![Jacques Mornet's [non] Method Book with Video Support](http://www.accordions.com/index/squ/graphics/jmornet-en.jpg)
Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
AAA 75th Anniversary Festival is August 14th in NYC
66th Coupe Mondiale and Accordion Festival, Victoria - Canada
Breaking News: Sylvia Louise Prior, March 14, 1922 to August 9, 2013
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
ATG Celebrates its 73rd Anniversary in Style
Information About Internet Digital Banner Advertising
Michael Bridge Wins Calgary Grand Prize, Summer Concerts
Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia to Perform at the Italian-American Museum
Music and Mobiles: Guy Klucevsek / Keith Lo Bue
6th Annual ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival: August 9-11 in New Hampshire
Cotati Festival in California on August 17th and 18th
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Wallace Accordion Festival August 9-11
'Play Your Accordion Without Pain', New Chapter Released - USA
"That's a Plenty" arranged by Nick Ariondo
Joseph Macerollo to Receive the ‘Order of Canada’, Ottawa - Canada
Microtonal Accordionist Elias Lammam in Concert in August
John Torcello Appears in New Opera 'Camelia La Tejana'
Western Senators: Saskatchewan's Grammy Nominated Polka Band
Video: The Accordion and the Skirt by Micki Goodman - USA
Seeking Accordion Stars in Las Vegas
Vancouver Squeezebox Circle
Future events |
Roland Corporation U.S. Announces the 2013 V-Accordion Festival
North American Accordionists Invited to 2014 South Pacific Champs - New Zealand
Dee Langley, Twin Cities Accordion Course, Minneapolis – USA
Sixth Annual Accordion Noir Festival September 12-15, 2013
Rob Reich in Performances
Those Darn Accordions at Cotati Festival
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 August is an extremely busy accordion month! You still have time to make plans to attend one of the many fabulous accordion concerts/festivals. Read about these in the August USA news!There are numerous accordion activities taking place on the North American continent. Read about the events in Canada including young artist, Michael Bridge, who continues to win top awards for his accordion skills. The AAA is planning a non-stop interesting and fun event in New York City in celebration of their 75th Anniversary. A perfect time to visit the Big Apple! New books, new videos, and new fall festivals….. detailed information is all here for you to read. Did you know that the USA news had over 1.19 million page views for the past 12 months? We thank you all for your support. |
AAA 75th Anniversary Festival is August 14th in NYCby Linda Soley Reed, AAA Second Vice President |
 |
| The count down to August 14th! After all the months of planning, the 75th American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Anniversary Celebration is less than three weeks away. And we’re ready to give you the best accordion show ever! Our superb concert programs will delight every musician. The workshops highlighting the lives of our founding fathers are all on board with former students and colleagues contributing their stories on the lives of the “greats”. Joe Cerrito, Elliott Seif, Bob McMahan, Eddie Monteiro and Ray Oreggia will share the stories and little known facts of the AAA founders. The two-part Finale Workshop presented by Finale expert, Don Gerundo, is designed for beginners and the 2nd part, for those who have had some experience with Finale, “Accordions Around the World” with Marion Jacobson, author of Squeeze This!; Dallas Vietty’s hands-on workshop featuring “The Art of Gypsy Jazz,” Mary Archuleta’s program entitled “Local Festivals, Competitions and Fun for All”” and Joe Natoli’s “Effective Orchestration Techniques for Digital Instruments,” all promise to be entertaining and informative. You won’t want to miss the exhibit of the AAA Archives compiled by Historian, Joan Grauman with two workshops on “Carnegie Hall and the Accordion” and “The Women Who Made a Difference” promise to be entertaining and informative. The Archives will be on display in the Exhibit Room throughout the Festival. All set to join the party at Bryant Park? You’re going to love the performers we have lined up to delight the New York listening audience. Bring your dancing shoes – a few of the groups will have you dancing in the aisles. We anticipate over 100 accordionists performing 'New York, New York' at 7:00 pm on August 15th at the fountain in Bryant Park. Want to join in? Just let us know by emailing ameraccord1938@gmail.com with NYNY in the subject line. A special kickoff to the 75th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Thursday, August 1st at the Italian-American Museum on the corner of Mulberry and Grand in New York’s Little Italy. AAA Board members, Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia, will present an evening of Valtaro Music – lecture and performance. Many door prizes for tickets to the 75th Anniversary Concerts will be available for lucky winners. The program starts at 7:00 – seating is limited so be sure to arrive early. On August 10th, the CT Accordion Association and the American Accordionists’ Association are sponsoring a delightful concert entitled “Entertaining Music for a Saturday Afternoon” featuring accordionists Alexander Poeluev and Mary Tokarski, jazz guitarist Liza Poelueva, violinist Darwin Shen, pianist David Harris and soprano Krista Adams Santilli and classical pianist, Alex Beyer – the 2012 US Presidential Scholar in the Arts. The concert will take place at 4:00 pm at the Pequot Library in Southport, CT on Saturday, August 10th. One project we were unable to complete in time for the Festival is the “Reflections – 75 Years of Accordion History.” We received a huge volume of material from our members and friends and we want to give everyone the opportunity to be included. So we will still take material – letters, articles, photos – until September 1st. The publication will be available before the end of the year and each contributor and festival attendee will receive a copy. This will enable us to also include highlights of the 75th Anniversary Festival which is guaranteed to be a memorable event. We want to wish our Coupe Mondiale candidates all the best for the Coupe Mondiale competitions in Vancouver, BC (Canada) which include - Junior Virtuoso Entertainment contestants Naomi Harris, Rachel Quirbach, and Tor Stumo; - Senior Virtuoso Entertainment contestants Jamie Maschler and Sam Thomas; - Ensemble category, Bel Canto with accordionist Jamie Maschler. All the best! And remember to have fun! See you in September with another exciting calendar of events for 2014! Visit us online at http://www.ameraccord.com. Read more articles about the various events taking place at the AAA Festival in the July USA news. To see the July news, please click on "Previous News" which you will see at the top of the August page. |
 |
66th Coupe Mondiale and Accordion Festival, Victoria - Canadaby Rita Barnea |
 |
From late evening, Sunday 19 August Looking to attend an amazing accordion event on the North American continent? Plan to attend the 66th Coupe Mondiale and the 130th CIA International General Assembly of Delegates Congress in Victoria, B.C., Canada, hosted by CIA member, the BC Accordion Society. Pre-Coupe Mondiale events will be held on August 17 and 18, and the Coupe Mondiale will be held from the 19-25 August, 2013. The updated timetable is online at: http://www.coupemondiale.org/2013/ca_schedule.htm Guest artists include: Aug 18 - The top four orchestras of the International Competition of the Accordion Orchestras Aug 19 - Alexander Sevastian, Jelena Milojevic, Ballet Victoria, Vox Humana Choir, Emily Carr String Quartet Aug 20 - "World Accordion Orchestra VII", Trio Voronezh, Aczent Duo, the winning orchestra from the International Competition of the Accordion Orchestras Aug 21 - Ludovic Beier, Renzo Ruggieri, Cory Pesaturo Aug 22 - Roland V- Accordion Canada National Finals plus concert of all Grand Prize winners from the previous Canada Roland V-Accordion National Contests, plus Ludovic Beier (France). Aug 23 - Coupe Mondiale Final Round Aug 24 - Concert of the Winners of the 66th Coupe Mondiale plus special performance by the Esse Quintet (winners of the 65th Coupe Mondiale in Italy). This will only be the second time ever that the Coupe Mondiale has been held on Canadian soil (Toronto in 1964) and CIA is more than excited for this great opportunity to promote it’s activities in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Victoria, B.C. The BC Accordion Society is thrilled to announce one of the highest prize budgets ever, with over $50,000 in money prizes, instruments and awards. You are also encouraged to be in the audience for the International Competition of Accordion Orchestras, that will be organized as a part of the Victoria International Accordion Festival, prior to the CIA event, with impressive awards, too. The organizers are also excited to announce that. thanks to the generosity of one anonymous donor, twenty eligible contestants will receive a scholarship of $300 towards their travel expenses. For full eligibility, please contact organizers directly. Full information about tickets to events, all inclusive ‘Early bird’ discounted ticket packages, accommodation, please contact the organizers directly at the e-mail address listed below. For those interested in possible travel discounts through the Star Alliance network, please visit the Accommodation and Travel Info page for further information. 2013 Coupe Mondiale Organizer: BC Accordion Society, Aleksandar Milojevic – 2013 CIA Honorary Vice President and President of the BC Accordion Society will be assisted by his organizing team. E-mail: coupe2013@gmail.com |
Breaking News: Sylvia Louise Prior, March 14, 1922 to August 9, 2013by Harley Jones |
 Sylvia was born in Los Angeles, California on March 14, 1922 to Sylvester Louis Prior and Mary Louise Landon Prior. She passed away peacefully on August 9, 2013 in Ventura, California. Sylvia taught accordion and piano in Los Angeles and later in Oxnard for nearly 60 years, carrying on the business her father started in 1917. She loved teaching music and took great pride in knowing that she had touched the lives of countless students during her career. Sylvia was also closely involved with the Accordion Federation of North America (AFNA) in various executive positions for the association over many years. The most important thing in Sylvia's life, however, was her family, especially her two daughters. Sylvia was a devoted mother who taught by example the importance of kindness, generosity and compassion. She was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Sylvia is survived by her daughters Adrian Jo Guidotti (David Ross) and Sylvana Louise Guidotti, M.D. (Kevin Wells), as well as her sister Patricia Kessen (Willard) and her nephew Jeffery Kessen. She is also survived by many devoted friends and her faithful dogs Gina and Scout. Sylvia was predeceased by her big sister Dorothymae Nelsen, husbands Tito Guidotti and Richard Westhouse, and her niece and goddaughter Dorothy Lee Pabst. The family would like to thank the physicians and staff who cared for Sylvia at the Ventura County Medical Center and Victoria Care Center, especially Doctors James Helmer, Joseph Esherick and Jacqueline D'Orazio. The family is also grateful to Westwood Home Care and Sylvia's primary caregiver Mida who enabled her to remain in her home with her pets for her final years. Services will be held on Saturday August 17th at 11:00 a.m. at Santa Clara Mortuary and Cemetery, 2370 North H Street, Oxnard, CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sylvia's memory to the Sisters of Notre Dame, California Province, 1776 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, Attn: Advancement Office or to your favorite charity. |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
 |
  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
 |
ATG Celebrates its 73rd Anniversary in Styleby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
 |
 The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) celebrated their 73rd Annual Competition and Festival in Lisle, IL (Chicago) from July 17th to 20th 2013.Among the featured performers was the remarkable virtuoso accordionist Martynas Levickis, (Lithuania) (pictured left) a winner of multiple International competitions as diverse as 'Lithuania's Got Talent' to the CIA International Competition for Piano Accordion. More recently he has enjoyed the success of his newly released CD 'Martynas' reaching the top of the UK Classical Music Charts, a first for an accordionist. During the festival Martynas performed both solo and in duo with violinist Abe McWilliams. Adding a terrific flare to the ATG Festival were the 50 member Polyphonia Orchestre (directed by Pierre Varo) from the Réunion Island, who performed a well received program, participated in the ATG Festival Orchestra, competed in the competitions and presented a workshop about life and musical culture in their tiny homeland. The dynamic and entertaining orchestra comprises accordionists, strings, winds and brass, percussion and vocalists. MIrco Patarini, from Castelfidardo, Italy, performed in concert and presented a magnificent workshop detailing the construction of a concert instrument. Former ATG President Stas Venglevski (pictured top-right) highlighted his versatility by performing in concert a popular program of classics and contemporary works, as well as his original compositions which he performed solo, in duet with CIA Vice President Joan Cochran Sommers (pictured top-left) and had showcased by the ATG Festival Orchestra. Other featured performers included Joe Natoli (highlighting the capabilities of digital technology with the Roland), Elena & Gregory Fainshtein, John Simkus (popular Chicago Jazz accordionist), Nick Ballarini, Soundscape Trio - Larry Miller, Madalynn & John Neu, the UMKC Chamber Accordion Ensemble - Joan Sommers, Betty Jo Simon, Ron Barrow, Amy Hatfield, Joyce Davis & Kevin Friedrich, the Accordion XXI Century Ensemble - Judy Moriarity, John Simkus, Shirl Barry, Richard Moriarity, Jean Urry and Sandy Bednarek, and the beautiful exotic sounding performances by the Tianjin Angels Art and Culture School Ensemble from China. Workshops were also presented by Dr. Helmi Harrington, World of Accordions Museum, Gordon Kohl, Avrum Levin, Donna Dee Ray, as well as the featured performing artists. The closing concert featured the 80 piece ATG Festival Orchestra (directed by Joan Cochran Sommers and Pierre Varo) and the 35 member ATG Board of Directors and Friends Orchestra directed by Joan Sommers, with singers Dennis Ray, Anne Marie Cardon and Damon Cole. Competitions were held throughout the festival, and this year in addition to the solo, duet and ensemble competitions, the ATG hosted several competitions for accordion with other instruments. Plans are already underway for the 74th Competition and Festival to be held in San Francisco, California from July 23-26th 2014. For more information, please visit the website: Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) |
 |
Information About Internet Digital Banner Advertisingby Harley Jones |
 |
| To potential advertisers on Accordions Worldwide sites, here is some information for you to consider regarding digital advertising banners. - Amazon Ad Revenue Jumps 45% and tops $600 million last year according to a new report from eMarketer. - About 97% of Google’s total revenues come from advertising. Google revenues are growing at about 18% per annum and in 2012, rose 20% to $43.6 billion. - Record Breaking Quarter (USA): Digital Ad Revenues Cross $10 Billion Mark For The First Time according to the IAB’s annual Internet Advertising Revenue Report conducted by PwC. Released today, the report shows a 15% rise to $31.6 billion in U.S. digital advertising revenues in 2012. Total media revenues grew just 3% in 2012, showing more advertisers turning to digital banner advertising in preference to all other forms of advertising. Accordions Worldwide sites puts you right in front of accordionists for less cost per accordionist viewer than any commercial site, so please help support all the free services we provide the accordion world and benefit your business as well. For our readers, we hope you will continue to support our advertisers who make all our free services available and possible. We thank you for the support. |
Michael Bridge Wins Calgary Grand Prize, Summer Concertsby Rita Barnea |
 |
| Canadian accordionist, entertainer and composer Michael Bridge, successful competitor at many accordion competitions, writes as follows: "Come Hell or High Water", I was fortunate and thankful to be unscathed by the Alberta Floods and to have licked off July with the Calgary Stampede Parade. I performed on the Stampede float for an estimated downtown audience of 250,000. Then began ten days of constant concerts and parades throughout the city during the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". At the climax of Stampede, I was thrilled to be awarded the Grand Prize at the Stampede Talent Search. It's been a long road since the auditions in May, when about 250 Alberta artists (21 and under) showcased for the Stampede. The Grand Prize is worth approximately $9,000 and includes studio production of a single, radio airtime, and more! I was particularly overjoyed to be recognized in a field where I was the only accordionist and I hope this will open doors for young squeezers in Alberta and beyond! From July 26th to 31st, I'll perform at the Great Canadian Barn Dance Music Festival and stay on to teach piano and accordion at the Acoustic Music Camp. It’s a fabulous festival and a unique resort—the daytime festival is outside in the fields before everyone dances the night away at the 103-year-old lakeside barn. Crystal Plamondon and I will be tearing up the Calgary Blues Fest on August 3rd, then it’s on to Wallace, Idaho for the Historic Wallace Accordion Festival. I’ll be playing a concert and dance on the 10th, featured alongside my great friends Bruce Gassman and newly-crowned CMA World Champion Sammy Thomas! I’m particularly excited to be giving a world première performance of my own silent film accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” at the Sixth Street Theatre and Melodrama. Finally, the summer will wrap up in Victoria B.C. at the 66th Coupe Mondiale World Championships, hosted by the B.C. Accordion Society. I will be representing Canada in the Digital Accordion category with brand new arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’, ‘Czardas’, and a surprise. Canada will be putting on a show hosting one of the world’s most prestigious accordion events - don’t miss it!" Canadian Accordion Champion and Grand Prize winner of the Stampede Talent Search, Michael Bridge is one of the most versatile accordionists of today. He expertly blends contemporary works with great composers like Bach and Haydn, french musettes, jazz standards, Piazzolla tangos and pop hits from the Beatles to present day. Michael made his orchestra debut at age 16 with the Boston Pops for the hit NPR radio show "From the Top". Though only 20, his touring has led him to China, Croatia, Italy, France, and all across Canada and the USA. As the 2011 National Roland Digital Accordion Champion, Michael traveled to Italy to represent Canada on the international stage where he placed fourth in a field of twenty national champions. He then competed in Shanghai, China in the CIA Junior World Championships of accordion, where he also finished fourth among winners from twenty-one countries. In the highlights of 2012 was a performance with the internationally renowned Quartetto Gelato in Santa Barbara, CA. His extensive touring schedule includes concerts both as a soloist and in collaboration with clarinet, violin, several sopranos, a tango singer, and the Wolak Clarinet Extravaganza, a dynamic quartet stage show consisting of clarinet, accordion/piano, guitar, and soprano/percussion. A former student of Beverley Fess (accordion), Donna Holloboff (piano), Robert Rosen (harmony and composition) and Tim Janz (harmony and composition), Michael is in his second year at the University of Toronto where he studies with well regarded accordionist Joseph Macerollo. He is a captivating young musician, determined to raise the profile of the accordion for the next generation in all styles of music. For further information email: michael@michaelbridgemusic.com |
Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia to Perform at the Italian-American Museumby Rita Barnea |
 |
| Accordionists and AAA Board members, Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia will perform Valtaro Musette music at the Italian-American Museum on the corner of Mulberry and Grand Streets in Little Italy on Thursday, August 1st. Accordionists Dominic Karcic (Commack, NY) and Ray Oreggia (Syosset, NY) have been playing and studying Valtaro Musette music since their teen years. Dominic’s love for the Valtaro Musette music was instilled in him through his years of study with noted Valtaro accordionist Peter Spagnoli. In recent years Dominic has been involved in the preservation and documentation of this musical style. Over a period of years both Dominic and Ray have been doing concerts / presentations / lectures on the Valtaro Musette music. These include presentations 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 collaborated in writing a biographical article on the life and career of accordionist John “Scudlein” Brugnoli (founder of the Valtaro Musette Orchestra) which was published in the Gazzetta di Parma (Parma, Italy) on September 10, 2002. This article was the basis in 2008 for an extended work (Tutti Mi Chiamano Bionda) on accordionists from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy by columnist Caludio Bacilleri (Bologna, Italy) who writes for ER Magazine (Emilia-Romagna Magazine). Several of Dominic’s articles about Valtaro Musette music were also published on the Borgo Val di Taro web-site in August and September of 2005. Their musicial performance of Valtaro Musette repertoire is interspersed with a history of the style. There will be refreshments, entertainment, and door prizes. Admission is $10.00 For further information: dkarcic10@verizon.net, |
Music and Mobiles: Guy Klucevsek / Keith Lo Bueby Rita Barnea |
 This video consists of eight 60-second vignettes featuring the eclectic sounds of New York accordion composer Guy Klucevsek and the kinetic mobiles of Sydney's Keith Lo Bue. Composed and assembled as opening sequences for Lo Bue's current online workshop entitled "Poetry in Motion: Making Marvelous Mobiles." Poetry in Motion - registrations close on August 1, 2013 for this online workshop. Sign up for a unique experience.Guy Klucevsek is one of the world’s most versatile and highly-respected accordionists. He has performed and/or recorded with Laurie Anderson, Bang On a Can, Brave Combo, Anthony Braxton, Anthony Coleman, Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Rahim al Haj, Robin Holcomb, Kepa Junkera, the Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Present Music, Relâche, Zeitgeist, and John Zorn. Guy is the recipient of a 2010 United States Artists Collins Fellowship, an unrestricted $50,000 award given annually to "America's finest artists." Guy has premiered over 50 solo accordion pieces, including his own, as well as those he has commissioned from Mary Ellen Childs, William Duckworth, Fred Frith, Aaron Jay Kernis, Jerome Kitzke, Stephen Montague, Somei Satoh, Lois V Vierk, and John Zorn. Performances include the Ten Days on the Island Festival (Tasmania), the Adelaide Festival (Australia), the Berlin Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, Spoleto Festival/USA, BAM Next Wave Festival, Cotati Accordion Festival, San Antonio International Accordion Festival, Vienna International Accordion Festival, and the children’s television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” His 1987 project, Polka From the Fringe, a collection of commissioned polkas by Fred Frith, Elliott Sharp, Bobby Previte, Carl Finch, et. al., toured around the world and was released on 2 cds on the eva label, and were named “best recordings 1992” on WNYC-FM’s “New Sounds” program. In 1996, he founded Accordion Tribe, an international ensemble of composer/accordionists Otto Lechner (Austria), Maria Kalanemi (Finland), Lars Hollmer (Sweden), Bratko Bibic (Slovenia) and himself. They toured internationally from 1996-2009, are the subjects of Stefan Schwietert’s award-winning documentary film, Accordion Tribe: Music Travels, and released 3 cds on the Intuition (Germany) label. His music theatre scores include “Chinoiserie” and “Obon” with Ping Chong and Company, “Hard Coal,” with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, “Industrious Angels” for Laurie McCants, “Cirque Lili” for French circus artist Jérôme Thomas, which has been performed over 250 times world wide, always with live music, and his own piece, “Squeeze Play,” an evening of collaborations with Dan Hurlin, David Dorfman and Dan Froot, Claire Porter, and Mary Ellen Childs. He and Dan Hurlin were awarded, jointly, a BESSIE for, “The Heart of the Andes,” which has played the Henson International Puppetry Festival, The Barbican Center in London, and the Ten Days on the Island Festival, Tasmania. Klucevsek has released over 20 recordings as soloist/leader on Tzadik, Winter & Winter, innova, Starkland, Review, Intuition, CRI, and XI. Stereo Review cited his Starkland recording, Transylvanian Software, as a recording of special merit" (1995). He can also be heard on John Williams’s orchestral scores for the Steven Spielberg films, “The Terminal,” "Munich," “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” and “The Adventures of Tin-Tin,” and on A. R. Rahman’s score for “People Like Us.” Future performances include: Aug. 11, 2013: Würzburg, Germany: Solo Hafensommer Würzburg, Freitreppe Alter Hafen Aug. 15, 2013:Ludwigshafen, Germany: Solo Concert Ludwigshafen, Germany, Summer Music Festival. Details TBA. August 16, 2013, 10:45 PM: Altdorf, Switzerland: Alpentöne Festival, Switzerland. Aug. 17, 2013, all day session: Altdorf, Switzerland: All day workshop, Accordion Tribe music. Guy will coach the participants in preparing individual parts of several pieces from the Accordion Tribe repertoire, which they will then play together. All participants must be able to read music. House of Folk Music Oct. 3, 2013: Brooklyn, NY: with fiddler Cleek Shrey and percussive dancers Sandy Silva and Nic Gareiss, Jalopy Theatre October 4, Friday: Bryn Athyn, PA, Asplundh House Concert, with fiddler Cleek Shrey and dancers Sandy Silva and Nic Gareiss Oct. 17 - 20, 24-27, 31 - Nov. 3, (Times TBA) New York, NY: La Mama ETC; Guy performs his music with Maureen Fleming Company. For further information: info@guyklucevsek.com |
6th Annual ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival: August 9-11 in New Hampshireby Rita Barnea |
 |
| Outstanding international lineup of talent is on tap at ACCORDIONS NOW! 2013, the 6th annual ACCORDIONS NOW! Music Festival co-sponsored by New Hampshire Accordion Association and Accordion Connection LLC. It takes place from August 9-11 in Nashua, New Hampshire. The 2013 ACCORDIONS NOW! Music Festival will be dedicated to the memory of the great Carmen Carrozza who was a cherished mentor and friend to ACCORDIONS NOW! Artistic Director Donna Maria Regis who studied many years ago with one of his students and thus considers Carrozza her “musical grandfather.” Regis states, “Carmen’s enormous musical talent was exceeded only by his generosity of spirit. He was immensely kind and helpful to me in countless ways as I returned to the instrument after decades away from it. I will never forget the day he phoned to ask me to perform at the AAA’s annual Carrozza scholarship event in New York. I was honored and thrilled to accept that invitation; it led to one of the most gratifying experiences of my career. I am forever in Carmen’s debt. He was -- and will always remain -- an inspiration.” In her solo concert at ACCORDIONS NOW! 2013, Donna Maria Regis will perform music in loving memory of Carmen Carrozza.Regis will also conduct the ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra [ANFO] concert. Tony “Living Legend” Lovello (formerly of The Three Suns), Joe Cerrito, and Gerry Grimo & the East Bay Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Gala Concert Saturday night. On Saturday morning, prior to seminars by Cerrito and Lovello, a musical welcome will be offered by Jerry Tramontozzi. Brent Buswell returns by popular demand Friday night, His concert will follow a prelude performance by 15-year-old Norwegian competition winner Einar Thokle Hovden. Earlier Friday evening the effervescent Nancy Leonard will welcome arriving attendees as she strolls among them in the hotel lobby. Also coming all the way from Norway, GAMLE AKER SPELEMANNSLAG [GAS = Old Aker Band Players] will do a post-lunch concert on Saturday. Warren Johnson will introduce the musical flavor by playing Scandinavian selections as guests arrive for the festive luncheon buffet. During lunch, Paul Ramunni, owner of the New England Accordion Museum, will offer fascinating “Boxes of Stories, 2013 Edition.” He is also interested in purchasing (or accepting as donations) for the museum’s collection all registered attendees’ accordions and/or accordion-related memorabilia. Paul’s “Accordions for Cash” idea is new this year. Please contact him in advance regarding an appraisal. Also on the roster are Paul Bordeleau, Dan Mackowiak, Donna Maria Regis (see separate article), Carmen Vitanza, and the ever-popular ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra [ANFO]. Important Note: July 12 is the deadline to sign up for ANFO. Sheet music and practice sound clips will be sent to participants upon registration. ACCORDIONS NOW! is a high-spirited festival filled with warm friendship and terrific music. Bring your family and friends to enjoy it – concerts, workshops, open mike, jam sessions, Play-Along Ensemble, AN! Festival Orchestra, museum display/presentation, reunions with your accordion pals old and new, festive meals, cocktail reception with live entertainment, vendor displays of instruments to try/buy – and so much more! Come to ACCORDIONS NOW! to experience the festival’s motto: LOTS OF ACCORDIONS, LOTS OF MUSIC, LOTS OF FUN !! ACCORDIONS NOW! 2013 will take place August 9-11, 2013 at the beautiful Courtyard Marriott, Nashua, New Hampshire, USA. Special hotel room rates are available: 95 USD [+ tax] per room (1-4 persons) through July 12, 2013. To reserve a room, call Courtyard Nashua (603) 880-9100 or Marriott Worldwide (800) 321-2211. Mention "ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival, Courtyard Nashua." 2013 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE [subject to change] FRIDAY, August 9: 3:00 PM Hotel Check-in 3:30 PM Informal Welcome by NHAA members 4:00 PM New England Accordion Museum Exhibit opens 5:00-5:40 PM Entertainment by strolling accordionist Nancy Leonard 6:00-7:40 PM Open Mike Cabaret (food & drinks purchased in Courtyard Cafe may be brought in) 7:45 PM Prelude Performance by 15-year-old champion Einar Thokle Hovden from Norway 8:00 PM Concert by Brent Buswell Post-Concert CD Signing, Photo Ops 9:00 PM Open Mike resumes followed by Night Owls Jam until ? SATURDAY, August 10: 9:00 am - 4:00 PM Vendor Displays, New England Accordion Museum Exhibit open all day 9:15 AM Joe Cerrito Seminar, “Simple Chord Substitutions to Enhance Your Playing” 10:15 AM Tony Lovello Seminar, “Secrets of the Master Showman” 11:05 AM Musical Welcome by Warren Johnson 11:10 AM Festive Luncheon Buffet 11:25 AM Paul Ramunni's "Boxes of Stories, 2013 Edition" 12:15 PM Concert by GAMLE AKER SPELEMANNSLAG [GAS] from Norway 1:00 PM 2nd Annual Just-for-Fun Play-Along [music sent in advance, no rehearsal] with Dan Mackowiak, Coordinator 2:00 PM ANFO Rehearsal, Daytime Jam Session [non-ANFO players] 4:00 PM Concerts by Donna Maria Regis, ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra [ANFO] 4:45 PM Cocktail Reception [cash bar], Live Entertainment by Carmen Vitanza 5:45 PM Gala Dinner 7:15 PM Gala Concert: Joe Cerrito, Tony Lovello, Gerry Grimo & The East Bay Jazz Ensemble Post-Concert CD Signing & Photo Ops Night Owls Jam until ? SUNDAY, August 11: No Scheduled Events, Informal Discussions of 2014 Plans 11:00 AM Hotel Check-out, ACCORDIONS NOW! Friends Exchange Farewells Until Next Time... For more information: AccordionsNow@yahoo.com Donna Maria Regis 603.216.9582 or Suzanne Welch 800.328.5227 |
Cotati Festival in California on August 17th and 18thby Rita Barnea |
 |
| The 23rd annual multi-cultural, multi-generational, nonprofit Cotati Accordion Festival will be taking place this August 17th & 18th in La Plaza Park in downtown Cotati, Ca.. The event, which donated $19,250.00 to local youth groups following the 2012 festival, will be celebrating "Viva L'Italia" with internationally acclaimed Italian accordionists Renzo Ruggieri, Vincenzo Abbraciante, and Pietro Adragna, all making the long trip from Italy to take the stage in Cotati. The festival will also include 20 accordion acts, including zydeco, klezmer, polka, tango, Latino, rock and much more, along with the polka tent, the jam tent the zydeco dance party, food vendors, arts and crafts, beer and wine. Other featured performers include Cory Pesaturo, Frank Petrilli, Vincenzo Abbracciante, Gail Campanella, Pietro Adragna, Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, Motordude Zydeco, The Wild Catahoulas, The Golden State Accordion Club Band, The Steve Balich Sr. Polka Band, The Hot Frittatas, Simka, The Internationals, Chuck Berger, Jim Gilman, the Mad Maggies, Sweet Moments of Confusion, Jet Black Pearl, Tango No. 9, Youkali, Future Accordion Stars, Bella Ciao, Polkacide, Duckmandu, Les Amis Zydeco, La Familia Péna-Govea, The Great Morgani and more. Tickets are $15.00 in advance, $17.00 at the gate and $25.00 for both days. They may be purchased by calling 1-888-559-2576, or at all Oliver's Markets, The Last Record Store and People's Music. For information call (707) 664-0444 or email: info@cotatifest.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Mario Pedone and Martina Mai Li in Texas Concertby Rita Barnea |
 |
  Vjeverica Productions presents the first performance of the Accordion Stars Concert Series, an accordion concert of popular, Chinese, and International favorite songs featuring accordionists Mario Pedone and Martina Mai Li, Gold Medalist of China's 2002 National Competition for Young Art Talents.The concert takes place on Sunday, August 4th at 4:PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4001 Speedway, Austin, Texas.Tickets are $20/adult, $15/ Seniors and students, $10/ Teens, Free for children under 12 years. Mario Pedone was born near Bari, Italy, and grew up in Valencia, Venezuela, where he studied accordion under two distinguished masters, Professor Miguel Casas Auge and Professor Roberto Ruscitti. In 1976 he earned his Professor of Accordion degree. Soon after, he opened a highly successful accordion teaching school. As co-founder (with Spanish singer Estaban Abarca ) of the Orquesta Latina, he toured throughout Venezuela. Mr. Pedone also has won numerous championships as an accordionist and organist. In 1981 Mario moved his wife and children to Sugar Land, TX and continues to reside there. He has performed throughout the USA, Canada, Colombia, Italy, Sweden, and Venezuela at Accordion Clubs, Festivals, and Conventions. He is the founder and President of the Houston Accordion Club and a member of the Accordion Teachers Guild (ATG).When not teaching or giving a concert, Mr. Pedone spends his time creating new compositions as well as recording in his own studio. Mario specializes in Classical, Latin, European, and American Standards. Martina Mai Li was born on the western plateau in China and began her accordion career when she was 7 years old. She studied under Dingcheng Zhang and went on to win the Gold Medal for Solo Accordion at China's 2002 National Competition for Young Art Talents. In 2008 Martina moved to Austin, Texas to do her graduate studies at the University of Texas. Having earned her Masters of Public Affairs and Master of Music degrees, she continues her studies at UT for her PhD in Ethnomusicology, focusing on the preservation and promotion of traditional music. Ms. Li was a member of the University Javanese Gamelan Ensemble. She traveled throughout Texas performing with the Daniela Ruiz Tango Trio. In July 2009, 2010, and 2011 Martina performed at the American Accordionist's Association's annual Master Class Concert Series in New York City as well as at the 2012 National Accordion Convention. She is a member of the San Antonio Accordion Association and the ATG. Since April, 2012 she has studied privately under Mario Pedone. Martina spent the early part of this summer in Hong Kong as a Cultural Liason, organizing cultural activities for UT Business School students studying abroad. For further information: Concerts@Vjeverica.com 512-680-0422 |
Wallace Accordion Festival August 9-11by Rita Barnea |
 |
| The 3rd Annual Historic Wallace Accordion Festival takes place August 9-11, 2013. The event features accordionists Bruce Gassman, Michael Bridge, and Sam Thomas and dance lessons by Lynn Bridge. If you have not attended the first two, then this is your opportunity to experience wonderful accordion music in the beautiful setting of Idaho. Schedule: Friday, August 9, 2013 10 a.m. – Registration opens, Elks Lodge 11 a.m. – Street Fair & Vendor Booths open 11 a.m. – Workshop by Bruce Gassman, Elks Lodge 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. – Open mike at Gazebo Be a stage star, either with or without back-up. Call 208 699-7554 to sign up for your 15 minutes of fame; back-up from Michael Bridge available at various times between 1 and 3:PM 2:PM – Dance lesson with Lynn Bridge, Elks Lodge 3:PM– Workshop by Bruce Gassman, Elks Lodge 4:PM– Dance lesson with Lynn Bridge, Elks Lodge 7:PM-Concert starring Bruce Gassman; opening act by Sam Thomas; Elks Lodge Upstairs Saturday, August 10, 2013: 9:AM– Registration opens, Elks Lodge 9:30 AM – Parade lineup in front of Elks Lodge (Join in, with or without accordion!) 10:AM – Accordion Celebration Parade, downtown 11:AM – Street Fair & Vendor Booths open 11:AM– Workshop by Michael Bridge, Elks Lodge 1"PM– Special showing of Charlie Chaplin's silent film "The Kid" starring Jackie Coogan, with Michael Bridge providing "pit" music, Sixth Street Theater 2:30 PM– Youth Competition with cash prizes, Gazebo. Two categories: Beginner (up through Palmer Hughes Level 4); Intermediate: Palmer Hughes Level 5 and up. Open to ages 32 and under. 4:30 PM– Dance lesson by Lynn Bridge, Elks Lodge 7:PM– Concert & Dance featuring Michael Bridge, Elks Lodge Sunday, August 11, 2013: 8 –11:AM – Farewell Breakfast at Elks Lodge The historic mining town of Wallace is located along Interstate 90, 50 east of Coeur d’Alene Idaho and about halfway between Spokane WA and Missoula MT. The entire town is listed on the National Regis- ter of Historic Places. The town has a rich history that is explained in its three museums and mine tour. The area offers an array of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking paths, world-renowned bicycle trails, a zipline, and mountain roads for four-wheelers. Nearby lakes and rivers offer fishing and kayaking. Winter enthusiasts can ski at area ski resorts, while miles of groomed trails await snowmobil- ers. Increasingly, Wallace is also becoming known for its 10 annual Festivals. The area has hotels, RV parks, vacation rentals, campgrounds, restaurants, two breweries, antique stores and unique shops. Summer is busy in the Wallace area so don’t wait too long to book your lodging. |
'Play Your Accordion Without Pain', New Chapter Released - USAby Harley Jones |
  This is an ebook (able to be emailed to you, Acrobat pdf format). John Bonica PT CMP NZRP has released the 5th and 6th chapters of his book 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain'.This exciting ebook is being published chapter by chapter, at least one chapter per month. Released to date is: Introduction Chapter 1 - An Overview Chapter 2 - Learning to Read Your Body’s Signals Chapter 3 - Neck and Neck-Related Symptoms Chapter 4 - The Shoulder Chapter 5 - The Amazing Brain and What It Does For You Chapter 6 - The Elbow There will be a minimum of 24 chapters. As a special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by email as it is released. Purchase at: John Bonica |
"That's a Plenty" arranged by Nick Ariondoby Rita Barnea |
| Infamous jazz accordionist Alice Hall introduced this exhilarating composition,"That's a Plenty" by Lew Pollack, to Nick Ariondo while working together. Alice Hall was a natural in the jazz stylings and interpretation of Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, etc. and became known for her swinging renditions from 'Caravan' and 'Pennies From Heaven' to 'Lover', 'What Is This Thing Called Love" etc. Since his association with Alice, Nick Ariondo made several arrangements of Lew Pollack's 'That's A Plenty' including renditions for solo accordion / accordion & violin / accordion, viola(cello) & accordion, and this most recent version with banjo & violin. The music lends itself beautifully to the early dixieland style of music that followed Ragtime of the early 1900s. This particular arrangement blends well together with the reeds of the accordion, along with Benedikt Brydern's violin mastery and the notable sound of the banjo as played by jazz veteran John Reynolds. See and hear other Youtube videos with the Nick Ariondo Trio featuring Brydern & Reynolds. Nick Ariondo, a recipient of many awards, is recognized as a concert artist and composer of international prominence. His performances and compositions contribute immeasurably to raising the status of the accordion through the promotion and presentation of chamber concerts, solo recitals, and orchestra appearances. Equally proficient in musical styles ranging from the great classics to modern contempory, ethnic and jazz, Mr. Ariondo has won accolades from noted composers, conductors, and musicians alike. Ariondo, a member of several composers' organizations and director of THE NICK ARIONDO CHAMBER ENSEMBLE , has received grants from various funding sources including: • Patroness Mrs. Betty Freeman • The National Endowment for the Arts • The California Arts Council • The White Light Foundation • ASCAP • The Beyond Baroque Foundation Numbered among Ariondo's professional appearances, are many performances for radio and television. His versatility also includes technical expertise on piano and electronic keyboards. Mr. Ariondo received his Master of Arts degree in perfomance and composition from CSULA, where he is also a member of the Music Department faculty. A pioneer in his field, Nick Ariondo continues to inspire audiences while exploring new avenues and innovative techniques through his music. |
Joseph Macerollo to Receive the ‘Order of Canada’, Ottawa - Canadaby Harley Jones |
 Canadian accordionist and educator Joseph Macerollo has been awarded the ‘Order of Canada’ "for his pioneering achievements as a musician and educator, and for bringing the classical accordion to Canadian concert halls," according to a citation by David Lloyd Johnston, the Governor-General of Canada.Joseph Macerollo will receive the ‘Order of Canada’ at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, Ottawa, in the autumn. After sitting on the news since April, Joseph can finally talk about his award since the Governor General's office released the names of recipients late last week. "I was sworn to secrecy. I couldn't tell my Dad, my brothers or sisters. It was hard work keeping this quiet. I'm in awe. It's one of those rare things that happens to individuals. You just never think it will happen to you," he said. Joseph Macerollo (born 1944), has long been one of Canada’s leading concert accordionists and teachers. As a musician, he has performed with many artists, ensembles and orchestras in addition to much solo work, and he has taught extensively at colleges and universities. For many years Macerollo has striven to promote the development and use of the free bass accordion. Macerollo has also composed and performed the music for several movie and TV scores. He has been Vice-President, 1970-4, of the CIA and President, 1974-77, of the Canadian Accordion Teachers' Association. |
Microtonal Accordionist Elias Lammam in Concert in Augustby Rita Barnea |
 Elias Lammam is an accordionist considered by those familiar with Arabic music as an excellent microtonal accordionist.Elias Lammam is also highly regarded as a vocalist, arranger, conductor and composer, originally from Beirut, Lebanon. Before moving to the U.S. in 1998, he toured as a featured soloist with notable singers Rageb Alame, George Wasouf, Ghassan Saliba, Joseph Noumnoum, and the well known Lebanese raqs sharqi dancers Amani and Samara. Mr. Lammam's compositions have been heard on Middle Eastern television dramas and commercials for companies including Coca-Cola, Gillette, and Lipton Tea. He was the band leader and principal soloist at the Escoba Nightclub in Dubai for 10 years, and managed his own restaurant and nightclub in Beirut, Lebanon. Currently Mr. Lammam teaches and performs as a soloist and band leader with his ensemble, the Elias Lammam Trio, which includes his brother Antoine Lammam, master percussionist, and Syrian violinist Fathi Aljarrah, and various other musicians performing Arabic music. He performs throughout the U.S. at various music festivals, concerts and theatrical events, and performs regularly in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas as a soloist, with his Trio, or with various other musicians at public and private events. He is an instructor of classical and contemporary Arabic music, theory, and performance, and has taught Arabic music and theory at U.C. Berkeley and other esteemed music schools. He has been a featured music instructor for over five years at the Mid-East Dance and Music Camp in Mendocino, California. He currently teaches private and group classes in Santa Cruz, and reconstructs accordions to play the micro-tones used in Arabic and Near Eastern music. His accordion music was featured in the score of the award-winning 2009 film, "Amreeka" and can also be heard on his acclaimed CD "Selsebil", a collaboration with master nay player (floutist) Bashir Abdel Al, and on two CDs by The Georges Lammam Ensemble, as well as on many records and CDs recorded in Lebanon with various popular singers. His Selsebil CD is available for purchase through PayPal. Future performances include: August 17th, 2013: Concert and Workshops at Halanda Studio in San Jose November 14-24, 2013: Jawaahir's Annual Concert: Arabian Bouquet at the Ritz Theater in Minneapolis, MN Recent past performances include: Performance as featured soloist with Syrian Popular Singer Asala Nasri for Guest of Honor: Prime Minister of Kuwait in Los Angeles, CA, November 2011 Directed and performed at Santa Cruz Arabic Music Day in Santa Cruz, CA, June 2013 Directed Santa Cruz Arabic Music Student Ensemble at Sunnyvale Hands on the Arts, May 2013 Performed with the Elias Lammam Trio at Lahlouh in Millbrae, CA in March 2013 Performance as guest soloist with the Michigan Arab Orchestra in January and June 2012 Accordion Festival, San Antonio, TX Cotati Accordion Festival, Cotati, CA National Folk Fest, Butte, MT "Golden Nights on the Silver Screen" with Cassandra Shore's Jawaahir Dance Company and The Georges Lammam Ensemble, Minneapolis, MN Elias Lammam and the Elias Lammam Trio are available for festivals, concerts, weddings, corporate and other events. please call 1-424-270-3636 For further information: Elias@BayMoon.com or Call: 1-424-270-3636 Photo credits: Photo of Elias Lamman: Sharif Photography |
John Torcello Appears in New Opera 'Camelia La Tejana'by Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
 John Torcello, ATG USA Champion in 1972 who went on to win the coveted CIA Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships held in Caracas, Venezeula, was the accordionist in the chamber orchestra for the Long Beach Opera Company’s U.S. premiere of the opera, 'Camelia La Tejana - Only the Truth' by Mexican composer, Gabriela Ortiz. The music, described in the Los Angeles Times as "bursting with color and a wide variety of styles," combines the avant-garde, folk music, and jazz. Torcello’s expert handling of the complicated score contributed to the engaging and important work. The work is described as a provocative modern opera about the bloody conflict along the U.S. - Mexico border. Featuring a dynamic score by Gabriela Ortiz, Mexico's foremost female composer, and a libretto by Mexican-born Rubén Ortiz Torres, an artist, photographer and film producer, the production uses vibrant music and graphic footage to illustrate the struggle along the border caused by the horrifying Drug War. Camelia la Tejana explores the truths and myths that exist along this controversial dividing line. John reports that "It was an honor to be asked to play as part of the orchestra for this work. It is a new and important piece for several reasons. First of all, it is written by a Mexican composer, and is one of very few operas from Mexico or Latin America that have been performed in the USA by an opera company with the stature of the Long Beach opera under Andreas Mitisek. Secondly, it was written by a Mexican woman; a testament to the expanding roles for women in society's outside the USA". By coincidence, John had met the composer’s brother Reuben Ortiz some years earlier when he had provided DVD production services for some contemporary sculpture works he had on display in San Diego. John was happy to re-connect with Reuben as he was responsible for creating and staging the video content in the backdrops that helped to support the story-telling of in the Opera performance of his sister's work. For this Opera, Gariela's music scoring included extensive writing for the accordion; a welcome and challenging part that reaches into both traditional 'tejana' style and contemporary ensemble sonorities. The orchestration included 2 violins, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion, guitar, accordion, and piano, all which were featured prominently. |
Western Senators: Saskatchewan's Grammy Nominated Polka Bandby Rita Barnea |
 Saskatchewan's Grammy Nominated Polka Band, The Western Senators originated in Calgary, Alberta in 1976. After watching the Western Conference Final between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Saskatchewan won...) a group of musicians went down the basement and commenced to playing Cleveland style polka music. Several bottles of CC later, it was decided that since the music sounded so good, the group should journey to Edmonton the following weekend to cut an album. A week later, the boys in the band headed off to Project 70 Studios in Edmonton and cut an album, which was nominated album of the year by the Canadian Country Music Association in 1977. The release party for the album took place in three centres...Regina's Trianon Ballroom, Yorkton's Holiday Inn, and the Red Barn, a huge dancehall on the outskirts of Edmonton, Alberta. To celebrate the release, the group invited a special guest artist to join them for the tour...America's Polka King, Frankie Yankovic. The tour sold out two weeks in advance, the group sold all 1000 albums and so began a musical journey that now has topped 36 years, and counting. The Western Senators now have 21 albums, 20 DVDs, 80 PolkaRama Television Shows, and a Grammy nomination to their credit. They have been featured at Minot`s Norsk Høstfest every year since 2006, have made five appearances at the Kimberley Accordion Festival, have appeared at the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame Awards show, and regularly headline at casinos across Western Canada and at Danceland, Manitou Beach...Canada`s last grand dancehall. In 2002, the Western Senators decided to shoot 12 half-hour television shows with Canada's Polka King, three-time Grammy winner Walter Ostanek. The show was to be shot live at Casino Regina and broadcast on the Access system throughout Saskatchewan. One of the group's members, Joe Schultz, had been part of the group The Canadian Polka Kings in the late fifties and early sixties. The group had performed live on television and radio weekly and the shows had a large and enthusiastic audience. So the Senators thought it might be time for a revival of live dancehall broadcasts...this time performed live but recorded to allow for multiple replays. The first PolkaRama show aired on New Year's Eve, 2002 and was an instant success. Now in its 11th year, it continues to be a fan favourite in an ever-growing number of markets. In addition to Ostanek and Saskatchewan's Grammy nominated Western Senators, PolkaRama has featured guest performers Eddie Rodick and his band from Cleveland, banjo wizard Ronnie Sluga, who worked with Frankie Yankovic for nearly 30 years, and Klancnik and Friends from Nashville. Brian Sklar's country band, the Tex Pistols also make guest appearances every week on PolkaRama. DVDs of the show are available by calling 306-545-1865. Future performances include: August 10 - Hawg-A-Rama with Mark Chesnutt: Gross Farms August 16-18 - Ness Creek Old Tyme Festival August 24 - Private Function, Regina August 31 - Private Function Regina September 26-28 - Great Northwest Oktoberfest, Whitefish, Montana October 2-5 - Norsk Hostfest - Minot, North Dakota October 7 - Casino Regina Show Lounge October 26 - Mae Wilson Theatre with Brenda Lee Cottrell November 8 & 9 - Danceland, Manitou Beach, SK - Call 306-946-2743 for tickets For further information: Phone: 1-306-545-1865 Email: maxxam@sasktel.net |
Video: The Accordion and the Skirt by Micki Goodman - USAby Harley Jones |
| Video released 10th July 2013. The Accordion and the Skirt by Micki Goodman with music by accordionist, philosopher, composer and teacher Dr. William Schimmel. CD's and compositions online at: William Schimmel |
Seeking Accordion Stars in Las Vegasby Rita Barnea |
 STOP THE PRESSES - $1000 CASH TO BE AWARDED!Be the accordion star that shines the brightest in Las Vegas and win a cash prize! Yes, new for 2013, cash awards contest for the best accordion star! Come join the FUN and be a part of our very own Accordion STAR Search. Entering is as simple as one, two, three: 1. Register as a full time attendee. 2. Fill out and submit the Accordion Stars Entry Form. 3. You will be allotted a 5-minute performance slot at Club Concerto to perform before a panel of judges. The selected finalists will perform at Thursday’s lunch concert involving the audience voting for the winner! All participants will be awarded a personalized participation certificate. The top winners will perform and will be awarded trophies and cash prizes at the Thursday Gala Concert. Cash prizes will be third place $200, second place $300, and first place $500. So register today – enter to win – practice – and we will see YOU, the winner, in Las Vegas! |
Vancouver Squeezebox Circleby Rita Barnea |
 The Vancouver Squeezebox Circle meets on the first Thursday of every month at Spartacus Books, 684 East Hastings Street. The next session will be a special summer edition on August 1 from 8 to 10 PM at MacLean park in Vancouver. Maclean Park is at Keefer and Heatley.British Columbia. In the event of inclement weather, it will be held at the customary base of operations around the corner at Spartacus Books, at 684 E. Hastings. The Squeezebox Circle is an informal gathering of accordions and their players from around the Vancouver region. Some play, some watch, some bring snacks. No experience necessary, punk-rockers and polkas welcome. The circles are hosted by Bruce Triggs and Rowan Lipkovits, co-hosts of Vancouver Coop Radio (CFRO)'s Accordion Noir radio show (every Wednesday, 10 - 11 pm on CFRO 100.5 FM For further information: squeezeboxcircle@gmail.com |
Future events |
"From Broadway to the Met…Plus"by Rita Barnea |
 |
  La Villini Restaurant (East Northport, NY) is initiating a new monthly event "From Broadway to the Met ........ plus" starting on Thursday, Aug. 22nd featuring accordionists Dominic Karcic and guest artist vocalist Connie Shakalis. This event marks the third anniversary of the Long Island Accordion Alliance. (LIAA)Originally from Astoria, NY Dominic Karcic has lived in Commack, Long Island for the last forty-two years and has played accordion and piano professionally in the New York metropolitan area and continues to do so today. Some of the venues / patrons for whom he and his musicians, “The Continental Sound,” have performed include the Columbus Citizens Foundation (NYC), the Valtarese Foundation (Parma, Italy), Fubinese Society (Piemonte, Italy), Italian Charities of Queens, NY, Society for Italian Culture of Long Island, Italian Heritage Association of Long Island and also 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) which was published in the Gazzetta di Parma (Parma, Italy) on September 10, 2002. This article was the basis in 2008 for an extended work (Tutti Mi Chiamano Bionda) on accordionists from the Emilia-Romagna by columnist Caludio Bacilleri (Bologna, Italy) who writes for ER Magazine (Emilia-Romagna Magazine). Several of Dominic’s articles about Valtaro Musette music were also published on the Borgo Val di Taro web-site in August and September of 2005. In June of 2003 Dominic joined the Board of Directors of the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) and contributes articles for the AAA Newsletter. 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). In June of 2005 he was one of four participants in Mario Tacca’s CD titled “Nostalgia / Mario Tacca and Friends.” In February ’08 he released his first CD titled “Let’s Dance.” The CD features musette music – tangos, waltzes, mazurkas and merengues. The CD has been featured on the Joe Farda’s radio show (93.5 FM), Floyd Vivino’s radio show (93.5 FM) and Louise Potenza’s Ciao Italy radio show (WALK 1370 AM). His love for the accordion has only grown over the years. His greatest interest lies in Valtaro Musette music and he hopes that he can contribute to the enrichment and preservation of this very festive and unique musical style. In August of 2010 he founded the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) which will be celebrating its third anniversary this coming August. 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.” Connie Shakalis studied voice and theater at Indiana University, and in the 1980s moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater. During the following years, she toured the U.S., performing roles such as Maria (and the Baroness) in The Sound of Music, Dolly (and Mrs. Molloy) in Hello Dolly, Nellie in South Pacific, Magnolia in Show Boat, Fiona in Brigadoon, Woman #1 in Side by Side by Sondheim, and Vera in The Ten Little Indians. Connie has performed with Van Johnson, Edie Adams, Robert Morse, and Victor Borge. She writes one-woman acts, which she has performed in nightclubs throughout Manhattan and in Indianapolis. She also performs “Songs from the Gilded Age” on Long Island. At La Comedia Theater in Ohio, she won the Outstanding Performer Award. She graduated Summa cum laude from New York State University’s Farmingdale College with a B.S. in Professional Communications and a minor in English. Currently, she sings regularly with the Long Island Accordion Alliance and teaches voice and acting in Huntington Station. Her videos are available on YouTube. To contact Connie: ConnieShakalis@gmail.com For more info on Dominic : accordionman@verizon.net or 631-864-4428 To make reservations at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY please call: 631 – 261 – 6344 The next meeting of the LIAA on September 4th features accordionist John Custie. |
Roland Corporation U.S. Announces the 2013 V-Accordion Festivalby Steve Albini, Roland Corporation U.S. |
 |
| The Roland Corp. U.S. V-Accordion Festival in conjunction with the 7th Roland International V-Accordion Festival is offering the US winner a trip to Rome to represent the USA at the 7th Roland International V-Accordion Festival. Dates of the Rome Festival are 18 and 19th October. This Senior (18 years and over) category is open to both amateurs and professionals and can be entered in two ways. Those US citizens competing at the Coupe Mondiale in August in Victoria City, BC, Canada in any division of the Coupe Mondiale, the top three, will be eligible without having to go through the pre-qualifying round. Other USA entrants are invited to submit a YouTube audition video. Audition videos will be accepted online through August 18, 2013 for the Roland Corp. U.S. “pre-selection round,” and entrants may perform on either an acoustic or digital accordion during this round. A panel of judges will select 6 finalists and Roland Corp. U.S. will loan a Roland FR-7X to each finalist for them to make a video, and from those videos, the jury will choose one winner. The winner will receive a prize of a new Roland FR-8X V-Accordion and will also win the prize to travel to Rome to compete in the international V-Accordion Festival finals. The international competitors will all compete on the new Roland FR-8X. Further information at: Roland Corp. U.S. |
North American Accordionists Invited to 2014 South Pacific Champs - New Zealandby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
 |
| Accordionists from North America are invited to the 2014 South Pacific Accordion Championships & Festival that will be held, Friday 30th May to Saturday 1st Junes 2014 at the superb Raye Freedman Centre, Epsom, Auckland. There are festival performances (non competitive) as well as international categories (open to contestants from all countries) that have the same rules as the Coupe Mondiale cateories. These are: - SP252 South Pacific Accordion Solo Championship, 32 years and under, music requirements as per the “Masters Coupe Mondiale” category at www.coupemondiale.org - SP258 South Pacific Virtuoso Entertainment Solo Championship, 32 years and under, music requirements as per the “Intl. Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music” category at www.coupemondiale.org - SP259 South Pacific Junior Solo Championship, 18 years and under, music requirements as per Round 1 of the “Junior Intl. Coupe Mondiale” category at www.coupemondiale.org - SP257 South Pacific Junior Virtuoso Entertainment Championship, 18 years and under, music requirements as per Round 1 of the “Junior Intl. Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music” category at www.coupemondiale.org - SP251 South Pacific Accordion Solo Championship 15 years and under, test piece to be announced plus own choice program of no more than 8 minutes. - SP250 South Pacific Accordion Solo Championship 12 years and under, test piece to be announced plus own choice program of no more than 5 minutes. Prospectus with full information and regulations will be released online 1st December 2013 at: New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) International contestants please note, that one week later, is the AATA Championships in Sydney, Australia with similar categories. For further information, contact NZAA Competitions Secretary Megan Jennings, email: meganjennings@xtra.co.nz |
Dee Langley, Twin Cities Accordion Course, Minneapolis – USAby Rob Howard |
 The Twin Cities World Ensemble offers an accordion tuition course each Saturday from July 27th until August 31st at the Windom Northeast Recreation Center, 2251 Hayes Street NE, Minneapolis MN 55418. The class begins at 10am and goes until noon. For registering phone (612) 370 4905 or just turn up at 9.45am.The course offers the experience, excitement and fulfillment of music through a community ensemble while exploring the rich, mysterious and sometimes romantic melodies from the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Roma (Gypsy) people. The Twin Cities World Ensemble offers a look at our friends on the other side of the world with help from the most time honored folk instrument, the accordion. TCWE is open to all ages and levels. Ensemble members should have an accordion in good working condition, a folding music stand, and a desire to discover world adventures through music. Instructor is Dee Langley (picture right), an award winning musician and composer specializing in both solo and ensemble works for the accordion. Dee Langley teaches at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) and is the winner of the 2012 Minnesota Emerging Composer Award (World Music) from the American Composer Forum and the 2011-2012 McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians administered by MacPhail Center for Music. |
Sixth Annual Accordion Noir Festival September 12-15, 2013by Rita Barnea |
 The Sixth Annual Accordion Noir Festival will be held at the Russian Hall, Strathcona from September 12-15, 2013.Some of the featured artists who will perform at the Festival this year are: Steve Normandin, Montreal; Renee de la Prade, San Francisco; Willow Rutherford, Toronto; David P. Smith, Victoria. Additional performers will be listed in future articles. The Accordion Noir Society (est. 2011) exists to promote the use of free-reed aerophone instruments and the enjoyment of listening to the music they make on all different kinds of squeezeboxes, both in a pre-recorded, broadcast (and podcast) context and in a setting of live music performance, both in and around our home of Vancouver, BC, Canada, and to wider audiences. There are four missions to the group: ▪ Accordion Noir Radio (weekly) ▪ Vancouver Squeezebox Circle (monthly) ▪ Accordion Noir Festival (annually) ▪ Other events (sporadically) The Directors of the Accordion Noir Society include: Alan Zisman,Bruce Triggs, M. David Eaman, Chris Gilpin , Ans Steenman , Lisan Kwindt and Mathew Levenson. Beginning in 2008, the Accordion Noir mission expanded to include an annual festival in order to build interest in accordion music. In addition to this year’s exciting line up of performers and workshops, this year’s festival will feature an “Accordion Harvest” Community Dinner on Saturday night. It will be an opportunity to gather together and acknowledge all of the ingredients that go into creating a healthy and vibrant community. The Vancity Fairview Branch has generously agreed to help make the dinner an accessible and sustainable practice community event. For further information: accordion.noir@gmail.com |
Rob Reich in Performancesby Rita Barnea |
 Video of "Puttin' on the Ritz" by Irving Berlin performed by the Rob Reich Trio with bass player Daniel Fabricant and Elizabeth Goodfellow on percussion.Rob Reich is an acclaimed accordionist, pianist, and composer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. A talented instrumentalist and an inventive composer, Rob is steeped in many traditions. In addition to being a versatile solo performer, Rob can be heard playing with many top notch ensembles. He is a member of Tin Hat, Gaucho and The Nice Guy Trio, and freelances with many other Bay Area bands. Rob was graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Oberlin Conservatory. As a composer, Rob has strong fundamentals; stylistic breadth; and an original, irreverent voice. Rob is composer / music director for Circus Bella, and in 2011 released a Kickstarter-funded CD of original music for a 10-piece band. In 2010, Rob was commissioned by the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival to compose "Sidewalks and Alleys", performed and recorded CD by the Nice Guy Trio and an all-star string quartet. Rob has written music for various collaborative projects ranging from a tune for a sexy double trapeze act, the score to a beautiful dance film noir, to a silly song about shoes. Future performances include: Thu, Aug 1: Gaucho 9:30pm - 11:30pm Yoshi's - Oakland 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland Sun, Aug 4: Gaucho 5pm - 8pm Brenda's French Soul Food, SF Sun, Aug 4: Kally Price Band 8pm - 11pm Amnesia 853 Valencia St, San Francisco $7 - 10 Mon, Aug 5: Rob Reich (solo accordion) 7pm - 9pm Divine Cafe 1600 Stockton St, San Francisco Tue, Aug 6: Kally Price & Rob Reich duet 7:30pm - 10:30pm Blush Wine Bar 476 Castro St. San Francisco Wed, Aug 7: Rob Reich trio 5pm - 7pm The Page Bar 298 Divisadero, SF Wed, Aug 7: Gaucho 8pm - 10pm Amnesia 853 Valencia St, San Francisco www.gauchojazz.com August 8th with Kally Price at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, 12:30-1:30 PM Fri, Aug 9: Gaucho 11am - 2pm SFO August 10th, Performing with Matt Munisteri at the McCall Jazz Festival Sun, Aug 11: Gaucho 5pm - 8pm Brenda's French Soul Food, SF Tue, Aug 13: Kally Price & Rob Reich duet 7:30pm - 10:30pm Blush Wine Bar 476 Castro St. San Francisco Wed, Aug 14: Gaucho 8pm - 10pm Amnesia 853 Valencia St, San Francisco www.gauchojazz.com Thu, Aug 15: Gaucho 9:30pm - 11:30pm Yoshi's - Oakland 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland Sun, Aug 18: Gaucho 5pm - 8pm Brenda's French Soul Food, SF Mon, Aug 19: Rob Reich (solo accordion) 7pm - 9pm Divine Cafe 1600 Stockton St, San Francisco Tue, Aug 20: Kally Price & Rob Reich duet 7:30pm - 10:30pm Blush Wine Bar 476 Castro St. San Francisco Wed, Aug 21: Gaucho 8pm - 10pm Amnesia 853 Valencia St, San Francisco www.gauchojazz.com Fri, Aug 23: Rob Reich Trio 8pm - 11pm Divino Osteria, Sausalito Sun, Aug 25: Gaucho 5pm - 8pm Brenda's French Soul Food, SF August 30, with Nice Guy Trio, at SFO Every Wednesday 8-10pm with Gaucho at Amnesia Every Tuesday 7:30-10:30pm with Kally Price at Blush! Every Sunday 5-8pm with Gaucho at Brenda's. For further information: robbyreichmusic@gmail.com, |
Those Darn Accordions at Cotati Festivalby Rita Barnea |
 |
| Those Darn Accordions (TDA) have been added to the Saturday program at the Cotati Accordion Festival, August 17th at 2:10 PM. TDA, based in San Francisco, is an accordion-fueled rock and roll band playing rock classics and catchy originals. The group, formed in 1989, is led by songwriter/accoridonist Paul Rogers who also plays piano, saxophone, and guitar. Other musicians in the group are accordionists Suzanne Garramone, Susie Davis, Carri Abrahms, and drummer Michael Messer. Their original songs cover a variety of musical genres—from rock and funk to polka and even swing. Their repertoire also includes occasional covers of popular songs. The band continues to tour across the United States. The lineup has varied over the years. At present the members are accordionists Paul Rogers (frontman), Susie Davis, Carri Abrahms, and Suzanne Garramone, and Michael "the monster" Messer on drums and Lewis Wallace on bass guitar. Former members include Patty Brady, Bill Schwartz, Clyde Forsman (whose tattoos grace the covers of TDA's first two CDs), Big Lou (who founded the band in 1989, intending it as a one-night-only squeezebox stunt), Tom Torriglia, Art Peterson, Ron "The Filipino Elvis" Muriera, Ron "Riff" Borelli, and Chris Howard. For further information: tda@thosedarnaccordions.com or Phone: 360-531-0276 |