MAC Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Queen of Finnish Accordion in Minnesota

Drew Carey on accordion

New CD from Gabriels Gate

Pasquale Lorello announces 6 CD's

The Milwaukee Accordion Club recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Special celebrations were held in the form of a banquet and commemorative program which included musical selections by Stas Venglevski including the premier of a composition dedicated to the Milwaukee Accordion Club on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary.

The MAC meets monthly and offers programs and performance opportunities featuring the worlds leading accordionists as well as local talent.

Maria Kalaniemi, the undisputed queen of Finnish accordion, will be performing in Minneapolis on April 21st at 1:00 PM at the Cedar Cultural Center as part of the Nordic Roots Festival.

Maria, a true virtuoso has been described as being a compelling performer with a commanding presence, performing with much passion and intensity.

Maria Kalaniemi, (b. May 27, 1964) is rapidly making a name for herself, in Finland and abroad, as one of the world's most talented accordionists, not only as a technically skilled player but also as a gifted composer.

Maria's specialty is the 5 row button accordion and she began playing at the age of eight. Her first real training was in classical music where she studied for eleven years. During these studies she developed an interest in traditional Finnish folk music and began working in that field, as well, performing solo and with fiddlers. The "double life of Maria" continued until 1983 when two major breakthroughs occurred.

Maria was voted winner of the Golden Accordion, a live nationally televised accordion competition. The direct result of this was the opportunity to record her first album, featuring, as in the competition, traditional Finnish dance tunes. The album was released by the Accordion Institute of Ikaalinen. Secondly, Maria entered Helsinki's Sibelius Academy and joined Heikki Laitinen's newly established Folk Music Department. Soon after entering, she finished her classical training completely and devoted all her time and energies to folk music.

Maria's experience with Laitinen and his revolutionary approach to folk music training was a major turning point in her life and career. Her work there was extensive and all encompassing, including thorough knowledge of tradition, mastery of a chosen instrument, multi-instrumentalism, composition, theory, improvisation and performance, centered around a broad minded, adventurous and borderless attitude towards all forms of music. So, while progressing rapidly in her accordion skills, Maria also studied mandolin, violin and kantele and began composing and arranging.

Also in 1983, Maria and other Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department students formed the pioneering ensemble Niekku. An all woman group, except for JPP's Arto Järvelä, Niekku set out and succeeded to reinvent Finnish folk music. Very experimental for their time, Niekku pushed trad Finnish folk into unexplored territories, in execution, arrangement, texture and style.

The music, part traditional and part original compositions, was all acoustic and featured a wide array of traditional and contemporary instruments. Their three albums and numerous concerts at home and abroad established them as leaders of what became known as the "New Finnish Folk" movement.

Ever searching for new routes, Maria took off for France in 1989 to study for a short time with accordionist Marcel Azzola, another experience that would have a lasting effect. The second major turning point came in 1990 at Maria's Sibelius Academy graduation, where she began investigating the use of left hand free-bass melodies, an approach not previously attempted as free-bass playing was considered exclusive to the classical music genre. The free-bass technique Maria explored and developed opened up a whole new world of possibilities for her, in performance, composition and arrangement. She promptly and with great intensity set her course on this path and within two years she was a master, a position unique in Finland and perhaps the world.

Tickets for her Minnesota performance are $18.00, available at the door. For information please call: (612) 338-2674 or visit www.thecedar.org

Recently on Fox TV, Drew Carey was seen performing on a Petosa accordion as part of his band in Ohio.

Kansas City accordionist Brett Gibson of Gabriel's Gate announces the release of their groups third CD entitled 'Departures.'

Produced by well known musician Roger Landes, the CD includes several of Brett's original works including "Flailing Katana,", Two Fingers and a Fumb, "Chicken Wichita," "Koteka," and :"Fountain Raiders".

The producer had the following to say about Gabriel's Gate:

In an age glutted by mega-marketed "Celtic" music extravaganzas and traditional/commercial music crossovers, I find it extremely encouraging to come across the music of Gabriel's Gate - three Midwesterners and a Kiwi who are creating unique and refreshing fusions based on the rhythms, forms and flavors of Irish and Scots traditional music.

"Their newly-composed tunes are a delight, their arrangements startling, and Frank Blair's voice is a mighty welcome addition to Celtic music.

"No trendy graftings or derivative thievery here, they seamlessly and unselfconsciously combine their influences and experience to make music which is authentically their own. These influences are apparent only in brief, albeit welcome glimpses as their music carries one away with its grace and power."

For information on purchasing this new CD, please contact Brett Gibson at: brettski@worldnet.att.net

The Rose City Accordion Club will hold their "Camp 2001" from June 10th to 14th at the Silver Falls Conference Center in Sublimity, Oregon. The camp will include five days of great fun and music!

This is the fourth time this event has been held and over 50 accordionists will participate in workshops by Joe Morelli, Joe Baccellieri and Karl Kment as well as two accordion orchestras, rehearsing and performing music arranged in six parts especially for the camp.

There are just a few places left, if interested e-mail: Glevear@aol.com

The Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts which was established in 1962, has attracted over 1200 contestants for this years festival to be held April 6-8, 2001. This annual New England Music Competition and Festival is sponsored by the ATAM and all events are open to the public free of charge.

The founding father of the ATAM is Aldo DeRossi of New Bedford, MA. who is still active within the organization. The first President was the late Frank Gaviani, Sr.

Festival activities include Competitions in Solos, Duos, Ensembles, Bands, Some Non Competitive Categories, Cash Awards with over $3,000.00 in prizes, and an Awards Banquet which are all held at the Marriott Hotel in Newton, MA.

For further information please contact:
ATAM Contest Chairperson
Roger Latulippe
136 Lowell Road
Hudson, NH 03051
USA

Phone/Fax: 603/882-8940
E-mail: Roger Latulippe

The American Accordionists Association will hold its 2001 Festival from July 12-15, 2001 at the Sheraton Hotel, Cleveland International Airport, Cleveland, OH.

Featured guests will include: Carmen Carrozza, Eddie Monteiro, Peter Soave, Anthony Rolando and Huang Ling Ling. Visit www.ameraccord.com for updated information.

The Viennese Accordion Ensemble will be just one of the special guests at this years ATG Festival to be held in San Antonio, July 19-22nd, 2001.

The Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble was founded in 1967 and was made up of the best soloists in Austria at that time. This combination has virtually remained together ever since. One of the secrets of this lasting success is continuity. Over many years the combination has virtually not changed at all: Ladies: Sylvia Zobek, Margarete Gebauer and Erna Forst Gentlemen: Prof. Walter Maurer, Werner Weibert, Peter Forst, Anton Barinka, Walter Dietz and Günter Zobek.

Although three of the members were winners at the "Kunststufe" Austrian competitions, another two were very successful at the International Coupe Mondiale, rivalry never evolved and the only thing that counted was being together in the Ensemble. From the first hour together the main aim was to show and to prove that the accordion claims its place in the concert hall.

In this field the Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble has certainly done a pioneer's job. This shows in their repertoire, which contains all styles. About half of their standard program contains compositions from Bach, Handel, Mozart, Mussorgsky and Johann Strauss to Gershwin and Bernstein.

The big aim of the ensemble, whether it is performing classical or light music, is good interpretation. The ensemble has made many successful concert tours to all parts of the world. On their 1985 tour of the USA, many show elements were added underlining their versatility even further. Success was achieved with performances of original music by Würthner, Brehme, Schollum, Jacobi and Seiber, just to mention a few.

Over the years the Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble has developed an indistinguishable sound, which has been used as a model for other ensembles and orchestras to strive for. Their sound (which has its origin in own arrangements) not only inspires Austrian friends and fans.

Successful concert tours of Holland, Poland, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and the USA show its popularity. A concert in the world famous Carnegie Hall was achieved, along with several performances in Disney World. In 1990 they toured Australia and New Zealand. Although several of the members have been competitors in several competitions, a profound friendships has linked them for over 20 years.

Apart from the musical relationship this may be the most important reason for the great and lasting success of the Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble. We look forward to welcoming them to the ATG Festival in San Antonio!

Join Us for THE ACCORDION EVENT of a lifetime from October 14-18, 2001 at The Las Vegas Accordion Convention... the place to be!

Mark your calendar and send us some e-mail requesting a registration packet because we expect 2001 to be a sell out Convention! As of January 31 we are already 25% booked!

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have gathered together the greatest accordion legends. Dick Contino - 2001 Honorary Director - The chance of a lifetime to not only hear Dick in his element "Las Vegas" but to attend a Master Class "The Life & Times of Dick Contino".

A rare opportunity to not just hear, but to learn from the legend! Art Van Damme - Our Alumni 2000 Honorary Director told Paul "Let's do it again" and what an honor it is to have Art return - His performance and master class are truly a bit of heaven - A thrill you will never forget!

Peter Soave - The artist who will win your heart as he has so many all over the World. Peter's performance and master classes are a touch of magic - Peter is truly a musical genius and his performances and master classes are worth the trip.

Come Join the FUN and learn why everyone can't stop talking about the Las Vegas Accordion Convention. Four nights and three days of entertainment and inspiration! We will are in the process of building a new web site so check back soon - and in the mean time mark your calendar and make sure you request a registration packet today!

The Las Vegas Accordion Convention Convention will take place at The Plaza Hotel - #1 Main Street Las Vegas, Nevada. Rooms are only $40 per night!

The Las Vegas International Accordion Convention is dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of the stradella accordion and to providing a forum for accordion clubs. The venue offers an affordable yet luxurious-setting for players, enthusiasts, clubs & exhibitors to all come together and celebrate the accordion and be inspired by some of the world's finest accordionists in a city dedicated to entertainment.

Call the HOT LINE for a 24/7 messaging center that provides the latest up to date news and allows you to leave a message. You may also contact the organizing committee via fax, e-mail or by post.
HOT LINE 801-486-1695
FAX 801-596-7315
Postal address:
2330 South Main Street
Suite 15
Salt Lake City, UT 84115 USA

e-mail: General Information: lasvegas@accordioninfo.com

Arnold Rufus from Toronto, is trying to get in touch with the people who publish the late Frankie Yankovic's (pictured) recordings and printed sheet music, in particular his Polkas and Waltzes. While there are numerous items on the www.polkas.com site, Arnold would like to know if anyone has any futher information.

Please contact Arnold, a keen 78 year old accordion enthusiast who enjoys his music very much at:

Arnolds Rudolfs
118 Northwood Dr.
Toronto, Ont. Canada M2M 2K3
e-mail: arnolds@primus.ca

Frankie Yankovic, born in 1915, passed away in 1998. Well known as "America's Polka King," he is personally responsible for catapulting Slovenian Cleveland-Style Polkas from an obscure ethnic artform into national prominence as a mainstay of American musical culture.

Spanning a career of 60 years, Frankie greatest numbers were his 2 million-seller hits, "Just Because" in 1948 followed shortly by the even-bigger "Blue Skirt Waltz." At that time, gold records were a rarity for any artist, not to mention a polka artist!

In recognition of the long and successful career that ensued, Frank received the first Grammy Award in the polka category in 1986. Interested persons may also write Ida Yankovic, 41 Alice Circle, Chestnut Hill Farms, Greenburgh, PA 15601

Canadian accordionist Pasquale Lorello is now offering a grand total of 6 CD's featuring a variety of music including Latin, Italian and Continental Music.

Pasquale was born in Savuto di Cleto, Italy 1939 and began his musical career taking lessons from Maestro Mario Aloi in Amantea, Cosenza.

In 1957, he immigrated to Canada and continued his studies in Ottawa, Ontario, where he participated in many festivals and received many first prizes. He later moved to Toronto and taught in the Vavro School of Music.

Pasquale shares his love for music and the accordion with his many students and also offers a complete selection of musical books, sheet music and instruments. Pasquale had his own band for 25 years, however, he now performs solo for private parties and wedding receptions.

He also plays in various restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area. During all these years, people have asked if he had recorded any of his melodies. So it was with great pleasure that he finally decided to record these various favorites for your enjoyment.
You may contact Pasquale at: http://www.tcn.net/~accordion