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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
66th Coupe Mondiale in Victoria, B.C. Canada August 19-25
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Guy Klucevsek In Performances
World Accordion Day 24 Hour Web TV Show
Dr. Robert Young McMahan Premieres New Work for Accordion
Peter Soave Performs with Chicago Opera Theater (CAT)
"Janie Next Door" CD Wins Another Award
Leavenworth International Accordion Festival: June 20-23
2013 ATG Guest Artist Martynas Levickis
3rd Annual Historic Wallace Accordion Festival Aug. 9-11
AAA 75th Anniversary Festival in NYC in August
15 Year Old Einar Thokie Hovden to Perform at ACCORDIONS NOW!
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Willard Palmer, III, Donates His Fathers Harpsichord to A World of Accordions Museum
Dr. William Schimmel's Spring and Summer Schedule
San Antonio Accordionist receives International Award for Students with Disabilities
Cory Pesaturo in Concerts
Slavic Soul Party
Joey Miskulin at 20th Annual Cowboy Festival
Roberta Cantow "Accordions Rising"
Rhythm, Voice, and Accordion Workshop in San Francisco
Future events |
Stas Venglevski in Concert
Polyphonia to Perform at 2013 ATG Festival in July
New Hampshire Accordion Association Concert Series: Catfish Howl Blues Band May 18
Mike Borelli: Guest Accordionist for SAAA
Famous Accordion Orchestra's Annual Tour
CD Reviews |
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
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  The May www.accordionusa.com news was released on May 12th instead of the usual first of the month. I am sure you may be wondering why this occurred. I would like to share with all of my accordion friends the special reason that this happened.Recently, a special wonderful man, Asher Barnea, became part of my life. We are engaged and decided to go on a 16 day cruise to Europe which took place during the end of April/beginning of May. On the cruise, there was superb entertainment including dancers, a classical pianist, violinist and even an electronic xylophone player. But…. where was the accordion? We visited Spain, France, the Canary Islands, but did not encounter any accordion players entertaining outdoors or in restaurants…….well……. not until we reached Rome. We had spent the day on a walking tour of the city…. the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain ("Three Coins in the Fountain") Randomly, we were walking down a side street near the fountain when, all of a sudden, not one but three accordionists were standing in an outdoor cafe playing! All three were from Romania and the tourists were enjoying their performance. With the encouragement of Asher, I found myself playing one of the accordions with them. Music truly is a universal language because, even though, we could not understand each other too much….. we knew the same songs, had great fun and laughs…… and the people at the cafe also had a wonderful time. Photos were taken which you can see. What does this all mean? It tells us that sometimes special moments happen at unexpected times. It means that you should be ready and open to experience new things….. and that playing the accordion brings you and everyone great joy. You do not have to be a competition winner or participant to be a winner. If you play the accordion and are willing to share your talents, no matter what the level, you can bring great happiness to others. Thank you, Asher, for choosing this street to walk down in Rome and for encouraging me ( at a shy moment) to play the accordion on the streets of Rome! Please make sure you read the article in Highlights about the new procedure to submit a video for possible publication in the news. Not only do we want to write about your event, but we also want to see and hear it! If you are planning your summer vacation, consider traveling to an area where there is an accordion event. New music and, especially, new friends are waiting to meet you. As always, send your ideas and comments to Ritabelll@aol.com |
66th Coupe Mondiale in Victoria, B.C. Canada August 19-25by Aleksandar Milojevic |
 We welcome you to 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.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 budget ever, with over $50,000 in money prizes, instruments and awards. Also, we invite you to the International Competition of Accordion Orchestras, that will be organized as a part of the Victoria International Accordion Festival, under the auspices of the CIA, with impressive awards, too. The organizers are also thrilled 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. We look forward to welcoming you to Canada, in August 2013! 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 |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
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Guy Klucevsek In Performancesby Rita Barnea |
 Guy Klucevsek, well known accordionist/composer recently performed a solo concert on April 30th at Sarah Lawrence College. On May 3rd, he performed at Barbes in Brooklyn with Tod Reynolds, violinist. They played homages to Satie, Piazzolla, Kepa Junkera, Lou Harrison/John Cage; the score to "Ruth Doesn't Live Here Anymore," composed for the eponymous dance/theatre piece by Lionel Popkin which premiered and toured in March; you may catch them "Riding the Wild Tangaroo", "Waltzing at the Edge of Dawn", all the while "Teetering on the Verge of Normalcy." 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, Alan Bern, Brave Combo, Anthony Braxton, Anthony Coleman, Dave Douglas, Fred Frith, Bill Frisell, Rahim Alhaj, Phillip Johnston, Kepa Junkera, the Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Present Music, Relâche, and John Zorn. A composer, accordion virtuoso, and improvisor, he has been a major contributor to the accordion renaissance of the last 25 years. His music reverberates with sounds of the ballroom, the beer garden and the concert hall, fusing elements of regional accordion styles with jazz and avant-garde music. For more than 30 years, his composer focus has been on collaborations with artists from other media, including choreographers David Dorfman, Maureen Fleming, Victoria Marks, Lionel Popkin, and Claire Porter; in theatre projects with Ping Chong and Company, The Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, and Laurie McCants; and film directors Stefan Schwietert, Pola Rapaport, and Federico Bondi. He and Dan Hurlin were jointly awarded a BESSIE for their object-theatre piece, “The Heart of the Andes.” Klucevsek’s 1987 project, Polka From the Fringe, a collection of commissioned “polkas” by Fred Frith, Elliott Sharp, Mary Ellen Childs, Aaron Jay Kernis, Bobby Previte, Carl Finch, et. al., premiered at New Music America ’87 in Philadelphia, was presented on the 1988 BAM Next Wave Festival, and has toured around the world. The recordings of the project, on the Japanese eva label, were chosen as “best recordings 1992” on WNYC-FM’s “New Sounds” program by host John Schaefer. Out-of-print for the last 20 years, these landmark recordings have recently been reissued by the intrepid indie label, Starkland. In 1996, he founded the accordion quintet, Accordion Tribe, with Maria Kalaniemi from Finland, Lars Hollmer from Sweden, Otto Lechner from Austria, and Bratko Bibic from Slovenia. Between ’96 and 2009, the band produced three albums of their music for the German label, Intuition, and toured extensively throughout Europe. Stefan Schwietert’s documentary film about the group, Accordion Tribe - Music Travels, premiered in January 2004 in Zürich, where it had a long theatrical run, and was awarded the Swiss Film Prize for Best Documentary Film. Klucevsek’s performances include Ten Days on the Island (Tasmania), the Adelaide Festival, the Berlin Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, Spoleto Festival/USA, BAM Next Wave Festival, international accordion festivals in Vienna, Cotati (CA), and San Antonio, and the children’s television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” He has released over 20 recordings as soloist/leader on Tzadik, Winter & Winter, Innova, Starkland, Review, Intuition, CRI, and XI. 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.” He is the recipient of a 2010 United States Artists Collins Fellowship. Todd Reynolds, violinist, composer, educator and technologist is known as one of the founding fathers of the hybrid-musician movement and one of the most active and versatile proponents of what he calls ‘present music’. The violinist of choice for Steve Reich, Meredith Monk, Bang on a Can, and founder of the string quartet known as ETHEL, his compositional and performance style is a hybrid of old and new technology, multi-disciplinary aesthetic and pan-genre composition and improvisation. Reynolds’ music has been called “a charming, multi-mood extravaganza, playful like Milhaud, but hard-edged like Hendrix” (Strings Magazine), and his countless premieres and performances of everything from classical music to Jazz to Rock‘n’Roll seem to redefine the concert hall and underground club as undeniably and unavoidably intertwined. His double CD set, Outerborough, on Innova Recordings, features InSide, a collection of his own music, paired with OutSide, music written by a veritable who’s who of contemporary composers. Guy will present his first concert in the Ukraine on May 24 in Kiev, Ukraine where he will play a solo concert as the opening night event of the Book Arsenal Festival. From 21st May to 1st June 2013, the national art and culture museum complex Mystetskyi Arsenal will present III International Arsenal Book Festival, the largest book fair in Ukraine that combines literature and art. With the Book Arsenal project the museum complex is trying to popularise reading, establish cross-collaborative links between art and literature and support intellectual and art publications. Moreover, the book festival is trying to encourage the dialogue between readers and the publishing industry about the nature of contemporary literature. Guy will be touring as a soloist in Europe in August, 2013. Included will be Würzburg, Aug. 11, Ludwigshafen, Aug. 15, and the Alpentöne Festival, Aug. 16. Artists & Partners, Vienna, is building a European tour around these dates. If an interested festival or concert organizer, please contact Jakob Lajta: lajta@martschin.com. For fans, please check back for updates on the tour as it develops. For further information: gklucevsek@si.rr.com |
World Accordion Day 24 Hour Web TV Showby Harley Jones |
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| World Accordion Day, an initiative of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) was held from 8am Sunday 5th May to 8am Monday 6th May (French time) broadcast on the Deschamps Channel and World Accordion Day website. World Accordion Day was co-presented by Frederic Deschamps and Grayson Masefield assisted by Director Mike Rossi. You can view all the segments of this 24 hour event at: World Accordion Day This is the 6th CIA World Accordion Day and the 2nd year to have World Accordion Day celebrated with a 24 hour round the clock, round the world web TV broadcast. Featured were accordion performances, interviews, and interesting activities during the past year from many countries with famous accordionists, national associations, manufacturers, authors, composers, arrangers and teachers from around the world participating. Segments in which the 4 USA entries appear: Manny Bobenrieth: segment 09 at 18:25 Sammy Thomas: segment 12 at 44:50 Joan Sommers: segment 16 at 1:02:40 Mary Tokarski: segment 17 at the beginning Special thanks to the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA), Frederic Deschamps, Grayson Masefield and Mike Rossi. |
Dr. Robert Young McMahan Premieres New Work for Accordionby Rita Barnea |
 AAA Board member, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, will premier his new work, "Time", for chorus, accordion, organ, and percussion. The poem was written by Valerie Bloom a Jamaican poet living in England. It is from a collection of children's poems by Bloom. It will be part of a concert by VOICES Chorale, Lyn Ransom, conductor, entitled "Time Passing, Time Standing Still: Musical Perception of Time". Dr. McMahan who was commissioned by VOICES will perform the accordion in it. The concert will take place on Saturday, May 18, 8:00 PM, at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 214 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. "Time" was commissioned by VOICES, as were two other choral works by Ken Guilmartin and Sheena Philips, which will also be premiered on the program. VOICES' mission is to deepen the public appreciation of vocal music by performing outstanding choral music at a high artistic level and by supporting the creation of new works. VOICES Chorale, an auditioned chorus with more than 60 members from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, was founded in 1987 to provide outstanding performance opportunities for community singers. The chorale performs an unusually varied repertoire, including masterworks and premieres by American composers, with three concert series per season in Princeton and in Bucks County, PA. VOICES also offers small group and solo opportunities, performing music from great composers of the past to contemporary compositions. VOICES also sponsors an annual Young Composers Project for children ages 5 to 12 and a series of outreach concerts at senior residences in the Princeton area and Bucks County, PA. VOICES is supported in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the Mercer County Executive and the Mercer County Board of ChosenFreeholders. For further information: grillmyr@gmail.com |
Peter Soave Performs with Chicago Opera Theater (CAT)by Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
 Recognized worldwide as a master of bandoneon and concert accordion, Peter Soave has established himself as one of the leading soloists of his generation. The hallmark of his performances is a unique combination of his commanding stage presence and the excitement of his vibrant virtuosity.These talents were called upon and recognized with critical acclaim during the recent production by the Chicago Opera Theater’s (COT) production of "Maria de Buenos Aires" which concluded on April 27th. The Chicago Tribune’s journalist John von Rhein reported that ‘just as the composer, Astor Piazzolla, breathed new life into the tango as a musical form, so has Andreas Mitisek, COT's brilliant general director, transformed a dramatically static piece into a chilling examination of one woman's fate during Argentina's 1976-83 "Dirty War" against dissidents. An estimated 30,000 people were abducted, imprisoned, tortured, murdered or simply disappeared under the brutal rule of a military dictatorship. Piazzolla's 1968 magnum opus, with a surreal libretto by Horacio Ferrer, is a kind of song-and-dance Passion play, in which Maria, a streetwalker "born on a day when God was drunk," represents both the Virgin Mary and Jesus. She is killed by pimps and thieves and, after her resurrection, gives birth to a beatified version of herself. The 75-minute piece, which its creators dubbed a "tango operita," unfolds more as a series of poetic tableaux than an opera — hence the challenge to all who would stage it. Mitisek has done so brilliantly, using a narrator and two singers, plus eight dancers from Chicago's Luna Negra Dance Theater, to create a beautifully integrated swirl of song, speech, dance, mime, dramatic action and video imagery. It's as fluid and intoxicating as the tango rhythms that well up from the nine-member pit band under Mitisek's baton. In the conductor-director-designer's gritty retelling, Maria represents all women who disappeared or died ignominiously in the "Dirty War." Her former lover, now an old man called El Duende, recalls in flashbacks their brief happiness before she is captured, raped and left to languish in a prison cell. Here the bandoneon sings a song of mourning far removed from the snappy, slinky music of seduction commonly associated with the tango. That Mitisek makes the conceptual unity work without having to change a single word of Ferrer's richly metaphoric text, or a single note in Piazzolla's catchy score, is remarkable. As conductor, he is fully inside the musical idiom, as Piazzolla's tangos shift the mood from romantic to anxious to consoling. His ensemble of strings, flute, piano, percussion and, most crucially, bandoneon, is right there with him. Peter Soave deserves a special shout-out for the marvellous way in which he makes his expressive bandoneon virtually a full-fledged character in the drama. Some of the many other reviews included: Newcity Stage review quote: Kudos as well to the two narrators, Gregorio Luke and Gregorio Gonzalez, and to bandoneon player Peter Soave, who manages to constantly keep our interest, even when playing a single note quietly, but expressively. (Dennis Polkow) Chicago Music review quote: Ultimately, the music drove the show’s energy with strong solo performances from violinist Florentina Ramniceanu, cellist Mark Lekas, and flutist Mary Stolper. Peter Soave’s bandoneon let one imagine the composer himself in the pit. Never a company to shy away from risks, Chicago Opera Theater - with Mitisek firmly in command - put on a visually and aurally intoxicating production. (Margaret Sutherlin) Chicago Theater Beat review quote: Peter Soave on the bandoneón turns one note into many emotional evocations. (Clint May) No stranger to the American accordion scene, Peter’s earliest memories are of music played on an accordion. By age three, he was certain of his life's work. He began music studies at five, and quickly gravitated towards classical music. At sixteen, he entered international competitions and swept first place four times, confirming his reputation as a virtuoso of the highest order: Grand Prix in Neu Isenberg, West Germany; Klingenthal Wettbewerb in East Germany; Coupe Mondiale in Folkstone, England; and the Trophee Mondiale in Arrezano, Italy. In 1987, Peter Soave was the inaugural recipient of "Voce d'Oro," the international award honoring those who have given prominence to the accordion in the world of modern music. Deeply inspired by the music of Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla, Peter’s impassioned musicianship motivated him to include the characteristic bandoneon in his performances. He has appeared as a soloist and with orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Russia. He has appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Brooklyn Philharmonic, Zagreb Philharmonic, Windsor Symphony, Flint Symphony, San Salvador Philharmonic, Belgrade Philharmonic, Lubbock Symphony, Bellevue Philharmonic, Walla Walla Symphony, Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico, Williamsport Symphony, Orquesta Sinfónica Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho and The Zagreb Soloists. In addition, he has collaborated with conductors such as James Levine, Neeme Jarvi, Thomas Wilkins, Robert Spano, Leone Mageira, Hermann Michael, Duilio Dobrin, and Guillermo Figueroa. For the only North America appearance in 1999 of the "Three Tenors," Peter performed as the featured bandoneonist. He has also appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America." In 2007, Soave premiered Astor Piazzolla's oratorio "El Pueblo Joven", written for symphony orchestra, voice recitative, soprano, bandoneon, choir, and percussion, with the Radio Romania Chamber Orchestra, Romania. Peter has had numerous compositions written for him by the Venezuela's foremost composer, Aldemaro Romero: "Piazzollana-Homage à Piazzolla" for bandoneon and full orchestra; "Suite de Castelfidardo" for bandoneon and string orchestra; "Soavecito" for accordion and string orchestra; and "Tango Furioso" for bandoneon and string quartet. Romero's "Five Paleontological Mysteries," for accordion and string quartet, received its American premiere in Detroit in February 2008 and its European premiere in Italy in July 2008. His discography includes a solo album "Pride and Passion," "Five Tango Sensations" with The Rucner String Quartet, a double CD "Undertango 2," and "Peter Soave & Symphony Orchestra," featuring the music of Astor Piazzolla and Carmine Coppola. His recording awards include the Detroit Music Award for Best Classical Recording in 2001 and Best Classical Instrumentalist in 2003. Eager to harmonize nature and music, more recently, Peter founded the Peter Soave Music Academy in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy in 2010, welcoming music lovers to convene and share. For more information, please visit www.petersoave.com |
"Janie Next Door" CD Wins Another Awardby Rita Barnea |
 The" Come Sing Along with Janie Next Door" CD has won approval by the Dove Foundation Review Board. This means that the content expressed makes for the kind of entertainment family members can enjoy together with confidence. The Dove Family Approved Seal is awarded to movies, DVDs, made for TV movies and specials, books and other entertainment products that portray and encourage positive values. This CD is a musical invitation to sing, clap, dance, march and have some fun with songs like "Can I Go Out and Play?," "Lunchbox, Lunchbox," "Lets Go Marching" and 15 other happy songs written and performed by Jane Christison for kids of all ages. As an added bonus, a booklet with lyrics for all the songs comes with the CD. Dove Worldview said, "Here we have a collection of 18 songs that will charm everyone. These cute little songs are about many things in a child's life like riding a bike, taking a nap and going back to school. The toe-tapping melodies and charming voice of Jane Christison will have everyone singing along. Some of the songs may make you laugh and clap along. We are proud to award this CD the Dove "Family-Approved" Seal for all ages." Jane Christison is an accomplished accordionist and entertainer, playing and singing many styles of music. She performs upbeat and engaging 45-minute programs for seniors groups, retirement communities and nursing homes. Her personality and enthusiasm for playing the accordion are in demand as well for conventions, theme parties and other celebrations. And Jane is introducing a whole new generation to the joy of music by writing songs for children and performing as "Janie Next Door." The CD can be purchased securely online at http://www.janienextdoor.com/jnd/Store.aspx For further information: janec@musicwithasmile.com. Future "Janie Next Door" Public Performances: Janie Next Door will be performing on Saturday, May 11, 2013, 1:30-2:30 p.m. as part of the Mission Convention & Visitor's Bureau's Family Festival 2013. The event, which is open to the public, runs Thursday, May 9th to Sunday, May 13th. There will be a homemade apple pie contest, a frog jumping contest for kids, a parade, a carnival and much more. For more information call Kathy Lockard, Event Coordinator at 913-722-8206 or Suzie Gibbs, MBDC Chair 913-671-8564 Sunday, May 26, 2013, 12:45-1:15 p.m. Jiggle Jam Family Fest at Crown Center Club JJ Stage - Kansas City, Missouri Jiggle Jam 2013 is Memorial Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 25th and 26th, and features over 25 different bands and entertainers on multiple stages, the Price Chopper Bouncy Land, arts and crafts, interactive workshops and SO much more. Jiggle Jam is the ultimate family destination for entertainment, learning and family fun! |
Leavenworth International Accordion Festival: June 20-23by Rita Barnea |
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| The Northwest Accordion Society welcomes you to the 20th Annual Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration. Leavenworth is Washington’s “Bavarian Village” and a perfect setting for this celebration. Nestled in a cozy narrow valley at elevation of 1100 feet surrounded by wilderness of rugged, majestic mountain ranges, over 2 million visitors per year from all over the world come to experience magical Leavenworth. With the Northwest Accordion Society as your host an Leavenworth as the setting, plan to join four fabulous days of everything accordion. Whether you are a competitor, participant or just love great accordion music, there is enjoyment and participation for everyone. Featured performers include: Bruce Gassman, Sam Thomas,, Gary Blair, Tango Volcado, Trio Voroezh plus The Great Dance Palooza, accordion bands, button box accordionists, and much more. Among the activities you may choose from are: Accordion Competitions,Workshops, Concerts with World Class Performers, Free Performances at the gazebo, grange, and restaurants, Free Accordion lessons, Accordion Parade on Saturday, Accordion Vendors, Opportunity for all accordion players to play, Jam sessions and much more! 2013 Workshop Summary: Workshop #1 “How to adapt the accordion to different styles of music” with Gary Blair Workshop #2 “Conjunto-style music on the accordion” with Kory Tideman and Juan Barco Workshop #3 “HEY MR. BASSMAN” - Yes YOU; With the Accordion!!” with Bruce Gassman Workshop #4 “Knowing Your Accordion” with Jim Tobler Workshop #5 “Using the Accordion in an Ensemble” with Trio Veronezh Workshop #6 “Knowing Your Accordion” with Jim Tobler Workshop #7 “Sight-reading accordion duets” with Jim O’Brien, Ph. D. Professor Emeritus and Shirley J. O’Brien, Ed.D. Professor Emerita, U of Arizona Workshop #8 “HEY MR. BASSMAN” - Yes YOU; With the Accordion!!” with Bruce Gassman Workshop #9 “How to adapt the accordion to different styles of music” with Gary Blair “Get Ready to Jam” with Bonnie Birch “Simply Music Teaching Method for Accordion” with Patricia Bartell For further information: bonniebirch@msn.com |
2013 ATG Guest Artist Martynas Levickisby Rita Barnea |
 Martynas Levickis will be one of the guest artists at the 2013 ATG Festival taking place at the Hotel Lisle near Chicago from July 17-20. Martynas Levickis is a Lithuanian born classical accordionist. He has been playing accordion since the age of 3 and started serious study at the age of 8. He studied at the Saulius Sondeckis Conservatoire in Siauliai (Lithuania), under the direction of Mrs. Maryte Markeviciene. At the age of 12 Martynas began participating in national and international accordion festivals and competitions. In 2004 he was the first accordionist to be awarded Lithuanian Queen Morta prize. He was also given an honorable mention and prizes by Lithuanian President and the head of Parliament. In 2005 he won the young artist scholarship presented by Siauliai city municipality. In 2006 the Siauliai city authorities awarded him a new accordion PIGINI for his achievements. Career highlights include: June 2010 – Kings Place, London. Presented a piece “Double” (by composer E.Medeksaite) for accordion and electronics. 2011 – Queen Elizabeth’s Hall, London. Was selected to perform for the Park Lane Group Concert series. 2009-2010 – Has Toured around US from Chicago to San Francisco. Played along with BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with conductors V. Gergiev and Ch. Hazelwood. Martynas has already performed in Italy, France, Netherlands, the USA, Germany, Ireland, England, Poland, Russia, Estonia, Belarus. Second at prestigious “Gala-Rini” International Competition for the Classical Accordion in Santa Clara, held by Accordion Teachers Guild (ATG), 2010. Multiple 1st prize winnings at the 71st Annual American Accordionist Association festival in Memphis, 2010. The first prize in well regarded world accordion competition “Coupe Mondiale 2010”, Piano-Accordion category in Croatia. The Winner of Lithuania’s got Talent 2010. Martynas is currently studying his 4th year at the Royal Academy of Music in London under the direction of Prof. Owen Murray. He also had a number of masterclasses with internationally recognized teachers, including prof. Friedrich Lips (Russia), prof. Matti Rantanen (Finland), Claudio Jacomucci (Italy), doc. Raimondas Sviackevicius (Lithuania), Frederic Deschamps (France) and others. Martynas has recently gained a license of professional music teaching specialized in accordion after accomplishing the LRAM course in Royal Academy of Music in London, UK. For more details about the ATG Festival please read future USA news publications and visit the ATG website. |
3rd Annual Historic Wallace Accordion Festival Aug. 9-11by Rita Barnea |
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| Make sure your summer plans include the 3rd Annual Historic Wallace Accordion Festival, August 9-11, 2013. The event features accordionists Bruce Gassman, Michael Bridge, and Sam Thomas and dance lessons by Lynn Bridge. 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. |
AAA 75th Anniversary Festival in NYC in Augustby Rita Barnea |
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| AAA President Linda Soley Reed invites all to join the AAA in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the AAA at the Hotel New Yorker in New York City August 14-18th, 2013. You will want to be there at this historic event featuring former accordion champions, new and future ones. Many special guest artists will perform during this special celebration. The list of performing artists and activities is continually growing and there is a wonderful, diversified array of talent planned for your enjoyment. Performers include everyone from classical artists to jazz giants to entertainment to the avant garde – all the very best in their genre. Guest Artist, Alexander Poeluev, winner of the 2002 Coupe Mondiale, has been a frequent guest at the AAA events, most recently at the Lifetime Achievement Banquet honoring President Emerita, Faithe Deffner. Alexander is also a delegate to the CIA representing his homeland of Russia. Alex’s program will include not only a classical repertoire, but some surprising twists utilizing video effects. You will delight in some of Alex’s jazz stylings. Past AAA Champions, Lou Coppola (1955), Mario Tacca (1961), Beverly Roberts Curnow (1965), Joe Natoli (1972), The “K” Duo –Julie Kasprzyk Cardona (1967-1969) and Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski (1971) – and Sam Thomas (2006 and 2007) are just a few of the guest artists scheduled. Workshops featuring the history of our founding fathers, a panel of past AAA Champions spearheaded by Monica Slomski (1975) will share their experiences in music and discuss careers in music and alternative music-related careers. On Thursday, August 15th, New York City will virtually explode with accordionists…key subway stops and train stations will have accordionists entertaining the commuters. An International Concert at 2:00 pm in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hotel New Yorker will feature The Old Aker Band Players from Norway, the Musikforum Olching from Germany, as well as Australia’s Cathie Travers and New Zealander, Lionel Reekie. At 5:00 p.m., Bryant Park will be the focal point with individual and group entertainment scheduled until 9:00 pm followed by an all-accordion group JAM until 10. The vendor exhibits are filling up with all kinds of new instruments, music and accessories. A list of vendors will be available shortly – opening ceremonies are Wednesday, August 14 at 5:00 p.m. in the Sutton Place Suite at the New Yorker Hotel. Workshops highlighting the lives of the founding fathers of the AAA will be presented by former students and colleagues. Daily presentations will be made in the exhibit room featuring the display of the AAA Archives. Back by popular demand will be the Finale workshop – Part I for beginners; Part II for the more advanced. Don’t miss the presentation by the New England Accordion Museum complete with unique “stories” and histories of the instruments on display. The 75th Anniversary Festival Orchestra will be conducted by none other than the diva of the accordion world, Joan Sommers. Highlight of this performance will be Paul Creston’s "Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra, Op. 85", Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski, soloist. The accordion orchestra portion was arranged by Joan Sommers. Past AAA Champions, Lou Coppola (1955), Mario Tacca (1961), Beverly Roberts Curnow (1965), Joe Natoli (1972), The “K” Duo –Julie Kasprzyk Cardona (1967-1969) and Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski (1971) – and Sam Thomas (2006 and 2007) are just a few of the guest artists scheduled. Workshops featuring the history of our founding fathers, a panel of past AAA Champions spearheaded by Monica Slomski (1975) will share their experiences in music and discuss careers in music and alternative music-related careers. For further information about the 2013 festival, performers, with frequent updates please visit: www.ameraccord.com. Future issues of the USA news will contain additional information, bios, etc. related to the festival. |
15 Year Old Einar Thokie Hovden to Perform at ACCORDIONS NOW!by Rita Barnea |
  The 6th annual Accordions Now! Festival, co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Accordion Association and Accordion Connection LLC, takes place from August 9th to 11th at the Courtyard Nashua, 2200 Southwood Drive, Nashua, NH 03063. Be a part of this wonderful festival. Meet and hear the new generation of accordionists...young people, talented, dedicated, and entertaining! Coming all the way from Norway, Einar Thokle Hovden, age 15, will kick off ACCORDIONS NOW! 2013’s many concerts at the Courtyard Marriott, Nashua, New Hampshire. He will open for Brent Buswell on Friday, August 9. Einar Thokle Hovden was born just outside Oslo, Norway in 1997. He started to play the accordion in first grade. He has participated in District Championships and the Norwegian Championships for Accordionists several times, winning in 2012 the classic soloist class for ages 12-14. He will participate again this year, having qualified by winning the District Championship classic soloist class for ages 15-18. Einar’s skills on the accordion and obvious musical talent have expanded to embrace the cello, which he started playing last fall. He has applied for a talent development program at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo and will begin studies at Senior High School in Oslo in fall 2013. NOTE: Register by May 31 for ACCORDIONS NOW! 2013 to get $30 discount on the All Events Package admission. Sign up now. Special hotel room rates are available: $95 [+ tax] per room (1-4 persons) through July 12, 2013. To reserve your room, call Courtyard Nashua (603) 880-9100 or Marriott Worldwide (800) 321-2211. Mention "ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival, Courtyard Nashua." For more information: AccordionsNow@yahoo.com Donna Maria Regis 603.216.9582 or Sue Welch 800.328.5227 Additional guest artists include accordionists Tony Lovello, Joe Cerrito, Brent Buswell, Paul Bordeleau, Nancy Leonard, Dan Mackowiak, Paul Ramunni, Donna Maria Regis, Carmen Vitanza, Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble, and from Norway, Gamle Aker Spelemannslag. One of festival’s regular features is the Accordions Now! Festival Orchestra – would be participants should sign up by July 12th. Other features include the Open Mike Cabaret, Night Owls Jam and pick-up sessions. Music is available in advance for the Just-for-Fun Play-Along. The festival organizers are Donna Maria Regis and Suzanne Welch. For further information email: AccordionsNow@yahoo.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
New Instructions For Submitting a Video to the USA Newsby Rita Barnea |
| Please use www.wetransfer.com for a simple way to send files both large and small. You will need Harley's email address which is harleyaccordion@yahoo.com You can send files of up to 2 gig size and we would prefer that you send the original file from your video camera. Very Important: Videos should be single selections. This means you should send more smaller files which is also easier for putting online with less editing. For further information: harleyaccordion@yahoo.com |
Willard Palmer, III, Donates His Fathers Harpsichord to A World of Accordions Museumby Dr. Helmi Harrington, Curator, A World of Accordions Museum, USA |
 Harrington ARTS Center and A World of Accordions Museum is honored to announce the impending arrival of the harpsichord specially built for Dr. Willard Palmer, whose donated lifeworks were celebrated at the institution Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2013. The two-manual, eleven-pedal, ten-foot harpsichord was built in 1976 by A. Cecil Taylor of Houston, TX. It is elaborately decorated in red and gold casework and French baroque soundboard figures. Mr.Willard Palmer, III, son of Dr. Willard Palmer, notified the institution of his intention to transport the instrument to Superior, WI, in May-June. Festive concerts will be scheduled after the installation. This magnificent instrument will grace the Hanni Strahl Concert Hall, adding a significant resource to artist-performers of our concert events. Its very presence will also showcase the serious musical interests of this institution, the confidence imbued in its continuance, and its importance in musical instrument collections. |
Dr. William Schimmel's Spring and Summer Scheduleby Rita Barnea |
| Dr. William Schimmel maintains a busy performance schedule. Below are his recent performances and his future concert schedule. On February 27, Dr. Schimmel appeared with actress Estelle Parsons at The La Mama Theatre performing music by Kurt Weill – Manhattan. On March 8, he appeared with actress Estelle Parsons at the Broadway Theatre performing music by Kurt Weill. On March 14, He premiered his own "Full Moon/Tempting Arms" for accordion and piano at the Mannes College of Music. The pianist was Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig – Manhattan. On March 15, He premiered his solo work: "My Diaspora and Monty". On the same program, he joined forces with Di J Noizepunk in a series of short works written for them by Jed Distler, Joe Piehrson, Patrick Grant, Gene Pritsker (Di J Noizepunk), Milica Paranosic, Dan Cooper and Dr. Schimmel. The concert took place at the MC Gallery in Manhattan. On April 4, he performed with the Either/Or Ensemble in a chamber work by Rebecca Saunders at the Composers' Portrait series at Miller Theatre – Columbia University – Manhattan. On April 11, he appeared with Opera Diva Lauren Flanigan in a concert of music by Weimar Republic Composers (Kurt Weill, Friedrich Hollander) at the Neue Gallerie – Manhattan. On April 20, He performed Milica Djvordjevic's One Last Horror for your Mother with the Talea Ensemble at Roulette in Brooklyn. On April 24 and 25, he recorded the soundtrack for the upcoming feature film "The Bohemians – Puccini's Opera La Boheme" filmed in Williamsburg, Brooklyn – with a new score adaptation by Edy Lan featuring accordion solos by Dr. Schimmel. On May 4 and 11, he will appear with singer Laila Salins in two concerts of Latvian music as well as Dr. Schimmel's opera “realities” - New Jersey. On May 16 and 17, He will perform again with the Talea Ensemble in a new work by Viennese composer Beat Furrer entitled Fama. The work will be semi-staged in a theatrical mode at the Bohemian National Hall – Manhattan. On May 19, he will perform a concert of his own arrangements and “realities” of Bach, Offenbach, Von Suppe, Cole Porter, George Gershwin and more at a benefit concert in Manhattan On June 7, 9, 12, 14 and 16, he will perform in Thomas Ades's "Powder Her Face" with the Opera Company of Philadelphia at Perelman Theatre/Kimmel Center. On June 18, He will perform "Why Me? - for Accordion and Strings" by Latvian composer Anna Veismame with the North South Consonance Ensemble at Christ and St Stephen's Church – Manhattan. July 10, 11, 12 and 13, He will perform in Marc Blitztein's "The Cradle will Rock" at City Center – Manhattan July 26, 27 and 28 – Dr. Schimmel will curate and moderate his Annual Seminars – "The Accordion is 3D – No Glasses " at the Tenri Cultural Institute – Manhattan – The event is sponsored by The American Accordionists' Association. August 15, Dr. Schimmel will premiere is own “reality” on Beethoven's "Egmont Overture" and a new work for accordion and cello by Mathais Pintscher at Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival - Manhattan. On August 16, Dr. Schimmel will perform his new work, "Crestonia", at the AAA Gala Concert at the AAA Festival – Hotel New Yorker. For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
San Antonio Accordionist receives International Award for Students with Disabilitiesby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
 21 year old accordionist Darien Williams is a gifted musician, overcoming all obstacles and showing his peers the meaning of dedication. Because of his achievements, Darien received the 2013 Yes I Can! Award from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) at the Yes I Can! Awards Ceremony on April 5th at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio as part of the CEC 2013 Convention & Expo.CEC is an international membership organization composed of special and gifted education professionals who work to improve the quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities and their families through professional excellence and advocacy. Each year, the Yes I Can! program recognizes the accomplishments of 21 students. Awards are given in seven categories: academics, arts, athletics, school and community activities, self-advocacy, technology, and transition. CEC is proud to honor Darien with this award in the arts category. “The Yes I Can! Awards were developed to recognize the accomplishments of students with disabilities who have achieved remarkable things,” says CEC President Christy A. Chambers. “Darien is most deserving of this award for his hard work and perseverance.” As with many individuals with autism, Darien’s focus and interest is in the one primary area, his being his love and gift for music. Darien, who was born blind, did not let this stop him from learning how to play multiple instruments the piano, organ and accordion to name a few. Darien has the rare gift of “perfect pitch” without needing the benefit of any formal musical training. Darien has performed in more than 20 public and community service recitals each year since moving to San Antonio in 2008. Darien won first place in each of the five festivals he has entered with typically developing peers. “Darien is one of the strongest performers in the Alamo Angels Accordion Orchestra,” said Mary Kathryn Archuleta, Darien’s nominator and music teacher. “He is able to carry the tenor part of the ensemble and follow the director with the greatest of accuracy, even though he cannot see the conductor! Darien is one of the most dedicated students in his practice, always striving to be the best he can be!” For more information about CEC’s annual convention, please visit www.cec.sped.org/convention. |
Cory Pesaturo in Concertsby Rita Barnea |
 Video of Zulu time featuring Cory Pesaturo performing Piazzolla's "Milonga del Angel with chamber orchestra.As always, Cory is everywhere performing all types of music either as a soloist, soloist with orchestra/ensemble, or with virtuoso violinist Yasmine Azaiez Recent performances include Zulu Time featuring Cory Pesaturo performing Piazzolla's "Milonga del Ángel" with chamber orchestra. Gabriel Solomon, violin; Richey Tally, bass. The music was orchestrated by Gabriel Solomon. Cory also performed at a Jazz Festival in Tunisia with Yasmine Azaiez on violin. They performed a Soloist concert in Sousse, Tnisia with her song about Revolution that has become popular there. On May 1st, Cory played with a band consisting of MIT students who are excellent jazz musicians. They gave several free concerts at Mass General Hospital for patients, doctors and nurses from the bombings in Boston. Combining his love of cars and the accordion, Cory will perform at the Wayne Carini Cars and Coffee Concours in Portland, CT. Wayne has the TV Show "Chasing Classic Cars" on Velocity where Cory also performs. If you are watching some of the Formula 1 races on NBC this month, you will hear the music of Cory Pesaturo. For further information: Cory.pesaturo@gmail.com |
Slavic Soul Partyby Rita Barnea |
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| Slavic Soul Party is an American Balkan brass/jazz band. They are based in Brooklyn, New York City. Their style of brass band music includes gypsy music, klezmer, funk, and New Orleans jazz influences. Throbbing funk grooves, fiery Balkan brass, Gypsy accordion wizardry, and virtuoso jazz chops make Slavic Soul Party! NYC’s official #1 brass band for BalkanSoul GypsyFunk. SSP! has created an acoustic mash-up of Balkan and Gypsy sounds with North American music, weaving the gospel, techno, funk, dub, jazz, and Latin influences of New York’s neighborhoods seamlessly into a Balkan brass setting. Current Slavic Soul Party! Members: John Carlson - Trumpet Kenny Warren - Trumpet, Truba Tim Vaughn - Trombone Matt Musselman - Trombone Peter Hess - Saxophone, Clarinet Peter Stan - Accordion Chris Stromquist - Drums Ron Caswell - Tuba Matt Moran - Tapan, Dubanj, Davul, Zabumba (Percussion); Band Leader Peter Stan is an accomplished professional accordionist who performs and teaches. His heritage is Romani Balkan, although he was born and raised in Australia prior to coming to the U.S. when he was 12 years old. At an early age he began to learn how to play the accordion and was taught by his father, also an accordionist, for many years. His entire family is musical and they enjoyed playing together. Peter then went on to further studies with Matthew Aldini (Queensboro Institute of Music), Dr.Jacob Nupauer, Stanley Darrow, and Joan Arnold. He has won prizes in several prestigious accordion competitions including those sponsored by the American Accordion Musicological Society and the Long Island Music Teachers Association. Peter does a wide variety of performing as a soloist, with small groups, and with bands. He plays a broad range of musical styles including Balkan, classical, French favorites, Klezmer, popular, and contemporary. He has also performed in movies, appearing with James Earl Jones and Armando Assante, and has done numerous studio soundtrack recordings. Peter has performed on radio, cable television, off-Broadway, and for the famous Mark Morris dance group. When his schedule permits, Peter entertains (alone or with a group) at celebratory functions such as weddings, Bar Mitzvah’s, birthdays, and anniversaries. Peter has been the lead accordionist with many bands including Slavic Soul Party, Harold Seletsky, The West End Klezmorim, and Hot Pstromi (Yale Strom). His wide range of performances includes playing at Carnegie Hall (1st Jazz and Jewish music concert), Merkin Hall, Irving Plaza, and Joe’s Pub in New York City; the International Accordion Festival in San Antonio, Texas ; and the two-week annual Mayim Mayim Project in Fuerth, Germany. Peter Stan’s music studio is located in the Ridgewood section of Queens, New York. He teaches private students of all ages, with skills ranging from beginner to advanced professional. He is regularly engaged as a music therapist and has received great reviews for teaching accordion at Eastern European folk life workshops. Future performances include: May 23: Joe's Pub, NYC, 9:30 PM May 29: Highline Ballroom, NYC, 8:PM June 27: Joe's Pub. NYC,, 9:30 PM July 13: River to River Festival, NYC, 6:30 PM |
Joey Miskulin at 20th Annual Cowboy Festivalby Rita Barnea |
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 Video of Joey Miskulin with Riders in the Sky in Durango, Colorado performing "Rawhide"On April 20th and 21st, the Veluzat family’s Melody Ranch welcomed fans of western art, movies, poetry and culture to the 20th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival. The event, held in the Santa Clarita High School Auditorium, is the one chance the general public has each year to visit Southern California’s finest western movie town. The festival included western re-enactments, a cowboy poetry competition, and lots of music. The focus of the festival is cowboy music, and the acts included Native American musician Tracy Lee Nelson, The Band of the California Battalion, a recreation of a Union Civil War brass band, Baxter Black, Don Edwards, Hot Club of Cowtown, Texas accordionist/singer/songwriter Ginny Mac, The Saddle Cats, The Sons of the San Joaquin, and Riders in the Sky, featuring accordionist Joey Miskulin. Joseph M. Miskulin is a producer of Grammy Award-winning music albums. In a music career spanning more than four decades, Joey Miskulin has collaborated with a range of artists including Paul McCartney, John Denver, Ricky Skaggs, Andy Williams, Ricky Van Shelton, Emmylou Harris, Frankie Yankovic and many others. He is a performer, studio musician, producer and pedagogue. Joey Miskulin is one of Cleveland-Style Polkas’ greatest pillars of musical talent. In his most memorable role, Joey, the child prodigy discovered by Chicago’s Roman Possedi, became Frank Yankovic’s featured accordionist at age thirteen, beginning an association that would last over thirty-five years. Frank’s insistence that Joey be included in a Columbia recording session cemented Joey’s decision to make music his career. Broadening his experience, Joey became in the 1970’s a studio musician and producer, performing on bass, piano, banjo, guitar, organ, accordion, and as a vocalist. All the while, Joey maintained his love affair with Cleveland -Style Polkas, playing and recording with Yankovic and Cleveland -Style orchestras. In 1978, Joey opened Miskulin’s Lounge, reviving a venue that housed some of Cleveland’s most famous polka clubs. Teaming up with the legendary Lou Trebar, Joey formed the Mis-Tre Orchestra. Joey hosted various TV shows, including his very own Polka Time U.S.A. In 1985 Miskulin produced the first Grammy-winning polka album, Frank Yankovic’s 70 Years of Hits. Among Joey’s many Compositions "I Wanna Call You Sweetheart" was designated a Great All-Time Polka Hit. Joey moved to Nashville in 1987 for his other love, Western music as Joey the Cowpolka King. Miskulin toured the United States with Yankovic as his featured accordionist for six years, writing and arranging songs between performances. In the 1990s he rejoined Riders In The Sky, and with them is billed as "Joey the Cowpolka King". |
Roberta Cantow "Accordions Rising"by Rita Barnea |
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| Recent updates: For those in the academic world who might like to make use of her film, "Accordions Rising" in classroom settings or for university/public libraries and streaming in those settings, you can google: Filmakes Library Academic Video Store and then search for the title, "Accordions Rising" in the Music Category. The Debut Accordion Festival Screening of "Accordions Rising " by Roberta Cantow, (documentary, 74 min), will be shown at the Leavenworth Accordion Festival on Friday, June 17, 2016 at 11:30 AM in the Grange/Upper. Tickets are $13.00 as Workshop Event. If you would like to be informed of the film's formal release on DVD: Go to the website: www.accordionsrising.com - Click on Contact and join the mailing list or Contact Roberta: rcantow@originaldigital.net |
Rhythm, Voice, and Accordion Workshop in San Franciscoby Rita Barnea |
 "Rhythm, Voice, & Accordion’ Workshop with Jetty Swart takes place on Saturday May 18th, 5:PM, at The Accordion Apocalypse Repair Shop, 255 10th St, San Francisco, CA 94103.Jetty Swart, from the Netherlands, will perform on the accordion and various other instruments, sings, and has worked in several countries. For further information email: jetblackpearl@gmail.com |
Future events |
The Accordion is 3D, No Glasses Requiredby Rita Barnea |
 The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Master Class and Concert Series celebrate its 19th season on July 26, 27 and 28 at Tenri Cultural Institute,43A West 13th Street, in New York. Master classes are at 3 pm. Concerts at 7 pm. The title of the Seminars is "The Accordion is 3D-No Glasses Required". The moderator/curator, Dr. William Schimmel projects that it will be the best one yet: intriguing workshops, stellar performances and, most of all, a collegial attitude in its presentation. Master Classes are at 3:PM. Concerts take place at 7:PM. $20/master class; $25/concert; $40/day includes master class and concert. Or $110/weekend. Participants come from the local New York area, across the United States as well as China, Japan, Argentina, Croatia and Norway. Guest artists during the weekend include Dr. Schimmel, Dr.Robert Young McMahan, Erica Mancini, Peter Flint, John Foti, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Micki Goodman presenting a new video work, Doug Makofka, Ken Laufer, Paul Stein, Ingrid Kvale, Martina Li, Mayumi Mayaota, Corn Mo, Mary Tokarski, Will Holshouser, Bob Goldberg and The Famous Accordion Orchestra, David Stoler, Art Bailey, Brian Dewan, Melissa Elledge. Additional participants include Benjamin Ickies, Lee McClure, David First, Dave Soldier and many others to be announced in future news articles. In addition to the distinguished lineup the following has been added: "A COMPCORD SUITE" featuring Di J Noizepunk (Gene Pritsker) and Dr Schimmel performing works by Dan Cooper, Patrick Grant, Jed Distler, Joe Pehrson, Milica Paranovic, Dr. Schimmel and Gene Pritsker as well as a 7 minute remix of "Maria de Buenos Aires" (Piazzolla) and "Lights" (Goulding). LET YOUR BRAIN TURN INTO NEON For reservations and information: 212-876-0827 (office) 917-498-6823 (cell) |
Stas Venglevski in Concertby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
 On June 24th, 2013, The Milwaukee Accordion Club (MAC) will feature renowned accordionist Stas Venglevski in a program with Misha Litvin and the 21st Century Accordion Ensemble. Plan to be entertained by an eclectic 2-part program presented by two superior musicians Stas Venglevski, world class bayanist, and master mandolinist (domra) Misha Litvin, as they combine talents as a duo and with the 6 member Accordion XXI Century Ensemble orchestrated by Stas. The Ensemble has a varied repertoire and consists of three accordionists, a bayanist, a bass accordionist, and a percussionist and with Stas at the helm, come and expect to enjoy a healthy dose of fun mixed in! The Milwaukee Accordion Cub meets on the 4th Monday of the Month. Doors open - 6:00 PM, Pre-meeting entertainment - 6:30 PM. Business meeting - 7:30 PM, Featured entertainment - 8:00 PM. The MAC meets at the Root River Center, 7220 W. Rawson Avenue in Franklin, WI 53132. For more information please call (414) 425-7225 or visit www.accordions.com/mac Meanwhile, Stas Venglevski will be part of a chamber orchestra performing in the opera, “The Firework Maker’s Daughter”, playing at the New Victory Theater on 42nd Street in New York City, May 3-12, 2013. Based on the enchanting novel by acclaimed author Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials trilogy), this captivating new opera tells the story of one girl’s quest to become a firework maker. Determined to master Crackle Dragons, Leaping Monkeys and Golden Sneezes, Lila tests her talents and gambles her good fortune as she parlays with pirates, grapples with ghosts and faces off with a ferocious fire-fiend. Featuring an internationally-inspired score by David Bruce and a witty libretto by Glyn Maxwell, THE FIREWORK MAKER'S DAUGHTER ignites with performances by New York's Metropolis Ensemble chamber orchestra, led by Grammy-nominated conductor Andrew Cyr, and a cast of five artists who enliven handcrafted puppets from Cambridge's Indefinite Articles. Set in a fantastical land where animals talk, goddesses reign and imps dwell, THE FIREWORK MAKER’S DAUGHTER is pure dynamite. |
Polyphonia to Perform at 2013 ATG Festival in Julyby Rita Barnea |
 Polyphonia will be guest performers at the 2013 ATG Festival from July 17020 at the Hyatt Lisle near Chicago.Polyphonia, 50 young musicians from the French island of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean. is representative of the great variety of cultures in the French overseas territories. The orchestra features accordions, accompanied by violins, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, keyboard and vocals. Its extensive repertoire includes classical music and jazz, film scores, and folk music POLYPHONIA orchestra is an ensemble of musician students which has something of a family. Its diversity and plurality make it representative of our island: indeed Réunion is the name of our island because it gathers many ethnics who live together. Young and not so young musicians meet in the orchestra to share their common passion: music. They all do the same sacrifice, devoting all their week-ends and part of their school holidays to rehearsing. But far from being a burden, this leads to beautiful concerts, loud applause from enthusiast audiences and the joy of achieving it, of playing a repertory wide enough so that everybody can enjoy it and dream with it. Besides, they can also participate in international competitions or go touring abroad, which is enriching and tremendous for them. To put it in a nutshell, POLYPHONIA helps them to blossom. It is an experience different from everyday life which develops in them values such as togetherness, friendship and sensibility. This musical training ensemble has been improving every year, bettering and extending their repertory, entertaining their audiences with original pieces of music of a wide diversity. The 40 student musicians who make up this amazing instrumental ensemble are from 13 to 20 years old. They come from different musical public or private schools or associations coming from 14 towns on the island where they keep improving their musical practises. The orchestra was founded in 1986 and has been progressing since then. Today it is a philharmonic ensemble. It is composed of 50 musicians. They have made several tours in foreign countries such as Mauritius Island, South Africa, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australia, New Zealand and in France . This group is directed by Pierre VARO, accordion teacher, with the help of Jean-Claude ATGER, flute and saxophone teacher. |
New Hampshire Accordion Association Concert Series: Catfish Howl Blues Band May 18by Donna Regis |
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 New Hampshire Accordion Association [NHAA] is pleased to announce the second in a series of three monthly concerts highlighting the versatility of the accordion. NHAA and Accordion Connection LLC will co-sponsor Catfish Howl Blues Band 1:00 PM Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Accordion Connection in Gilmanton. Catfish Howl, a New England-based band, will showcase the accordion in a performance of blues, Zydeco, rock, country, and pop tunes, plus some Catfish Howl originals. A question-and-answer period will be included in the presentation. Members of Catfish Howl are Glen Robertson, accordion/vocals; Dave Bodnar, harmonica/vocals; Butch Black, bass/vocals; Scott Foxon, guitar; and Alan Trebat, drums. Seating is limited. Registration in advance is recommended. General admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door, if seats remain. Free admission for NHAA members, but registration is required. Register by phone, in person, or online at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=yelbovbab&oeidk=a07e764nxq3a2cc22ed Next concert at NHAA: June 22, 2013 – Arthur Welch More information: accman@accordionconnection.com or 1-800-328-5227. |
Mike Borelli: Guest Accordionist for SAAAby Rita Barnea |
 SAAA President, Laura Niland, invites all to hear accordionist Mike Borelli who will be the guest artist for the San Antonio Accordion Association on May 28th at 6:PM. The concert takes place at Chester's Hamburgers on NE Loop 410 between Broadway and Nacogdoches.Mike has a varied repertoire including polka music. He has performed at many festivals including the National Accordion Association Convention in Dallas and at regional festivals throughout Texas. He is also president of the Mid-Cities/Fort Worth NAA. Mike repairs and tunes accordions and also gives lessons. Donations at the door will be graciously accepted. For further information: mpborelli@sbcglobal.net |
Famous Accordion Orchestra's Annual Tourby Rita Barnea |
 The Famous Accordion Orchestra's annual World Tour of Brooklyn begins on Saturday, May 11, as they return to the 6-15 Green Garden in Park Slope. They will perform at some old familiar haunts, and visit some new ones this year.The Famous Accordion Orchestra, led by composer/accordionist Bob Goldberg, bridges the traditional and the post-modern. The Orchestra is flexible in size and makeup, and has appeared as a duo, trio, quartet, and larger ensemble. Their repertoire ranges from Stephen Foster, Rossini, Bach, Offenbach, Guy Klucevsek, Lars Hollmer, Paolo Conte, Duke Ellington and Kraftwerk, waltzes, marches, tangos and sound environments. The core group consists of Bob Goldberg, with founding members Genevieve Leloup and Mark Nathanson, along with Melissa Elledge and Rachel Swaner (both veterans of Angels and Accordions and members of Main Squeeze Orchestra) and the rhythm section of Greg Burrows on drums and Joe "Tuba" Keady on tuba. As a large group, the Orchestra has performed site-specific works such as "Accordion Forest/Neighborhood Suite", at Make Music New York 2009, and forms the musical core of "Angels and Accordions", an annual event at Brooklyn's Green-wood Cemetery, as well as private parties and events. The Famous Accordion Orchestra currently receives funding from the Brooklyn Arts Council's community arts program for its series of free concerts in Brooklyn community gardens and public spaces, and for the development of new music. Performance dates include: Saturday May 11, 2013 / 3:00 PM (Rain Date: Sunday May 12: Mothers Day) 6-15 Green Garden Spring Festival 6th Avenue and 15th Street Park Slope Saturday May 18, 2013 / 2:00 PM Kingston Avenue Festival Kingston Ave Between Pacific St and St Mark's Place Crown Heights, NY Saturday June 2 / 4:00 PM Local Produce Festival Pacific Street Garden 5th Avenue and Pacific Street Park Slope Saturday June 8 / 2:00 PM Jane Bailey Memorial Garden 327-329 Greene Avenue Fort Greene/Bed-Stuy Saturday June 8 / 6:00 PM East 4th Street Community Garden East 4th Between Fort Hamilton Pkwy and Caton Avenue Kensington The Famous Accordion Orchestra’s 2013 World Tour of Brooklyn is sponsored in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). For further information: banorchestra@earthlink.net |
CD Reviews |
Duo Feast CD by Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvinby Joan C. Sommers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Duo Feast CD by Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin, in English language, reviewed by Joan C Sommers. |