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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Winner Announced, AAA 2022 Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition
A Tribute to Daniel Desiderio
New album: Accordionist/Composer Will Holshouser & Eric Vloeimans, “Two for the Road”
Applications for Grants Now Being Accepted!
2022 Carrefour Mondial Accordion Festival September 2-4
Accordion Pops Orchestra (APO) Concert on September 18
Petosa Celebrates 100 years with a book “Petosa Accordions: An American Accordion Story”
Cory Pesaturo Establishes Record with Racing Legend Mario Andretti and more!
"Making The Accordion Great Again": Accordion Display at Philadelphia Airport by Liberty Bellows
Not Just Polkas: The Accordion Can Do It All! The Connecticut Accordion Association Orchestra in Concert!
Dr. Denise Koncelik Performs “An Evening of Piazzolla Tangos and Mozart Sonatas for the Piano & Flute/Accordion”
Meet Miles Hoyle, Musician. Composer. Accordionist
40th Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival is Live on Sept. 3
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Accordion Festival in Bryant Park on September 16
Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini's Upcoming 2022 Performances
Powell River Academy of Music Workshop on Sept. 24
Spotlight on Karen Lee Accordionist, Lawyer, ATG Board member and Collector of “All Things Accordion”
Stas Venglevski to Perform for WMAS on September 25
Latest Additions to the AAA Composers Commissioning Web Pages
2022 Not Just Oompah! New Fall Workshop/Concert with Matt Tolentino on September 12, 13
Book Review: The Art of Accordion Playing, Author Prof. Friedrich Lips
Sequin Accordion Social on September 11 Featuring Andy Mirkovich
Frank Toscano and Dominic Karcic Perform with Long Island Accordion Alliance
Seattle Accordion Social on September 4
8th Annual Polish Festival in British Columbia
Future events |
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story - Official Teaser Trailer (2022) Daniel Radcliffe
Houston Accordion Orchestra Retreat 2023 Announces 13 Scholarship Winners!
Would you like to visit the ‘Home of the Accordion’ in Castelfidardo, Italy? May 16-20, 2023
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Editor’s NoteWelcome to the September Accordions USA News which includes videos, photos and reports on previous and future accordion events on the North American continent. It is wonderful that readers can read about, listen to, and view all that is happening in the accordion world! Thankfully, we are back to live performances! Thank you to our advertisers, our authors and AWW volunteers that make it possible to pay the costs of providing the free Accordion USA News service 24/7 to the world. You are welcome to submit info for future articles in the Accordions USA News! Please send to Ritabelll@aol.com |
Winner Announced, AAA 2022 Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competitionby Harley Jones |
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 Neil Thornock, of Provo, Utah, (picture right) won the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Elsie Bennett Composition Competition this year with his lovely, haunting accordion solo, Moon-k'ssed Conifers.Neil Thornock has composed for a variety of forces including orchestral, electronic, chamber, and solo work. Much of his music is written for his own idiosyncratic keyboard technique on organ, piano, carillon, accordion, and other instruments. In 2019 he premiered his three-hour work Planetarium for organ and electronics. Currently, Thornock is professor of composition and theory at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He and his wife Tammy are the parents of seven children. Neil Thornock writes: "I composed Moon-kiss'd Conifers to showcase the stunning and very reverberant acoustic of the central atrium in the Harris Fine Arts Center at Brigham Young University, a building which will be demolished in the beginning of 2023. The slowly shifting harmonies and supple melodies give space for the resonance to shine through. The result is nocturnal and perhaps a bit liturgical." View video of Moon-kiss'd Conifers and further information about the work at: http://www.ameraccord.com/bennett.php |
A Tribute to Daniel Desiderioby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video 1: Video tribute to accordion virtuoso Daniel Desiderio presented at the Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild / American Accordion Musicological Society Festival at the Marriott Hotel in Whippany, New Jersey on March 31, 2012. Video 2: Accordion virtuoso Daniel Desiderio performs on the Eugene Ettore Memorial Concert, Livingston, NJ. on October 5, 1986. Renowned accordionist Daniel Desiderio performs “Scherzo Tarantelle” by Henri Wieniawski and “Five O'Clock Rush” by Eugene Ettore. Daniel J. Desiderio is one of the United States’ foremost accordion artists. You will learn about his successful life and career by viewing the video above. Well-known in the accordion field for his compositions and arrangements, Mr. Desiderio has recorded on the Ampco and Cormack labels. He has performed in concert throughout Europe, Japan, and America, appearing at Longdon’ Royal Festival Hall, Copenhagen’s Radio House, Munich’s Congress Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Town Hall, Philadelphia’s Academy of Music and Kimmel Center, and the White House. Mr. Desiderio began his formal musical training at the age of nine and studied under the late Pietro Deiro, Sr. He also studied arranging and composition with Dr. William Hoppich. While attending the University of Pennsylvania, he began his concert career at the age of seventeen. During his four year military career service, he was featured soloist with the Air Force Band and Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Accordionists Association and one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Accordion Teachers’ Association. He also served as the conductor of the Accordion Pops Orchestra from 1985 to 2011. He has arranged the music for the Ensemble of Hope, an accordion ensemble in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania area. (see article about Ensemble of Hope in this publication). Mr. Desiderio operates a private music studio in the Philadelphia area for accordion and piano students. |
New album: Accordionist/Composer Will Holshouser & Eric Vloeimans, “Two for the Road”by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video 1: A reel of concert and interview clips with the trumpet / accordion duo. Eric Vloeimans & Will Holshouser will be touring in the U.S. in fall 2022 and releasing a live album of their original compositions, recorded during a tour in the Netherlands. Video 2: “Redbud Winter” -- Eric Vloeimans, trumpet & Will Holshouser, composer and accordionist. “Redbud Winter”: a cold snap in early spring when the redbud trees begin to blossom (expression used in Tennessee). In memoriam Cynthia Shoemaker (1939 - 2021). This piece was commissioned by the American Accordionists' Association (2021), and premiered at the AAA Seminars of Dr. William Schimmel, Curator - on July 30, 2021. Accordionist/composer Will Holshouser and trumpeter Eric Vloeimans release their new CD, “Two for the Road” on Sept.2, 2022 on V-flow / US & Canada tour: Sept. 11th – Oct. 2nd, 2022. CD & digital release via Bandcamp and streaming platforms. PR contact: Ann Braithwaite, ann@bkmusicpr.com, 781-259-9600 Reviews: “An accordion and a trumpet. They brought a sold-out house . . . to ecstasy. Their mixture of melodic jazz and musical cultures from a variety of countries and ages once again proved Eric Vloeimans’s absolute mastery. Accordionist Will Holshouser’s . . . is definitely on a par to it. . . . Accordion and trumpet, as played by Vloeimans and Holshouser, can be a choir of angels.” by Rinus van der Heijden, JazzNu (NL) 2021. “Two for the Road” was recorded during a live concert tour of the Netherlands in 2021, during a window in the pandemic when musicians and audiences could finally come together. The second album from this duo, it showcases their expressive writing, playful and virtuosic improvising, and omnivorous range of influences, stretching the format to include a colorful range of sounds from their eclectic musical backgrounds. On the menu here are Eric's beautiful "Innermission" series composed during lockdown: several pieces that range from introspective, almost Schubert-like meditations to joyful rhythmic romps. Will’s long-form composition "Redbud Winter," commissioned by the American Accordionists' Association, is a jazz/folk chamber suite that explores both plaintive and energetic sides of these two instruments. The duo also pay tribute to some of their musical heroes with tunes dedicated to Louis Armstrong and Doc Watson (“To Louis” and “Deep Gap”), as well as a cover of the 1970s classic "The Rainbow Connection." Their exciting collaboration will continue in a tour of the U.S. and Canada this fall, with support from the Netherland-America Foundation. Eric Vloeimans (trumpet) is one of the best-known musicians in his native country, the Netherlands. He has led a wide variety of ensembles over the years and is a frequent guest soloist with bands and orchestras of all kinds. He has won four Edison prizes (the “Dutch Grammy”) for his recordings and has toured throughout Europe, Asia and the US with his own groups and artists such as Mercer Ellington, John Taylor, Peter Erskine, The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Wayne Horvitz, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and many others. Will Holshouser (accordion) is a veteran of the New York music scene who has performed all over the world with artists including violinist Regina Carter, clarinetist David Krakauer, and improvisers Han Bennink & Michael Moore as well as with his own projects. He has also performed with Antony & the Johnsons, Kiran Ahluwalia, Uri Caine, Guy Klucevsek, New York City Ballet, New York City Opera, Martha Wainwright, Loudon Wainwright, Suzanne Vega, and others. Will studied accordion and composition with his mentor Dr. William Schimmel, and composition with Tania León, Dalit Warshaw, Anthony Braxton, and Bill Barron. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his family and teaches at Brooklyn College. US/Canada tour 2022: Sept. 11 / Asheville NC Sept. 12 / Boone NC Sept. 15 / Charlottesville VA Sept. 18 / New York NY Sept. 20 / Des Moines IA Sept. 22 / Chicago IL Sept. 23 / Madison WI Sept. 24-25 / New Orleans LA Sept. 27 / Albuquerque NM Sept. 29 / Santa Cruz CA Sept. 30 - Oct 1 / Vancouver BC, Canada Oct. 02 / Seattle WA New York concert: Sunday, Sept. 18th at 5:PM Rizzoli Music Aperitivo Rizzoli Bookstore 1133 Broadway (at 25th St.) New York, NY 10010 Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Photo credit: Peter Putters For further information: wholsho@twc.com c. 347-439-2480 |
Applications for Grants Now Being Accepted!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Have an opportunity to attend a seminar? Need help with the costs? Applications for Grants from the Mary & Frank Tokarski Musical Arts Fund (managed by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Connecticut) are now being accepted for 2022. Young musicians (up to the age of 26) seeking educational advancement and/or extra-curricular programs to improve their musical skills may submit applications for scholarships up to $1,500. Applicants should specify the amount they are requesting. Special consideration will be given to those who plan to use the accordion as an integral part of their career plans. Questions, clarifications and requests for applications should be sent to Mary Tokarski at mary.tokarski@comcast.net. The deadline for applications is October 15th, 2022, and one (or more) awards of varying amounts will be announced by November 1st. Application forms and all required paperwork should be mailed (or emailed) to: The Mary & Frank Tokarski Musical Arts Fund 22 Boyd Farms Drive, #C Jackson, TN 38305 Email: mary.tokarski@comcast.net |
2022 Carrefour Mondial Accordion Festival September 2-4by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The 33rd edition of the Carrefour Mondial Accordion Festival will be held in Montmagny, Quebec, Canada from September 2nd to 4th, 2022.The Carrefour Mondial de l’accordéon is an annual and international music festival taking place in Montmagny (Chaudière-Appalaches) during Labor Day weekend, starting 32 years ago. The program presents artists from Quebec, Canada but also from many other countries. The musicians display all the tones of the accordion on our indoor and outdoor stages. The organization also manages a music school in Montmagny where kids and adults can learn to play the instrument of their choice. It is also in charge of the Musée de l’accordéon, the only Canadian institution centered around this thematic and open all year long. The festival program has just been released and includes details of performers, activities, dates, sponsors, contact details and a map of events. Download the program here: 2022CarrefourProgram.pdf For more information: projets@accordeonmontmagny.com |
Accordion Pops Orchestra (APO) Concert on September 18by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video 1: “Trolley Song” Accordion Pops Orchestra performing at the East Brunswick Cultural Arts Center - Eugene De Bellis memorial concert on May 19th, 2019 with Al Terzo, conductor. Video 2: “Donkey Serenade” Accordion Pops Orchestra performing at "Shannondell at Valley Forge", Audubon, Pennsylvania, September 23rd, 2018, Al Terzo, conductor. The Accordion Pops Orchestra was founded in 1970 by the Accordion Teachers Association of New Jersey. The first conductor was Dr. Jacob Neupauer followed by maestro Eugene Ettore in 1980 and Daniel Desiderio in 1985. Since 2011 the group has been under the direction of Al Terzo, one of the original members. In addition to New Jersey, the group now has members from Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. The 30 member group rehearses once a month and performs 4 or 5 concerts a year. In recent years, several orchestras from around the work have asked the Pops for their arrangements after watching the group on YouTube. This includes orchestras from the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Australia, and Malta. The orchestra performs a repertoire of Light Classics, Broadway Big Band and Popular music. The orchestra has entertained audiences at many locations including concert halls, festivals, playhouses and churches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Virginia. 2022 members of the Accordion Pops Orchestra: AnnaRene Jeremiah, John Modrowsky, Anne Marie Eagan, Joyce Ganderberger, Annette Marinelli, Julie Amerman, Bob Patterson, Kalman Zilberman, Dante Giamarco, Kelly Grove, Denise Koncelik, Mary Thomas, Denise Szabo, Mike Marchese, Diane Ashenfalder, Paul Koslowski, Diane Squillace, Phyllis Edamatsu, Don Nowicki, Ray Haines, Erika Perez, Rita Barnea, Henry Mikol, Rosemarie Cavanaugh, Ines Csulak, Sandra Perez, Joanna Darrow, Tatiana Slowik, John Andrews and Theresa Rehberg. Future concerts include: October 23, 2022 at the Cultural Arts center of Basking ridge November 20, 2022 at Conlon Hall Auditorium in Bergenfield, New Jersey December 4, 2022 at the Hillsborough Elks Club for the benefit of disabled children For more information concerning membership and future performance: accordionpopsorchestra@outlook.com |
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Petosa Celebrates 100 years with a book “Petosa Accordions: An American Accordion Story”by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  Photo above: Joseph Petosa Jr. and son, Joey PetosaRead the full article, a promotional video and interview at: Petosa 100 Years The Petosa Accordion Company based in Washington state celebrates 100 years in business with the recent publication of their new book, “Petosa Accordions, 1922-2022, An American Accordion Story.” This beautiful book celebrates the remarkable legacy of four generations of the Carlo Petosa family of Seattle, highly skilled Italian-American artisans who have been in the accordion industry for one-hundred years. Short review by our Editor Rita Barnea: "I recently received my copy of “Petosa Accordions: An American Accordion Story” a unique and detailed account of the development of the Petosa Accordion Company and the accordion. I was amazed at how interesting and concise the book is. There are few books on the accordion and this book educates the reader carefully and thoroughly. The photos of the people involved in the Petosa company and the important accordionists which contributed to its development and popularity are wonderful to see. What a great learning experience! It is not only for accordionists but also for any person who is interested in and values the dedication and devotion it requires to build a company. I think this was successfully achieved. The book will be a great addition to your library of accordion information and also a unique gift for any occasion." Read the full article, a promotional video and interview at: Petosa 100 Years “An American Accordion Story” Published by American Accordion Press Limited First Edition, signed & numbered, $35 Coffee Table format, 128 pages, hardbound, 380+ photos Available Now. To order: www.petosa.com |
Cory Pesaturo Establishes Record with Racing Legend Mario Andretti and more!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video 1: On Air TV during the Week of the 2022 Indianapolis 500. Cory before the record attempt with Mario Andretti. Video 2: The World’s Most Versatile Racing Driver in History, Mario Andretti, drives around the already Guinness Record Breaking accordionist Cory Pesaturo, at the World’s Most famous racetrack, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to probably break a record for the fastest land speed, a musician has ever given a performance at. Video 3: Cory Pesaturo performing with the late Joey DeFrancesco. Cory said that as soon as he got to know Mario Andretti, he asked him about establishing a world record for playing the accordion in the back of the 2-seater race car Mario Andretti drives at IndyCar race weekends. Mario agreed immediately after having fun playing with Cory (you can watch them singing the Italian National Anthem together on YouTube), but first had to measure the cockpit to see what size of accordion Cory could use. There was so much involved in organizing this event logistically speaking, including getting permission from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the two-seater program, Roger Penske himself, IndyCar, and the insurance companies of all of these. Cory, with his usual connecting personality, was able to achieve this. He always fancies looking for whatever has never been done. Cory Pesaturo (“CPez”) has won a trio of international competitions, for acoustic, digital & jazz accordion. He is also a accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. In 2017, Pesaturo became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria to break the Marathon Accordion Record, in which Cory played for over 32 hours. His performances at all 3 of his international competition successes were played on accordions that were not his, and were almost completely improvised; both aspects being unheard of in the accordion world. Cory has given 5 TEDx Talks, an EG Talk, and 2 Google Talks about the accordion, its history, and music topics. Pesaturo's extensive resumé includes appearances at the White House for President and Mrs. Clinton on 4 different occasions, starting at age 12, and 8 other appearances for the Clintons. On one of those occasions, he became the youngest person to ever perform at a State Dinner, that for the President of Hungary. Some TV appearances include the Late Show with David Letterman, performing with Johnny Depp, CBS’s Let’s Make a Deal, and NBCs That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon. Pesaturo has also appeared on nationally televised programs in New Zealand, Canada, Italy, Tunisia, France, and Finland. He has judged accordion competitions across 6 continents, in addition to other music competitions, and currently gives masterclasses at various universities throughout the US and Europe on Accordion and Improvisation, including his own “CPez Academy”. Along with improvisation, Pesaturo is known for his extensive versatility, playing 15 different genres from Klezmer to French, Balkan to Funk, Tango to Rock, Italian to Electronic. More known as a Jazz Artist, he has earned the respect of those such as Quincy Jones and Wynton Marsalis, and recorded with John Patitucci and George Garzone. For his Classical side which is lesser known, a win in a concerto competition at 16 years old gave Pesaturo the rare opportunity to perform with the Brockton Symphony Orchestra as a featured soloist, where he became the youngest accordionist to ever solo with a symphony orchestra in the US. He has since performed with the Boston Symphony, and Boston Pops under John Williams. Pesaturo is also heavily involved and respected with the weather and motor sports worlds as well. He composed the Official list of records set by the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, and has done reports on Winter Seasons for the US which have been featured on Accuweather.com and others. In sports, he has written columns for car magazines such as MESH, sports blogs for sites like Bleacher Report, and has collaborated with members of the Red Sox on the Fenway 100 Album. His music has been played on Formula 1 broadcasts on NBC, FOX, Velocity, and additionally has an ongoing musical relationship with 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. Summer (June through August) Highlights: - NAMM Music Convention Played with now late Joey DeFrancesco - Pittsburgh Music Festival - Salinas Italian Festival - CPez & Elden Kelly Live Again Concert - Detroit Music Festival - Mt. Wilson (LA) Classical Music Series Concert with Leah Zeger - Vibrato's Jazz Concert (LA) - Museum of Making Music, by the NAMM Organization, in Carlsbad, CA (Picture Provided) - Special Guest with the LA Accordion Orchestra - Monterey Car Week Events - Cotati Accordion Festival Headliner - Cape Cod Music Fetival - Boston Italian Festival Fall Upcoming Events: - WeStar Chinese Concert in Boston, MA - Seattle San Geannaro Music Festival - Special Guest with Bernie Dressel Big Band in LA - Salt Lake City Italian Festival - Milwaukee Festa Italiana - San Jose Music Festival - Kingston NY Music Festival - Columbus Day Festival at the North Shore - Birdland Jazz Club in NYC - Phoenix Music Festival - US Grand Prix F1 Events in Austin, TX Photo: President of NAMM, former President of Roland, Dennis Houlihan. After Cory’s solo concert at the NAMM Museum of Making Music, all audience members were given sunglasses by the Museum before Cory came out on stage as a surprise to get into CPEZ Mode! For further information: cory@corypesaturo.com |
"Making The Accordion Great Again": Accordion Display at Philadelphia Airport by Liberty Bellowsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video: Liberty Bellows InfoIf you are walking through the Philadelphia International Airport, you will quickly notice that there is an excellent display of accordions happening right now between Terminals A-East and B Ticketed passengers. If you are planning to travel, or just want to see the displays, I recommend stopping by to see the fascinating exhibit. I was fortunate to be able to speak with Mike Bulboff, owner of Liberty Bellows and organizer of the accordion exhibit, and he answered all my questions: How did you get to do the accordion display? “The airport features different things that make Philadelphia special and knowing we had one of the few accordion stores in the area. they invited us to contribute a display.” How long will the accordion display be there? “This unique exhibition runs until the end of December 2022.” Where is it located? “It is located in the public space between Terminal A East and B. There are 40 accordions in the display.” Are these accordions available for purchase? “All of the accordions displayed are on the Liberty Bellows website and are for sale at the end of the year. “ Who is playing the most enjoyable accordion music in the display area? “When you walk through the exhibit you will hear the music of Stas Culcicovschi, who is a teacher at Liberty Bellows. We welcome you all visit our store. Artist-in-residence Stanislav Culcicovschi teaches all levels of piano accordion, chromatic and diatonic button accordions, and concertinas. Stas won 1st Place U.S. Champion Senior Division 78th at the ATG Festival in 2018.” The Airport’s Exhibitions Program is a nationally-recognized, award-winning visual arts initiative. In 1998, Philadelphia International Airport established an Exhibitions Program - a visual arts initiative to humanize the Airport environment, provide visibility for Philadelphia's unique cultural life, and to enrich the experience of the traveling public. The Exhibitions Program is responsible for organizing and presenting rotating exhibitions that are located throughout the Airport. The exhibits change throughout the year to provide a variety of educational and cultural programs. This forum for presenting visual arts attests to the Airport's commitment to supporting arts and culture. The Exhibitions Program provides millions of visitors from around the world access to a wide variety of art forms by artists and arts institutions from the Philadelphia area. Liberty Bellows, 614 S 2nd St.,Philadelphia, “Your One Stop Accordion Shop,” was founded by Mike Bulboff who became enamored with accordions after he discovered one in his father’s attic while he was in high school. His passion, that started out as a hobby, evolved into his life’s work and mission to introduce the once-popular instrument to a contemporary audience. Today, Liberty Bellows is considered to be one of the largest accordion stores in the United States with more than 1,000 accordions in its inventory. The shop specializes in several types of accordions including piano, chromatic, diatonic, and concertinas. To further Bulboff’s desire to popularize the accordion, Liberty Bellows also offers repair services, online and in-person lessons by the store’s artist-in-residence, along with online how-to video demonstrations. Bulboff said that the accordion is “used in all genres of music,” from classical to Cajun, folk, jazz, polka, Klezmer, pop, rock, tango, traditional Irish music, Zydeco, and more. By making the accordion more accessible and cultivating a community, Liberty Bellows is “committed to ensuring that the accordion will thrive for many generations to come." For more information: info@libertybellows.com |
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Not Just Polkas: The Accordion Can Do It All! The Connecticut Accordion Association Orchestra in Concert!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  Video: CAA Spring Concert 2022. The Connecticut Accordion Association Orchestra, under the direction of Peter Peluso, will perform an array of musical pieces including Classical, Light Classics, Broadway, Jazz, and Movie Themes. Come hear the full scope of this enchanting instrument! When: Saturday, October 8, 2:00PM Where: Pequot Library 720 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890 (203) 259-0346 Cost: $10.00 per person. Age 12 and under free Preregistration is encouraged or pay at the door. Preregister online at www.pequotlibrary.org. The CAA orchestra is conducted by Mr. Peter Peluso and regularly performs both in and out of state. Membership in the CAA orchestra is open to all active CAA members who can read music and who can attend rehearsals for scheduled events. You do not have to perform at all scheduled events, but you must attend rehearsals for the events in which you choose to participate. The Connecticut Acccordion Association began in 2004, the brainchild of Marilyn O'Neil and her accordion teacher, Mary Tokarski. The CAA is dedicated to the promotion of the accordion through all music genres and all variations of accordion instruments! We welcome musicians who play all types of accordions.... piano accordion, diatonic, chromatic button and more. Accordionists at all levels are invited to participate and people who may not play the accordion, but love to listen. CAA goals are: * To promote public interest in the accordion through public awareness. * To hold gatherings, concerts and other activities throughout the state of CT. * To act as a resource to provide referrals in accordion instruction, repair, sales and/or trade, sheet music, accessories, etc. * To network with fellow associations throughout the USA in an effort to provide unity within the accordion world. Membership in CAA is open to all accordionists and accordion enthusiasts. A yearly membership fee of $30.00 will provide you with information about all planned CAA events. CAA members have access to most CAA events at a discounted rate. Membership will also provide you with an opportunity to play with the CAA orchestra. Accordion professionals for hire can post their availability on the website. CAA membership will provide you with access to information about accordion manufacturer and/or repair resources. This is your link to what's happening in the accordion world! For further information: marilyn@CTaccordion.com |
Dr. Denise Koncelik Performs “An Evening of Piazzolla Tangos and Mozart Sonatas for the Piano & Flute/Accordion”by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video: Denise Koncelik, Flute and Accordion on December 22, 2020 at Brooklyn Oratory Catholic Church, Mass Recital Series.Program: Telemann: “Fantaisie in A minor, TWV 40:3” Gordon Jacob: “The Pied Piper” Claude Debussy: “Syrinx, L. 129” lvana Loudova: “Suite for Solo Flute” Lowell Liebermann: “Selections from Eight Pieces, op. 59” arr. Koncelik: “Let all mortal flesh keep silence”, Picary Alan Hovhannes: “Suite for Accordion, Op. 166” Tchaikovsky: “Waltzer, Op. 66, No. 6” Normand Lockwood: “Sonata-Fantasia l. Contemplativo” Tchaikovsky, arr. Koncelik: “Snowflower, Op. 37b IV” William Schimmel: “Catalonia!” Koncelik: “Tango Pathetique” Koncelik: “O Come Ye in 5” Accordionist and flutist, Dr. Denise Koncelik, will perform on both instruments in “An Evening of Piazzolla Tangos and Mozart Sonatas" for the Piano & Flute/Accordion on Sat, September 10, 2022 at 6:00 PM. Jelena Cingara is the pianist. Denise is a versatile, talented musician dedicated to the accordion and flute. Watching the above video, you will gain a deeper appreciation for both instruments. The concert location is: A4 Collective Space 636 Dean street 2F Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York Tickets: $25 groupmuse.com Denise Koncelik, Brooklyn, NY, holds a DMA in Flute Performance, MA in Flute Pedagogy, and a BM in Theory/Composition. She is Co-director of the New York Flute Club Ensemble Program and has performed on Bass Flute with the National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir. Dr. Koncelik taught flute, class piano and woodwind methods at Texas Woman’s University, flute and composition at Midwestern State University, and played piccolo, jazz piano, and 3rd flute in the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra. Her flute choir arrangements have been performed in NY and TX, and she has written arrangements for the Main Squeeze (accordion) Orchestra in NYC and the Accordion Pops Orchestra in New Jersey. She writes arrangements and plays keyboard with Chelsea Musica, has performed in the accordion quartet Bachtopus, and conducted holiday programs for the Brooklyn Accordion Club. She is a member American Federation of Musicians. As an accordionist, Dr. Koncelik has played at Carnegie Hall with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the American Symphony Orchestra, at Symphony Space, Le Poisson Rouge, Bowery Poetry Club, Joe’s Pub, Brooklyn Bowl, Rockwood Music Hall, Duane Park, Bryant Park, and for Make Music New York. She played in the Off-Broadway productions of “Fiddler on the Roof – in Yiddish” and “The Last Boy” (Broadway production April 2022). She is the recipient of the Order of the Shield from the Neupaurer Conservatory of Music and studies with Dr. William Schimmel. Dr. Jelena Cingara is an active performer and artist in the United States, Canada, and European countries such as Italy and the Czech Republic. Her career includes a series of solo, chamber, and collaborative international recitals. She has performed at Libby Gardner, Dumke, Abravanel Hall, and Kenley Amphitheatre in Utah, and the Arts and Letters Club, Walter Hall, and Ettore Mazzolini Hall in Toronto. She has played recitals in Italy, Serbia, United States and Canada. Jelena is a prizewinner of numerous piano competitions. She recently completed her DMA in Piano Performance, with a minor in Organ Performance at the University of Utah. She has performed in Carnegie Hall, and Off-Broadway and Broadway in the play with music “The Last Boy”. Jae Han, Founder of A4 CollectiveHere at A4 Collective, shares, “We are dedicated to bringing people together through classical music and the piano. As part of this initiative we regularly host musicians to perform and share their work, bringing people together through intimate salon style performances that were once popular in the 19th and early 20th century. Equipped with plenty of floor cushions and chairs, we welcome everyone to enjoy an evening of Piazzolla Tangos and Mozart Sonatas, performed by Dr. Jelena Cingara (piano) and her colleague, Denise Koncelik (accordion/flute). A4 Collective is a space dedicated to bringing people together through classical music and the piano. This is an in-person Groupmuse Concert. A live in-person performance in a living room or private space. They're casual and friendly, hosted by community members. The Tango concert is sponsored by The Brooklyn Accordion Club. For further information: Dkoncelik@aol.com |
Meet Miles Hoyle, Musician. Composer. Accordionistby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Video 1 : The Fighting Jamesons- How I Ended Up This Way, live at Shamrockfest 2019 at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. Video 2: Mosquito Cabaret (Official Video) Video 3. Accordion At Your Door Miles Hoyle is an accordionist with over 14 years of experience & specializes in folk & world music. He performs in two bands: the Irish-rock outfit the Fighting Jamesons & in the folk/world-music group Mosquito Cabaret. His repertoire draws from various styles and countries ranging from German, Irish, Scandinavian, French, Klezmer, & more! Miles shares, My bandmates & I in @mosquitocabaret are so excited to announce we have begun the recording process on some brand new original music @mastersoundstudio with audio engineer Rob Ulsh!!! Rob probably needs no introduction as he has worked with a variety of incredible artists such as Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliot, jazz pianist Justin Kaughlin, & so many others!!!! We are so grateful and thrilled he is taking the time to work with us and help bring the vision we have for these new recordings to life!!!! Already so early in the process we are learning so much from just being around him, and we are so beyond thrilled he’s taken the time in his very busy schedule to work with us!! We are already excited to see that we are on a path to bringing you not only new music but a newer and more exciting twist on the material and presentation of it than we’ve ever done before!!! Previously a guitarist in rock groups, Miles made a musical transformation in late 2006 when switching his primary instrument from guitar to the accordion. Initially self-taught, he then later became an apprentice of accordionist Sid Sward and a member of VALOV (Accordion Lovers of Virginia). He then further cut his teeth with the instrument while street performing all over the state of Virginia-- particularly in Norfolk, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, & Alexandria while also picking up gigs at weddings, cafes, and parties. Excerpts from his website: In 2014, Miles joined the Fighting Jamesons and is featured on the recording of their second full-length album, "Every Day Above Ground". Touring all over the United States, he has appeared with the Jamesons at many Irish & Rock festivals; ranging from multiple appearances at both Shamrockfest at RFK Stadium in Washington DC, Indy Irish Fest in Indianapolis, to even as far as Get Shamrocked Fest in Murietta, California. During his time with the Fighting Jamesons, they've shared the stage and opened for World Inferno Friendship Society, Lucero, Eileen Ivers, & the Dropkick Murphys! Hoyle also performs in Mosquito Cabaret-- a folk/world music sextet formed in the late summer of 2017 that derives their signature sound from various European folk traditions. The cabaret performs heavily in the Hampton Roads area: bars, art events, museums-- as well as appearing at festivals such as the nor-FOLK Fest, the Hampton Block Party, Stockley Gardens Art Fest, & NEON Fest + also appearing at venues such as Elevation 27, Shaka's, The Bunker, & The Norva. Recently, the group has stretched their wingspan outside of their hometown at the Richmond Capital Alehouse, the Crow & Quill in Asheville, North Carolina, & the Key City Steampunk Fest in Frederick, Maryland. Mosquito Cabaret have shared the stage with the Atom Age, Maid of Ace, Agents of Good Roots, the Toasters, Agent Orange, & Bella's Bartok. You can hear Miles's accordion playing in this project on their debut album, "The Modern Life of Insects". When not playing with both groups, Miles does a variety of other types of performances: from private parties, Oktoberfest events, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, dinners & cocktail hours, funerals, surprises-at-the-door, & much more! Whether it's playing a rowdy Irish-Rock festival or a cocktail-hour for a wedding reception -- Miles's accordion performance can adapt to any atmosphere. Currently, he is performing regularly with both groups mentioned above: the Fighting Jamesons are working on writing and recording their third full-length album + Mosquito Cabaret is also performing often and entering the early stages of a second record. With solo performances sprinkled in between gigs with both groups-- Miles is also currently recording solo instrumental material at Master Sounds Studios in Virginia Beach with audio engineer Rob Ulsh. Miles shares, “My debut solo recording will come out roughly this winter!” When COVID-19 hit, as a result of all concerts and major public gatherings having to be cancelled due to COVID-19-- Miles remained active by providing an Accordion-At-Your-Door service in the Hampton Roads area (and sometimes further!) that was both safe and COVID-19 compliant by doing small private performances for an affordable fee and showing up as a surprise to play for people at their door for whatever the occasion (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.). Currently, he remains active in both the Fighting Jamesons & Mosquito Cabaret-- most recently, he performed as a special guest on organ & also assisted as a producer for the arrangement of a new upcoming Spirit Gun single called, "Restless" due out in early 2022! He is now in the process of working with audio engineer Rob Ulsh at Master Sounds Recording Studios tracking some instrumental solo material to be released in early to mid 2022. Future 2022 performances include: Saturday September 10th solo Oktoberfest performance 2 PM - 5 PM @ Beale's Beer in Bedford, VA Friday September 16th solo performance for Live On Atlantic! - 7 PM - 11 PM @ Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA Saturday September 17th w/Fighting Jamesons @ Murphy's Irish Pub in Virginia Beach, VA Sunday September 18th solo Oktoberfest performance 12 PM - 3 PM @ Spoke + Art Provisions Co. in Williamsburg, VA Friday September 23rd solo Oktoberfest performance @ Back Bay Brewing Farm House in Virginia Beach, VA Saturday September 24th solo Oktoberfest performance 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM @ Virginia Grill in Toano, VA Saturday September 24th w/Mosquito Cabaret 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM @ Yorktown Folk Fest in Yorktown, VA Sunday September 25th solo Oktoberfest performance @ Elation Brewing in Norfolk, VA Friday September 30th solo Oktoberfest performance @ Elation Brewing in Norfolk, VA Saturday October 1st solo Oktoberfest performance 1 PM - 4 PM @ Cova Brewing Co. in Norfolk, VA Saturday October 8th solo Oktoberfest performance 5 PM - 7 PM @ Stone Brewing Company in Richmond, VA Friday October 14th w/Mosquito Cabaret (w/This Way To the Egress!) @ Champion Brewing in Charlottesville, VA Saturday October 15th w/Mosquito Cabaret @ ESO Fest in Belle Haven, VA Sunday October 16th w/Mosquito Cabaret @ Scandals Live in Virginia Beach, VA Saturday October 22nd w/percussionist Michael Morgan & saxophonist Daniel Deskins for private event/wedding @ Blue Pete's in Virginia Beach, VA Saturday October 29th solo performance 6:15 PM - 8:15 PM @ Blessed Sacrament Church in Norfolk, VA Saturday December 10th w/Mosquito Cabaret @ KrampusFest at Smartmouth Brewing Co. in Norfolk, VA For solo booking and/or all other inquires: 757-560-3893 miles.accordionist@gmail.com For Mosquito Cabaret: mosquitocabaret@gmail.com For the Fighting Jamesons: thefightingjamesons@gmail.com |
40th Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival is Live on Sept. 3by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Video: OPELOUSAS 39th Annual Original Southwest Zydeco Festival (Virtual)The 40th Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival takes place on September 3, 2022 at: Yambilee Festival Grounds 1939 W Landry Street Opelousas, LA 70570 About the Original Southwest Zydeco Festival: The Treasures of Opelousas, a group of concerned citizens, feared that Zydeco and Creole music were dying; in response, they organized the first festival. With the guidance and sponsorship from the Southern Development Foundation, the first Zydeco Festival in 1982 was started in a bean field in Plaisance, Louisiana on the outskirts of Opelousas. The lineup includes hit-makers such as Lil Nate & the Zydeco Big Timers (Friday Night Kick Off Dance), Grammy winner Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Grammy nominees Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie and Corey Ledet; along with Mike Broussard & Nu Edition Zydeco, Jeremy Frugé & The Zydeco Hot Boyz and Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Krush. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Joshua Camp Performs With Litvakus Trio on September 1by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| On Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 7:PM, the Litvakus Trio make their appearance at Wayne YMCA, NJ - Rosen Performing Arts Center with a program of lively klezmer music and Yiddish songs. Zisl Slepovitch (clarinet, vocals), Joshua Camp (accordion); Taylor Bergren-Chrisman (double bass) make up the trio. Accordionist Joshua Camp is a versatile and talented musician. Composer, performer, producer, Joshua Camp received a Bachelor's of Music Composition from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a background in classical piano performance. Excerpts from his website: His interest in free reed and other little-known instruments began and developed while working at the Hohner company as an accordion and harmonica technician. He moved to New York City in 2000 and from 2001 to 2003 was the music director for the Lehman College (CUNY) dance department in the Bronx. As a founder of the groups One Ring Zero and Chicha Libre, Joshua has released twelve CDs, including the critically acclaimed album, “As Smart As We Are”, a book/CD featuring songs with lyrics contributed by such authors as Jonathan Lethem, Margaret Atwood, Paul Auster, Dave Eggers, Neil Gaiman, Michael Chabon, and Denis Johnson. One Ring Zero and Chicha Libre have performed at many music festivals and cultural institutions including the Whitney Museum of Art, Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, Central Park Summer Stage, MASSMoCa, the Calgary Folk Festival, Festival d'Accordéon Le Grand Soufflet, France, Festival Músicas do Mundo, Portugal, Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, the Stimmen festival in Germany, the Spring Scream festival in Taiwan, and the Fundacion Principe de Asturia in Spain. His groups have received grants from The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts. They have appeared on ABC national news, CBC in Canada, the Nat Geo channel, The Simpson’s 20th Anniversary Special, and A&E’s Breakfast With The Arts. The music has been featured in dance concerts, films, animations, fashion shows, and the NPR programs Fresh Air, Morning Edition, and This American Life. As a commercial composer, Joshua has written a nine song musical for Allergan starring Michael Welch (The Twilight Series) entitled “Aczone”: The Musical. In addition, he’s composed pieces for Mastercard, Levi’s Workshop, Victoria’s Secret, Scoop NYC, Sears, Puma, Victoria & Albert Museum, and many others. Television placements include Weeds, Homeland, Suburgatory, This American Life, The Path, and Extra Virgin. In 2008, Joshua received a grant from the Brooklyn Arts Council to compose 8 Prospects a contemporary chamber piece inspired by Charles Ives' Central Park In The Dark. As an accordionist, he has played on the most recent Broadway revival of “Fiddler on the Roof” (2015/16) , and on the Grammy nominated cast recording of the same production. His accordion can also be heard on Season 2 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Past theatrical productions include the soundtrack to Lincoln Center's Coast of Utopia by Tom Stoppard, as well as Columbia University's production of Beggar's Opera, translated by Vaclav Havel. D. Zisl Slepovitch, a native of Minsk, Belarus, is an ethnomusicologist (Ph.D.), klezmer, classical, and improvising woodwind and keyboard player; conductor, composer, educator, founding member of critically acclaimed bands Litvakus, Zisl Slepovitch Trio, and Zisl Slepovitch Ensemble. Dr. D. Zisl Slepovitch is the musician in residence at Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies at Yale University. Slepovitch’s theatre, film, and television work includes multiple productions by National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish (off-Broadway), Rejoice (dubbed “Eternal Echoes” CD, Sony Classical) with Itzhak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot (PBS, Sony Classical), Defiance movie, and many others. Dr. Slepovitch has taught Yiddish language and culture at The New School, has been a guest artist and visiting lecturer at many universities and cultural organizations worldwide. Litvakus is a klezmer collective led by the internationally renowned clarinetist, vocalist, composer, and scholar D. Zisl Slepovitch, a native of Belarus, and the first to focus exclusively on the music and culture of Belarus and Litvak Jews. The Litvakus' repertoire presents a unique mix of traditional Belarusian and Litvak (North-East European Jewish) folk music, as well as contemporary pieces written in the spirit of roots music. In their various programs, Litvakus have collaborated and recorded with Michael Alpert, Sasha Lurje, and Daniella Rabbani, among others. Zisl Slepovitch’s ethnographic multimedia program Traveling the Yiddishland is a touring production of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, where the founding band members first met in 2008. As a contemporary klezmer band, the way Litvakus sounds unexpected; but it also overpowers by the warmth of the deeply rooted tradition. Bagpipe-like drones, drones on the fiddle and bass, “shtetl disco” groove, both authentic and vibrantly modern, come to life with old and forgotten tunes and free improvisational takes on them. Litvakus equally fits chamber and large open-air settings, plays at festivals, concert venues, clubs and private events. Location of concert: Wayne YMCA 1 Pike Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 Tickets ($18) available at door and online. All ages. For further information on Joshua Camp: joshuacampmusic@gmail.com For further information on Litvakus: litvakusband@gmail.com or dslepovitch@gmail.com |
Accordion Festival in Bryant Park on September 16by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  On Sept. 16,2022 at 7:PM, the Accordion Festival returns to Bryant Park after a two-year hiatus. The festival will feature bands and free reed instrumentalists who hail from various different backgrounds and cultures. Attendees can hear from Afghani musician Ahmad Fanoos alongside his sons, Ukrainian music from two ensembles, the experimental Balaklava Blues, and much more. The day will also hold the premiere of Cinco12: The Music of Selena which honors the music of the late artist with performances of some of her best hits.The following performances are scheduled: Heart of Afghanistan with Afghani music icon Ahmad Fanoos and his sons, who recently relocated to the US from Afghanistan; Ukrainian Village Voices polyphonic singing collective on a mission to preserve the culture of small village life of Ukraine. Ben Balaklava Blues who fuses Ukrainian polyphony and other folk traditions with EDM, trap, and dubstep, falling between a traditional song cycle and a full blown techno show; A Mexican Independence Day premiere of Cinco12: The Music of Selena, performing the music of the late pop star Selena, an icon who openly celebrated her Chicana identity and served as a representation for the hopes and aspirations for many. Bryant Park is one of the world’s busiest public spaces. More than 12 million people per year visit the park to enjoy over 1,000 free events including winter activities, cultural programming, daily amenities, and the park’s lush gardens featuring seasonal displays. Be there to honor the accordion as an instrument that overcomes borders with love, hope, freedom, empathy, and fun! |
Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini's Upcoming 2022 Performancesby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video: Mary Mancini “Tic Ti Tic Ta” and Mario Tacca with the Hallandale Symphonic Pops Orchestra, Peter P. Fuchs, Conductor, 2/18 Accordionist Mario Tacca and vocalist Mary Mancini have a busy fall season. They are a unique duo, entertaining with an eclectic repertoire sure to please everyone. Put one of their performances on your calendar and you will be happy you attended! Mario Tacca was born in Italy. During his childhood, his family moved to the Alsace Lorraine region of France where he began his musical studies. This is where his love and intense desire to play the accordion began. He loved the sound! He would pick up the accordion and imitate some of the songs his mother used to sing. The desire and love never diminished, despite having to walk three miles weekly to his teacher with his instrument strapped to his back! While in France, he was the winner of many regional and national accordion competitions. He went on to become a world champion, winning the World Cup of Italy, the Grand Prix of Paris, the US National Competition and the International Accordion competition held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Mario Tacca dazzles audiences across the US and around the world with his unmatched virtuosity on the accordion and his exciting interpretations of international music, the classics and pop. Mario has recently been seen on MTV in a commercial for a pilot Italian Food program. Also, he was seen on the Food Network in a commercial for “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” His latest recording, “Journey Through the Classics” features great melodies from the Classic Repertoire. Also, he and Mary Mancini have just released their latest duet CD, “Ricordi.” It is a collection of Italian melodies, featuring Mary and Mario together, and, Mario performing solo. Internationally acclaimed vocal artist Mary Mancini has been featured in the New York Times, the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, and the Journal News and has performed in a variety of venues around the world. Able to sing in eight different languages, Mary draws from a deep repertory reservoir. She is adept at pop, show tunes, operatic arias, and sacred music and has received worldwide acclaim. Le Republicain Lorrain, in Alsace-Lorraine, France, writes that the “purity of her voice, the ease with which she interpreted the most difficult pieces showed that she is a great artist.” The Spring City Evening News in Kunming, China, writes that “audiences were greatly impressed by Mary Mancini’s singing ability…Through her music, we see her heart is smiling.” Mary has headlined numerous concert halls and festivals in North America, Europe, and China. She has performed at the Garden State Arts Center, Resorts International Casino Hotel, Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, and Mohegan Sun Resort Casino in CT. Mary, with Mario Tacca, has completed two concert tours of China. As guests of the China Ministry of Culture, they toured five cities in three weeks and performed with three symphony orchestras. Joining them on their tour was highly acclaimed Chinese tenor, Douglas Song. In addition to performing with the symphony orchestras, some of the most memorable moments included a performance held at the 1600 seat True Color Jazz Supper Club in the booming city of Shenzhen and in the 3500 seat Golden Opera House. In addition to a busy concert schedule, which keeps her on the road for over 200 days a year, Mary also maintains an active recording career. On “Canzoni dal Cuore,” her CD of Italian Love Songs & Arias, Mary sings with passion many of the classic songs from the Italian repertoire. The album also includes her own composition, “Preghiera, Ninna-Nanna” set to the music of Pietro Mascagni. Together, Mary and Mario have just released their latest duet CD, “Ricordi.” It is a collection of Italian melodies, featuring Mary and Mario together, and, Mario performing solo. The Red Cross selected Mary’s original composition, “With Open Arms,” to accompany its video tribute to the September 11 victims. Mary was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Order of the Sons of Italy in America for her ongoing outstanding musical contribution to the arts. Future 2022 Performances: Mario Tacca Sunday, September 4, 2022 and Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 1 – 5: PM Magnanini Winery 172 Strawridge Road Wallkill, NY 12589 For Reservations, call 845-895-2767 Mario Tacca Wednesday, September 14, 2022: “Accordions Around the World” at Bryant Park, NYC from 5:30 – 7:30 PM Mary Mancini & Mario Tacca: Friday, September 16, 2022 7 – 10:PM Rini’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 12 W. Main Street Elmsford, NY 10523 914-592-6799 Reservations are strongly encouraged. Mario Tacca: Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 1 – 5:PM Magnanini Winery 172 Strawridge Road Wallkill, NY 12589 For Reservations, call 845-895-2767 Classical Meets Jazz Concert Featuring Ray Blue, Mary Mancini & Mario Tacca: Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 4:PM St. Joseph and St. Mary Immaculate Church 463 Tomkins Avenue Staten Island, NY 718-816-0047 Tickets: $30 Tickets sales will be handled by Event Brite. Mary Mancini & Mario Tacca in A Glorious Christmas Concert: Friday, December 16, 2022 at 7:PM Church of the Assumption 920 First Street Peekskill, NY 10566 Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca are available for: Concert and show performances, Church Weddings, Wedding Receptions, Special Events, Corporate Events and In-home/Private Performances. For further information: Manciniandtacca@gmail.com Cell: 914.737.8872 |
Powell River Academy of Music Workshop on Sept. 24by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  On September 24, 2022 at 1:PM, the Powell River Academy of Music will present another Accordion 101 workshop for beginners. No musical experience necessary. The workshop will be led by Walter Martella and Karina Inkster. You will receive 3 hours of quality group and individual instruction for only $45. Accordions are available or bring your own.About Walter Martella and Karina Inkster, Festival Co-directors: Musician, conductor, instructor, Music Director of the Powell River Academy of Music (PRAM). Recorded 6 studio albums. Bench presses your body weight and makes a mean apple cider. Walter is an accomplished pianist, accordionist, and trumpeter. He earned a Diploma in Jazz Trumpet from Malaspina College (VIU), a Bachelor of Music Degree from UVic, and attended the Banff School of Fine Arts.Conducting became a significant part of Walter's life and career when he returned to Powell River to study at PRAM under Don James. Walter has participated in the British Columbia Choral Federation's conducting program and has collaborated with world-renowned conductors. He has led noteworthy works like Holst's Rig Veda for choir and harp, the Messiah, Schubert's Mass in G, and Vivaldi's Gloria. He conducts the Academy Chamber Choir, Chor Musica Men's Choir and the Powell River Chorus as well as currently maintaining a full private teaching schedule.Walter is a strong believer in the power of music as an important part of community, and has been an adjudicator for instrumental and choral festivals throughout British Columbia. He has recorded five jazz CDs, performed provincially with many well-known musicians in multiple genres, and continues to be in demand all along the West Coast as a trumpet soloist and jazz pianist. Karina Inkster is a fitness and nutrition coach, author of 5 books, magazine writer, and host of the No-B.S. Vegan podcast. Founder of K.I. Health & Fitness, she and her online coaching team work with vegan clients all over the world. Karina holds a Master's degree in Gerontology, specializing in health and aging. What does all this have to do with music? Well, nothing. When she's not working (or working out), Karina attempts to make time for her musical pursuits. She started taking piano lessons at the age of 5, has been playing Australian didgeridoo for over 2 decades, and picked up the accordion in 2013. She's been studying accordion with Walter Martella since 2018 after moving from Vancouver to Powell River. The Powell River Academy of Music is a dynamic not-for-profit community music school offering excellence in arts education to students of all ages since 1981.Their programs in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts enable infants, youth, adults and seniors alike to develop individual talents and skills while acquiring a lifelong love of the arts. For further information: karina@karinainkster.com |
Spotlight on Karen Lee Accordionist, Lawyer, ATG Board member and Collector of “All Things Accordion”by Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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 Karen Lee’s life has been filled with music since she was a very young child. She studied piano and accompanied children’s orchestras and a children’s choir, then switched to the organ at age 15. She played the organ in churches until the age of 37. That was a big year of changes for Karen as she switched careers from high school librarian to trial lawyer. No time for music for quite a while at that point!Fast forward to her retirement and, with it, the excitement of playing music again. Karen craved a change: a portable instrument. One day, she heard an accordionist playing at the Sons of Norway Hall. She loved the sound of the reeds, and it was portable!! “Under the Christmas tree that year was an accordion” from her very supportive husband Larry. Karen’s life moved rapidly in a different and exciting direction — and many of us are so grateful for that change!! Karen happily put much energy into learning to play the accordion. She joined a folk band, went to the annual Las Vegas Accordion Convention, joined the local Los Angeles accordion club and its then new ensemble, “The Accordionaires Pops Orchestra”. Through that connection, Karen found out that the celebrated jazz accordionist Frank Marocco, and directors Joan and Dan Grauman were holding the first of eight accordion camps. As director of this delightful annual event, I need to insert here that Karen was truly part of why our camp was so delightful and successful! She came all eight years, as did many others, and we truly became a large, happy family! Frank, who was no longer teaching accordion, decided to take Karen as a student. She studied with him for several years until his untimely death in 2012 — a very hard time for all of us. And fast forwarding again, Karen began to study with another great, Ilmar Kuljus who she still studies with today. Karen describes Ilmar as “the best teacher in any subject that I have ever had”. She also plays in a Klezmer group “Shtetl Menschen”, is on the governing board of ATG and …. she has one of the largest collections of accordion figurines in the world!! Karen’s collection began with the purchase of a little wooden accordion player. She truly loved his figurine and soon was receiving figurines, letter openers, jewelry — you name it — with the accordion theme, as gifts. “That started something seemingly uncontrollable and unstoppable”, Karen said. “If I were to post a photograph of one item a day, it would take me over three years to show you all of them!” These items are made of everything “from paper to metal to fine porcelain. They depict men, women, children, angels, Santas, cats, hedgehogs…. They range in size from under an inch to over two feet tall. They come from all over the world.” Here are some photos of Karen’s collection that I am sure you will enjoy! If you have not met Karen yet, try to do so — you will enjoy her very much too! |
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Stas Venglevski to Perform for WMAS on September 25by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Stas Venglevski will perform for WMAS on September 25, 2022. This guest artist concert will be free for members, nonmembers for an $8 donation. Do not miss this special concert. Stas’s program will include classical and folk music, as well as American favorites and his own compositions.Venglevski’s artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stanislav "Stas" Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan (Russian accordion). A two-time first prize winner of bayan competitions in 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 Stas immigrated to the United States. Stas is an accordionist, musician, arranger, entertainer and teacher. His repertoire includes his original compositions, and 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. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He is a regular participant with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Arts in Community Education Program (ACE), has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, has done television commercials, and has performed in theater productions. Stas has produced numerous recordings and has published several books of original compositions. Future WMAS 2022 meetings: October 16: Oktoberfest, November 6: First rehearsal for the Holiday Concert, November 13: Monthly meeting followed by a rehearsal, December 4: Rehearsal Holiday Concert: December 11 The mission of WMAS is to bring together accordionists and promote accordion music in the National Capital region. Meetings are at 4:PM on one Sunday every month (except for August, usually) at Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church in Falls Church, Virginia. For further information: Peter DiGiovanni peter@musicisforever.com |
Latest Additions to the AAA Composers Commissioning Web Pagesby Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair, AAA Composers Commissioning Committee |
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 A variety of new items have been added to the Commissioned Compositions section of the AAA webpage.In the “Music Commissions Home” http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php where all the AAA commissioned works’ titles and, when obtainable, accompanying mp3 or mp4 links of performances appear. Newly online are David Diamond’s Introduction and Dance, and Carlos Surinach’s Prelude to the Sea sound files. Regarding the Music Commissions Articles List, two new 2022 updated and expanded revisions of past articles have been added since last month’s report: those whose original versions appeared in the 2018 and 2019 editions of the AAA Festival Journal and that discuss Joel Brickman’s Prelude and Caprice (2018 Journal; updated pdf2022) http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php and William Schimmel’s Fables and John Franceschina’s Scaramouche (2019 Journal; updated pdf2022). http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php For these three solos, you can click to hear recordings by Mary Tokarski, William Schimmel, and myself. Addition to articles about the AAA commissions: 2001 "Idiomatic Use of the Accordion in Atonal Music: A Study of Toccata by Ernst Krenek, and a Work by the Writer." Robert Young McMahan. http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions2.php |
2022 Not Just Oompah! New Fall Workshop/Concert with Matt Tolentino on September 12, 13by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Not Just Oompah! announces an exciting new Fall Workshop & Concert with Matt Tolentino and “The Music of the Golden Age: Ragtime, Early Jazz, Early Swing”. The online ZOOM workshops are scheduled for September 12 & 13 from 7:00 - 9:30 pm Central Time and the Free Facebook Concert is scheduled for Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm Central Time. Join Not Just Oompah! for this exciting workshop with this special presentation with Matt Tolentino! For more information, please view the flier: 2022TolentinoFlyer.pdf Matt Tolentino is a multi-instrumentalist, band leader, vocalist, preservationist, and music historian. Born in 1985, Matt shares his birthday with Fred Astaire, and some say Matt was born 80 years too late, but he will argue this is not the case. Tolentino has made it his life’s mission to perform and preserve pre-swing American popular music- hot jazz, ragtime, and the roots of swing, as well as traditional German, Czech, French, and Italian music for the modern audience to appreciate for years to come. As a true multi-instrumentalist, he plays accordion, piano, banjo, guitar, tuba, clarinet, saxophone and vibraphone. He can be found working in solo, trio, quartet, as well as his larger band, the 17-piece “Singapore Slingers,” a unit specializing in the music of 1900 - 1935, and “The Royal Klobasneks” - a traditional “old-time” polka band. His presentation style is educational and lively, with additional humor, just for fun! Matt makes his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, sharing his 1890 Victorian home with his wife Danielle, their Chihuahua “Doo-Dad”, and a 1952 Kaiser DeLuxe. |
Book Review: The Art of Accordion Playing, Author Prof. Friedrich Lipsby Robert Young McMahan |
  Book review: The Art of Accordion Playing: Technique, Interpretation, and Performance of Playing the Accordion Artistically, Author Prof. Friedrich Lips (Russia).A segment of the review: "Lips offers many invaluable tips on all aspects of accordion playing, most of which are equally applicable to all accordion types as well. Many of his statements and quotations from other sources are worthy of framing and hanging on the walls of accordion studios everywhere. Space prevents choosing more than three examples from scores of equally strong pedagogical gems." This book review was first published in the Free Reed Journal in 2002 by Robert Young McMahan and updated in 2022. The review is now online at: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions7.php The book is available online at: kslips00 Only €34 or the US$ equivalent plus postage. |
Sequin Accordion Social on September 11 Featuring Andy Mirkovichby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The next Sequim Accordion Social will feature Andy Mirkovich on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.Join fellow accordion players, enthusiasts, and dancers for an afternoon of music and fun. All players are encouraged to bring their instrument and play a few selections. Admission: Suggested $5 donation at the door to cover the hall rental and to thank our featured player. Andy Mirkovich started playing the accordion at 5 years of age. He took lessons for 16 years, the last 12 with Joe Spano. He graduated from Seattle University with a BA in music, then studied composition at the U of W Graduate School of Music. He founded Andy Mirkovich Productions which became the oldest and largest theatrical production agency in the PNW. Andy has been a featured performer at the Space Needle Restaurant for 11 years. He has also performed on radio, television, movies, commercials, recordings and concerts. He adjudicated and performed at music festivals in Leavenworth, Seattle, Portland, Yakima, Spokane, Forest Grove, Phillipsburg, Kellogg, Vancouver and Victoria. BC. Some notable performances Andy has either performed with or for include Lawrence Welk, Myron Floren, Dick Continuo, Art Van Damme, Frankie Yankovich, Liberace, Burl Ives, the Vienna Boys Choir, Danny Kaye, King Hussein of Jordan and the King and Queen of Norway. The program takes place at Shiipley Center, 921 E. Hammond, Sequin, Washington. For more information: 360-452-0191 |
Frank Toscano and Dominic Karcic Perform with Long Island Accordion Allianceby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video: Dominic Karcic & Frank Toscano - Jan 5, 2022 at La Villini Restaurant, East Northport, NY. D. Karcic and F. Toscano performing three Valtaro Musette selections: “Valzer “ (Francaise), “Happy Dreamers Waltz”, “El Pastiador Paso Doble” and two bossa nova selections: “Girl From Ipanema” and “Carnival” (from “Black Orpheus”). Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, The Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 presents the Long Island Accordion Alliance with Dominic Karcic and Frank Toscano, featured in the film, “The Saints of Newark” on September 25, 2022. Noted accordionist Frank Toscano who recently was featured in the movie “The Many Saints of Newark” was asked to arrange and perform music for the soundtrack for the movie which was released worldwide on March 12 2021. Frank recorded eight songs and performed in the movie. Frank appears in the film with guitarist, Steve Lucas, in the scene of the confirmation party for Janice, Tony’s sister. The movie is a prequel to the popular series “The Sopranos”. Among the songs he played were “Ferry Boat Serenade”, “Volare”, “The Nearness of You” and “Core Grate”. For the scene Frank wore a red tuxedo jacket and slicked back hair, He played a Verde acoustic accordion. Frank said the director and cast enthusiastically applauded him at the end of the scene. The music/soundtrack was recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City. The challenge, according to Frank, was to play the song during filming exactly as it was recorded at The Hit Factory since that recording was used during the filming of the movie, Of course, Frank was able to easily accomplish the task. A professional musician since the age of eight, Frank Toscano has made music his entire life. Born and raised in New York, Frank came from an Italian family who valued the idea of music being played in the house constantly. Without a choice from his father, Frank took lessons on the accordion under the direction of Emilio Chiesa and never dreamed that it would became the passion of his life! Frank said, “Emilio provided me with a solid classical foundation, for which I am forever grateful. I was very fortunate to have such a great teacher who he himself is also a Virtuoso Accordionist.” As Frank continued through the years practicing, he mastered the instrument and it was only natural for him to become a professional musician. He wanted more though...more music... and so he learned, studied jazz and mastered the art of playing the Piano (taught himself) and at the age of twenty-one opened the Frank Toscano Music School. Now some 50 years later the school continues to flourish with young and not so young talent. Still teaching everyday, his undying passion for music and performing never seems to subside. He has performed live with and for many artists including Michail Baryshnikov and Aidan Quinn and can also be heard on many recordings of other artists... too numerous to mention. Frank performed for Steve Schirripa and the entire Soprano’s Cast to help launch an up and coming new T.V. show. He has also had the pleasure of performing with Joe Piscoppo and Vocalist Debra Toscano. Frank has performed many steady engagements at many prominent clubs in the Tri-State area such as the Playboy Club, North Hempstead Country Club, Rockland Country Club and many more. Currently you can hear Frank perform solo at the Magnanini Winery & also in concert with the newly formed “Amazing Accordion Kings”. Among his accomplishments Frank arranged, conducted, and performed on three great CD’s. “Accordion To Frank”, a solo CD which embraces the flavor of Traditional styled music laced with a hint of Modern Jazz paying homage to his Accordion heritage. The “The Amazing Accordion Kings” Volumes One and Two were arranged, performed and conducted with two other great Accordionists, Angelo DiPippo and Manny Corallo. These latest CD’s contain compilations of Opera to Jazz. Frank Toscano, a true musician, a true professional...and most certainly a true artist. Originally from Astoria, NY AAA Board member, accordionist, pianist, and band leader, Dominic Karcic attended St. Francis of Assisi grammar school, William Cullen Bryant high school, New York College of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree and continued his education at the City University of New York (CCNY) where he received his Masters Degree in Music. Dominic was one of the founders and first president of the Adriatic Islands Charity Committee and served as its president for thirteen years during his tenure the committee raising thousands of dollars for senior citizen homes, hospitals and churches in the Mali Losinj (Lussin Piccolo) area of Croatia. The organizations first fund raiser at the Oyster Bay caterering house in Astoria, NY attracted nine-hundred and fifty people and Dominic and his orchestra supplied the music for the monumental event. Dominic has always played professionally (accordion and piano) in the New York metropolitan area and continues to do so today. He and his musicians “The Continental Sound” have been house musicians at the Columbus Citizens Foundation (NYC) for over twenty-five years and he has played for organizations like the Valtarese Foundation (Parma, Italy), Fubinese Society (Piemonte, Italy), Italian Charities of Queens, NY, Italian Heritage Association of Long Island, La Pace Restaurant (Glen Cove, NY) and also at Magnanini Winery in Wallkill, NY. His love for the Valtaro Musette music was instilled in him through his years of study with noted accordionist Peter Spagnoli. In recent years he has been involved in the preservation and documentation of this musical style. He collaborated in writing a biographical article on the life and career of accordionist John “Scudlein” Brugnoli (founder of the Valtaro Musette Orchestra). He and fellow accordionist Ray Oreggia have given workshop presentations on the Valtaro Musette style for the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA), Connecticut Accordion Association (CAA), Maryland Accordion Club, the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS) and the Istria Women’s Club (Astoria, NY). Dominic founded the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) The wide spread success of LIAA events has endeared it to accordionists and accordion music lovers from all over the New York Metro area and has made it (LIAA) and its events the “Voice of the Accordion on Long Island.” He also created and performs with various singers in a program titled "From Broadway to the Met” which features the music of the American Song Book and Opera. The event takes place at: Church of the Resurrection Community Room Mayflower Avenue and Edgewater Avenue Smithton, NY The cost is $20 per person, coffee and cake. There will be a door prize and a 50/50 raffle. For reservations call Dave Setteducati at 631-656-8968. Checks payable to the Dr. Vincenzo Lodge #2319 Mail to: Post Office Box 301, Smithtown, New York 11787 For further information: Dkarcic10@gmail.Com |
Seattle Accordion Social on September 4by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The Seattle Accordion Social takes place on Sunday, September 4, 2022 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 6020 Beacon Avenue S, Seattle, 98108. Performers include Lenny Luzzi, Charlie Brown, Jakob Bean, Sherrie Stinson and Regina Mansfield.With the socials occurring in the afternoons from 1:30-3:30 pm, this time now provides a better opportunity for family entertainment. Bringing children or grandchildren to the socials would offer young people the opportunity to enjoy a live music activity with a wide exposure to various music styles played on the accordion. Children 18 and under attend for free. Meetings are from 1:30-3:30 PM on the first Sunday of the month in the Fellowship Hall at the new location at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 6020 Beacon Avenue S, Seattle, 98108. Starting with the September Social, the accordion club will be meeting at a new day, time, and location. In response to member concerns of night driving and parking, the time has been changed to an afternoon social, thereby eliminating the need to drive to and from the socials at night. To address the parking concern, the church has a 32-space ground level parking lot located right off the entry door to the back of the church and the Fellowship Hall. Parking is free. There is also additional street parking on residential streets around the church. All accordionists of any age or level are invited to pay 1 or 2 pieces at a future social. To sign up contact: John Giuliani at 425-255-2121 or testaduda,@gmail.com or Bonnie Birch at 206-622-4786 Future gatherings of the Seattle Accordion Social include: October 2, 2022 with David Locke, Ted Lunka Polka Band, Greg Perry, and Folk Voice Band. November 6, 2022 with The Three Viches: Andy Mirkovich, John Morovich, and Mike Marinkovich December 4, 2022 with Murl Allen Sanders, Bonnie Birch Sing-Along and A holiday Treat Potluck |
8th Annual Polish Festival in British Columbiaby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The 8th Annual Polish Festival will be held at the Shipbuilders’ Square & Pipe Shop in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on September 4th, 2022 at 1:PM. Organised by the Belweder North Shore Polish Association, attendees will join in celebrations of Polish culture, folklore, music, cuisine, and more. The festival features the group “Parno Drom” which includes accordionist Bob Kozak (pictured below) who will entertain with a variety of Eastern European Romani (Gypsy) music. For details email: belweder.org@hotmail.com  |
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Future events |
Ensemble of Hope to Perform on October 16by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  The Ensemble of Hope will perform for ALS on October 16, 2022 from 2-3:30 PM at the Seabrook Village Senior Home in Tinton Falls,NJ. The Ensemble of Hope is an accordion ensemble based in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania area. The group was formed in 2019 to perform in a benefit concert for the ALS Hope Foundation, and its name was chosen to complement the group’s original purpose. The ensemble continues to support ALS Hope Foundation. Some of the members are music educators, while others have pursued non-musical careers but simply love to play!The ensemble is honored to be playing arrangements by renowned accordionist and music educator, Daniel J. Desiderio (photo right), created especially for them. The arrangements are divided into three or four parts, plus a special part for bass accordion to interweave melody, harmony and rhythm. Its repertoire includes show tunes,light classical compositions, Latin, waltzes,Patriotic, holiday favorites ..and of course..a Polka! The Ensemble of Hope includes: Daniel J. Desiderio, Maestro John Modrowsky..1st Accordion Robert Patterson ..2nd Accordion Denise Szabo..1st And 4th Accordion Rosemarie Cavanaugh...3rd Accordion Public Relations Josephine Sarica Bass Accordion John Andrews...String Bass Guest Artist..Eddie Monteiro For further information: Musik4ro@comcast.net |
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story - Official Teaser Trailer (2022) Daniel Radcliffeby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Check out the teaser trailer for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, the upcoming comedy about the life and career of the biggest-selling comedy recording artist of all time "Weird Al" Yankovic (played by Daniel Radcliffe). Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is coming to The Roku Channel in fall 2022. The movie will focus on the prolific career of Weird Al, Grammy winning musician and pop cultural icon. It will be Roku’s first original biopic. Also, IZ2 Comics announced a new “Weird Al” Yankovic graphic novel coming soon! The Office’s Rainn Wilson has also been cast as legendary bizarro radio host (and “Weird Al” mentor) Dr. Demento, Daniel said, “Wearing the Hawaiian shirt is a huge responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” Radcliffe, told People, “and I’m honored to finally share with the world the absolutely 100 percent unassailably true story of Weird Al’s depraved and scandalous life.” According to a press release, “The biopic holds nothing back, exploring every facet of Yankovic’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like ‘Eat It’ and ‘Like a Surgeon’ to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle.” Eric Appel will direct from Yankovic’s script, which he co-wrote. Appel commented, “when Weird Al first sat me down against my will and told me his life story, I didn’t believe any of it, but I knew that we had to make a movie about it.” Yankovic shared that he is “absolutely thrilled that Daniel Radcliffe will be portraying” him in the film, joking of the British actor, “I have no doubt whatsoever that this is the role future generations will remember him for.” Roku Head of Original Scripted Programming Colin Davis joked in the press release, “There clearly aren’t enough biopic movies about famous musicians and we were excited to shine a light on the incredibly true, unexaggerated story of Weird Al.” He finished his statement on a more serious note, saying “this is sincerely the ultimate combination of talent, creativity, and friends, coming together to make something genuinely funny and we could not be prouder to call this film a Roku Original.” |
Houston Accordion Orchestra Retreat 2023 Announces 13 Scholarship Winners!by Megumi Hada |
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| To the theme of “Modern Movie Magic”, another very exciting Houston Accordion Orchestra Retreat is being planned for January 12-15, 2023…..the 5th year under the baton of Maestro Stas Venglevski! Activities include an enlarged orchestra and 13 music scholarship winners from across the USA who will play in the Youth Ensemble. Three of them will have their compositions premiered as an orchestral arranged by Stas Venglevski. Those students are Daniel Hartnett, (Night Life), Gabrielle Peck, (Waltz!) and Ashley Frye, (Finale) who will have their original compositions performed by the Youth Ensemble. As always, we are grateful and appreciate the continued support of our donors, most notably Judy Contino and Petosa Accordions. For further information: meghada33@gmail.com |
Would you like to visit the ‘Home of the Accordion’ in Castelfidardo, Italy? May 16-20, 2023by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Since 2012 Peter Le Geyt has arranged several visits to Italy from the UK offering accordionists the opportunity to experience Castelfidardo, the ‘Home of the Accordion'.Some people have enjoyed the experience enough to attend a few times. If you have not visited Castelfidardo before then here is the perfect opportunity.Summary of the trip: · Fly to Bologna from London with British Airways · Travel by luxury coach from Bologna to Castelfidardo · Coach and driver available with the group throughout the stay · Accommodation for 4 nights at a 4 star hotel with breakfast daily · Visits to factories to see wonderful instruments being built by hand. · Musical demonstrations at the factory showrooms · Play high quality accordions loaned to the group by some of the manufacturers · See also how reeds are produced and how bellows are made · Visit the Carini accordion accessory shop · Visit the Castelfidardo Accordion Museum · Try out the largest working piano accordion in the world · Optional visit to nearby town of Loreto to see the Basilica & Holy House · Visit seaside resorts in the evening for dinner and accordion entertainment · Final night private dinner included and a guest accordionist performance · Group members are able to entertain at the restaurants on the loaned accordions · San Marino sightseeing, lunch and music shop · Option to stay in Bologna or London before or after the trip Please make contact ASAP - numbers will be limited. For more information: Peter Le Geyt: plg@plgmarketing.com |