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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
2012 Coupe Mondiale in Spoleto, Italy
Alexander Sevastian Premieres, Music Niagara International Festival – Canada
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Roland U.S. 2012 V-Accordion Festival Winners
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention September 24-27th
AAA Presents Valtaro Celebration Honoring the Magnanini Family
Smoky Mountain Accordion Fest
Florida Accordion SMASH in Orlando in November
Tony Dannon Tribute and Scholarship Festival on November 4th
62nd Trophée Mondial in Spokane, Washington in October
5th Annual Accordion Noir Festival in Vancouver
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
17th Annual Sebastopol Cajun-Zydeco Festival in September
Valuable Accordions Stolen from Ken Hopkins in Comber, Belfast - UK
The 2012 Seminars- A Great Success
Premiere of "Accordion Wrestling" at Lincoln Center in New York
5th Annual ACCORDIONS NOW!: An Outstanding Success
Long Island Accordion Alliance: September 4th
Future events |
Guy Klucevsek: Teetering on the Verge of Normalcy
Arizona Accordion Club Festival on September 29th
4th Annual Orange County Accordion Festival:Big Squeeze
Pine Leaf Boys on Tour
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 Editor's NoteSummer is over but accordion events continue to be available all over the USA and Canada. Read the September USA news to discover your next accordion adventure! As always, I welcome your comments and ideas. |
2012 Coupe Mondiale in Spoleto, Italyby Harley Jones |
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 The 65th Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships was held in Spoleto, Italy from August 21-25, 2012. Xiaonan Xu (China) was the winner of the 65th Coupe Mondiale International Accordion Competition, 2nd was Vitaly Kondratenko (Russia) and 3rd Alexander Veretennikov (Russia). Picture above of presentation: left to right, Xiaonan Xu, CIA President Raymond Bodell, Mayor of Spoleto Daniele Benedetti, Mirco Patarini (2012 Coupe Mondiale Artistic Director). Xiaonan Xu (picture lower left) was a very close 2nd in 2011 when the top five contestants were only a 23.01 to 23.56 mark range from 1st to 5th, no doubt making his win in 2012 even more gratifying. This is the first time that China has won the Coupe Mondiale category. Chinese contestants have previously won most other Coupe Mondiale categories and winning the top Coupe Mondiale title in 2012 is a major triumph for China. Under the leadership of the China Accordion Association President Prof Li Cong (picture middle left), China in recent years has accelerated into the top echelon of international accordion competitions culminating in this latest success. A count of Coupe Mondiale 1st places showed China, Russia and Serbia all first equal, with two Coupe Mondiale category wins each and Italy with one. A count of 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings by nation is: Russia 8, China 4, Serbia 3, France 2, Italy 2, Portugal 1 and Moldavia 1. Full Results are at: 2012Results DAILY REPORTS with extensive pictures, results and videos, compiled by Kevin Friedrich The beautiful medieval town of Spoleto, located midway between Rome and Ancona complete with Castles, extremely narrow and steep tiny winding cobble stone streets and pathways linking the various squares and alley ways combined with the stunning venue of the Teatro Nuovo "Giancarlo Menotti" and the 17 September Hall at the Spoleto Opera House complete a sloping raked stage, made for an absolutely stunning setting for the 2012 Coupe Mondiale. This years Coupe Mondiale was won by Chinese contestant Xiaonan Xu, with two Russian contestants and a Serbian narrowly taking 2nd, 3rd and 4th place. Amazingly, after three rounds of demanding International competition spread over a week, judged by a panel of nine International adjudicators, the final results saw less than one mark between the top four winners, ranging from 23.06 for 4th Place to 23.45 for 1st place! The results from all categories are: 65th Coupe Mondiale 1st. Xiaonan Xu - China 2nd. Vitaly Kondratenko - Russia 3rd. Alexander Veretennikov - Russia Junior Coupe Mondiale 1st. Djordje Davidovic - Serbia 2nd. Tian Jianan - China 3rd. VladimirStupnikov - Russia Virtuoso Entertainment Music 1st. Zhao Liu - China 2nd. Raffaele Crusco - Italy 3rd. Sergey Lobkov - Russia Junior Virtuoso Entertainment Music 1st. Matteo Petronio - Italy 2nd. José Dias - Portugal 3rd. Jean-Baptiste Baudin - France Masters Coupe Mondiale 1st. Dmitrii Kiselev - Russia 2nd. Dino Suljkovic - Serbia 3rd. Klavdiya Tarabrina - Russia Ensemble Music Competition 1st. Esse-Quintet - Russia K. Evseev & K. Evseeva (Accordion), M. Krylov & D. Chernykh (Balalayka), D. Gogolev (Domra) 2nd. Perfect Storm - China Xiaonan Xu (Accordion) and Zujian Shang (Erhu) 3rd. Concertino - Moldova E. Negruta, M. Grosu, C. Hioara & V. Leca (Accordion/percussion) & A. Hohotov (Bass) Digital Accordion Competition 1st. Petar Maric - Serbia 2nd. Stanislav Malyshev - Russia 3rd. Guillaume Clerget - France AAA Board of Directors Mary Tokarski and Kevin Friedrich and AAA member Joan Cochran Sommers were an integral part of the event. Tokarski served as an the USA-AAA Delegate at the 128th General Assembly of Delegates at the CIA Congress, as well as a member of the International Jury panel while Kevin Friedrich serves as the CIA Ambassador as well as webmaster for all the Coupe Mondiale related websites including the reports that have been published online highlighting the weeklong activities. Joan Cochran Sommers, a Vice President of the CIA was also the delegate for the ATG at the Congress meetings and coordinated and directed the World Accordion Orchestra VI which performed at the prestigious Spoleto Opera House. Both Mary Tokarski and Kevin Friedrich performed in this orchestra during their acclaimed performances of the Paragon March by Anthony Galla-Rini and Joan’s blockbuster arrangement of E.T. by John Williams. For a full report on the festival including all contestants pictures and programs, a complete set of results in .pdf including all adjudicators marks, the video of the top three winners in each category (being added in over the next couple of weeks) and pictures from throughout the festival, such as those of the magnificent World Accordion Orchestra, please visit www.coupemondiale.org and follow the links through to the Italy Coupe Mondiale. Next years event will be held immediately following the AAA 75th Anniversary Celebrations in New York City when the Coupe Mondiale is staged in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Photo below: Mirco Patarini (Italy) accepting the enthusiastic thanks of CIA President Raymond Bodell and the Congress on behalf of the Italian Accordion Culture (IAC) for organizing the 2012 Coupe Mondiale at the 128th General Assembly Closing Congress. Left to right: CIA President Raymond Bodell, Frederic Deschamps, Harley Jones, Kevin Friedrich and Mirco Patarini. |
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Alexander Sevastian Premieres, Music Niagara International Festival – Canadaby Rob Howard |
 On August 2nd several important new accordion works were premiered by Alexander Sevastian and the Glenn Gould String Quartet at the Music Niagara International Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.The concert was dedicated to the anniversary of 1812 the Battle of Queenston Heights (a victory for the British in the first battle of the war with the USA, fought in Canada) and the performers were dressed in the costumes from that era. The program included: 1. ‘Angel of Love’ and ‘Sorrow Angel’, by Mikhail Bronner (for bayan and violin) - World Premiere. 2. ‘Capriccio 1812’ by Mikhail Bronner (for bayan and string quartet) - World Premiere. 3. ‘Quinston Heights Rhapsody’, by Dmitriy Varelas (for bayan, string quartet, flute, flute-piccolo and drums) - World Premiere. 4. ‘Still Life in Beige’, by Dmitriy Varelas (for string quartet). ‘Capriccio 1812’ was commissioned by Alexander Sevastian. The performance was very well attended and well received by the crowd. The piece has already been recorded and will be released soon on Alexander Sevastian`s 4th CD. The future performance of this piece is scheduled on November 15th at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Ontario. ‘Quinston Heights Rhapsody’ was commissioned to the young Canadian composer Dmitriy Varelas by Music Niagara. For further information email: sevastian2004@yahoo.com Picture below: Alexander Sevastian, Mikhail Bronner, Atis Bankas (leader of the Glenn Gould string quartet). |
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Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
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Roland U.S. 2012 V-Accordion Festival Winnersby Rita Barnea |
 The Roland Corporation U.S. Announces the 2012 V-Accordion Festival winners:Senior Division: 1st Place: Svetlana Ivanchenko (photo on left) 2nd Place: Gregory Fainshtein Runner ups: 1. Paul Betken 2. Steve Gordion Junior Division 1st Place: Olivia Luey 2nd Place: Peter Chudolij Runner ups 1. Cassie Nelson 2. Rachel Quirbach Svetlana Ivanchenko, as the first place winner of the senior division, will represent the U.S. at the international Roland V-Accordion Festival in Rome this November. The first place winner of each division will receive a Roland V-Accordion. Originally from Russia, Svetlana now lives in Dallas, Texas where she gives private piano and accordion lessons, performs regularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is the pianist/organist for the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Dallas. Svetlana won her first Roland FR-7 accordion in the Roland International V-Accordion Competition and plays the Roland FR-7x accordion as well as a Roland RD700GX digital stage piano, and Yamaha acousitic Grand Pianos. In Russia, she was the Director of Bayan and Accordion Department for the Mari El State Music College while serving as head of the Commission of Folk Instrument Art Department for the Mari Republic College of Culture and Arts where she was also Orchestra Conductor as well as Choral Director. She holds a Masters Degree in Music Education, has been involved in teaching and performance for over 22 years and performed as accordionist with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra. |
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention September 24-27thby Rita Barnea |
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| Remember to include in your upcoming accordion events, the 13th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention which will be held on September 24-27, 2012 at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Many prominent accordionists will be featured during the event including:Dick Contino, Jeff Lisenby, Stas Venglevski, Mary Tokarski, The Accordion Kings, Amy Jo Sawyer, Peter & Mady Soave, Mario Pedone, Gordon Kohl, Gina Brannelli, Liz Finch, Pete Barbutti plus The Fifth Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra directed by Professor Joan Cochran Sommers. Key Benefits of Attending the Convention 1.Join the fun and make new friends from all over the World. 2.See the latest in new accordions with factory exhibits. 3.Hotel accommodations are very inexpensive. 4.Be inspired by some of the finest. 5.Learn from the masters. Rooms at the Gold Coast are available from only $29/night (Sun-Thurs) when you mention LVAC. For further information: USA: 800-472-1695 Outside USA: +01 801-486-1695 Online registration information is available at the website: Las Vegas Accordion Convention |
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AAA Presents Valtaro Celebration Honoring the Magnanini Familyby Rita Barnea |
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 The American Accordionists' Association presents a musical celebration to honor the Magnanini Family for their continued support of "live" accordion music. Please attend on Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 12 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Magnanini Farm Winery, 172 Strawridge Road, Walkill, New York. Telephone: 845-895-2767.The afternoon features traditional "Valtaro Musette Music" with guest artists Mario Tacca, Frank Toscano, Frank Carozza, Emilio Magnotta, Dominic Karcic, Ray Oreggia, Anita and Bob Siarkowski, the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra and some amazing young accordionists to carry on the Valtaro tradition. For information and reservations: 203-378-1120 or email aaa1938@aol.com |
Smoky Mountain Accordion Festby Rita Barnea |
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 The Carolina Accordion Association invites all to attend the Smoky Mountain Accordion Fest featuring Tony Lovello and Walter Kasprzyk. The second annual Smoky Mountain Accordion Fest will be held Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Maggie Valley Club,1819 Country Club Drive , Maggie Valley, NC.The fest will begin at 2 PM and showcase local accordionists from Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The evening concert will feature the Liberace of the accordion, Tony Lovello, and Walter Kasprzyk of the “K Trio” fame. This is a great opportunity to enjoy accordion music and meet these great artists in a unique mountain setting. The schedule for the day is: 2 PM – 5:00 PM : `Anyone can play' time. Please register prior to Septemver 1, 2012. 5:00 – 6:30 PM : Break. Food & beverages available for purchase at the `Pin High Bar and Grille'. 6:30 PM : Concert featuring Tony Lovello and Walter Kasprzyk Tickets for the event are $20.00 and will not be sent but held for you at the event. The Maggie Valley Club & Resort is a golf community located in beautiful Western North Carolina, Maggie Valley is cradled between the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountain ranges at 3,020 feet above sea level. Surrounded by thousands of acres of old-growth forests, this unique corner of North Carolina is an outdoor enthusiast's wonderland. For more information, contact Joe Zalewski at (828)734-2975 or email accordionmusic@bellsouth.net. Maggie Valley Club information: 800-438-3861 |
Florida Accordion SMASH in Orlando in Novemberby Rita Barnea |
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 President of the Florida Accordion Association, Karen Adam Kasprzyk, is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Florida Smash which takes place November 9-11, 2012 at the Holiday Inn, Orlando Airport. This special event will honor the 80th birthday of Tony Lovello, well known as the Liberace of the Accordion! Be there for this memorable occasion! Featured performers include: Joe Cerrito, Vladimir Mollov, John Lobosco, Donna Regis, Michael Jude Ward-Bergeman. There will be dealer displays, Friday night Cafe Accordeon, 2012 Accordion Orchestra and much more. Paul Betken, of Tempe, AZ, will present a tribute to Leon Sash( his former teacher) . Founded in September 2000, the Florida Accordion Association is dedicated to the promotion of the accordion through all music genres and all variations of accordion instruments. Having grown to over 350 plus members, they represent all types of accordion instruments including piano accordion, diatonic, chromatic button accordion and bandoneon. The FAA also encompasses all types of musical genres such as ethnic, jazz and classical to name a few, on all playing levels. The event takes place at the Holiday Inn - Orlando International Airport, 5750 T.G. Lee Blvd, Orlando, FL. Call 407-851-6400 for reservations & free airport shuttle (Mention Florida Accordion Association for discounted room rate of $82.00+ tax, single to quad) Hotel reservations are due to the hotel by 10/18/12 for this rate. Check in: 4:00 PM, Check out: 11:00 AM Photos at top from L to R: Vladimir Mollov, Joe Cerrito, John Lobosco, Tony Lovello, Paul Betken For further information: email: FLACCASSOC@BELLSOUTH.NET or call 850-936-8722 |
Tony Dannon Tribute and Scholarship Festival on November 4thby Rita Barnea |
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| The Michigan Accordion Society proudly announces the Tony Dannon Tribute and Scholarship Festival recognizing Tony Dannon's important contributions to music, his musical accomplishments, compositions, and arrangements to be performed by his great friends in the music business. Event proceeds will benefit the Tony Dannon Scholarship Fund. The event takes place on Sunday, November 4th, 2012, at the Forestre Banquet Center, 1919 Starr Batt Drive, Rochester Hills, Michigan. Doors open at 3:30 PM.The tribute starts at 4:30 PM. Dinner at 5:30 PM featuring the music of Joe Cerrito, Aaron Caruso, Eva Evola, Ralphe Armstrong, Michele Ramo, Billy Cairo, Made in Italy, Gene Van Accordion Orchestra, Joe Natoli, Johnny Trudell and many other accomplished artists. Joe Recchia, Tony Dannon's nephew, said, "We have an impressive line up of musicians and many more to be added later including Ralphe Armstrong, who was a great friend of Tony's, Ralphe has played/recorded with many great Jazz artists over the years such as Chic Corea, Jean Lu Ponty, Stanley Clark, Jaco Pastourius and "Sting". His list is very impressive and goes on and on and on…..He is a friend of mine through my Uncles and is a great "Made in Detroit" musician, one of the best Bass players in the industry today. My Uncle just loved performing with Ralphe and their performances are on You Tube. Johnny Trudell, another friend of my Uncle Tony's and mine, has played on almost every Motown recording ever heard. Another "Made in Detroit" Musician who is the first call musician whenever big entertainers come into town. He works with Billy Cairo who is another close friend of my Uncle's and is one of the best drummers you can find, another "Made in Detroit" Musician. Michele Ramo another wonderful jazz musician who was fond of my Uncle and is well known for his custom 8 string guitar. We will feature many of Tony's students at this event either as solo performers or in the Accordion orchestra that will include about 5-7 of Dannon's arrangements. We will also feature some Accordion friends of Tony's such as the great Joe Cerrito, well known Gene Van, World accordion Champion Joe Natoli all who loved Tony and all he has done for the Accordion Industry. I plan to perform duets with Joe Cerrito as well. We will also feature some great "Made in Detroit" singers that worked with Tony over the years such as Aaron Caruso as well as Eva Evola famous Soprano Opera singer who has entertained at many Opera events." The entire program will be professionally recorded by Walt Lipeic a student of Tony's . The CD's will be sold to help raise additional funds for the Scholarship event.The Tony Dannon Tribute CD will also be available. It features many performances of great people that he had worked with throughout his illustrious career. Limited tickets are available. Tables placement is reserved by date checks are received. Expectations are that the event will sell out quickly so please order your tickets promptly. Single tickets are $40.00. Couples tickets are $75.00. Table tickets (10 people per table) are $350.00. Please make your check payable to the "Michigan Accordion Society". Mail to Bob Berta, 54685 Chickasaw Drive, Macomb, MI, 48042. If you have questions or would like to be a sponsor or make a donation to this event or join the Michigan Accordion Society please contact Joe Recchia: (248) 824- 3856 or by email: jrecchia@comcast.net. |
62nd Trophée Mondial in Spokane, Washington in Octoberby Rita Barnea |
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 The World Trophy Accordion organization will present the 62nd Trophée Mondial at the Bing Crosby Theater, Oct. 23-27, 2012. This prestigious competition will bring the best and the brightest of the accordion world to the United States for the first time, for an exciting week of grueling mastery of technique and sound.Similar to the Olympics, accordionists, from Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, South America, and Africa will showcase their considerable talent.The competition runs for five days, culminating in the crowning of the 2012 World Trophy Accordion Champions. Spectators can attend daily competitions, nightly concerts and enjoy the art of the accordion in various locations downtown during the event. For more information about schedules, tickets and hotels, visit www.worldtrophyaccordion.org “We are honored to have the Trophée Mondial in Spokane and to be a part of such a historic event for our instrument, the accordion,” said Patricia Bartell, President of the World Trophy Accordion U.S.A. organization. “The level of artistry and technique combined in this event will bring to light many facets of the accordion’s capabilities by highly trained international contestants.” – Frédéric Deschamps, President of Confédération Mondiale de l’Accordéon "For more than 60 years, the Confédération Mondiale de l’Accordéon has been a defining force in international classical and entertainment accordion competition and has hosted an annual event, the Trophée Mondial, showcasing and judging the very best talent from around the world." Events include: 9:00 am – CMA Senior Trophée Mondial Round 3 Description: Candidates admitted to the 3rd round will perform a free choice classical program that includes at least one original piece for the accordion and one polyphonic work 12:00 pm – Lunch Break 1:30 pm – Presentation of “Simply Music for Accordion” Description: Neil Moore, CEO and Founder of Simply Music, will present the new and remarkable method for Accordion. An Australian-developed program that has beginning students (children, teens, adults, and seniors) playing great sounding pop, blues, classical, and accompaniment pieces immediately from their very first lessons 2:30 pm – Accordion Concert for the KIDS Description: Elementary and Middle Schools will gather to hear accordionists from around the world. This will create an opportunity to expose the next generation to the world of accordions and the styles of music available. 5:30 pm – CMA 2012 Trophée Mondial World Accordion Championships Awards Ceremony - Presentation of the 2012 Trophée Mondial Trophies & Prizes Performances by 1st prize winners To be notified of registration details, ticket sales, schedule, or other upcoming events related to the 2012 Trophée Mondial please contact the CMA Trophee Mondial 2012 Organizer, Patricia Bartell. Email: Admin@worldtrophyaccordion.org Postal Address: PO Box 30693 Spokane, WA 99223, USA. Tel: +1 509 998 5422 |
5th Annual Accordion Noir Festival in Vancouverby Rita Barnea |
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| The 5th Annual Accordion Noir Festival is about to hit Vancouver with a fevered swell of music, performance and dance! For one weekend in September, accordion lovers, likers and even some looking to have their minds changed, will converge upon various Vancouver venues to take in a little raucous squeezebox, and kick up their heels in celebration of the accordion! This years festival will see several international accordion stars taking the stage alongside Vancouver's favorite folk noir, gypsy, Roma and swing musicians. There'll be an Underdog Instrument Grudge Match, the return of Panstereorama, and even an accordion workshop, stocked with two technicians who can give your accordion a little TLC. Tickets to individual events are available at the door, local outlets, and online with Eventbrite. For full information on the Accordion Noir Festival email: accordion.noir@gmail.com It all kicks off Thursday with "THE BIG SQUEEZE" at the Cobalt, featuring a host of acts from Vancouver plus accordion noir favorite Geoff Berner as emcee, and all the way from Norway, the accordion cabaret siren Guro Von Germeten. Thursday evening also features some amazing collaborations of music and acting/puppetry, experimental theatre and dance. Friday will really get the bellows pumping with an "ACCORDION DANCE PARTY" at the Grandview Legion, with a melee of musicians including soul & blues, folk and jug band ditties. The weekend pinnacle is reached with "PANSTEREORAMA" at the Waldorf, complete with those notorious Maria in the Shower boys, San Francisco's Squeezebox Goddess Renee de la Prade, Orkestar Slivovica, magic, burlesque and more! Sunday sews it all up with "ACCORDION DAY AT THE ANZA", an all day affair starting with an accordion workshop with two amazing repair specialists, and a series of events hosted by Vancouver's own quirky accordion playing songwriter and performer, the inimitable Barbara Adler. Thursday, September 13th, 2012, 9:00 PM, THE BIG SQUEEZE at The Cobalt (917 Main) Hosted by: Geoff Berner and featuring: Guro Von Germeten, Proud Animal, Ben Meti with Lache Cercel and the Roma Swing Ensemble, and Cabaret Collaborations with: Alison Jenkins with Sarah May Redmond and Tom Jones, and Elliot Vaughn with Elysse Cheadle $. Tickets are $12 in advance at Red Cat, Highlife, Zulu and Eventbrite. $15 at the door. Friday, September 14th, 2012, 8:00 PM, ACCORDION DANCE PARTY at the Grandview Legion (2205 Commercial) featuring: Flying Folk Army, Creaking Planks, High Society . Tickets are $10 at the Door, Red Cat, Zulu or Highlife Saturday, September 15th, 2012, 9:00PM: PANSTEREORAMA at The Waldorf (1489 E Hastings) featuring: Renee de la Prade (San Francisco), Maria in the Shower, Geoff Berner, Orkestar Slivovica, The Tailor, Magic by Dr. T., Burlesque by Little Miss Risk. Tickets are $12 in Advance at Red Cat, Highlife, Zulu and Eventbrite, $15 at the Door Sunday, September 16th, 2012: All Day ACCORDION DAY AT THE ANZA CLUB (3 W 8th Avenue) Hosted by Barbara Adler 2:00 PM. Accordion Workshop with Melodona and Renee de la Prade Pay What You Can 4:00 PM: "Mistakes I've Lived Through" $5 student/youth, $10 adult at Door, Red Cat, Zulu, Highlife or Eventbrite 9:00 PM: "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" Underdog Instrument Grudge Match: $5-$10 Sliding Scale at Door, Red Cat, Zulu, Highlife or Eventbrite The Accordion Noir Festival is sponsored by the City of Vancouver, Scandinavian Cultural Society, Norwegian House Society and Vancouver's Coop Radio. For further information: accordion.noir@gmail.com, |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Olivia Luey wins 2012 Roland U.S. Junior Divisionby Rita Barnea |
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 16 year old Ollie Luey won the 2012 Roland V-Accordion Competition. She is a high school junior at Dover Sherborn High School in Dover, Massachusetts and has been studying the piano accordion under the expert guidance of Dr. Emilian Badea for the past seven years. She also plays percussion in the high school band, has been a Girl Scout since she joined the Brownies in kindergarten, and volunteers in the riding and music therapy programs, working with autistic and disabled children, at BiNA Farm in Sherborn, MA. On weekends, Ollie and her friend, Bianca Mase, are street performers in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass, in the tradition of French clowns with Ollie on accordion and Bianca on ukelele, juggling and twisting balloon animals. The duo, "Ollie & Bianca" also entertain at little kids' birthday parties. Ollie has been entering accordion competitions since she was 10 and last year won second prize, in the Junior Division at the Roland V-Accordon Festival 2011 in Orlando, Florida. Ollie won first place and second place trophies in the 2012 AAA Competition in Baltimore including Open Jazz Solo First Place, Open Ethnic Solo Second place, and Open Solo Division Second place. At the 2012 NE Music Festival, she won first place in the Advanced Polka Solo 14 and over division and second place in Accordion Pops Division. Ollie is thrilled to be the Grand Prize winner in the Junior Division of this year's V-Accordion Festival and looks forward to having her very own Roland V-Accordion. She and Bianca may even hit the streets of Paris next summer with her new Roland FR-3X V-Accordion! Ollie was born in Nanjing, China, and adopted when she was just four and a half months old. Since her dad, Kevin Luey, is a New Zealander, Ollie holds both US and NZ citizenship. Her parents, Kevin and Judy, are proud of her accomplishments. They feel that learning the accordion has been and continues to be an amazing experience for Ollie and they are encouraging her to continue her musical studies. Ollie is considering the field of music therapy for her future and, certainly, the accordion will be an integral part of her career. Congratulations to Ollie and best wishes for a musical accordion future! For further information: judyballantine@comcast.net |
17th Annual Sebastopol Cajun-Zydeco Festival in Septemberby Rita Barnea |
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| The 17th Annual Sebastopol Cajun-Zydeco Festival will be held on September 8, 2012 from 11:30 AM to 7:PM at Ives Park in Sebastopol, California. Cajun food and Zydeco music will be featured. Gates open at 11: AM You will hear world class Zydeco Music including: Lynn August & the Red Hot Special Guests - 5:00pm Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers - 3:10pm Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic - 1:20pm The Mark St Mary Delta Blues & Zydeco Band - 11:30am Michael Fels, Co-Chair of the Rotary Club, says the "Festival has become so respected that Zydeco musicians ask to participate." For those who may not know, "Zydeco is the music of Southwest Louisiana's Black Creoles, a group of people of mixed African, Afro-Caribbean, Native American and European descent" (World Music). Zydeco bands usually include an accordion, a washboard, an electric guitar, a bass, and a set of drums; sometimes they will also have fiddles, keyboards and horns. Scott Hensey, member of the Rotary Club and emcee of this year's event, says that Zydeco music "has the energy of rock and roll, the soul of the blues, and the spice of Cajun." The festival is being held at Ives Park in Sebastopol and promises to have a little something for everyone—"pulsing music performed by seriously talented musicians, an eclectic, enthusiastic crowd, and an abundance of delicious food and drink." The festival is a win-win for everybody—not only do attendees get to enjoy a beautiful day of music and food in the sunshine, but all of the proceeds from the event go "back to the community in the form of community grants and charity projects," Hensey says. For your enjoyment there will be a huge shaded wooden dance floor under the redwoods in Downtown Sebastopol's lush Ives Park with a menu including Gator sausage, Gumbo, BBQ, Ice Cream, Watermelon, Shave Ice, Beer, Wine, Margaritas, Hurricanes Oyster Shooters! For further Information: Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise Cajun/Zydeco Festival info@winecountrycajun.com |
Valuable Accordions Stolen from Ken Hopkins in Comber, Belfast - UKby Rob Howard |
 This information is from an article in the Belfast Telegraph newspaper.A man who has one of the biggest collections of accordions in the world has had several hundred thousand pounds worth of them stolen. Accordions thought to be worth several hundred thousand pounds have been stolen from a collector in County Down. Ken Hopkins (picture left), who has one of the largest collections of accordions in the world, was visited by two men on 4 August who said they wanted to buy one for their grandfather. They arranged to meet him in west Belfast a week later but failed to show up. When Mr Hopkins returned home to Comber he discovered 30 instruments were gone. The thieves had also taken a motor home and jewellery. Mr Hopkins said: "They phoned me to say they were running behind time, but they didn't turn up, but at the same time they were clearing my house out. Ken Hopkins said the stolen accordions had been very rare and valuable. "They got the keys to the motor home, filled it up with accordions and away they went." He said he realised what had happened when he returned home to find the house ransacked. "Those accordions were quite rare and quite valuable. They were the cream of my collection and I think they might have been stolen to order. Some of them were one-offs, made for certain people." Although the 1950s accordions were stolen in County Down, police believe the instruments could be offered for sale anywhere in Northern Ireland or further afield. They have appealed for the public's help. A police spokesperson said: "These items are rare and specialised. They are not the sort of thing you would normally see in a pawn shop or being offered for sale door to door or even on web sites. "You would not pay a couple of hundred pounds for an instrument like this and anyone who wanted one knows what they are looking for and knows a reputable seller. "We would appeal to anyone who has information on the whereabouts of these instruments, or is offered something similar for sale in suspicious circumstances, to contact police." Police believe the Fiat Ducato white six-berth motor home, registration W91 PVM, may have been driven out of Northern Ireland. Most of the accordions are pictured in the book Vintage Accordions by Rob Howard. |
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The 2012 Seminars- A Great Successby William Schimmel |
 The Thirteen PointsThe American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concert Series celebrated its 18th season on July 27, 28 and 29 at Tenri Cultural Institute in New York. The moderator/curator, Dr. William Schimmel stated that it was one of the best ones yet – intriguing workshops, stellar performances and, most of all, a collegial attitude in its presentation. What makes the Seminars different than any other event concerning the accordion? 1.The weekend is totally about the accordion and its culture. No stars – only the accordion. 2.The weekend is entirely non-competitive. 3.We present ideas and we are always learning. 4.We provide and intimate atmosphere which empowers anyone who chooses to attend. 5.We listen to every idea that is presented to us and we take it seriously. No one is ridiculed or put down over an idea that doesn't seem to “fly” at the moment. 6. Everything is presented in a clear cut fashion. Everyone who attends will understand what we are saying or doing. There is no esoteric shop talk. 7.There is something for everyone. If you attend, we urge you to “stick it out” and suspend your judgment. There will be inevitably something for you in it. 8.We present innovative information and yet we always present too much of it. Our concerts are a bit too long and our workshops make one's head spin. One participant said that her head spun for over a year due to all of the information that was presented in a short span of time. 9. Many of the spectators become actual participants in time. We are interested in everyone who attends. We are interested in helping you realize your goals. Anyone may attend – at any level. All we ask of you is to come with an open mind and most of all, a warm heart. 10. There is a certain “humility” to those who attend an participate at the Seminars. Ironically, many of the participants and presenters come from the greatest universities and conservatories in the world. We span the horizon: Juilliard, Peabody, Mannes, Oberlin, New England Conservatory, Columbia, NYU, Harvard, Yale – yet there is a certain “humility” in those who are there to serve the accordion in the best light that they can. They consider it to be a privilege and, yes, it can be humbling at times. Although we believe that there is something for everyone in the Seminars, we also realize that they may not be for everyone. This may sound like a contradiction. We raise the bar extremely high yet we also present ideas that show the accordion in new and unusual manners as well as new takes on old ideas. This may be at times startling, due to the fact that our ideas about technique and process in general may differ greatly from conservatories and academic institutions – yet still maintain a “schooled” philosophy due to the “rub” and friction between the two. This is part of what we call “The built in ironic duality”. We revel in the “rub”. We don't look for the easy way out. 12. We believe that the accordion is in a better place since the Seminars. And we say that proudly and we also say it with humility. Time out New York has called the Seminars “ The Apotheosis of the Accordion” - the laboratory where ideas are bred. Accordions Worldwide has stated: “Once again, Dr. Schimmel, aided and abetted by his dancer wife Micki Goodman, has unstintingly and imaginatively produced and event that appears to be unlike any other in its scope and imaginativeness.” 13. If you feel that the Seminars are for you – join us next year! Deiro delights – Ettore elaborates – Frosini Fascillitates – Ellegaard is elegant – Magnante magnifies – Palmer is pedagogy – John Gart grabs you WHAT IS IT THAT YOU DO? FIND OUT – AT THE SEMINARS! Participants came from the local New York area, across the United States as well as China, Japan, Argentina, Croatia and Norway. Featured participants and performers included: Micki Goodman, Paul Stein, Dr. Robert Young Mc Mahan, Dr. Mark Birnbaum, Will Holshouser, Art Bailey, Doug Makofka, Ingrid Kvale, Brian Dewan, Martini Li, Yoichi Fukui, Martina Li, Marina Jerry, Melissa Elledge, Mark Nathanson, Benjamin Ickies, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nelson Wolf, Dragica Banic-Curcic, Peter Flint, Erica Mancini, Dr. Ronald Sarno, Dave Soldier, Mayumi Miyaoka, Tomoko Sugawara, Hu Jianbing,Rachel Swaner, Genevieve Leloup, Joy Betchler, Charlie Tokarz, Robert Haulfrecht, Dan Simon, Dr. Rocco Jerry, David Stoler, David First, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Lee Mc Clure, Ken Laufer, John Foti, Kathleen Tipton, Marni Rice, Bob Goldberg, Corn Mo, Dr. William Schimmel and many others. I personally thank everyone who participated as well as everyone who attended. We look forward to our upcoming 19th year. For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com Photo of Corn Mo and Dr. William Schimmel |
Premiere of "Accordion Wrestling" at Lincoln Center in New Yorkby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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 Finnish accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen gave the USA Premiere of "Accordion Wrestling" in his first New York appearance with Helsinki Nelson. Presenting two shows on August 3rd and 4th, more than 1,000 people packed each show at the Lincoln Center Damrosch Park Stage, ranging from the Finnish Consulate General to curious attendees who were lured by press reports and the intrigue of what the combination of wrestling and the accordion might provide. Attending were Accordion USA News editor Rita Davidson and AAA Newsletter Editor Kevin Friedrich who were reporting for their publications."Accordion Wrestling" was originally created for the Turku Cltural Capital of Europe Program in 2011. The event is sponsored by SofTrek Corporation and made possible in part by the Consulate General of Finland, The Foundation for the Promotion of Finnish Music (LUSES), The Finnish Performing Music Promotion Centre ESEK, Finn Spark, Inc. and Finlandia Foundation National. Kimmo Pohjonen, a Finnish accordionist, is a highly respected "accordion adventurer" who is renowned for composing and performing accordion music in revolutionary new ways. He has recorded and performed with many projects and groups worldwide plus has composed music for films, dance and theatre. Pohjonen has released eight albums, the latest of which is Uniko with Samuli Kosminen and Kronos Quartet, released February 2011.The previous album was 2008's Quiver by the trio KTU, featuring Pat Mastelotto and Trey Gunn (King Crimson). His Earth Machine Music project, featuring live collaboration with farmers and their machines, toured UK and Australia. Pohjonen also performs in the trio K Cube with Finnish drummer Sami Kuoppamäki and guitarist Timo Kämäräinen. Pohjonen and French drummer Eric Echampard perform as a 100% improvisational duo. Pohjonen also performs with Kluster featuring sampling maestros Juuso Hannukainen or Samuli Kosminen. His most recent project, "Accordion Wrestling" takes place with ten Finnish wrestlers and the Iron Lung project with visual artist / conceptualist Ville Walo. Kimmo describes "Accordion Wrestling" as music, sport, dance, theatre and performance art revival of wrestling and accordion tradition from the 1920s-1960s. "Accordion Wrestling" toured Finland in 2010, Hamburg in 2011 and to UK, Amsterdam and NYC in 2012. The choreographer is Ari Numminen. Kimmo Pohjonen's solo show continues to tour regularly. In 2012 Pohjonen took the show to New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. |
5th Annual ACCORDIONS NOW!: An Outstanding Successby Donna Regis |
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| ACCORDIONS NOW! 2012 once again lived up to its motto: LOTS OF ACCORDIONS, LOTS OF MUSIC, LOTS OF FUN !! The Courtyard Nashua [NH] was filled solid with all three elements August 17-18. Friday evening offered the ever-popular Open Mike Cabaret, a superb concert by Brent Buswell, plus the Night Owls Jam, which ran past midnight. Saturday began with fascinating presentations by Sam Falcetti [“Decorating a Song with the Left Hand”], Christopher Gorton [“The Deschamps Method of Teaching – Producer of Champions”], and Jeremiah McLane & Annemieke Spoelstra [“Arranging Solo Piano Works for Accordion-Piano Duo”]. Nancy Leonard offered an enthusiastic musical welcome to luncheon guests, then Paul Ramunni of the New England Accordion Museum shared interesting anecdotes about his experiences building the museum’s collection, part of which was on display all weekend for festival attendees to appreciate. After lunch, the 40th-Anniversary Lowell Accordion Orchestra, under the capable baton of Donna Michael, kicked off the afternoon with music by Duke Ellington, Richard Rodgers, and Donna Summer. Also featured was the premiere of an arrangement of “Party Rock Anthem” written and conducted by 16-year-old award-winning orchestra-member Rachel Quirbach. Jeremiah McLane, master accordionist, and Annemieke Spoelstra, virtuoso pianist, then treated the audience to their duo arrangements of several Bulgarian, Roumanian and Slavic folk dances by Bartok and Dvorak, closing with two hauntingly beautiful pieces by Piazzolla. The first-ever ACCORDIONS NOW! Just-for-Fun Play-Along Ensemble followed and was a big hit. Dan Mackowiak coordinated the group, which enjoyed playing his multi-level arrangements. No one wanted to stop, so expect a second annual Just-for-Fun Play-Along next August! While the ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra [ANFO] rehearsed for its very special performance, non-ANFO members took part in jam sessions and/or visited the vendor rooms. At the 4 PM concert, accordionist Donna Maria Regis offered a verbal and musical tribute to Tony Lovello prior to conducting ANFO in the world premiere of Tony’s “Sinatra” – a splendid medley written especially for ANFO at Donna Maria’s request. Adorable 6-year-old Kristen Flora, the “card girl” in the pretty dress, nearly stole the show, but the marvelous music ultimately won. Carmen Vitanza entertained during the cocktail reception then took on the role of pied piper, leading everyone into the dining room where Tony’s 80th birthday cake – chocolate, his favorite -- awaited, candles blazing. Everyone joined Carm in singing “Happy Birthday” to Tony, who was, for once, speechless. After dinner, at the Gala Concert, Christopher Gorton proved through his impressive playing why he has won so many trophies. But, thankfully, his talent is not mere technical show -- his musicality and expressivity are remarkable -- a fine concert by a fine young man. At last it was 80th-birthday boy Tony Lovello’s turn to entertain, and entertain he did! As one attendee wrote, “of course, Tony Lovello never gets old no matter how many times I see him.” The audience lapped up Tony’s irrepressible showmanship, his impish sense of humor, not to mention lots of good music, including his signature arrangement of “Malaguena” with his amazing 6-minute bellow shake!! Evidently, the Night Owls Jammers were also inspired by Tony. They picked up and carried on again late into Saturday night. All in all, what a gratifying fifth celebration of the ACCORDIONS NOW! Music Festival! See you in 2013?? More information: 603.216.9582 or AccordionsNow@yahoo.com |
Long Island Accordion Alliance: September 4thby Rita Barnea |
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 The next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 4th, 2012 at 7:PM at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY 11731. The "Otobeerfest in September" will feature guest artists, the noted German-American accordionists Gus Sengenberger, John Stampfel and John Weber. Reservations are recommended. Please call 631-261-6344 Last month was a great night for the accordion on Long Island. The LIAA guests included: (in photo on Right): Dr. Marion Jacobson (author of "Squeeze This"), Dominic Karcic, Ralph Marino, featured guest artist - vocalist Connie Shakalis and Joe Farda (producer and host of Joe Farda's American-Italian Music Hall - Sunday's 2 to 3 p.m. - 93.5FM) |
Future events |
Launching of New Accordion Teaching Methodby Rita Barnea |
 The official launch of the Hohner Certified Accordion Program with Founder and Executive Director of Simply Music, Neil Moore, Director of Accordion Education, Patricia Bartell, and Gilbert Reyes of Hohner Inc. will take place on Saturday, October 27th at 1:30 pm (During the 62nd Trophee Mondial 2012 World Accordion Championships). The location is the Bing Crosby Theater901 West Sprague Avenue Spokane, Washington Working in partnership with the Hohner corporation, Simply Music has created a new way to learn accordion. This unique, ‘playing- based’ method produces excellent results and has students of all ages playing contemporary, classical, gospel, blues and accompaniment pieces – immediately – from their very first lessons. The method is so unique in its approach that it also transforms the teaching process, and culturally redefines who is capable of successfully teaching music. Simply Music is one of the largest playing-based music education institutions in the world. Founded by Australian Educator, Neil Moore, Simply Music has grown into a worldwide organization dedicated to developing innovative programs, promising a world where everyone plays. For more information: patriciabartell@hotmail.com |
Guy Klucevsek: Teetering on the Verge of Normalcyby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
 On October 25th, 2012 at 8:00 PM, highly acclaimed accordionist Guy Klucevsek will perform solo pieces in a program titled ‘Teetering on the Edge of Normalcy" from the vast catalog of over 100 pieces he has composed for accordion since 1982, including tributes to composers György Ligeti, Erik Satie, and Astor Piazzolla, and to fellow accordionists Lars Hollmer (Sweden), Kepa Junkera (Basque) and Ivan Milev (Bulgaria). For part two of the program, Guy will be joined by “New York's reigning classical/jazz violinist” - The New Yorker, Todd Reynolds, to preview Guy's score for Lionel Popkin's new dance/theatre piece, "Ruth Doesn't Live Here Anymore," inspired by the work of modern dance pioneer, Ruth St. Denis. Guy Klucevsek is one of the world’s most versatile and highly-respected accordionists. He has performed and/or recorded with Laurie Anderson, Bang On a Can, Brave Combo, Anthony Braxton, Anthony Coleman, Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Rahim al Haj, Robin Holcomb, Kepa Junkera, the Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Present Music, Relâche, Zeitgeist, and John Zorn. He is the recipient of a 2010 United States Artists Collins Fellowship, an unrestricted $50,000 award given annually to "America's finest artists." He has premiered over 50 solo accordion pieces, including his own, as well as those he has commissioned from Mary Ellen Childs, William Duckworth, Fred Frith, Aaron Jay Kernis, Jerome Kitzke, Stephen Montague, Somei Satoh, Lois V Vierk, and John Zorn. In 1996, he founded Accordion Tribe, an international ensemble of composer/accordionists Otto Lechner (Austria), Maria Kalanemi (Finland), Lars Hollmer (Sweden), Bratko Bibic (Slovenia) and himself. They toured internationally from 1996-2009, are the subjects of Stefan Schwietert’s award-winning documentary film, Accordion Tribe: Music Travels, and released 3 cds on the Intuition (Germany) label. His music theatre scores include “Chinoiserie” and “Obon” with Ping Chong and Company, “Hard Coal,” with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, “Industrious Angels” for Laurie McCants, “Cirque Lili” for French circus artist Jérôme Thomas, which has been performed over 250 times world wide, always with live music, and his own piece, “Squeeze Play,” an evening of collaborations with Dan Hurlin, David Dorfman and Dan Froot, Claire Porter, and Mary Ellen Childs. He and Dan Hurlin were awarded, jointly, a BESSIE for, “The Heart of the Andes,” which has played the Henson International Puppetry Festival, The Barbican Center in London, and the Ten Days on the Island Festival, Tasmania. Klucevsek has released over 20 recordings as soloist/leader on Tzadik, Winter & Winter, innova, Starkland, Review, Intuition, CRI, and XI. Stereo Review cited his Starkland recording, Transylvanian Software, as a recording of special merit" (1995). He can also be heard on John Williams’s orchestral scores for the Steven Spielberg films, “The Terminal,” "Munich," “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” and “The Adventures of Tin-Tin,” and on A. R. Rahman’s score for “People Like Us.” The concert will take place at Roulette, 509 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, tickets are $15/10 members/students/seniors or visit www.roulette.org or email: gklucevsek@si.rr.com |
Arizona Accordion Club Festival on September 29thby Rita Barnea |
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| Arizona Accordion Club President Jack Dermody invites everyone to attend the Annual Arizona Accordion Festival which will be held on Saturday, September 29th 2012 in conjunction with the St Stephens Byzantine Cathedral’s 2012 Oktoberfest. The festival will run from 12 Noon to 9 PM at 8141 North 16th Street, Phoenix AZ. Leigh Dechaine will be the MC. Phil Fox is organizing the program. The schedule is structured in 15 minute continuous blocks of time from 12 Noon to 5 PM. Members will perform traditional Oktoberfest music as well as a variety of other festive tunes. Duets and Trios are already scheduled. In addition, local bands will participate in the event including the Hurricajuns, and Paddy’s Peg Leg. The Arizona Accordion Club will have a booth at the St Stephens Oktoberfest outdoor festival area, selling CDs, shirts, gift items, and accordion music. A portion of the sales will be offered as a donation to St. Stephens’ for the opportunity to promote the club to the public. The Arizona Accordion Club meets every month on each third Monday – if you’re in Phoenix, please join in for a festive accordion evening. For more information: Leigh Dechaine (laneind@aol.com) Phil Fox (pwfox@prodigy.net) Phone 480-427-2394 |
4th Annual Orange County Accordion Festival:Big Squeezeby Rita Barnea |
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| This year’s Big Squeeze: aka O.C. Accordion Festival scheduled for Sunday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa will pair up its various accordion based bands with dance experts, teachers and champions. The Main Stage will spotlight music from the Louisiana Bayou with Zydeco and Cajun dance style teacher A.J. Gibbs revving up the audience on the dance floor for three bands playing everything from Louisiana Swamp pop to sophisticated New Orleans tunes. Headlining at 2:30 PM is Jo Jo Reed and the Happy Hill Zydeco Band from Louisiana. Reed has been playing and writing music since his high school years at St. Edmund's in Eunice, Louisiana where he graduated in 1989. His original music has given him his own style of Zydeco music, which is an extension from its traditional roots. But in order to attract both young and old to the dance floor he does popular covers, as well as captures the sounds of Zydeco from the days when Boozoo Chavis and Beau Jocque were at their peaks. David Sousa and the Zydeco Mudbugs will kick off the Bayou sound on the main stage at 11 a.m. followed by Bonne Musique Zydeco ,a six member band with Dennis Gurwell on accordion, squeezing out a variety of Zydeco and Cajun, tunes at 12:45 PM. On another stage several dance styles will be showcased through exhibitions, lessons and follow the leader sessions, while accompanied by accordion based bands and soloists. Included is Jim Gilman (aka The Squeezinator) playing West Coast Swing and Latin dance music for Gina Tucci, a winner of the Supreme Dance Award in West Coast Swing who will show her winning moves with partner Allen Cofield and then follow with a Cha-Cha lesson. Father daughter dance team, Norbert and Natalie Bernhardt will bring their polka and waltzing talents to the floor while The Fred Mlakar Band, a Slovenian polka band, provides the music back up. Thee Hobo Gobbelins, a band that plays a unique blend of circus- gypsy- folk-rock will have a troupe of dancers matching this style.Accordionist Linda Herman will play music suitable for dance instructor Candis Davis to teach line and ballroom dancing.The New Orleans Jazz Band may easily get you off your feet to join their parade with the Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Second Line Dancers at 2 PM. Know the tango? Whether you do or not, the mix of Italian music fused with jazz and world rhythms with Il Sole featuring Roland V-Accordion® artists Steven Albini and Tatiana Semichastnaya might inspire a few leg sweeps. The Russian born, Semichastnaya is also the accordionist in the Las Vegas Cirque Du Soleil show KA and will perform a solo set. Both perform on the Roland Stage, which also features Roberto Rosa squeezing out many danceable Latin styles including Salsa and Merengue, Skyler Fell performing carnival gypsy folk tunes and Bobby Dietsch of presenting an international music concert. A Mobile Accordion Jam with Thessaly Lerner on toy accordion and Bryan Olgin on piano accordion will create on the spot performances inviting the public to pick out an instrument and play along. Other aspects of the Festival ”keep you on your toes” regarding the ins and outs of your accordion with a repair workshop, accordion lessons, open jam sessions and an Accordion Road Show with Jeffrey Iacono, Borsini Accordions for a professional appraisal. Bring your accordion for any of these FREE activities. Free accordion storage is also provided. The Big Squeeze is held in conjunction with the weekend swap meet, the Orange County Market Place, and is included in admission which is $2 or FREE with a canned food item donation for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Children 12 and under are always free. The Market Place is held at the O.C. Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, 88 Fair Drive. For more information on the Orange County Accordion Festival: call 949-723-6660 or email: jillannlloyd@yahoo.com |
Pine Leaf Boys on Tourby Rita Barnea |
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| The Pine Leaf Boys is a Cajun and Creole band from South Louisiana. Members include: Wilson Savoy, Cajun accordion and vocals; Courtney Granger, fiddle and vocals; Jon Bertrand, guitars; Drew Simon, drums and vocals; Thomas David, bass. The band is known for playing traditional Cajun and Creole music from Southwest Louisiana, inspired by bands dating from the 1920s such as Amédé Ardoin to modern bands such as the Mamou Playboys, Jason Frey, Paul Daigle and Cajun Gold all the way up to Wayne Toups. The Pine Leaf Boys are an "international Cajun band," performing many shows each year in Europe. Four-time Grammy-Nominated, world-renown Pine Leaf Boys have made a name for presenting their own inimitable brand of Cajun music with youthful exuberance. Hailing from the southwest Louisiana, the Pine Leaf Boys, known for their wild shows and thoughtful arrangements, have breathed new life into Cajun music, reviving ancient songs and bringing them to the bandstand. Being described in the New York Times as, "... the link that connects the young and the old generations," and, "the best new, energetic, and fun Cajun band in a very long time," the Pine Leaf Boys play the old fashion dance hall standards while making a priority to bring many of the more obscure songs of past masters into their repertoire and play them with gusto. The Pine Leaf Boys have been invited on two occasions by the U.S. State Department to tour the world and present true music to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jerusalem in 2009 and again to Latvia, Denmark, and Slovenia is 2010. The variety and energy they release evolves through their shows, bringing multi-faceted angles to Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco. Their mission is to present the beautiful, powerful music of their ancestors and present the real Cajun music to the world and prove that it is still thriving and full of life. The Pine Leaf Boys have preserved the traditional Cajun sound, while allowing it to breathe and stretch with those who play it. The accordionist in the group is Wilson Savoy who plays Cajun accordion and vocals. He was born and raised near Eunice, Louisiana in 1982. Wilson began playing boogie-woogie piano at ten years old after becoming becoming completely enthused about the wild-piano-playing Louisiana-native, Jerry Lee Lewis. While in his early teens, Wilson's father, Marc, gave him a homemade accordion built from the wood of a Sassafras tree that his grandfather planted. Wilson intensely studied the styles of his musicial heroes Amede Ardoin and Iry Lejeune, as well as his father (known well for being one of the masters of the Cajun accordion) and soon developed a style of his own, full of punch, syncopation, and energy. When not on the bandstand, Wilson is a frequent visitor at jam sessions at his father’s music store or the Blue Moon Saloon, or he is teaching at music camps all over the world including Fiddle Tunes, Augusta, and Tikendalch in France. Wilson has played in many groups over the years like the White Mule Boys, the Red Stick Ramblers, the Savoy-Family Band, the Church Point Aces avec Paul Daigle and Mitch Reed, and his heart has always been with Cajun music. In 2006, Wilson debuted in the film “All the King’s Men” as a piano player alongside actor Sean Penn. In 2010, Wilson had a speaking role in the HBO Series "Tremé" playing himself. Their future performances include: Sept. 1, Charlestown, RI.,Rhythm & Roots Fest, Ninigret Park Sept. 2 Charlestown, RI., Rhythm & Roots Fest, Ninigret Park Sept. 21 Bishop, CA., Millpond Festival, Millpond County Park Sept. 22 Bishop, CA., Millpond Festival, Millpond County Park Sept. 23, W Sacramento, CA., Moose Lodge Sept. 25, Berkeley, CA., Ashkenaz Nov. 16, Oberlin, OH., Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse Nov. 17, Boston Hts, OH., Happy Days Visitor Center For further information on bookings in Louisiana: wilsonsavoy@gmail.com For all bookings outside of Louisiana: mattg@folkloreproductions.com |