionists' Association will present their 2012 AAA Festival from July 11-15th, 2012 at the Sheraton City Center Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. Plan next summer around the festivals exciting days of workshops, exhibits, caber, luncheon concert, gala concert, and Festival Orchestra. The AAA is proud to announce its 2nd Annual Youth Involvement Program which was very successful at the 2011 Festival. Come and see young accordionists play jazz with other young insturmentalists led by the capable and talented jazz artist, Eddie Monteiro. Virtuoso accordionist, Stas Venglevski, will be the Guest Artist and Guest Conductor of the Festival Orchestra. He delights all with his friendly and humorous manner, educating and entertaining at the same time. Truly a unique experience. See the article in this issue about the new CD just released by Stas Venglevski. Further details about the AAA 2012 Festival will appear in future articles. The Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel offers a great location for business and pleasure, directly across from the 1st Mariner Arena, close to the Baltimore Convention Center. Among the sights which you can easily see are the Hippodrome Theatre, Camden Yards, Ravens Stadium, National Aquarium, and Maryland Science Center. Top restaurants, harbor activities….there is so much to do and see conveniently within walking distance of the hotel! For further information: aaa1938@aol.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Dr. William Schimmel: Busy in Late Summer and Fallby Rita Barnea |
 AAA Board member and Artist in Residence, Dr. William Schimmel was involved in many interesting musical events and projects during the late summer going into the fall season. On August 20, Dr. William Schimmel and flutist/singer, Ulla Soukka, presented their acclaimed concert Singing with all of your Senses at the Stepping Stones Learning Center in South Norwalk Conn. The concert was originally conceived and presented by The Lincoln Center Meet the Artist Program and designed for young audiences.Dr. William Schimmel was featured in an article in The Berkshire Eagle that covered his performance at The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge Mass. The concert turned out to be an actual wedding at the Museum – the newlyweds being fans of Dr. Schimmel and have attended his many concerts. The article talked about treating every engagement with equal care and that a wedding is part of the continuum of accordion culture and to be taken seriously. Dr. William Schimmel co-hosted the radio show, “Celebrating our Music Community” along with its regular host David Osenberg. The show featured Dr. Schimmel's concert at The Cape May Music Festival in New Jersey which featured Dr. Schimmel and members of The New York Chamber Ensemble. The program was aired on September 12 on WWFM – the actual concert took place on June 14th. This show can be listened to on-line – along with an interview with Dr. Schimmel in a show titled Cadenza. Dr. William Schimmel composed and performed the music for the up-coming film, The Breakfast Waltz, produced and directed by Zev Schlesinger. Dr. Schimmel also recorded the music for a new video game by Tom Salta soon to be released. Dr. Schimmel is also the featured and credited accordion soloist in the film, “The Beaver”, starring Mel Gibson and directed by Jodie Foster. Dr. William Schimmel and his wife, Micki Goodman, performed a 9/11 tribute concert at The Cornelia Street Cafe in Manhattan. The concert was part of a series consisting of scientist and musician sharing a program together to show correlations.. Dr Schimmel and Micki Goodman performed 9/11, a piece which was accompanied to his own accordion music and Micki's narration written by her for the occasion. The series is curated by Dave Soldier, a neuro-biologist and composer, including works for accordion, and Roald Hoffmann, a Nobel Prize winner. He was the featured accordionist in the Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park on September 14. Dr. Schimmel performed with The New York Philharmonic. In addition to Mr. Bocelli, the concert also featured Celine Dion, Tony Bennett and Chris Botti. From October 5th to the 16th, he will be featured in the Off-Broadway show, "Kiki Baby" at the Theatre at St. Cements as part of the New York Theatre Festival. On October 18th, he will appear with New York City Opera Diva Lauren Flanigan in a concert at The University Club in New York. On October 27, he will also appear with Ms. Flanigan at the Cedar Lake performance space in the Meat Packing district of New York. On October 29, he will perform Lois V. Vierk's "Blue Jets Red Sprites"for solo accordion at The Stone, a new and innovative performance space in New York. Micki Goodman, Dr. Schimmel's wife, has produced and directed a new video featuring the music and performance of Dr. Schimmel. The title is “Born Reality” and it can be seen and heard on You Tube as well as Dr. Schimmel's Facebook page. Micki Goodman produced the video in honor of Dr. Schimmel's 65th birthday. For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Sam Falcetti: Here Comes the Judgeby Rita Barnea |
 Anselmo “Sam” Falcetti, from the Springfield, Mass. area, has been selected to represent the United States as a judge at the 5th Annual Roland V Accordion International Festival to be held on October 21st & 22nd in Rome, Italy. The venue chosen for this incredible event is the famous Parco della Musica auditorium. Fifteen to twenty competitors from all over the world will partake in this event and Mr. Falcetti will be one of a panel of ten international adjudicators. Besides the presentation of trophies to the top three contestants, the lst place winner will be awarded a cash prize of 7500 Euros. This event will be screened on the internet. Sam began accordion lessons at the age of 10 and home teaching at the age of 16. Before graduating, in 1957, from the University of Hartford with a B.Mus in Theory and Composition he opened his first accordion music studio in Westfield, Ma. As a founder of Falcetti Music, a full-line music store chain in Massachusetts and Connecticut, he provides Roland V Accordion sales and service for all of New England. As an educator, Sam taught the accordion privately for many years. In the 70’s and 80’s he was an adjunct professor at both Holyoke Community College and Westfield State University where over twenty students graduated with a major on the accordion. By invitation his college ensembles performed twice at Carnegie Hall. During his career, Sam has judged and presented workshops nationally. As a conductor, he is the founder of the Internationally famous Springfield Accordion Orchestra who performed at the World’s Fair in Osaka, Japan, toured throughout Italy, and were on national television with David Frost and Roberta Flack. This group also performed in both Disney World and Disney Land, Hawaii, and toured New Zealand where they performed in concert at the Coupe Mondiale (world competition). For further information: peggyf1944@gmail.com |
Rocco Jerry Performs in Concertby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Rocco Anthony Jerry gave ten performances of "snow/wind/radios" by composer Yuji Takahashi. The composition for two accordions and voice is a musical setting of Diane di Prima's poems which were read prior to each performance. Each performance was followed by ten minutes of silence. The concert and meditation service was hosted by the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church on Sunday, September 25th to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan. During the first five performances, the first accordion part was performed live and accompanied by a recording of the second accordion. For the next performances, the second accordion part was performed live with a recording of the first accordion part. The Japanese composer and pianist, Yuji Takahashi, studied composition with Minao Shibata, Ogura Roh, and Iannis Xenakis. His career as a pianist made him a leading exponent of new piano music, and he developed a reputation for performing the most difficult new piano works. In the 1960’s, he performed the piano music of Xenakis, Boulez, and Cage in Europe and the U.S. He lived in the US for a number of years in the 1960’s on a Rockefeller grant, during which he was a soloist with many of America’s leading orchestras. During this time, he also taught at Indiana University and San Francisco Conservatory. In the 1970’s, he edited the Japanese avant-garde quarterly, “tranSonic”. In 1978-1985, he organized the “Suigyu Band” which performed Asian and Latin American protest songs. In 1990-2007, he composed many pieces for traditional Japanese instruments and voices, and has also written for keyboard instruments, chamber music, and orchestra. Poet Diane di Prima attended Swarthmore College, later moving to Greenwich Village to become part of the Bohemian intellectual culture. Di Prima began a correspondence with the poet Ezra Pound, and became known as an important writer of the Beat movement. She co-founded the New York Poets Theatre and founded the Poets Press, which published the work of many new writers of the period. Di Prima is the author of 35 books of poetry and prose. Her work has been translated into over 20 languages. She has received writing grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, an Award for Lifetime Achievement in Poetry from the National Poetry Association, and an honorary doctorate from St. Lawrence University. She has taught poetry and spirituality courses at New College of California, California College of Arts and Crafts, and the San Francisco Art Institute. Rocco Jerry has given solo concerts throughout the US including New York City, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, at venues including the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian Institute (Washington D.C.), the National City Christian Church (Washington D.C.), and other churches and halls in the US. He has performed with several chamber music groups including the Downtown Ensemble and the Flexible Orchestra and premiered new works by Peter Machajdik, Daniel Goode, Conrad Kehn, Arthur B. Rubinstein, Max Simoncic, and Robert Young McMahan, and has given the US premieres of many other pieces. Mr.Jerry performs each year at the Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City, during the annual AAA Concert Series , organized by Dr. William Schimmel. In 2009, Mr. Jerry premiered Conrad Kehn’s multi-media work “Maximinimal” for Accordion, Electronics, and Video at The Festival of Firsts, at The Brick Elephant in Valley Falls, New York (presided by composer, Mary Jane Leach). In May-June 2004, Mr.Jerry worked closely with Hollywood film composer, Arthur B. Rubinstein, and performed accordion in the premiere run of Rubinstein’s new musical “He Who Gets Slapped”, with the next run scheduled for the Mark Taper Auditorium in Los Angeles. After being awarded a SPAF Project Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts in 2000, Mr. Jerry premiered Robert Young McMahan’s “Mists and Mountains” in solo concerts in upstate New York. In 2007, Mr. Jerry began the Accordion Ensemble Project , which was awarded an SOS Grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts in 2008. In this ongoing project, Mr. Jerry is recording all parts of accordion ensemble works, so that they may be performed as a solo, accompanied by his recording of the remaining parts. To date, he has performed the accordion ensemble works of Bjorn Borstad Skjelbred, Peter Machajdik, Magnar Am, Kjell Perder, Jacob ter Veldhuis, and Yuji Takahashi, with more works added each year. Rocco Jerry will provoke a free accompaniment CD or mp3 to anyone who wishes to perform this work as an accordion solo. For a free accompaniment recording or for more information: rajerry@juno.com |
WMAS Sponsors Successful Oktoberfestby Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
 The Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS) is happy to report that their annual Oktoberfest was a tremendous success! Close to 100 people enjoyed great music, fine food, a marvelous dance performance by the dance group, “Bairisch and Steierisch”, dance instruction by Herb Frederickson and an Oktoberfest music jam session. Dancers accompanied each piece during the jam session, adding greatly to the festivities.The purpose of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS) is to bring together accordionists and promote accordion music in the National Capital region. All accordion players and friends welcome! Top photo: Dancers packed the room during the WMAS Oktoberfest. Bottom photo: Silvia Eberly delighted the crowd with her beautiful Austrian diatonic accordion. For further information: Joangrauman@verizon.net |
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Falcetti Music Hosts Roland Eventby Rita Barnea |
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| A Roland Workshop and Concert was organized by Sam and Peggy Falcetti on September 18, 2011 in Springfield, Mass. at the Falcetti Music Corporate Headquarters and Showroom. In the photo are:Christopher Gorton, Danielle Renzi, Steve Albini, Sam Falcetti, Ollie Luey and Daniel Pavlotsky. Mr. Steve Albini, product manager of the V Accordion Division, presented a workshop on the FR7/FR7X Model Digital Accordions. Sam Falcetti also presented a clinic on the FR3/FR3X Model Digital Accordions. After the workshops. a concert of favorite Italian songs was performed by Mr.Albini. Joining him on the concert program were lst place winner, Daniel Pavlotsky and 2nd place winner, Ollie Luey, the two winners of the Junior Division at the Roland National Festival held in Orlando, Florida in July of 2011. Also performing was Danielle Renzi, the winner of the Senior Division, who was awarded a Roland FR7X Digital Accordion and trip to Rome, Italy in October where she will represent the United States in the Roland International Competition. A special surprise was a mini concert by Christopher Gorton, who was the US Senior Division winner in 2010 and who will represent the American Accordionists Association in the Digital Accordion Division sponsored by the CIA World Accordion Association to be held in Shanghai, China in October. All the performers are from Massachusetts and Rhode Island who compete in the New England Music Festival, held at the Newton Marriott every April. Another highlight of the day was an impromptu jamming session by Steve Albini and Sam Falcetti. Approximately 60 people from all over New England attended including Roland accordion owners, ATAM members (including President Michael Falcetti), MATA members and people interested in hearing this marvelous instrument. This was the 10th event held at Falcetti Music in the last few years. Everyone enjoyed the event and the comment heard by many was “We can’t wait until the next one!” For further information: peggyf1944@gmail.com |
Future events |
Cory Pesaturo to Perform in Columbus Day Parade in NYCby Rita Barnea |
 Cory Pesaturo continues to maintain a busy performance schedule. He will perform at Gracie Mansion in NYC on October 5, 2011 and for the New York City Columbus Day Parade on October 10th. The NYC Columbus Day Parade is the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture – New York’s 67th Columbus Day Parade, on Fifth Avenue and will be aired on WABC-TV New York from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM in a live broadcast.Cory will perform with Aaron Caruso on October 21st in Detroit, Michigan. This fun event will be held at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom in Warren, Michigan. On October 24th, he will perform at the Milwaukee Accordion Festival World Digital Accordion Champion(Coupe Mondiale 2009) and World Acoustic Accordion Champion (2011) Cory Pesaturo is a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA where he was the first musician ever to major and graduate in the accordion. Cory’s extensive resume includes appearances at the White House for President and Mrs. Clinton on four different occasions. On one of those occasions, he became the youngest person ever to perform at a State Dinner. In 2009 alone, Cory performed on five different continents from Italy to Canada to New Zealand to Japan and Tunisia. For further information: CoryPesaturo@corypesaturo.com |
Long Island Accordion Alliance Meets on October 4thby Rita Barnea |
| Once again La Villini Restaurant of East Northport, NY is sponsoring the next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 7 PM. If you play the accordion, please bring your instrument and play a “song or two.” This is open to anybody that plays the accordion no matter what your level of capability (beginner, intermediate, amateur or professional). Everyone is welcome to participate! The whole idea is to get accordionists together to share their love for playing the “best musical instrument in the world.” People who love to just listen to accordion music are most cordially invited to attend. Come join us! It is a fun evening. Bring your friends. Have a great meal, enjoy the music and have some fun! Reservations are recommended. (631) 261 6344 You can also e-mail your reservation to Frank Catania at: lavillini@yahoo.com |
Guy Klucevsek's Composition to be Performed by Flexible Orchestraby Rita Barnea |
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 The Flexible Orchestra will perform Guy Klucevsek's "Suite for Accordion and Orchestra" on November 9th at 8:PM. at 509 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY. $15 General Admission,$10 Members/Students/Seniors What is ROULETTE? ROULETTE’s original and ongoing purpose has been to provide opportunities for innovative composers, musicians, sound artists and interdisciplinary collaborators to present their work in accessible, appropriate and professional productions. The organization is committed to supporting work by young and emerging artists as well as by established innovators. Featured will be Guy Klucevsek’s “Suite for Accordion and Flexible Orchestra.” This is the 2nd year of the “Accordions Plus” format for the orchestra, with five accordions, violin, cello, bass, flute, and percussion, conducted once more by Tara Simoncic, who has led the Flexible Orchestra since its debut in 2004. Guy will also be soloist in orchestra-member, Kamala Sankaram’s new commissioned work. Daniel Goode, artistic director and founder, will present “Adagietto-ed” which reworks Gustav Mahler’s “Adagietto” from the Fifth Symphony for the Flexible Orchestra, using toy accordions from Chinatown. Barbara Benary, director of Gamelan Son of Lion, long time collaborator of Mr. Goode’s, who composed for the “trombones plus” format of 2006, offers her “Accordingly,” featuring Kamala Sankaram, soprano. Bill Hellermann, co-director of the DownTown Ensemble will have a new work for the full ensemble and narrator. This year’s Flexible Orchestra players, all free-lance virtuosi of the NY region are: Accordions: Art Bailey, Guy Klucevsek, Nathan Koci. Robert McMahan, Kamala Sankaram; Melissa Tong-violin, Kate Dillingham-cello, Pawel Knapik-contrabass, Karl Kraber-flute, Barbara Merjan-percussion. Flexible Orchestra was formed by composer, Daniel Goode, in 2004 with the purpose of having an ensemble of about fifteen sound as full as a symphony orchestra—through strategic orchestration. One larger section from one instrumental family gives the mass effect, plus a smaller section of varied instruments which is there to complement, contrast, and “spice up” the ensemble. The first Flexible Orchestra was 12 cellos, flute, clarinet, and trombone. Each format is planned to last two years. The second two-year orchestra was 10 trombones, 2 clarinets, 2 contrabasses, and piano with amplified viola, marimba, gamelan gongs added in one instance. All the music is composed expressly for the orchestra, or arranged for it. An added benefit is that with a section of cellos, or trombones, or flutes, or accordions already in place it is able to do revivals of mono-timbral works which rarely get performed after their premieres. So eight amplified cellos did an early Lois Vierk work; ten trombones did a early Frederick Rzewski work; eleven flutes did Henry Brant’s 1932 “Angels and Devils.” The orchestra has done arrangements of Christian Wolff, Kent Kennan, and others. The New Yorker called it “Daniel Goode’s big avant-garde combo,” and Time Out said the name of the ensemble “implies a certain frame of mind. Daniel Goode, composer-clarinetist lives in New York, is founder of the Flexible Orchestra a new concept in orchestral sound, co-director of the DownTown Ensemble, member of Gamelan Son Lion. Recent work is the opera, French Arithmetic premiered 2010 by the Flexible Orchestra’s concert of new works and revivals for its latest array of seven accordions, three strings. For more information: Daniel Goode dsgoode@earthlink.net |
Bob Goldberg, Accordionist for "Brooklyn Underground"by Rita Barnea |
 Bob Goldberg provides the accordion music for the show "Brooklyn Underground" which is a new play featuring the “characters” buried at Green-Wood. The show takes place through October 2nd. Do not miss the last 2 performances! Saturday at 3 and 8 PM, Sunday at 3:PM inside the historic chapelof Green-Wood Cemetery. Hear the first hand account of the Brooklyn Theatre Fire of 1885 (memorialized in a monument and burial ground at Green-Wood) from actress Kate Claxton, witness a scene from Our American Cousin starring Laura Keene (buried at Green-Wood) on the night that Lincoln was shot, and be wooed by the Mad Poet of Broadway (buried at Green-Wood thanks to his wealthier fans). Fast forward to the present to listen in on a Brooklyn bar conversation between fans, detractors and cemetery guards who all think that they know a little something more than the others about these historic grounds. And finally, meet Alfred, buried (unfairly) at the back of the Whitlock family plot, and understand just how rough his afterlife has been. Brooklyn Underground features Dorothy Abrahams, John Gardner, Robert James Grimm, Miranda Shields, Lauren Sowa*, and Andrew Zimmerman* as performers. Barbara T. Dente* is stage manager. Ramon Hernandez and Jhoanna Ramos are our Artful Apprentices. The Artful Conspirators is a Brooklyn-based theater company which created Brooklyn Underground through research, interviews, audience surveys and theatrical imagination. Directed by David A. Miller. Music of Green-Wood residents Thomas Hastings and Louis Moreau Gottschalk played on accordion by Bob Goldberg. Additional music by 3 Leg Torso. Lighting by Sam Gordon. Bob Goldberg, who has been entertaining for more than twenty years, leads the Famous Accordion Orchestra, and has been a member of the bands Washboard Jungle and Le Nozze di Carlo. He has led a nine-piece accordion band for the celebrated "Angels and Accordions" at Green-wood Cemetery. He has performed at the Brooklyn Museum, Metropolitan Museum, Hudson Opera House, St Marks in the Bowery, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Annapolis City Hall, The Cyclone at Coney Island, Montauk Club, Don't Tell Mama, Flynn Theater, Dixon Place, Soho Art Parade, Plymouth Church Yankee Fair, and at weddings and birthdays. Bob has received grants from the Brooklyn Arts Council for the development of new work, and for the annual "World Tour of Brooklyn Gardens" series with the Famous Accordion Orchestra. The Famous Accordion Orchestra is an accordion quartet (sometimes a larger ensemble), led by composer/accordionist Bob Goldberg, that bridges the traditional and the post-modern.Their repertoire ranges from Stephen Foster, Rossini and Offenbach, to Paolo Conte, Duke Ellington and Kraftwerk, waltzes, marches, tangos and sound environments. The Orchestra is flexible in size and makeup, and has appeared as a trio, quartet, and larger ensemble. The core group includes founding members Genevieve Leloup and Mark Nathanson, along with Melissa Elledge and Rachel Swaner (both veterans of Angels and Accordions and members of Main Squeeze Orchestra) and the rhythm section of Greg Burrows on drums and Joe "Tuba" Keady on tuba. In its large version, the Orchestra has performed site-specific works such as "Accordion Forest/Neighborhood Suite", at Make Music New York 2009, and forms the musical core of "Angels and Accordions", an annual event at Brooklyn's Green-wood Cemetery. The Famous Accordion Orchestra will play at the Lounge at Dixon Place, on Oct. 14, 7:30 PM. Admission: $5.00. For tickets: 718-210-3080 For more information: banorchestra@earthlink.net |
San Francisco Accordion Club Features Accordion Babes and Tony Lovelloby Rita Barnea |
 The San Franciso Accordion Club presents the "Accordion Babes" and Tony Lovello on October 16th at 2 PM at the Oyster Point Yacht Club, 911 Marine Bvd., South San Francisco Join the SF Accordion Club members as they are entertained by Amber Lee Baker of the Amber Lee and Anomalies, Skyler Fell, owner of the Accordion Apocalypse Repair Shop and member of the band, The Hobo Goblins, and Lux Gaxiola of Circus Finelli. Calendars including a CD will be available. Accordion chanteuse Tara Linda joins 12 Musicians to present the new generation of accordion players in this special 2012 Pin-Up Calendar. Showcasing the talented, fun, sensual, often underground, and always entertaining Accordion Babes, the calendar includes a compilation CD performed by all the women of the Babes Calendar. The project, begun by musician Renée de la Prade (of Culann's Hounds), started with the mission to take the accordion from Lawrence Welk and give it to Sophia Loren. CD includes Accordionistas playing folk, French cabaret, jazz, Latin cumbia, Irish, and much more. Hohner endorsed Tara Linda, a songwriter who plays button accordion, bass, drums & ukulele. "Virtual Love Disaster" from her new CD "Tortilla Western Serenade" is featured on the 2012 Accordion Babes CD. The San Francisco Accordion Club is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization whose purpose is to enhance, promote and stimulate an appreciation for the accordion within the membership and throughout the general public. Membership is open to any individual expressing interest in the accordion and accordion music and wishing to join. The only qualification for membership is the payment of annual dues as established by the Executive Board. For further information: Lynn Ewing, President ewinglynn@gmail.com |