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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Video: World Series 2013 - Game 6 - Dropkick Murphys Perform - Boston
Sergei Teleshev: 2013 Roland USA Winner
Accordionist Daniel Garcia in Group Nominated for Latin Grammy
Accordionist Michael Ward-Bergeman Performs with NY Philharmonic
US & Canada Well Represented at 7th Roland International V-Accordion Festival - Italy
CIA Coupe Mondiale 2014 – Servus and Welcome to Salzburg, Austria.
Lou Coppola – AAA US Virtuoso Champion in the 1950s is still making great music six decades later
Roland's Musician of the Month: Carmen Spada
Is Music the Key to Success? New York Times Newspaper - USA
Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin Perform for Michigan Accordion Society
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Paddy Noonan to Perform for the Long Island Accordion Alliance
Video: Dr. William Schimmel Continues Busy Schedule
Bruce Gassman Enters Holiday Season
Los Tigres del Norte Performs for Immigration Reform - USA
Video: Los Tigres del Norte at the Premios Billboard 2013 - Mexico
'Play Your Accordion Without Pain', New Chapter Released
Video: Historical Performance by Luigi Bruti, Los Angeles - USA
Don Grzanna releases new music - USA
Future events |
Spokane Accordion Ensemble in November Concerts
2014 National Accordion Convention: March 5-9, 2014
New and Updated Sites |
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 I would like to thank you all …..my wonderful accordion friends around the USA and the world for your kind and comforting thoughts. My husband, Asher, was extremely supportive of my accordion activities and I will continue as I know he would have wanted me to do. I find that people who are involved with accordion/musical activities, not only have unique gifts and interests in music, but also have, in their character, the extra special and wonderful quality of being sensitive to others. Have you experienced this? I always felt this way and during these difficult personal times, I truly experienced first hand, the extra step that you took to send me your supportive and greatly appreciated feelings and thoughts. Words really cannot express how touched and grateful I am. I would like to thank former USA Editor Kevin Friedrich for being the October Guest Editor. With his great skills and kindness, he produced a superb edition. Kevin was the wonderful USA editor for the first 10 years of the USA news website. He continues to offer his professional expertise in the many accordion activities that he is involved in. When you read this month's news, you will see that amazing accordion activities are being planned and available to all of you to attend. The many videos that are featured this month will educate as well as entertain you. In the November USA news, you will read about the accordion being part of the World Series! An accordionist is in a group nominated for a Latin Grammy award! A famous actress discovers her musical talent and a special love for the accordion! New compositions are available! Roland and Coupe Mondiale news! And more! Please continue to send your ideas for the news to Ritabelll@aol.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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Video: World Series 2013 - Game 6 - Dropkick Murphys Perform - Bostonby Harley Jones |
| Video from the Baseball World Series 2013, Game 6 between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox, with the Boston Band, Dropkick Murphys, performing the National Anthem, with band member Tim Brennan on accordion. The USA Today newspaper wrote "Dropkick Murphys sang the most Boston national anthem ever. Their rendition had an accordion, a banjo, and four members of the band screaming. It was so Boston it hurt." Many millions watch the World series on TV plus a large crowd at the stadium. In the second video, Dropkick Murphys launch into their hit "Shipping Up To Boston" and the crowd go wild. A version of the national anthem was performed at Game 6 of the World Series on October 30th at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts by local band, The Dropkick Murphys. The Red Sox beat the St.Louis Cardinals and won the 2013 World Series. The Boston based band have brought good luck to their home team before, and last night was no exception as the Boston Red Sox won the world series title in front of their home town crowd at Fenway Park. A pre-game interview with the band shared their excitement about having this magnificent opportunity to perform the national Anthem in front of their home town crowd. The performance was seen by a capacity crowd of almost 40,000 at the game as well as millions in the TV audience. The Dropkick Murphys consisted of an accordion, a banjo and four members of the band singing. Dropkick Murphys also performed at Fenway earlier in the series, performing at this year’s clinching ALCS game on October 19. The band’s association with the Boston Red Sox is long and proud: Their revamp of the turn-of-the-century Red Sox rally song “Tessie” became the theme song for the team’s 2004 World Series win. And, in an impressive statistic: Dropkick Murphys have played at Red Sox games multiple times in 2004, 2007 — and at the 2013 American League Championship Series clincher — with a perfect winning record at all those games. Since their beginnings in 1996, Dropkick Murphys have risen from basic Irish-punk roots to become a self-described “rocking & rolling, raging, green-clover machine.” Starting out as a hardcore four-piece punk band, they gradually added Celtic influences and traditional folk instruments to create a unique hybrid sound that’s built them a large international fan base. The hardworking group tours nearly non-stop, and they’re particularly famous for their raucous annual St. Patrick’s Day shows in their native New England, which attract followers from all over the world. Multi-instrumentalist Tim Brennan joined the Dropkicks in 2003, first playing acoustic accordion and mandolin, and later guitar as well. Combining hard-to-amplify acoustic instruments like the accordion with loud guitar amps and pounding drums is a real live-sound nightmare, and Tim struggled for years just to hear his instrument well on stage. That all changed overnight when he discovered the FR-3 V-Accordion. Thanks to the instrument’s digital sound source, he gets the perfect accordion sound night after night, and at volumes that can compete with his raging rock band mates. As Tim puts it simply, “The V-Accordion is amazing. The members are: Al Barr, Tim Brennan, Ken Casey, Jeff DaRosa, Matt Kelly, James Lynch, Scruffy Wallace. The bands’ main goal is to play music that creates an all for one, one for all environment where everyone is encouraged to participate, sing along, and hopefully have a good time. In the true spirit of punk rock they view the band and the audience as one in the same; in other words "our stage and our microphone are yours". The DropKick Murphys will release a limited edition vinyl box set on November 5, 2013. The box includes every studio album including for the first time ever on Vinyl — the full Singles Collections Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (both on Double LP). Every album, from Do Or Die to Signed And Sealed And Blood, will be collected in a custom-designed keepsake box (complete with room to add future DKM albums!) and bundled with a 3 x 5 DKM PIRATE FLAG that we hope you’ll fly proudly.It’s a true limited edition: 2,000 copies. For further information: management@dropkickmurphys.com |
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Sergei Teleshev: 2013 Roland USA Winnerby Rita Barnea |
 Sergei Teleshev who was selected as the 2013 US Roland V Champion received the grand prize of a new Roland FR-8XB button accordion and a paid trip to Rome, Italy representing the USA in the world competition in mid October. Sergei is the accordionist with the internationally known Trio Voronezh, a group known for performing modern compositions and also using traditional Russian instruments. They are based in Eugene, OR. When Teleshev won the Roland Corporation U.S. V-Accordion Festival competition in September, he was playing a digital accordion.The purpose of the competition is to introduce and promote the latest electronic models. Teleshev played a digital accordion he had less than a week. He explained, “I had four days to prepare the program using that new instrument, since I had a really busy concert schedule. But I did that and finally I won.” The World title went to a German accordionist, Matthias Matzke, but Teleshev received a prize for most online votes on the festival’s webcast. The instrument lets Teleshev play his usual style, but it also allows him to explore his classical repertoire with over a thousand digital sounds. U.S. contestants entered the contest one of two ways: YouTube® video submission or participation within the 66th Coupe Mondiale. Both amateurs and professionals were eligible and encouraged to participate. Audition videos were accepted online this summer for the U.S. “pre-selection round,” and entrants performed on either an acoustic or digital accordion during this round. U.S. contestants chosen from the top U.S. video submissions and the top-placing U.S. contestants at the Coupe Mondiale then advanced into the “final selection round.” $300 individual scholarships were also awarded to the top U.S. contestants at the Coupe. Since stakes were much higher during the “final selection round,” the U.S. finalists were loaned V-Accordions and required to use the instrument exclusively during this round. Roland V-Accordions combine the familiar nuances of a traditional accordion with the versatility of a modern digital musical instrument and faster response, higher sensitivity and precision. With the growing number of accordion enthusiasts in the U.S. and around the world, competing in this one-of-a-kind annual event sponsored by Roland gives unique musicians a chance to share their music across borders. |
Accordionist Daniel Garcia in Group Nominated for Latin Grammyby Rita Barnea |
 Daniel Garcia of Killeen plays the accordion with Shaggy Garcia y Grupo Recuerdo. The group’s latest album, "Solo Tencha", was recently nominated for a Latin Grammy award. Other nominees in the category are:"Just Friends" by David Lee Garza; "Texas Towns and Tex-Mex Sounds" by Los Texmaniacs; "New Horizons" by Jay Perez; "El Mundo Se Acabo" by Siggno.The 14th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will take place on November 21st, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Perhaps no one was more shocked than Daniel García when the announcement was made on Sept. 25 that his band, Shaggy García y Grupo Recuerdo, was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the Best Tejano Album category. “I didn’t believe it at first,” said Garcia, a Killeen resident. “I said, ‘Why us?’ because there’s so many other great Tejano groups in Texas.” The modest 53-year-old accordionist arranged most of the music featured on Solo Tencha, the nominated album, with contributions by the group’s other members, Garcia’s brothers, Salvador and David García, and musician Les Martinez. All four members will attend the awards ceremony Nov. 21 in Las Vegas. “I’m kind of like the composer of the music, but we get together to think about different ways we can do things,” Daniel Garcia said. “We put our own little flavor into it. We try to go for the heart and make you feel it, like music that will make your hair stand up.” The music group is just a part-time gig for Daniel Garcia, who owns and operates a custom home remodeling company in Killeen. He admits nothing compares to playing music you love with the people you love. “When me and my brothers are together, we’re just so connected,” he said. “He knows where I’m going to go and vice versa, without having to tell each other. Having that feeling keeps us more motivated.” Classified as progressive Tejano, the tracks on Solo Tencha are a compilation of re-recorded songs, some written by the group’s idol, the late great Juan Sifuentes. Gilbert Velasquez, a big name in the industry known for his work with Tejano music heavyweights like the late Selena Quintanilla Perez, produced the album. The García brothers, born in El Paso into a military family, spent a great deal of their childhood in Killeen where the band formed in the late 1960s. The brothers always had an affinity for music, Daniel Garcia said. Growing up, his father, Salvador García Sr., played the guitar and his mother, Lily, sang in a local band. In the late 1970s, after performing for several years throughout Texas, the brothers fulfilled a lifelong dream when they played alongside Tejano legend Sifuentes, to whom much of Solo Tencha is dedicated. Over several decades, the band alternated between playing together and breaking up, said singer, bass player and the group’s namesake Salvador “Shaggy” Garcia, 58, who lives in San Antonio. After all three brothers suffered major health scares, ranging from heart disease to cancer, they came together again. "Solo Tencha" was the end result of that last reunion. “It took our uncle’s funeral to open our eyes and come together and say, ‘Forget about everything, we have to recuperate,’” Salvador Garcia said. “We wanted to record one more time before it was too late.” He was not as surprised by the Grammy nomination as his brother. “We had all the right stuff, and I told my brothers, ‘This thing is going to hit, you watch.’” Salvador Garcia said. |
Accordionist Michael Ward-Bergeman Performs with NY Philharmonicby Rita Barnea |
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| Accordionist Michael Ward-Bergeman performed with famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Jamey Haddad, Cyro Baptista and the NY Philharmonic for their 2013 Opening Gala on September 25, 2013. The performance was broadcast live on WQXR radio and will be televised on "Live from Lincoln Center" on PBS stations nationwide on December 31st, 2013 at 8:PMEST. An exerpt from the NY Times review of this NY Philharmonic Concert conducted by Alan Gilbert compliments the musicality of Mr. Ward-Bergeman: "In a nod to the idiom of the Baroque concerto grosso, there is a small ensemble of solo instruments that joins with the cello, including two percussionists (here Jamey Haddad and Cyro Baptista) playing an array of folkloric instruments. Most important, there is a hyper-accordion, an enhanced version of this traditional instrument, played here by Michael Ward-Bergeman. It was captivating to hear the doleful cello lines in duet with the reedy tones of the accordion." Later in the article, NY Times reviewer, Anthony Tommasini continues: "In a way it made sense to follow “Azul” with Astor Piazzolla’s Suite from “La Serie del Ángel” (“Angel Suite”), arrangements of three moody, mercurial tangos, featuring Mr. Ma revealing his inner South American in the elaborate cello solos, along with crucial solo parts for accordion (Mr. Ward-Bergeman), piano (Eric Huebner) and violin (the Philharmonic’s concertmaster, Glenn Dicterow)." Michael Ward-Bergeman is a passionate performer, songwriter and composer. His sensitive and creative approach to music making has led to performances and collaborations with world-class musicians and composers from across a wide range of genres. In 2011 he launched his GIG 365 project, which saw him performing at least one gig for every day of 2011. Performances took place at an incredibly diverse range of venues in over thirty-five states and nine countries. Highlights included performances at Gainesville Correctional Facility, Harvard Business School with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, and on the streets of New Orleans. Ward-Bergeman has enjoyed a close friendship and working relationship with composer Osvaldo Golijov for over a decade. His work with the hyper-accordion (an acoustic accordion with extended range and expressive capabilities of his own design) has been featured in many of Golijov’s compositions. Michael Ward-Bergeman’s electro-acoustic compositions have won international awards and he has premiered new works written for vocalists Dawn Upshaw and Christina Courtin at Carnegie Hall. In 2011 he was commissioned to compose for Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project. He began his work with the group as a guest artist during workshops and performances at Harvard University. Ward-Bergeman is a founding member of the North American Roots music trio Groanbox. They have released five recordings and toured extensively throughout the UK, to much critical acclaim. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. For further information: wardbergeman@gmail.com Photo by Hiroyuki Ito of Yo-Yo Ma performing Osvaldo Golijov's "Azul" with the New York Philhamonic. Michael Ward-Bergeman is the accordionist. |
US & Canada Well Represented at 7th Roland International V-Accordion Festival - Italyby Harley Jones |
Sergei Teleshev (USA) Round II Performance
Michael Bridge (Canada) Round I Performance
Michael Bridge (Canada) Round II Performance
| The 7th Roland International V-Accordion Festival was held in Rome, Italy from 17th to 19th November. The USA and Canada were well represented by Sergei Teleshev (USA) and Michael Bridge (Canada) who made very professional performances. Above are the Videos of their Round I and Round II performances. The results were: 1st Place, Matthias Matzke (Germany) 2nd Place, Petar Maric (Serbia) 3rd Place, Stanislav Malyshev (Russia) Contestants for 2013 in country order were: Mahatma Costa (Brazil), Michael Bridge (Canada), Matthias Matzke (Germany), Simone Sciammarella (Italy), Kyoko Hayashibara (Japan), Stanislav Malyshev (Russia), Petar Maric (Serbia), Thomas Hardaker (UK), Sergei Teleshev (USA). Jury members in country order: Walter Bigler (Austria), Kimmo Mattila (Finland), Frédéric Deschamps (France), Christos Kalaitzopoulos (Greece), Renzo Ruggieri (Italy), Viatcheslav Semionov (Russia), Zoran Zorko (Slovenia). Daily Reports, Results and Video at: 2013 Rome Festival |
CIA Coupe Mondiale 2014 – Servus and Welcome to Salzburg, Austria.by Kevin Friedrich |
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 The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes, a member of the International Music Council (IMC), an NGO official partner of UNESCO, will hold their 67th CIA Coupe Mondiale and 132nd General Assembly of Delegates in Salzburg, Austria from 27th October – 2nd November 2014. The event will be hosted by the CIA member in Austria – the Austrian Accordion Association - Harmonikaverband Österreichs (HVÖ). In terms of tourism, Salzburg is brand of worldwide repute. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Salzburg Festival, the baroque old town, the spirit of the Sound of Music and numerous famous visitors and residents, have all contributed to Salzburg’s profile on the world stage. The city is, and always has been, a magical place for music lovers, romantics and connoisseurs. Nor has the city lost any of its congeniality over the years. On the contrary, tradition is accompanied by modern points of contrast, creating a fascinating combination in both the city’s architecture and cultural offerings. Since it was opened in 2001, the Salzburg Congress Center, the Coupe Mondiale venue, has established itself as a popular and internationally recognised venue for seminars, congresses, trade fairs and events of every kind. The Congress Center features the "Europe Hall" seating 900 - 1,300 seats, which will be used for competitions, the Opening, evening and Awards Concerts as well as "World Accordion Orchestra VIII" (WAO) and the smaller "Karajan Hall“ with 300 seats which will be used for competitions and the General Assembly meetings. The facility also will be used for Exhibitors (in the Foyer), practice rooms for the competitors and an office for the CIA Executive Committee. Located in the center of Salzburg, the Congress Center is a six minute walk from the main railway station in Salzburg. It is anticipated that many attendees from the USA will travel to Austria to enjoy this annual International accordion extravaganza in their role as officers of the CIA (Joan C. Sommers - Vice President, Kevin Friedrich - Ambassador) as well as Delegates, members of the International Jury, performers in the World Accordion Orchestra, and as contestants in the various categories of competitions. Joan C. Sommers will conduct the World Accordion Orchestra VIII. In its eighth year, the World Accordion Orchestra will perform at the Gala Prize Giving Concert. The Austrian Accordion Association is honoured to host the Coupe Mondiale for a forth time (after Vienna 1960, Salzburg 1970 and Linz 1983) under the auspices of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA, IMC-UNESCO). The event will coincide with the 60th Harmonikaverband Österreichs (HVÖ) Anniversary Celebration! The event will be organized under the direction of Werner Weibert CIA Honorary Vice President 2014 with the event featuring seven categories of competition – Coupe Mondiale, – Junior Coupe Mondiale, – Masters Coupe Mondiale, – Virtuoso Entertainment – Junior Virtuoso Entertainment – International Competition for Digital Accordion – International Competition for Ensemble Music as well as important meetings of the CIA Executive Committee, CIA Music Committee, the General Assembly of Delegates, where members will decide the business and future plans of the CIA including the election of officiers (2014-2018). For full details including, category requirements, hotel infomation, a tentitive schedule which highlights the exciting array of guest artists who will be featured in concert, various attractions visitors can enjoy while in Salzburg and all other information, please visit www.coupemondiale.org Picture below: Organizing Team in Austria from left to right: Dr. Leopold Dercsaly, Werner Weibert, Dr. Herbert Scheibenreif, Friederike Steiner and Jacob Noordzij, and below the Salzburg Congress Centre main auditorium. |
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Lou Coppola – AAA US Virtuoso Champion in the 1950s is still making great music six decades laterby Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
  Photo on Left of Lou Coppola today.Photo on Right of Lou Coppola at age 18. See additional photos on separate page at: 2013Coppola I would like to begin by saying how very fitting and extraordinary it is to have Lou Coppola and his delightful Stereo Strings serenading us this Saturday night at the banquet celebrating the 75th anniversary of the American Accordionists' Association (AAA). Lou was the first person to win the AAA’s US Virtuoso Competition four times, taking his first trophy when he was 15 years old. His last first place status, at the age of 18, was his ticket for entrance into the Coupe Mondiale. Lou was the first AAA US Virtuoso Champion to be sent to this renowned international classical accordion solo competition (the ATG sent Joan C. Sommers the same year, another first). The year was 1955 and the event was being held in Brighton, England. This was an exciting moment for the AAA! Lou did not take home the first place trophy, but his skills were highly praised by the judges and the audiences in England. Lou came home from this exhilarating experience determined that he would spend his life as an accordionist, and he has certainly done just that. His incredible skills, warmth and musical interpretations have pleased audiences through the decades, all over the world, whether playing as a soloist, with the US Air Force Strolling Strings, or with his Stereo Strings. Since his teen years, Lou has been an active supporter of the AAA and we are so pleased to have him as a featured performer at our 75th anniversary celebration! Growing Up in Bridgeport, Connecticut A bet with his mother changed Lou’s life forever. A member of a music-loving Italian family, Lou had taken a couple of lessons from his mother on the piano and a few from his father on banjo and mandolin. But this 11 year old boy much preferred playing baseball outside every day instead of being inside practicing music. One day, recognizing unique skills in her son, Lou’s mother approached him. “I want you to take accordion lessons for one month. If you don’t enjoy it, you can quit, and you will never have to study music again.” Lou agreed to this bet to please his mother. He was brought to the studio of the highly regarded accordion instructor, Rudy Molinaro. With Rudy’s skillful coaching and talent for bonding with young people, the month turned into years, and playing the accordion became his lifelong vocation and avocation. Lou reverently credits Rudy for his outstanding training that has served him so well during his extraordinary career. Rudy Molinaro’s studio was a home away from home for the kids in the Bridgeport area in those days. AAA President, Linda Soley Reed, also studied with Rudy and shared her memories of young Lou: “Each year, Rudy would leave during the summer months and go back to Italy to visit family and do some touring. He left all of us in the hands of the slightly older, more seasoned students - in particular, Lou Coppola. My mother used to complain, ‘I hate paying some kid to give you lessons.’ But I could hardly wait for Rudy to leave so I could con Lou into giving me all of the advanced pieces that Rudy felt I wasn't quite ready for - but at the age of 11, I thought I could do it all. And Lou was so adorable in those days -- not that he isn't still adorable! When Lou received the position with the US Air Force Band, we were all so proud. To Rudy, that was the epitome of his own career - a student leading the US Air Force Strolling Strings. Rudy carried that famous "Camelot" photo of the Stereo Strings at the White House performing for President and Jackie Kennedy with him always. In case anybody missed the article, Rudy always had a copy of it tucked away in his pocket. “ The US Air Force Strolling Strings After Lou returned from England, he settled into teaching at Rudy’s studio, performing locally and preparing for college. Lou was the first accordionist to be accepted by the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. However, he never ended up going to the college. There was an opening for an accordionist with the US Air Force Band in Washington, DC and Rudy urged Lou to audition. “You’ll travel the world,” Rudy told his protégé. On October 23, 1956, Lou was accepted into this most exclusive group of instrumentalists in the US Air Force Band: the accordionists. Rudy’s prediction came true. Lou traveled the world during his 28 year tenure with the Air Force Strolling Strings. Lou, who earned the distinction of being the first non-string player to become non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the US Air Force Strings, took this elite group of musicians all over Europe and Asia frequently. The Strings performed for military audiences, for kings, queens, sultans and heads of state, but his most memorable experience was having the opportunity to perform for nine US Presidents at the White House. The Strings performed for State Dinners and official parties many times a year. “I will always treasure the unique memories of those evenings. One of my prized possessions is the photo taken by Jackie Kennedy in the White House private quarters. It was very late after a formal dinner when I found myself in the middle of an impromptu performance of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto 3rd movement with Isaac Stern and Leonard Bernstein, when Mrs. Kennedy took the picture. It is hanging in my office and always will!” And in his “spare” time… Lou’s Air Force trips were frequent, rehearsals were daily, and yet Lou and his then wife, award-winning accordionist Rose-Marie Bruno Coppola, somehow found the time to open an accordion school in their home. Both were conscientious teachers and many of their students won major competitions, including their two sons, Kevin and John. AAA Governing Board member, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, was not only one of Lou’s best students, he was also his first student in the Washington, DC area. In 1960, Lou, Rose-Marie and Carmelo Pino founded the Accordion Association of Metropolitan Washington. The group, whose members were mostly Washington and Baltimore area accordion teachers, held monthly meetings and hosted a large annual competition. They brought in accordion celebrities to perform and judge - including AAA founders, Charles Magnante and Joe Biviano, as well as Maddalena Belfiore, Julie Kasprzyk Cardona, Addie Cere and others. Lou and Rose-Marie also founded Strolling Strings Associates, Washington, DC’s premier string booking agency. They employed hundreds of musicians for many years, performing a wide variety of engagements for top corporations. Lou went on to found “Stereo Strings”, which he continues to operate today. Their past engagements list is one that any performer would envy. From playing for four Rockefeller family weddings, for the grand opening of the Pittsburgh and Reagan National Airports, to working for the city of Atlanta in their successful quest to win the Olympic games in 1996, this group has truly been privileged. They were the only musical group to take part in Atlanta’s efforts performing for them in Barcelona, Seoul and Tokyo. The Stereo Strings performed weekly at the Fort Myer Officers’ Club in Virginia for 44 years as well as the Bolling Officers’ Club in Washington, DC for 28 years. What is Lou doing these days? In the spring of 2012, much to Lou’s surprise, he was invited by George Mason University’s music department chairman to teach a course in strolling string music at the college. Lou happily accepted the challenge. By the fall semester, he had structured and was teaching, in a formal course setting, a college course for strolling strings. It was a new world for these young music majors. They had to learn chart memorization, choreography strategy, execute ensemble elements and the importance of a wide smile! The university was thrilled with their inaugural performance at the “Opera Night” dinner. Lou accepted another challenge this past spring. At the urging of his friend Joan, he played his first solo concert in 56 years for the very fortunate members of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS). The excitement in the room was like nothing we had ever seen. Lou’s entire concert was pure magic! You can hear his solos and his lovely medleys with the Stereo Strings from this event by going to YouTube and typing “Lou Coppola” in the Search box. If you are visiting the Washington, DC area, you should definitely plan a Sunday brunch at the beautiful Gaylord Conference Center at National Harbor near Alexandria, Virginia, where Lou performs and strolls weekly with a violinist and a bass player. Lou and the AAA The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) has been a part of Lou’s life since he first picked up the accordion. He participated in their annual competitions and, as previously mentioned, was the first accordionist to win four national championships. Lou has been an adjudicator and he has been the unofficial “AAA staff photographer” for decades. Through his special association with the AAA, he has also made many lifelong friendships. In Lou’s own words: “I credit the AAA for enabling me to reach and surpass many of my goals. The solid support and continual interest in my progress as a youth has contributed substantially to who I am today. I look back and realize that, through the years, the resources of this great organization have been a tremendous asset to my development as a music professional. The administrators, adjudicators, colleagues and friends of this group were, and are, very important to me! I would not be the same player or person without all of you. You have a special place in my heart. Thank you, AAA!” A special thank you to Lou from the author: I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Lou for the hours and hours he put in helping me gather photographs and historical information on the AAA when I took the job as the Archivist. I cannot imagine how I would have dealt with this enormous undertaking if I didn’t have him helping me every step of the way. Aside from my husband, no one supports me and my musical efforts for the AAA and WMAS more than Lou. I appreciate his support, encouragement and friendship more than he will ever know. Photos at: 2013Coppola Reprinted from 2013 AAA Journal For further information: Joangrauman@verizon.net |
Roland's Musician of the Month: Carmen Spadaby Rita Barnea |
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| Carmen graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, with a dual major in Piano Performance and Jazz Composition. Formally a pianist, he also studied voice and taught himself accordion while at Berklee and is in demand today in the jazz, pop and world genres for his complete range of performance and composition abilities. Inspired by advice he received from an impromptu meet-and-greet with Harry Connick Jr., Carmen slowly ventured into songwriting and won the 2010 Rose Theatre Songwriting competition for his original song “Why You Make Me Fall In Love With You”. In 2011 he received a creation grant from the Ontario Arts Council to compose original music, which was subsequently featured on his 2013 release, Buona Sera, an EP featuring original compositions and jazz arrangements of Italian folk songs. Produced by Marc Rogers (Emma Lee, Ash and Bloom), this release features Carmen’s complete musical skill set, including pianist, accordionist, vocalist, composer (2 tracks), arranger and orchestrator (all tracks). He is backed by some of Canada’s finest horn players as well as an internationally acclaimed rhythm section of Marc Rogers on bass (The Philosopher Kings, Michael Kaeshammer) and Mark McLean on drums (George Michael, Peter Cincotti). Carmen is infatuated with Roland V-Accordions and has been a featured guest artist at their annual V-Accordion Championships. He currently shares his time between Toronto and Boston, and has recently started touring as a member of New Orleans vocalist Henri Smith’s band and with Juno award winning guitarist, Robert Michaels. |
Is Music the Key to Success? New York Times Newspaper - USAby Harley Jones |
 Excerpts from an article by Joanne Lipman, NY Times, 12th October 2013Condoleeza Rice trained to be a concert pianist. Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, was a professional clarinet and saxophone player. The hedge fund billionaire Bruce Kovner is a pianist who took classes at Juilliard. Multiple studies link music study to academic achievement. But what is it about serious music training that seems to correlate with outsize success in other fields? The connection isn’t a coincidence. I know because I asked. I put the question to top-flight professionals in industries from tech to finance to media, all of whom had serious (if often little-known) past lives as musicians. Almost all made a connection between their music training and their professional achievements. The phenomenon extends beyond the math-music association. Strikingly, many high achievers told me music opened up the pathways to creative thinking. And their experiences suggest that music training sharpens other qualities: Collaboration. The ability to listen. A way of thinking that weaves together disparate ideas. The power to focus on the present and the future simultaneously. Will your school music program turn your kid into a Paul Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft (guitar)? Or a Woody Allen (clarinet)? Probably not. These are singular achievers. But the way these and other visionaries I spoke to process music is intriguing. As is the way many of them apply music’s lessons of focus and discipline into new ways of thinking and communicating — even problem solving. Look carefully and you’ll find musicians at the top of almost any industry. Woody Allen performs weekly with a jazz band. The television broadcaster Paula Zahn (cello) and the NBC chief White House correspondent Chuck Todd (French horn) attended college on music scholarships; NBC’s Andrea Mitchell trained to become a professional violinist. Both Microsoft’s Mr. Allen and the venture capitalist Roger McNamee have rock bands. Larry Page, a co-founder of Google, played saxophone in high school. Steven Spielberg is a clarinetist and son of a pianist. The former World Bank president James D. Wolfensohn has played cello at Carnegie Hall. “It’s not a coincidence,” says Mr. Greenspan, who gave up jazz clarinet but still dabbles at the baby grand in his living room. “I can tell you as a statistician, the probability that that is mere chance is extremely small.” The cautious former Fed chief adds, “That’s all that you can judge about the facts. The crucial question is: why does that connection exist?” Read the full article (English) at: 2013Success.pdf Joanne Lipman is a co-author, with Melanie Kupchynsky, of the book “Strings Attached: One Tough Teacher and the Gift of Great Expectations.” Harley Jones, CIA Public Relations, writes: I believe, that the accordion is probably the best instrument of all with the greatest benefits because: - the physical and mental activity of using the bellows in combination with: - the different treble and bass keyboards - accordionists are playing a melody plus accompaniment - accordion is an excellent group training instrument which means an enormous mental stimuli while enjoying yourself playing the accordion. This is an important study for parents of young children to know about, as music education today has many competitors and we need to make our voice heard to ensure an accordion education is fully appreciated and considered by all parents." |
Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin Perform for Michigan Accordion Societyby Rita Barnea |
 Michigan Accordion Society President Joe Recchia invites you all to their next scheduled event on Tuesday November 19th 2013 at the Forestre Banquet Center in Rochester Hills, MI located at 1919 StarBatt Drive Starting at 7:00 PM. This will be a very special event featuring two great artists Mr. Stas Venglevski Accordionist and Mr. Misha Litvin - Mandolinist. They are both originally from Moldova, Russia.Stas Venglevski's artistry, sensitivity, creativity and dazzling technical command have brought him, who hails from the Republic of Moldava, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan. His repertoire includes his own original compositions and a broad range of classical, ethnic and contemporary music. He has toured extensively nationally and internationally as a soloist and guest artist with symphony orchestras. Stas has produced numerous recordings and has published several books of original compostions. Stas is an accomplished and well known conductor and has conducted many prominent accordion orchestras at festivals around the country . Mischa Litvin is a master mandolinist and domra (Russian-style mandolin) player. He has soloed with chamber orchestras in Russia, Italy, Germany and elsewhere, and is a professor of mandolin at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Muisc. He is originally from Minsk, Belarus and holds a masters degree in orchestra conducting and music education. Mischa performs frequently with Stas and other duet partners in the US and around the world. Both Stas and Mischa currently reside in Milwaukee. Marie Osborne award winning Journalist from CBS WWJ radio will attend the concert and write a story on the Michigan Accordion Society, interviewing members, guests and also recording performers at the event for a three part Radio Broadcast series that will air on CBS WWJ 950 Radio shortly after the November event. Tickets are $8.00 for Members and $10.00 for non members which also includes pizza and snacks with a Open Cash Bar. The Michigan Accordion Society, established in June, 1996 is an association for promoting and sharing the music of the Accordion. Currently there are over 150 members and growing. Their first purpose is to promote the accordion as a beautiful and versatile instrument. It is capable of accompanying music of all types, from classical, jazz, and rock, to the more traditional polkas and folk songs. They would like to see more young people learning how to play and appreciate the accordion. The second purpose is sharing accordion music within the communities. Their monthly meetings include professional artists and amateurs playing a variety of music All members are encouraged to participate in the "ACCORDION JAM". In addition MAS help advertise where and when members are playing. Their future projects include forming some small ensembles playing at local malls, schools, and churches to share accordion music with the public. For further information: webmaster@michiganaccordion.org Phone: 248-652-9154 |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Actress Mary Steenburgen Finds a New Passion ... for the Accordion!by Rita Barnea |
 Video above, excerpt from Mary Steenburgen TV interview.Mary Steenburgen, Oscar winning actress, had minor surgery on her arm. After waking up one day later, she discovered she suddenly had a musical ability for writing songs. She has now written or co-written over 40 songs and was signed as a composer by Universal Music! Her favorite instrument is the accordion! Mary said, I'm obsessed by it. I love it beyond belief. There's something about it that just appeals to me. I don't know why." Her husband, former Cheers star Ted Danson, bought Mary her first accordion on Valentine's Day. Mary was born February 8, 1953, in Newport, Arkansas, USA. Her mother, Nellie May (Wall) Steenburgen, was a school-board secretary, and her father, Maurice H. Steenburgen, was a freight-train conductor. Her surname comes from distant Dutch ancestry, and has roots also include English, Scottish, and Welsh. Young Steenburgen was fond of arts and literature. She grew up tap-dancing her way through talent shows and school functions. She was active in her school drama class. After appearing in a number of high school plays, she enrolled at Hendricks College, a highly progressive Southern School located in Conway, Arkansas. Upon the recommendation of her drama professor, she left college in 1972 and moved to New York to study acting professionally. In the past several years, Mary Steenburgen has emerged as one of the most accomplished and sought-after screen actresses. Ever since Jack Nicholson 'discovered' her and cast her as a sassy adventuress in his rollicking western, Goin' South (1978), her career has skyrocketed and she has won acclaim for exceptional performances in each of her diverse film roles. In Nicholas Meyer's Time After Time (1979), Steenburgen was afforded critical praise for her portrayal of a somewhat dippy but liberated young bank clerk in San Francisco who crosses paths, via time machine, with English author H.G. Wells (played by Malcolm McDowell), who later became her husband. In 1980 she shot to fame with her role as Lynda Dummar in Melvin and Howard (1980) for which she won Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. More recently, Steenburgen again impressed audiences and critics alike with her stunning performance as the strong-willed turn-of-the-century Mother in Ragtime (1981). Steenburgen is a notable patron of arts. She is also an active supporter of humanitarian causes. She has two children from her previous marriage to actor Malcolm McDowell. Since 1995 she has been married to actor Ted Danson, and the couple are living in the Los Angeles area. |
Paddy Noonan to Perform for the Long Island Accordion Allianceby Rita Barnea |
 Internationally acclaimed guest artist, Paddy Noonan will perform for the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 6:30 PM at La Villini Restaurant. 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, New York. Since the 1960’s, the name Paddy Noonan has been synonymous with Irish music. This accomplished accordionist has established a reputation for delighting audiences all around the globe, not only with his own talents, but also as a director and promoter of top class entertainment. Paddy discovered music as his first love shortly after arriving in New York City from County Cork at the age of 12. It has been through his gift of music that Paddy has endeared himself to audiences of all ethnic backgrounds, winning international stardom for four decades. After breaking into the cabaret scene at the ripe old age of 16, Paddy later went on to gain popularity by playing at the New York City Center Ballroom, then the dancing “Mecca” for Irish music lovers during the 50’s and early 60’s. Those who have seen Paddy and his all star line-up in action know that they’re in for a lively performance. One that will keep their toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and a smile on each and every face! Paddy’s own warmth and personal charisma have won him a unique rapport with his audiences. Paddy often does solo presentations offering an international program of Happy Music , Sing-a longs and an enjoyable session of ‘Story Telling” based on the humor and observations collected in his years of entertaining and traveling near and far.Will he ever slow down? When asked about his retirement, with a twinkle in his eye he’ll tell you that “when someone calls and asks me to play at their wedding, and mentions that I played at their grandparents’ wedding, I think then it will be time to put away the accordion!” Please join then for a fun filled evening of music. There is no December meeting of the LIAA. For further information: paddynoonan@optonline.net Reservations are recommended for the LIAA event. For further information on the evening: dkarcic10@verizon.net |
Video: Dr. William Schimmel Continues Busy Scheduleby Rita Barnea |
 AAA Board Member, Dr. William Schimmel is always involved in many musical projects which feature the accordion. Video: Schimmel appeared this summer, August 15th, at Lincoln Center during the Mostly Mozart Festival performing his own arrangement (reality) on Beethoven's "Egmont Overture". He also performed, on this program, a work for accordion and cello composed by Mathais Pnitscher. (not on video) A studio recording of the Beethoven will soon be available for purchase. The concert which included both selections was repeated on September 17th at the International Beethoven Conference in Chicago. Dr. William Schimmel and his wife, Micki Goodman, have produced a new video called "Inside/Outside Insight". On September 29th, Dr. Schimmel's new work, "Gran Torino", was premiered by the Colonials, a new group that specializes in period music of all eras. This work was scored for accordion, piano, and Baroque violin, viola, cello and contrabass. The concert took place at Spectrum in New York. On October 17th, Dr. Schimmel performed with the Either/Or Ensemble at the Miller Theatre/Columbia University in a tribute to John Cage's 100 Year Anniversary. The title of the piece was "Cage100partypieces". 125 composers contributed to this massive work in honor of Cage. The concert was broadcast on German TV. Richard Carrick conducted. The 2014 Accordion Seminars will take place on August 1,2, and 3rd at the Tenri Cultural Institue. The title of the weekend will be: "The Everyday Accordion: Ordinary X Proper=Radiant". This will be the 20th Anniversary year for the Seminars. The event is sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association under the Title "AAA Master Class and Concert Series". Dr. William Schimmel is the moderator/curator. The Order of the Shield Diploma was awarded to three candidates: Erica Mancini, Peter Flint and Deborah Magocsi. The Order of the Shield is a private studies program on a graduate level. It follows the principals of the Neupauer Conservatory fusing accordion cultural history with mainstream musical cultural history. Dr. Schimmel is the mentor. There is a New York Times review for Egmont and the rest of the program in print on August 17, 2013 on page C4 of the New York edition with the headline: "Squuezebox and Strings as Charmers, Coaxing New Magic from Beethoven" by Anthony Tommasini. Plan to attend the 2014 AAA Seminars. More information will be included in future articles in the USA news. The AAA Seminars at the Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City include three unique days of performances, lectures, and opportunities for you to experience the accordion in new and innovative ways. For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Bruce Gassman Enters Holiday Seasonby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Bruce Gassman has a busy holiday season beginning this month. On November 15, he will be joining Danny White and his band at the Stone Pony for his CD release party. Bruce performs in two of the songs. Bruce will start his 6th season with Holiday Express (their 21st season) as the only accordionist to ever perform with them. The Holiday Express mission is to deliver music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and throughout the year. Photo on Right: Joey Petosa, Bruce Gassman, Joe Petosa Founded in 1993, by Tim McLoone, Holiday Express works year-round to deliver music, food, gifts, and human kindness to adults and children in need, including the mentally and physically disabled, the isolated, individuals in addiction and recovery programs, the poor and the homeless, and children with serious illnesses. With a constituency of more than 15,000 throughout the metropolitan tri-state area, our priority is to serve those who are desperately in need and often forgotten. Nearly two decades ago, a small group of volunteers visited 10 charities. From that time, and a rather uncertain beginning, the charity programs have grown to a remarkable 60, slated from mid-November through Christmas Eve and Holiday Express is now an anchor in the community. The organization includes 100 professional singers and musicians who volunteer their time, and more than 1,300 other children and adult volunteers who work tirelessly year-round to prepare and perform the private charity programs at specialized schools, psychiatric facilities, homeless shelters and soup kitchens. The from-the-heart troupe of musicians with several dozen support volunteers, bring music, friendship, hope and joy. These programs include a meal, gift bags, raffle prizes, face painting, crafts and the company of colorful characters including Frosty, the Grinch, Santa, and lots of Elves. Bruce had a very busy summer, both solo performances and with the Accordion Pops Orchestra. Groups he performs with include: Zydeco/Surf Rock & Blues with HP and his Hot Takeout Band along the Jersey Shore....Club 709 and also The Ark Pub in Pt. Pleasant Beach; Langosta Lounge, the Beach Bar and the Anchor Bar, all in Asbury Park, NJ. Even the "other Bruce", Springsteen stopped by to hear a few songs at the Beach Bar (Convention Hall) in Asbury Park early August before he left for his tour in South America. On October 20th at the Longosta Lounge in Asbury Park, Vince Martell, legendary guitarist from Vanilla Fudge joined the Hot Takeout Band for an hour long set. Mr.Gassman's extensive accordion background began at age 9. He performed his first Senior Recital at age 11 and his first guest appearance as a soloist with a symphony orchestra at age 12. In 1961, Bruce won the National Boy's Club of America Music Scholarship Award and for the next 4 years he studied with Maestro Joseph Biviano of New York City (1961-65). Also in 1961, Bruce formed his first band, The Metrotones. In 1962, at the age of 15, Bruce became the youngest member of the Accordion Symphony Society of NY, and at his first concert on December 2, of that year; they performed at Town Hall featuring the immortal Charles Magnante as guest soloist. Bruce also performed with the orchestra at the Singer Bowl - New York Worlds Fair on August 7, 1964. While in college, (1965-69) and playing rock & roll, he toured the Mid-West with the Escorts, Doc & the MD's and The Broadway Clique. Once back East, and now playing a Hammond B-3 and Fender Rhodes piano, his 1969-70 Jersey Shore rock scene experience involved performances at many area night clubs including The Pandemonium, The Student Prince and The Upstage; jamming with stars such as James Cotton and B.B. King and several future stars including Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny. For the next three years, Bruce traveled throughout the North-East with the then famous cover band, Waterfront. Returning to his accordion roots in 1974 and with electronic accordions becoming more current, he formed The Bruce Gassman Orchestra. For the next 18 years Bruce performed at more than 2,500 private parties. In 1992 he stopped playing to focus on his family and his real estate career. After a 15 year sabbatical, Bruce knew it was time to "get back on the field". He attended an AAA meeting in 2007 and that started the come-back. First, Bruce joined Dan Desiderio and the Accordion Pops Orchestra; and then in 2008 became the first accordionist ever to perform with Holiday Express, a group of 100 professional musicians and 1,500 volunteers who, from Thanksgiving till Christmas, bring the gift of human kindness to those less fortunate. Each year, Holiday Express performs more than 55 shows at Developmental Centers, Psychiatric Hospitals and Children’s Special Schools. Bruce also finds joy in performing every year for the “Light of Day Foundation”, which raises significant amounts of money for research to cure Parkinson’s disease. Bruce was also a guest performer at the “Restore The Shore” benefit concert, which is the official Charity formed by NJ Gov. Chris Christie, to help those in need after Superstorm Sandy. Since 2009, Bruce has presented workshops, conducted and been a featured performer at numerous accordion clubs, conventions and festivals. They include LVIAC (Las Vegas International Accordion Convention), NAAC (National Accordion Association Convention), and ATG (Accordion Teachers Guild, International, AAA (American Accordionists’ Association), MAMTG/AAMS (Mid-Atlantic Music Teachers Guild), CAA (Connecticut Accordion Club), WMAS (Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society), Leavenworth, WA Accordion Celebration, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Accordion Extravaganza and Wallace, Idaho Accordion Festival. In just three short years, Bruce has shared a stage with such legends as the late Art Van Damme, Dick Contino, the late Frank Marocco, Tony Lovello and Peter Soave. In addition, he has performed with young stars, such as Cory Pesaturo, Sam Thomas and Michael Bridge. You can also catch Bruce playing in Jersey Shore night clubs and at private parties. Most recently, he has been performing with the Stormin’ Norman Seldin Revue, which always features some of New Jersey’s top rock musicians and Howard Parker’s “Hot Takeout Zydeco Band”. He is also the accordionist for many of the Jersey artists’ recording. sessions. For further information: accordion2bruce@gmail.com |
Los Tigres del Norte Performs for Immigration Reform - USAby Harley Jones |
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| Excerpts from an article by David Montgomery, Washington Post newspaper. The rally for immigration reform became a singalong Tuesday afternoon for thousands on the otherwise shutdown Mall. Los Tigres del Norte — the biggest, most beloved band that many English-speaking Americans have never heard of — were onstage, and almost everyone in the audience seemed to know every word. Which is basically the message of the Tigres song “The Cage of Gold” — a story of that bittersweet sense of accomplishment in a new land at the cost of losing connections in the old one. Los Tigres del Norte — four brothers and a cousin — looked like businessmen in their dark suits at breakfast in a downtown hotel Tuesday. They maintain courtly, old-world manners. They had played shows in three towns in Mexico on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, finishing between 3 and 5 each morning. Shows usually end that late in order to satisfy all fans’ requests for songs and photos. Los Tigres are scheduled to perform and be honored Wednesday at the Billboard Mexican Music Awards in Hollywood. Then they are off to perform in Bogota, Colombia’s capital. The logistics are staggering. They have a Mexican set of equipment — for shows in that country and internationally — and an American set of equipment. The Mexican gear was pressed into service for Washington, because the American set was needed in Hollywood. Both sets include drums, accordions, electric bass, saxophone and three bajo quintos or bajo sextos, which are 10- and 12-string guitarlike instruments. Usually the band members come in for breakfast after a show, then sleep until late afternoon. This time, they were due for a sound check on the Mall at 9 a.m. |
Video: Los Tigres del Norte at the Premios Billboard 2013 - Mexicoby Harley Jones |
| Video of popular USA and South American group Los Tigres del Norte were featured at the recent Premios Billboard 2013. Video was released 10th October 2013. |
'Play Your Accordion Without Pain', New Chapter Releasedby Harley Jones |
  John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP) has released the 8th chapter of his book 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain'. An eBook, readers can enjoy the convenience of having the chapters e-mailed in Acrobat .pdf format.This exciting eBook is being published chapter by chapter, with about one chapter being released each month. Released chapters to date are: 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 Chapter 7 - The Great Accordion Myth Uncovered Chapter 8 - The Elbow Revisited This latest chapter covers in detail two of the most common yet difficult elbow problems to resolve and what you can do. 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 e-mail as it is released. For more information, and to purchase the eBook: John Bonica |
Video: Historical Performance by Luigi Bruti, Los Angeles - USAby Harley Jones |
| This historic video was released and published on Sep 29, 2013 and just before the 7th Roland V-Accordion Festival in Rome next weekend. Luigi Bruti (Marketing Director of Roland Europe SpA, a pioneer developer of the Roland V-Accordion), in 2007 with the Roland FR-7 V-Accordion, made a debut at "Carpenter Performing Arts Center", the theater in Long Beach, Los Angeles, where Luigi Bruti introduced the first V-Accordion (FR-7) during the "Organ Power" concert. This was at the time of the NAM Show where the V-Accordion was being displayed to the first time to the industry and the public. |
Don Grzanna releases new music - USAby Harley Jones |
  Don Grzanna - accordionist, composer, performer, releases 3 new compositions for accordion available for purchase online at:Donald E Grzanna 'Argentine Tango For Accordion', catalog: grza180, 'Argentine Tango Advanced Accordion', catalog: grza181, 'French Tango Advanced Accordion Solo', catalog: grza182 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. There is also 4 CD's available and some 75 compositions and arrangements online at: Donald E Grzanna |
Future events |
November is National Accordion Monthby Rita Barnea |
| The public is invited to attend all events, free of charge as the Acme Accordion School, hosts their annual Accordion Day Events on Sunday, November 3, 2014 from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM.The location is Acme Accordion School, 322 Haddon Ave., Westmont (Haddon Township), NJ 08108 This is a family friendly event, great for all ages. Events begin at 10:30 AM where accordionists may sign up to perform a solo or two until 11:30. 11:45 to 12:30 will be the setting up for the Accordion Day photo for all accordionists who wish to participate. Bring your accordion if possible. Our goal is 150 accordion players or more. All ages are invited. Enjoy meeting new friends. Bring your family. The photo will be followed by a concert that will feature guest performers: Suzy Andrew, Tom Groeber and Jim Cantor, all from Pennsylvania. Jim Cantor will feature the accordion in the jazz style. Tom Groeber will perform German Bavarian fest music on the piano accordion as well as a button box especially designed for this type of music. Suzy Andrew will perform literature from the standard accordion repertoire, including the "Rhapsody in Blue". The Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra and the Westmont Accordion Club will perform the famous Diamond Music - "Palladio" of Karl Jenkins, "Oblivion" by Astor Piazzolla and more. For more information: Joanna Darrow: Phone: 856-854-6628 |
Spokane Accordion Ensemble in November Concertsby Rita Barnea |
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| The Spokane Accordion Ensemble, conducted by Beverley Fess of Calgary, Canada, will perform at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, November 14, 2013. The location is 812 N. 5th St., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. They will also perform on Friday, November 15th, 2013 at 7:PM at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 24th & Grand Blvd., Spokane. The Spokane Accordion Ensemble is a unique blend of players of all ages with a common love of music and the accordion. It is a close-knit group that really enjoys just being together – rehearsals are serious but fun, too. The Ensemble had its beginning many years ago, sometime in the fifties or sixties as a group of accordion teachers and their advanced students. It is a dedicated group – several travel up to two to three hours each way to attend weekly rehearsals. The Ensemble enjoys entertaining for a wide variety of audiences, from small groups to national conventions, such as the National Studebaker convention, the Leavenworth Accordion Festival, The Kimberley B.C. Accordion Festival, First Night Spokane, a number of retirement centers, Oktoberfests, luncheons, and several performances at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane. Their repertoire ranges from Bach to old standards, Broadway melodies, Movie themes, and yes – a couple of polkas! The suggested donation at the door is $10.00 which funds ensemble expenses and scholarships. If you would like to arrange entertainment for your group or organization, please call President Eileen Webber at 509-290-6858. |
2014 National Accordion Convention: March 5-9, 2014by Rita Barnea |
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| Be sure to Save the Date for the 2014 National Accordion Association Convention: March 5-9, 2014! As always, it promises to be packed with informative workshops, exciting concerts with extraordinary musicians, reunions with friends and new friends to meet, and just plain fun. It will be held again in Plano, Texas, this time at the Southfork Hotel. The 2014 convention will be the 27th year of the National Accordion Association's meeting. The convention will include play-along sessions, workshops, presentations, jam sessions, a dance party and several concerts. The NAA Board of Directors is meeting regularly to put together a fantastic convention. The focus is changing from accordion music to a music convention that features accordion. What does that mean? Make plans to attend the March 2014 Convention to find out. More information in future USA editions. For further information: natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net |
New and Updated Sites |
New Compositions by Karen Fremarby Karen Fremar |
| New Compositions have been added to the website of Karen Fremar which now has some 21 original accordion eSheet (can be sent to clients by email) compositions available online. Included in the works available is the 2008 Coupe Mondiale Test Piece 'Fantasy Op. 67', as well as a number of simpler works for young / less advanced players. Samples of the music can be viewed at: Karen Fremar |