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U.S. National Accordion News - 01-Dec-2022
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Highlights

Editor's Note
Accordion Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Family
ATG Professional Development Seminar: Michael Bridge’s Doctoral Thesis
National Accordion Convention (NAA): March 15-19, 2023
Cory Pesaturo Performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Sellout: Kevin Friedrich and Friends 2022 Christmas Concert, Dargaville - New Zealand
"Update on Jane Christison, Accordionist, Entertainer, and More!"
Sam Reider: Accordionist, Pianist, Composer, Educator
Gift Idea: “Accordions Rising” Something New Has Been Added

Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc.

Gary Schreiner Performs with Peter Calo at Jazz on Main in Mt. Kisco, NY
Great Gift Idea: “Petosa 100th Anniversary Book: An American Accordion Story”
Alex Meixner at Tomball German Festival Christmas Market -
San Francisco Bay Area Accordionist, Anand Joseph, in “Amélie” Debut
New England Digital Accordion Orchestra Unveils Newest Arrangement with a New Look
Klezmatics Present Hanukkah at The Falcon in Marlboro, NY on December 10
Gift Idea Created by Joan Grauman to Assist A World of Accordions Museum
AAA Commissioned Works Update on the AAA Website
Eddie Monteiro and Warren Vache Perform at Shanghai Jazz on December 28
An Accordion Holiday at the Mattatuck on December 10
Silicon Valley Accordion Society Presents Paul Abersold and Christine Capsuto-Shulman
Brooklyn Accordion Club presents Virtuoso Accordion Concert Series Fall/Winter 2022-2023
Cafe Accordion Orchestra: Cafe Christmas on December 8

Future events

Chubby Carrier Entertains on New Year’s Eve
Not Just Oompah! Presents Shirley Johnson
Kim and Dan Christian Lead Branson Accordion Extravaganza/ Band Camp 2023
LIAC Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 22-25, 2023

Over 2,100 titles of eSheet music, sent to you by email, secure server bank online payment

Highlights

Editor's Note

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Welcome to the last Accordion USA News publication of 2022. In 2023, you will see an expanded version of the news with even more articles, videos, stories, and information. There is so much happening in the accordion world! Live events are more frequent. Live stream and zoom workshops, concerts etc. are also available.

Happily and thankfully, we are back to live accordion events! Isn’t it amazing how we truly appreciate live concerts and interacting with our fellow accordionists even more now?

Please consider this year, more than ever, helping to support our accordion colleagues by purchasing holiday gifts from their online websites. Not only will you be giving a unique musical gift, but, at the same time, you will be helping to support them during these difficult times. In this publication, you will read many articles and you will think of gift ideas. I thank you in advance for your consideration of the people who bring music, light, joy, and positivity to all of us. Check out the various articles with gift ideas for your favorite accordion lover.

It is amazing to me that with this publication, I have completed FOURTEEN fabulous, exciting and fulfilling years as National Editor! Over the years I have produced 168 publications and over 4200 articles! Time flies when you are having fun, as the saying goes. And as the years goes by, I enjoy my position even more. I feel it is both a great honor and huge responsibility to serve as National Editor of www.accordionusa.com sharing with readers all types of information about the accordion.

I have been very fortunate to work with the AWW Editor and Founder, the amazing Harley Jones ! Where in the world is he? Always traveling and participating in accordion events all over the globe but never too busy to assist and guide me with publication questions. I have learned so much from him and continue to learn from him. I also want to thank former National Editor Kevin Friedrich for his encouragement and continuing support.

Most importantly I want to thank YOU, the readers, for helping www.accordionusa.com to become one of the most popular accordion sites (along with the other AWW publications) on this planet!

In 2022, this USA News publication had almost 1 million page views! So we can surely conclude that there is a continuing and growing HUGE interest in the accordion!

I would like to encourage you all to continue participation in the accordion world! What is the accordion world? You know what it is. It is a network, a special bonding, an instant friendship, a musical bonding, a sharing of feelings and ideas about the wonderful world of the accordion. As your National Editor, I enjoy presenting the accordion at all levels of accomplishment from beginner to professional. All are worthy of recognition for the great effort involved in learning the instrument. Additionally, the added great benefit is the wonderful people you can meet that ordinarily you would never encounter. The accordion unites us all bonding us with our love of music and the accordion.

Please read the AWW publications especially the USA News. I welcome you all to continue sending me your ideas and comments. I like to present an eclectic, well rounded concept of what the accordion is all about. By reading the USA News, you will learn of events, concerts, festivals, performers on the North American continent. With our featured videos, you can actually hear and see the performers. Did you know that ALL of the articles in every publication remain accessible in the permanent archives on these sites. Simply click on “Past News Index” at the top of the page.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season. The holidays are quickly approaching! So much shopping to do. But wait, the holidays are much more than frenzied buying sprees!

It is time to think about others who are less fortunate. You can be generous with whatever musical talents you possess. What about sharing your holiday songs by playing for a senior center, hospital, or family gathering. And, if you are not yet comfortable with actually physically going to these places, you can still entertain on Skype, FaceTime, ZOOM or other social media sites.

As those of us who have played for people already know… everyone enjoys music and marvels at HOW DO YOU DO THAT? on the accordion? The buttons, the keys, the bellows…. adults and children are always fascinated with the accordion. Playing the accordion is both pleasing to the ear and captivating to the eye. It is never boring! And never to late to learn to play!

So, why not be brave and go out there and play whatever you know for someone who doesn't know the accordion! Get over your shyness and just go and play. I guarantee it will be rewarding.

And…… since you are still going to go shopping anyway…….. please consider supporting the many accordion artists, composers, and writers…… who have created many wonderful musical gifts that you can consider giving as presents. They are inexpensive and you will be giving a gift that is entertaining, educational and, at the same time, supportive of our fellow musicians. Gift ideas include accordion related DVD’s, CD’s, tickets to an accordion event, a new accordion, etc.

Don't forget that while you are making time for shopping, put aside some time for practicing and sharing your music. Make sure you read the 2023 January USA news for a comprehensive list and description of upcoming festivals, concerts, and more! Live events are here now to stay!

A very special thank you to my fiancé, Dr. Leslie Strong, who continues to always encourage my accordion activities and enjoys attending accordion events with me! I greatly appreciate his constant understanding, support and enthusiasm!

The (AWW) Accordions Worldwide Family wishes all readers and their families from around the world, happy, healthy, safe, joyful and musical festivities this season.

Editor Rita Barnea
Ritabelll@aol.com

Accordion Repairs Made Easy by John Reuther

Accordion Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Family

by Harley Jones

Christmas Gift ideas for friends and family at: 2022 Xmas Gift Ideas

These ideas have been compiled to hopefully attract your Xmas gift money to be spent with accordion artists, composers, arrangers and publishers.

Please support accordion artistry and choose from over 2,400 eSheet pieces, 310 CD/DVD’s, 2,000 eTracks, 1,000 plus printed works and numerous books (text) to choose from. 2022 Xmas Gift Ideas

The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by famous accordion repairer and tuner Thierry Benetoux

ATG Professional Development Seminar: Michael Bridge’s Doctoral Thesis

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

On Sunday, December 4, 2022 1:00 PM Central Time, plan to attend the ATG Professional Development Presentation to learn more about bellows and performance techniques to improve your own playing or your teaching. You will want to see Michael Bridge’s presentation of his doctoral thesis: “Expressive Virtuosity on the Accordion” which he defended in November 2022 at the University of Toronto.

The title of his thesis is: “Expressive Virtuosity on Accordion: The Performance Techniques of Joseph Macerollo, O.C.” and also features interviews with renowned European professors Geir Draugsvoll and Claudio Jacomucci. Michael will present his overall research, plus several specific bellows, legs, and finger techniques he researched, which are immediately applicable to any genre of accordion playing. Participants will receive 7-10 pages to read beforehand.

Michael Bridge is a virtuoso performer on both the acoustic accordion and the digital accordion. Michael’s concerts capture the energy and panache of stadium rock with the elegance and discipline of chamber music. He was named one of CBC’s 30 under 30 classical musicians.

Michael Bridge is a musical maverick. He’s a virtuoso performer on both the acoustic accordion and its 21st Century cousin, the digital accordion. His concerts capture the energy and panache of stadium rock with the elegance and discipline of chamber music. He has won numerous competitions in Canada and abroad and was named one of CBC’s 30 under 30 classical musicians.

Michael recently received a doctorate in performance from the University of Toronto and became a Rebanks Fellow at the Glenn Gould School. He gives over 100 concerts a year as a soloist and as a member of both the “Bridge & Wolak” duo and “Ladom Ensemble”. He’s in huge demand for masterclasses around the world. Bridge embraces a musical aesthetic that is alternatively irreverent, deadly serious, meticulously prepared and completely in-the-moment. He’s at home with jazz, folk and classical music and has premiered 53 new works. Ultimately, he aims to make your world more bearable, beautiful and human – even if only for the length of a concert. www.MichaelBridge.ca

Open to all!
Pre-registration only:
$40 ATG member
$65 non-members
$20 full-time students (school & post-secondary)
No refund

For further information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/atg-professional-development-seminar-michael-bridges-doctoral-thesis-tickets-471620338127?fbclid=IwAR12HudznLmmqBxG_Ds83Au2xmq6bhGDVUz4vm9C2Mi0MKZAsaWbltl5q1o

For further information: Michael@michaelbridgemusic.com

If you cannot attend the live event, the recorded session will be sent to you after the event.

National Accordion Convention (NAA): March 15-19, 2023

by Dr. Norman Seaton

The National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention will be held from March 15-19, 2023 at the Hilton Hotel, Richardson, Texas.

The 2023 NAA Convention Planning Team is requesting that the conventioneers and presenters use Higher Learning techniques to flip the NAA Convention from a lecture-oriented event to a Participatory Model as described in the Harvard University article: Twenty Ways To Make Lectures More Participatory: TwentyWays.pdf

The first step in “flipping a convention” is to survey the known accordion-playing population to ask accordionists what they want to learn when attending an accordion convention. The You Tell Us Survey was delivered, the results were analyzed. A summary of the easy-to-read results are online: 2022NAA-Survey

2023 National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention Musical Genres:
The convention will feature 2023 versions of American Music that is marketable as today’s music. The music is a combination of contemporary American music originated by USA immigrants who brought their musical values and traditions as they joined the great American melting pot. Our music is a blend of musical styles that include, but are not limited to, popular tunes, folk music, country and western (C&W), ballads that tell a story, rock and roll, polkas and waltzes, European music, Gospel, and jazz. (Results summarized by Dr. Norman Seaton)

2023 National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention Higher Learning Opportunities:
High on the survey requests include learning opportunities such as creative thinking and applying to music, ear-training, articulation and bellows control, practice techniques, sightreading, musical theory, performing techniques, and performance opportunities.

For complete information, visit our website at: http://www.accordions.com/naa

National Accordion Convention Planning Team

Cory Pesaturo Performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Video: BSO, Elena Langer’s “Divorce of Figaro”, Accordionist Cory Pesaturo “CPez” Intro

Cory Pesaturo performed on November 26, 2022 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Elena Langer’s Suite from “Figaro Gets a Divorce” conducted by Anna Rakitina . It is a shorter orchestral version of the opera, “Figaro Gets a Divorce”, based on Ödön von Horváth’s 1936 play, which draws on characters invented by Pierre Beaumarchais, the playwright behind Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” and Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville”.

Elena Langer composed her opera “Figaro Gets a Divorce” for Welsh National Opera in Cardiff, where it was premiered February 21, 2016. The libretto is by David Pountney. The Seattle Symphony Orchestra commissioned the orchestral suite from the opera and premiered it in January 2020 under Maxim Emelyanychev’s direction. The Boston Symphony Orchestra first performed it at Tanglewood on August 14, 2021, under Conductor Anna Rakitina’s direction which Cory Pesaturo also performed on.

The Moscow-born composer Elena Langer studied piano and musicology at Gnessin Music College before attending the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where she studied composition with Yuri Vorontsov. She moved to England, where she is now based, to study at the Royal College of Music with Julian Anderson. She also attended the Royal Academy of Music and has worked with Simon Bainbridge, Sofia Gubaidulina, Jonathan Harvey, and others.

The score for the orchestral suite from "Figaro Gets a Divorce" calls for 2 flutes (2nd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons (2nd doubling contrabassoon), 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (2 players: crotales, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, tubular bells, police whistle, triangle, sleigh bells, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals, tam-tam, gong, maracas, ratchet, rain stick, whip, claves, guiro, wood blocks, tambourine, bongos, side drum, tenor drum), piano/celesta, accordion, and strings (first and second violins, violas, cellos, and double basses). The suite is about 18 minutes long.

Cory shares, “The accordion part was challenging because it was both not tonal and there were many complex meter changes. Only 2 rehearsals were given and I received the music just one week before. Moreover, much of the piece was very “floaty” where it was quite difficult to feel any rhythm, hence there was little to no rhythmic frame of reference. This was coupled by, of course, the fact that conductors in classical music beat 1/2 to 3/4 of a beat ahead of where the actual best is. Haha!”

Cory Pesaturo is a winner of interational competitions and also, a accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. In 2017, Pesaturo became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria to break the Marathon Accordion Record, in which Cory played for 32 Hours & 14 Minutes. CPez has also presented 2 Google Talks, an EG Talk, and has spoken at other conferences on the accordion.

Cory Pesaturo was the featured accordionist in the “Weird Al Movie.” You can see his name in the credits. As of now Cory has presented 5 fascinating TED talks.

Cory recently performed for the prestigious William H. Gile Trust Concert Series in a 5 piece band playing an eclectic program ranging from Indian to Peruvian to pop music, keyboard , saxophone, violin, drums, and singer. The concert was held at Chubb Theatre in Concord, NH.

The William H. Gile Trust was created by Helen B. Gile in 1952. She left a legacy of more than $700,000 to finance a free concert series in Concord, New Hampshire in memory of her father, William H. Gile. Helen Gile stipulated that the trust funds were to be managed by what is now Citizens Bank, and that the selection of shows “of the highest type in all respects” was to be made by a committee of three local citizens.After much planning, the first William H. Gile Concert Series was held during the 1960-61 show season, and, over 60 years later, the Capitol Center for the Arts our home. The Selection Committee strives to present a diverse offering of performance types, to include some shows that are suitable for children, and to expose the community to performances that they might otherwise not have a chance to see.

For further information: cory@@corypesaturo.com

Sellout: Kevin Friedrich and Friends 2022 Christmas Concert, Dargaville - New Zealand

by Harley Jones

Two weeks ago, the Kevin Friedrich and Friends 2022 Christmas Concert fundraiser for the Dargaville Museum was fully sold out thanks to great support from the local community.

The Dargaville Museum which houses the superb Accordion Gems by Kevin Friedrich ... A Master Collection of Accordions through Time... is also the concert venue which is a resumption of the popular fundraising concert series that have so often filled the Dargaville Museum Function Center to capacity.

The "Christmas Joy" family variety holiday show hosted by Kevin Friedrich, the concert will feature Holiday favorites, a few sing-along songs and some surprises as presented by an array of artists including: North Shore Accordion Orchestra (conducted by Christine Johnstone) with members including Grayson Masefield, Maurice Jones, Lian Jones and Kevin Friedrich; Lionel Reekie (vocalist and accordionist), Alanah & Maurice Jones (vocalist), Jone Yelcich (vocalist), Rivertown Singers and Take 6 (choir), Thomas Koloi (piano and vocals),Sonja Whitehouse as soloist and with her Kaipara Ensemble, Ros Gilmour (vocalist), Linda Emmett Litt (percussion) and more.

Concert organiser Margaret Tier reports that all is on track for another outstanding community event showcasing an impressive lineup of talented performers.

The Dargaville Museum hosts the only public accordion exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere “Accordion Gems, A Master Collection of Accordions Through Time”. Established and curated by Kevin Friedrich, the 150 instruments on display showcase the fascinating evolution of the instrument over its nearly 200 year history.

Two Kevin CD's available online:
Catalog: friedrich01 The Journey CD, Kevin Friedrich plays the music of Gary Daverne
Catalog: friedrich02 - Reflections CD, Kevin Friedrich plays the music of Bach, Glinka, Fremar, Shenderyev, Timoshenko, Repnikov and Zolotaryov.

"Update on Jane Christison, Accordionist, Entertainer, and More!"

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Photo up: The UMKC Community Accordion Ensemble onstage at ATG 2022, Barrows Auditorium in the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.

For accordionist and singer, Jane Christison, 2022 has been a year of firsts: first time to play in a musical; first time to play with a handbell choir, and first time to participate in an accordion petting zoo.

Jane shares, “‘Spitfire Grill’ is a fun musical with a great accordion part if you ever get the chance to play it. The composer knew exactly how to write for and make use of the accordion. We only had three rehearsals before performances started. By the fourth (and final) performance, I almost had my part down. Those catchy melodies from the show kept running through my head for weeks after.

As secretary of the A World of Accordions Museum, I spent World Accordion Day 2022 in Superior, Wisconsin. Kevin Friedrich had a presentation called, “Meet the Family,” in which he gave a brief talk about 17 antique instruments from the accordion family. Remarkably, he played a piece on each instrument, including one on one of the earliest flutinas from 1829. I accompanied him on five of the pieces. Kevin is so much fun to work with, and he did such a great job.

Karen Puckett, a member of my Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, was commissioned to write a piece honoring Carol Fleeger, the long-time director of the Lawrence Community Handbell Choir. The piece, “Louisiana Tryptych,” is in three movements and is about nine minutes long. It really was fun to work with this group and to play three concerts with them, one of which was for the Area 8 Handbell Festival.

ATG 2022 was in Lisle, Illiniois. Since I perform as children’s musician JANIE NEXT DOOR®, I was asked to be part of ATG’s first-ever accordion petting zoo. The first day’s event was on a Wednesday morning, from 10 to noon. We weren’t sure if anyone would come, but about three minutes to ten, a lady stuck her head in the door and asked if this was where the petting zoo was being held.

I said, “Yes! Come on in.” She said, “I’ve got to get my kids.”

Kids?!?! She returned with about six or seven preschoolers along with a couple of moms and babies in strollers. Such a fun morning. I played three of my original Janie Next Door songs, then we had the kids move to different tables where there were 12 basses and accordion teachers waiting to help them test drive an accordion.

We had some others join us, too. At one point we invited everyone to troop over to take a look at the inside of an accordion. Helmi Harrington was on hand to show them what it looked like. The ever-creative Kevin Friedrich, who, by the way, is an amazing Chicken Dancer, made a wonderful photo opportunity lining up the kiddos with a 12 bass in front of each one. They couldn’t seem to resist touching the keys and picking them up. Before we knew it, Kevin had them all suited up and playing along with me (or trying to play.) Such a fun morning!

And it was great to be part of the UMKC Community Accordion Ensemble once again - playing for several concerts at ATG, which was their first festival since 2019. The UMKC Ensemble, under the direction of Joan Cochran Sommers, had prepared a lot of music for the festival, and it was great to have some incredible audiences there to listen to us after all our hard work.

I’m still getting last-minute job cancellations because of COVID or flu outbreaks in the senior facilities that I play for, but, thankfully, 2022 was the start of things opening up after the pandemic. It was so great to be back and playing for live audiences.

It was an especially fun summer playing for preschools, festivals, and other family-friendly events. Kids seem to be fascinated by the accordion, and I usually take the time, especially during my school performances, to demonstrate the keys, and the buttons and the bellows and the switches. More than anything, I want them to experience the joy of a live musical performance featuring an instrument that they don’t get to see all that often – an accordion.”

Children's Musician Janie Next Door would be a great addition to your holiday entertainment lineup. She sings and plays the accordion with a big smile and enthusiasm for sharing the joy of music, And kids seem to love the accordion, an instrument they don't get to see very often. You will walk away from her performances with a smile and an enthusiastic attitude toward the accordion!

To book for December, dates in 2023, and further information:
Jane Christison
913-492-3883
janec@musicwithasmile.com

Photo up: The UMKC Community Accordion Ensemble onstage at ATG 2022, Barrows Auditorium in the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
Photo up: Jane at Accordion Petting Zoo at ATG 2022

Photo right up: The orchestra for “The Spitfire Grill”
Photo right down: Jane and the Lawrence (Kansas) Community Handbell Choir performing at the Area 8 Handbell Festival

Gary Dahl eSheet music, sent by email, secure bank server system

Sam Reider: Accordionist, Pianist, Composer, Educator

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Video: Sam Reider and the Human Hands play "Del Boca Vista" Featuring:
Eddie Barbash - alto saxophone
Alex Hargreaves - violin
Dominick Leslie - mandolin
Roy Williams - guitar
Dave Speranza - bass

Join Sam Reider when he presents his last show of the year, in Oakland, California with a quartet featuring one of his oldest collaborators, Ben Flocks, on saxophone, along with Shawn Meyers on drums, and Giulio Xavier Cetto on bass. Sam shares, “We’ll be playing selections from my piano record Petrichor, some jazzy versions of Human Hands tunes, and songs by Django, Piazzolla, and Duke Ellington. The Sound Room is a wonderful local venue doing a lot to enrich the Bay Area arts scene, and they have fun food and drinks as well.”

Sam Reider is a pianist, accordionist, composer, and educator from San Francisco, California. Excerpts from his website: His work brings together various streams of American music, from jazz and folk tunes to popular song and contemporary composition. He has appeared as a bandleader and soloist at major festivals and venues around the world and his performances and original compositions have been featured on NPR, PBS and the BBC. Reider has performed, recorded and collaborated with a range of artists including Jon Batiste, Jorge Glem, Sierra Hull, Laurie Lewis, and Paquito d’Rivera. As Mark Corroto writes in All About Jazz, “Reider has a knack for writing new music that has a familiar sound. Let's say he has an old soul encased in some sprightly fingers.”

Representing the U.S. Department of State as a musical ambassador, Sam has traveled to China, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Estonia, Turkey and Azerbaijan, carrying his accordion on his back and collaborating with international artists. Folk songs and stories from these travels serve as inspiration for many of the compositions on Reider’s first record, Too Hot to Sleep (2018), which features the Human Hands, a virtuosic ensemble of acoustic musicians originally based in Brooklyn, NY described by the New York Times as “modern folk music with saxophone and accordion.” Irresistible melodies, fiery improvisation and otherworldly sounds collide in what Songlines Magazine dubbed a "mash-up of the Klezmatics, Quintette du Hot Club de France and the Punch Brothers.”

In July 2022 Reider released Petrichor, his first record of solo piano music. The title refers to the smell of the earth after a first rain and the eight original compositions on Petrichor form a musical reflection on Reider’s recent homecoming to San Francisco after ten years in New York City.

Join Sam at the Sound Room on December 8, 2022, 7-9 PM on 3022 Broadway Oakland, CA 94611

For more information: sam@samreidermusic.com

Gift Idea: “Accordions Rising” Something New Has Been Added

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Video: "Accordions Rising"

"Accordions Rising", the music documentary, is now more available than ever before. "Accordions Rising" rises again with a beautiful vengeance! "Accordions Rising takes you to the land of joy." (Viewer comment). This film is entertaining, informative, interesting and surprising. It is a great gift idea and a good way to gather people together: accordion music lovers and naysayers alike. See list below, including some free options:

DVD and Blu Ray Purchase Options:
Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Baarnes and Noble.
(If all else fails, contact the filmmaker: Roberta Cantow -rccantow@gmail.com).

New Streaming Options(Consumer Market):
Tubi TV - (FREE) on Indie Rights Channel
and Ovid TV.COM
You Tube (FREE) on Indie Rights Channel

Streaming Options (Academic Market)
Docuseek (New)
ProQuest /Alexander Street Press

ALL OTHER Consumer Streaming Options:
Amazon
Apple TV
Google Play
iTunes
Vudu
Rotten Tomatoes
Roku at Indie Rights (Free Download)

"Accordions Rising" has won awards internationally and nationally including two different Awards of Merit in the Documentary Category and one other: Global Accolade Competition – Award of Merit, November, 2015; Indie Film Fest, August, 2016 – Award of Merit; Bare Bones International Music and Film Festival – Best Movie Poster, April, 2016. The film has been a winner at several accordion festivals across the country and in Wales, the UK and Germany.

Roberta Cantow was recognized with her first film grant from The American Film Institute while still a graduate film student at NYU. Through the years, The New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts and others provided grants for the completion and distribution of 4 film works. She received a NY Area Emmy for her film, "Clotheslines" about the symbolic and artistic role of laundry in women’s lives, as well as many others.

Roberta's work has been exhibited in many of the venues for independents, including a presentation in the Cineprobe Series of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. Her four 16mm films were selected for archival preservation by the Donnell Media Center, New York City, in 2001. Recently, her film, "If This Ain't Heaven" was awarded a film preservation and restoration grant from the National Film Preservation Foundation.All of her film and video work has been archived in the Special Collections of Smith College.

For further information: rccantow@gmail.com

James O'Brien eSheet music, emailed to you, secure bank server

Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc.

The Art of Playing the Accordion Artistically by Friedrich Lips

Gary Schreiner Performs with Peter Calo at Jazz on Main in Mt. Kisco, NY

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Video 1: "Nômade" (Karina Zeviani/Daniel Perlin) performed by Rubens de La Corte

Video 2: Janie Barnett- Cole Porter re-imagined: “So in Love” live at City Winery

Video 3: Peter Calo Band with Gary Schreiner, November 19, 2022 at Jazz on Main, Mt.Kisco, NY

What is a perfect birthday or any occasion venue to celebrate? It’s a no brainer. It is Jazz on Main located at 37 S Moger Ave. (Downtown), Mt Kisco NY. (914) 730-2399

This is where I celebrated my birthday with my fiancé on November 19, 2022. What made it even more special was the appearance of one of my gifted accordion friends, Gary Schreiner, who plays piano, harmonica and accordion. Gary performed with vocalist/guitarist, Peter Calo Band which included Malcolm Gold (Bass) and John Bollinger (Drums) who performed everything from Blues to Funk to Jazz to Originals. The bands credits include Carly Simon, Jimmy Webb, Sophie B Hawkins, Rosanne Cash, Ricki Lee Jones, Elton John, Rob Thomas, The Waterboys and more.

The group delighted the sold out crowd with original songs by Peter Calo as well as popular favorites. Gary, with his keyboards, added his special touch to enhance all the selections and dazzled all with his wonderful improvisations.

Gary is as accomplished a performer and studio musician, as he is a composer, producer and arranger. His work on keyboards, accordion and chromatic harmonica can be heard on many recordings, television shows, and films. He has played accordion on many television commercials, films and albums such as those by Joan Osborne, Ute Lemper, Lucy Kaplansky, Rickie Lee Jones, Aztec Two Step and Rick Moranis,

Gary’s future performances include:
With Janie Barnett and band: Cole Porter Re-imagined Holiday brunch Sunday December 18, 2022, City Winery
With Peter Calo and band: Thursday, January 26,2023; Pangea
With Eric Nicolas and friends: The Anyway Cafe, Wednesday, January 11, 2023; 34 East 2nd Street, NYC

Enjoy live jazz, music, and food in Mount Kisco at the newly opened, Jazz on Main. A beautiful old soul jazz club, they currently offer shows on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. They also have a menu with light bites such as curated salume and cheese board, eggplant francese, shoestring fries, and mezze platters. You can also sit at the bar to enjoy drinks and bites as you soak in incredible music.

Shaul Dover, Jazz on Main’s owner, shares, “I am a sound engineer. Our sound is pristine. This is very important for musicians; they are feeding off it, really enjoying what they hear.” His experience at Sweatshop Studios, as well as consulting on the Bedford Playhouse’s sound system, gave him confidence to design the system for Jazz on Main.

Dover is recreating his vision of the American Dream, the golden age of jazz, reimagined for the 21st century.“We aim to transport guests to another era while engaging all the senses.”

What would jazz be without a little improvisation? On Thursdays, Jazz on Main hosts an open jam session and on Sundays a relaxed jazz brunch. He and his wife, Laurie, are welcoming hosts making the experience a trifecta of success: great food, pleasing sound, and relaxing comfort!

Photo lower right: Jazz on Main 11/19/22 with accordionist Gary Schreiner and Peter Calo Band
Photo credit: Nathan O'leary (nathanscottoleary@gmail.com)

For further information: Gary Schreiner: gmail88@me.com

For further information on Jazz on Main: jazz@jazzonmain.com

Great Gift Idea: “Petosa 100th Anniversary Book: An American Accordion Story”

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

In 2022 Seattle’s Petosa Accordions factory released “An American Accordion Story”, celebrating their family business’ first hundred years in operation. I read the book cover to cover and I can assure you it is very informative and entertaining and you will learn so much about the history of the accordion in the USA! It will be a much appreciated gift for any accordion or music lover.

Here is an interview with Joe Petosa, Jr. President of Petosa Accordions Inc., on the Anniversary book:

"Growing up in an artisan family business in Seattle, I listened with curiosity and wonder to stories told around the dinner table about the golden age of the accordion. I began playing the accordion in 1967 at age seven and continued a professional career for fifteen years. During that time, I befriended and came to respect many of America's accordion icons - the men and women who devoted their lives to a somewhat misunderstood musical instrument. "An American Accordion Story" chronicles the history of the accordion in the Unites States. It honors the pioneers and legendary artists who transformed the accordion from an instrument associated with the folklore of European immigrants into an increasingly popular formal instrument found in concert halls, jazz clubs, and on all levels of society.

Yet, the heart of this book is about my family and the Petosa legacy - it's one-hundred years of experience, knowledge, and values. We are honored to share this story with loyal costumers, friends, and family, including our current fifth generation and generations to come. My grandfather, Carlo Petosa, who passed away a year before I was born, brought a humble accordion with him when he immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1906 and founded Petosa Accordions in 1922. He helped introduce what would become for a time, the nation's most popular instrument. What I am, I owe to my loving father. He taught me to be honest, to have compassion for others, and to love one's family and friends. He shared with me, as I worked by his side, everything he knew about the accordion. My wish is that readers will take away an understanding of the evolutionary cycle of this instrument and, perhaps, will witness a second Golden Age of the Accordion."

Q:  What inspired you to write a book?
A: Intrigued by a close friend's own custom hardcover photo album & while preparing for our 100th anniversary, it became apparent that this may be the best medium to share the story of our company and its place in world music throughout the last century.  Originally, the intentions were to create something special to share with family and close friends as a small passion project; after establishing the basis of the book, it was apparent that there was a wider thirst for a niche, generational perspective. Upon meeting with a publisher, I was encouraged that our unique insight into the distinct industry of accordion making was one of significance and potentially interesting to a wider demographic. All things considered, the concept evolved beyond its original intentions into a project that reflects our company's constant aim; to create something that endures generations, however painstaking the process is to conceive it. I wanted to leave something behind for our families future generations that they could be proud of.... the satisfaction of enduring a legacy.

Q: There are over 380 photos inside the book spanning the last 100 years of accordion history, was there a particular photo that stands out as your favorite?
A:   We sent nearly 1000 photos to our publisher and graphic designer. My idea was to make this of interest to accordionists but also attractive to music lovers and the general public. We asked the design team to choose photos that non-accordionist would find most attractive and informative to the general public and their interests. There are so many photos that in themselves tell a story, but I think for me the front and back cover tell the story of how contemporary and fun the accordion is.

Q: What was it like sifting through so much history?
A: I was so fortunate that my father retained all these photos. During my fathers retirement he found it therapeutic to arrange thousands of photos, newspaper clippings, artists information etc in 3" binder albums. My guess is I spent 100+ hours going through these binders scanning and editing the photos to archive. Although a lot of work, I also found it therapeutic in a way. I have a lot of great memories of meeting most of these artists.

Q: If you could describe the 4 generations of Petosa's, including yourself, using only one word what would it be?
A: Carlo Petosa: PIONEER, Joe Petosa Senior: NOBLEMAN, Yourself:  SCRUPULOUS, Joey Jr.: VISIONARY.

Q: What do Anthony Galla-Rini, Dick Contino, Art Van Damme, Peitro Diero, Clifton Chenier all have in common?
A: These iconic artists gifted virtuosity to the world and not only popularized and improved their music genre in the process, but inevitably revolutionized many aspects using their preferred tool: accordion.

Q: After the accordions "fall from grace" in the 70's, how was Petosa accordions able to survive the steep decline in the accordion market?
A: My father always kept our company financially healthy, having no debt to service. In the early 70's we diversified our offerings and added sales and service of other musical instruments such as PA's, guitars, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer keyboards etc.  My father continued the strive for perfection in our accordions, knowing no matter the industry or state of the economy, there will always be demand for the highest quality.

Q: What do you love most about the accordion?
A: I truly believe the accordion is, unequivocally, the most versatile musical instrument in the world. It wasn't just a coincidence that it was one of the most popular instruments for a half century, and now an entirely new generation is discovering this all over again.

Q: What do you see for the future of the instrument? Innovations in designs? Is there a changing market? Change in demand?
A: As my father predicted 40 years ago, there has been a resurgence in popularity of the accordion over the past decade +. Instrument trends follow music, and music taste is constantly evolving. We find ourselves continually evolving the aesthetics of our instruments and most importantly, we are invariably improving on quality and construction as the science of our craft advances. The one aspect of our business that my father could not possibly have predicted has been the most pleasant surprise of this century; the ability to offer our products to the entire world via the internet. This has allowed us to remain North America's premier accordion company in addition to reaching many countries with unique music cultures and therefore, contributing to our production of an eclectic range of varying types of accordions & features.

For further information: petosa@petosa.com

Larry Malmberg eSheet music, sent by email, secure bank server

Alex Meixner at Tomball German Festival Christmas Market -

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

The Alex Meixner Band will entertain at the Tomball German Festival Christmas Market held in Tomball, Texas from December 9 - 11, 2022. The festival includes three stages of live music, an open air market, street vendors and a variety of music and dance entertainment. The Alex Meixner Band will perform on December 9, 2022 from 6 to 10:PM, on December 10tfrom 6:PM and on December 11:PM.

Alex has been inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement!! The Alex Meixner Band is voted "Best Local Live Band/ Musician" by readers of the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung Newspaper in Texas. Alex says “It's an awesome feeling to be a new resident in town and feel all the love!!!”

Alex leads the Alex Meixner Band which performs approximately 180 times a year across the country for venues ranging from intimate events and clubs to massive festivals. Excerpts from his website: The Alex Meixner Band is a regular headliner at Wurstfest (New Braunfels, TX), German Fest (Milwaukee, WI), Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), Plattduetsche Park (Franklin Square, NY), Creative Alliance (Baltimore, MD).

Alex has performed on over 50 albums, including 17 as a leader or soloist. His performance with his Father on Canadian Polka King, Walter Ostanek’s, “Music and Friends” won a Grammy Award. His album Polka Freak Out, a collaboration with Bubba Hernandez, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. He has also recorded with a vast number of diverse artists as a soloist or sideman including avant-garde accordionist/ composer- Guy Klucevsek, Grammy winners- Brave Combo, TexMex Rock icons- The Krayolas and Irish entertainer- Seamus Kennedy.

Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz and ethnic music, Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. For Alex, it’s more than playing energetic shows; it is a mission to provide a much needed positive experience that pulls communities together to celebrate history, culture and genuinely good times. Excerpts from his website:

Alex’s passion for music was kindled at an early age by having the rare fortune of living in a household of professional musicians. He was cultivated intimately by his father, the 3rd generation of the family band whose leadership was passed down through generations hailing from Austria. Fully immersed in the business of music, Alex immediately gravitated toward mimicking their activities in the studio, stage and record shop. Finally, at age 3, he began formal study on the piano, and within a year he picked up the accordion resulting in his debut on stage by age 6, an experience that was to shape his life so much in future years. And if playing those instruments weren’t enough, his ability to learn many instruments led to gigging regularly on drums, bass, keyboards, piano accordion, button accordion and trumpet with Polish polka legend Joe Oberaitis and Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek, in addition to touring nationally with his father’s band by age 11. His aptitude for playing jazz and classical trumpet opened doors to formal study and opportunities including playing with the London Symphony Orchestra in High School and emerging as a highly sought after candidate for music school. He chose Ithaca College for its renowned reputation in developing music performers and educators.

While exceeding expectations in academic pursuits, he continued developing professional credentials in the polka music, recording albums for artists from the USA, Mexico, Austria, and Canada while maintaining a national touring schedule. At age 18, a track he performed on with his father was on Walter Ostanek’s, 1994 Grammy award-winning album “Music and Friends.” This performance not only added to his credibility but also started a renewed curiosity of the polka music market by younger musicians and veteran performers who had viewed this genre as a mere novelty whose popularity was past its prime.

As a leader in the polka music cultural renaissance, Alex performs fluidly in styles hailing from Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Poland, and America/Cleveland. His signature style pays homage to the authenticity instilled in his DNA while adding a modern twist that appeals to a broad cross-section of audiences. By creating and performing an expansive range of new and traditional music for solo, small, and large groups, Alex has expanded the vocabulary of ethnic music and continues to maintain a body of work that places him among the culture’s finest performers.

In 2016 Alex collaborated with the notable advertising agency, BBDO, to produce the infamous Hormel Pepperoni commercials contributing to a successful sales campaign and contract renewals. At the end of 2016, he recorded with comedy phenomenon, Jack Black, for the major motion picture, ”The Polka King, ” that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. Alex’s reputation for professionalism and quality performance attracted additional commercial opportunities including performing on radio commercials for Ford Trucks and the soundtracks for numerous episodes of Moonshiners on the Discovery Network.

Gary Daverne CD's and eSheet music available online

San Francisco Bay Area Accordionist, Anand Joseph, in “Amélie” Debut

by Pamela Tom

Video: "Amélie, the Musical" - 30 Second Commercial

Anand Joseph, accordionist and member of the San Francisco Accordion Club, made his stage acting and accordion debut in the musical production of "Amélie, the Musical" by Craig Lucas, Nathan Tysen, Daniel Messé, Jean Pierre Jeunet, Guillaume Laurant and directed by Enrico Banson at the Masquers Playhouse in Point Richmond, CA in November. Set in modern-day Paris, the lighthearted plot focuses on teaching people to always seek the good in others.

Anand notes that "Six years ago, I picked up the accordion on a whim. I've always performed solo. I am having a lot of fun with this really talented cast. The cast and the director (Enrico Banson) have been very accommodating with my first stage role. I'm also grateful to my teacher Mike Zampiceni and my first teacher David McAfee for teaching me the ways of the accordion." Anand demonstrates his versatile accordion skills and highlights the instrument on stage about 15 minutes before showtime. He warms up the audience with selections from the soundtrack that accompanies the movie version of “Amélie” and other tunes. In the performance he portrays an accordion playing blind beggar.

Six years ago, Anand started playing the accordion and has a passion for the instrument. During his leisure time, he enjoys busking with his squeeze box in the streets and includes the score from “Amélie” as part of his repertoire.

Masquers Playhouse is a non-profit community theater located in Point Richmond, CA. Masquers has been producing high caliber plays and musicals for over 60 years. During normal operations, a season consists of five productions, two of which are musicals. Their productions run for five weeks, with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings, and some Sunday matinees.

"Amélie, the Musical" runs from November 11 – December 10, 2022.

For more information: accordionpam@gmail.com

New England Digital Accordion Orchestra Unveils Newest Arrangement with a New Look

by Charles Gruszka

Video: New England Digital Accordion Orchestra - Chatham First Night 2020
Celebration @ 0:44
Evergreen @ 3:25
Gonna Fly Now @ 7:36
New York, New York @ 10:54
James Bond medley @ 14:05
Stanley Midura Polka medley @ 19:02
Your Mama Don’t Dance @ 22:30
Birth of the Blues @ 25:05
Star Wars medley @ 28:09
Fiddler on the Roof medley @ 32:05
Beatles medley @ 35:03
Conflict medley @ 40:19
Birdland @ 45:09
God Bless America @ 50:25

The nation's first of its kind New England Digital Accordion Orchestra (NEDAO) gave its first public performance of the latest addition to its extensive music library on August 28, 2022 at a two-hour Concert on the Common in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The Orchestra demonstrated its uniqueness and versatility by performing its "Mexican Medley" featuring a combination of the Herb Alpert/Tijuana Brass hit, "Spanish Flea", along with traditional favorites, "Cielito Lindo" and "Mexican Hat Dance", performed mariachi style. For the piece, the NEDAO donned their sombreros and utilized the Roland digital accordion's amazing technology to simulate hand clapping on the "Hat Dance" and the sounds of mariachi brass, strings, reeds, and guitar throughout the medley!

The NEDAO musicians hail from four of the six New England States! Current membership consists of: Michael Dran, John Kalinowski, and Bill Maver (Connecticut); Candy Baril, Scott Cunningham, Carmen D'Angelo, Tony D'Eramo, Michael Drumheller, Karen Drumheller, Michael Falcetti, Martha Flood, Mark Galica, Paul Gluck, Charles Gruszka, Pat Poehler, Becky Twining, and Bruce Yelle (Massachusetts); Diane Quirbach (New Hampshire); Bob Blasi and Guyde Lombari (Rhode Island).

The Orchestra, formed and conducted by internationally recognized accordionist and music educator, Anselmo (Sam) Falcetti of Wilbraham, MA, rehearses at Falcetti Music in Springfield, MA.

The NEDAO's next performance will be at First Night Chatham on Cape Cod, MA, where the Orchestra returns by popular demand for concerts at 1: PM and 2:PM at one of the nation's premier all day New Year's Eve family entertainment events, featuring 70 of New England's top artists.

Videos of the group's performances can be viewed on Youtube and Facebook by searching under New England Digital Accordion Orchestra.

For further information:
charlesgruszka@hotmail.com
peggyf1944@gmail.com

Amy Jo Sawyer CD titled According to Amy

Klezmatics Present Hanukkah at The Falcon in Marlboro, NY on December 10

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Video: "Lolly Lo" - Klezmatics - live at Town Hall

The Klezmatics present Hanukkah at The Falcon in Marlboro, NY on December 10, 2022 from 7 to 10:30 PM EST. For 36 years the Klezmatics have challenged, changed and renewed the face of contemporary Yiddish culture with 13 acclaimed recordings and countless live shows worldwide, as well as impassioned and indelible collaborative contributions to art, theater, dance and film. Winner of the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album for their landmark Wonder Wheel: Lyrics by Woody Guthrie, the band continues to inspire with their most recent release, Letters to Afar.

Excerpts from their website: Join the Klezmatics’ longtime lineup - Lorin Sklamberg (lead vocals, accordion, guitar, piano), Frank London (trumpet, keyboards, vocals), Paul Morrissett (bass, tsimbl, vocals), Matt Darriau (clarinet, saxophone, kaval, vocals), Lisa Gutkin (violin, vocals), and Richie Barshay (drums, vocals) - as they happily return to The Falcon to usher in the holiday season with music both new and old, including songs from Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Hanukkah.

Accordionist Lorin Sklamberg: The legendary music critic Robert Christgau has described Lorin Sklamberg’s voice as “transcendent, ethereal and sensual,” while a writer for Folkworld gushed that the Klezmatics’ frontman “brings tears into my eyes with his fabulous way of singing.” Since he co-founded the legendary klezmer group in 1986, Lorin Sklamberg has been on the receiving end of countless tributes of that nature—his crystalline, expressive vocalizing never fails to have an emotional impact on all within its range.

Since the creation of the Klezmatics, Sklamberg has continued to find his voice and apply it to a number of disciplines. He has also worked for the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research for almost 20 years, first as a jack-of-all-trades, graphic designer and Yiddish typesetter, and then as its Sound Archivist. For 14 years he was the coordinator of KlezKamp: The Yiddish Folk Arts Program, and co-founded Living Traditions, the non-profit that sponsored it for seven of those years.

“The Klezmatics remain my primary musical outlet,” says Lorin, “but I have a couple of side projects—one is an ongoing series of programs of (primarily Hasidic) Jewish spiritual music with bandmate Frank London, the other is an exploration of the Yiddish and Irish song traditions with Dublin-born vocalist Susan McKeown.”

Lorin can be heard on 50 CDs, and also composes and performs for film, dance, stage and circus, produces recordings, and teaches and lectures from London and Paris to Kiev and St. Petersburg. By day he works as the Sound Archivist for the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.

Additional 2022 Hanukkah programs:
The Klezmatics Hanukkah Show at Drom NYC
Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 8:00 PM 9:30 PM New York, NY 10009

The Klezmatics 2022 Hanukkah Tour, Montalvo Arts Center
Saratoga, CA, Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

The Klezmatics 2022 Hanukkah Tour, Freight & Salvage
Berkeley, California, Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

The Klezmatics 2022 Hanukkah Tour, Henderson, NV
Water Street Plaza Amphitheater
Dec. 18 from 3 to 4:30 PM

Gift Idea Created by Joan Grauman to Assist A World of Accordions Museum

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

AAA Historian Joan Grauman made 100 signed prints as a fundraiser for A World of Accordions Museum. It is not too early to be thinking of holiday or any occasion gifts. Accordion themed gifts will be especially appreciated. This gorgeous mandala by Joan Grauman will make any lover of accordions very happy.

All proceeds (except for postage costs) will be donated by Joan to the museum. Each signed print is $50, including postage.

Orders received after December 4, 2022 will arrive after Christmas.

For more information on purchasing this beautiful accordion art work: graumanjoan98r@gmail.com

AAA Commissioned Works Update on the AAA Website

by Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair, AAA Composers Commissioning Committee

The latest updated and expanded article was originally published in 2004 as part of my annual series discussing AAA music commissions carried out by Elsie Bennet, beginning in 1957 with Paul Creston’s Prelude and Dance. It examines the fifteenth and sixteenth commissions, Aria, Scherzo, and Finale, for accordion and orchestra (1961), by Louis B. Gordon, and Night Music, for accordion and string quartet (1964), by David Diamond. (Direct link: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions9.php )

On the AAA website at http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions2.php you may view both a pdf of the original print version (click on “pdf”) and its updated, expanded webpage version. The updated webpage article provides deeper analytical information than the original print version, greatly aided by the new addition of musical examples. Since no recording has yet been found of the Gordon composition, electronically produced sound samples of the musical excerpts are offered instead. This aural feature will continue to be employed in future updated articles where no recording is available.

Eddie Monteiro and Warren Vache Perform at Shanghai Jazz on December 28

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Accordionist Eddie Monteiro will perform with trumpet player Warren Vache on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 7:PM at Shanghai Restaurant and Jazz Club, 24 Main StreetMadison, NJ, 07940. They will be joined by joined by Earl Sauls on bass, Vinnie Corrao on guitar.

About Warren Vache: ”In Vaché, jazz has found a creator whose prodigious, hard-earned skills enable him to craft swinging performances of beauty, emotion and surprise." Warren is a tremendous trumpet and cornet player and, with his acerbic wit between songs he keeps the entertainment rolling.

Eddie Monteiro is an internationally recognized musician and educator with 30 years of musical performance in classical, jazz, dance, theater, cabaret and choral ensembles. He is well known for his harmonic skills and talent. He won several accordion championships as a youth and was also the youngest honoree elected to the American Accordionist’s Hall of Fame. He was a member of Bobb Rosengarden, Skitch Henderson, Peter Duchin, Ray Bloch, Michael Lanin and Marty Ames orchestras. Eddie performs in the New York Metropolitan area and worldwide. Eddie performs in the New York Metropolitan area and worldwide.

Monteiro shares that the instrument itself has often been misrepresented. “The accordion has been maligned far too often in the numerous jokes and cartoons,” he said. “The Lawrence Welk image with Myron Floren showed the accordion but in a somewhat 'corny' musical idiom. In addition, I think there are many accordionists who have continued to play at less than professional level. Others are just so outlandish in their presentations that people take note and think they're great. The accordion, far too often, isn't played for the public in a very positive way.”

Eddie Monteiro was a featured member of the pit orchestra on stage in Broadway revival performance of "Carnival" and "Evita" and recording of radio and television jingles for Sesame Street, General Foods, Colgate Palmolive, Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Bennigan’s Restaurants, Pontiac and more.

Lead artist of innumerable society bands performing throughout the world at social events, political gatherings and corporation conventions. Eddie recently retired as the Music Teacher, Choral Director, Vocal and Instrumental Music Director for the Ann Street Elementary School. Eddie Monteiro has performed at Jazz Festivals throughout the world. National performances include the JVC Jazz Festival and the Toyota Jazz Festival in New York City, Salishan Jazz Festival and the Centrum Jazz Festival both in Washington. Internationally Eddie was a guest at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, the Jakarta Jazz Festival in Indonesia, Sea Jazz Festival in Helsinki, the Norwegian National Accordion Competition, Sweden's Annual Accordion Festival in Ransatter and in January of 2000 Eddie closed the Jazz In El Tambo Festival in Punta del Esta, Uruguay performing with Paquito D'Rivera, Leny Andrade, John Patitucci and Benny Golson.

He has conducted workshops and seminars at the Manhattan School of Music, Kansas City Jazz Workshop, Artists in Jazz at Pace University, Topeka Jazz Workshop and a Harmony & Improvisation Clinic in Norway. His numerous recordings include Double Standards, The Real Thing, A Perfect Match (with Nancy Marano featuring Gerry Mulligan, Roger Kellaway and Claudio Roditi), Under Paris Skies (with Karen Akers), A Walk on the Wilde Side (with Ronny Whyte), Jazz Influence and Arkadia Jazz All Stars: Thank You John! (a tribute to John Coltrane) and was featured on the album with the vocal group ‘String Of Pearls’. His work has also included numerous jingles for Colgate-Palmolive, Budweiser, General Motors, Folonari Wines, General Foods a soundtrack recording with Marvin Hamlisch and an appearance on film ‘Mortal Thoughts’ with Bruce Willis.

A graduate of NYU with a B.S. in Music Education, Eddie studied accordion with Charles Nunzio, (one of the founding members of the American Accordionists’ Association), piano with Madame Olga Van Till and advanced harmony studies with Marty Holmes.Eddie is a member of the AAA Governing Board and is a Certified Teacher Member of AAA as well as a member of Music Educators' National Conference, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Technology Institute for Music Educators, National Education Association, Jazz Educators Association the Sommelier Institute and is an Amateur Radio General Class Operator.

Shanghai Jazz is a jazz club/restaurant with an Oriental influence. The focus here is mainly on three things, namely, the food, music and lovely atmosphere. It serves excellent Asian varieties, the chefs also include seasonal menu with flavors and veggies as per the season; every dish is prepared with utmost care and served in huge portions. Shanghai Jazz also has a bar that features wines, beers and cool cocktails. As far as music is concerned, the restaurant hosts live music concerts sans any extra cover charge. You can also hire this establishment for private events and celebrations; off-site catering services are also offered. I have been there many times. The entertainment, food, and service is always consistently superior.

No music charge, $25 food and drink minimum, performance begins at 7:PM.
Reservations are strongly recommended.
Phone: Shanghai Jazz: (973) 822-2899

For further information about Eddie Monteiro: chlordan.changes@gmail.com

An Accordion Holiday at the Mattatuck on December 10

by Marilyn O'Neil, Connecticut Accordion Association President

When: Saturday, December 10, 2022, 2:00 - 4:PM
Where: Mattatuck Museum, 63 Prospect St., "An Accordion Holiday at the Mattatuck!"

Come listen to the CAA orchestra perform holiday favorites under the direction of Peter Peluso! This concert is part of a day of family oriented programming sponsored by the Mattatuck! Come just for the concert or enjoy the whole day at the museum.

Family Admission: $15.00 (Up to 6 people)
Individual Adult: $15.00; Senior: $12.00

Pay at the door or Pre-register at Mattatuck Museum website.

The Connecticut Accordion Association is a proud affiliate of the
American Accordionists' Association Waterbury, CT 06702

When: Saturday, December 10, 2022, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Where: Mattatuck Museum, 63 Prospect St., Waterbury, CT 06702

The International Trio, CD Available online, secure server

Silicon Valley Accordion Society Presents Paul Abersold and Christine Capsuto-Shulman

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

The Silicon Valley Accordion Society presents accordionist Paul Abersold and vocalist Christine Capsuto-Shulman on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 3:15 PM PST. Accordionist Paul Aebersold realized his love for music as a child listening to his mother play the accordion. This inspired him to learn the accordion at a young age and he soon became an avid player.

Paul began performing at a French restaurant during his college years at U.C, Berkeley, CA. In the years that followed, Paul established many multicultural ensembles. He has performed for several years on the East Coast in a German band called “Die Drei” as well as with “I Due”, an Italian duo, and “Les Duex” specializing in the French music sung by Edith Piaf. Mr. Aebersold was honored to perform for the French Embassy in Washington D.C. He recently moved to Redwood City and is enjoying his collaboration of Italian Street Songs and Opera arias with Christine Capsuto-Shulman.

California native, Christine Capsuto-Shulman, is a multi-faceted artist in the world of opera, musical theatre, dance and acting. Her following as "the ultimate package" is defined through her commanding stage presence, effortless vocal prowess, impressive musicianship skills, quirky humor and graceful poise - all creating a deep and moving theatrical experience. Mrs. Shulman "graciously empties her entire being into every performance" while remaining incredibly humble. She is also known to many for her vocal teaching abilities and elegance as a dancer, including: ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and multiple forms of social dance.

Mrs. Shulman earned her degrees from The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Musical Theatre & Dance (LA & NY) and San José State University in Vocal Performance (Cum Laude). She is a strong advocator for the arts and education, and teaches voice lessons at her studio in San José. Recently, she founded her own company, Princess Party Fantasies, that teaches young children about being outstanding individuals, expressing themselves through art, and contributing to their community.

Meetings are now live; however, members will receive an email from an officer of the club with a request to respond if they want to attend the Zoom performance. President Collette Ogata shares, “Please note December 4 will be our last ZOOM meeting, which will begin at 3:15pm PST as we will strictly be in person starting January 2023. Free for members, Donation is requested for nonmembers which can be paid via PayPal. Please send me an RSVP, if you would like to join this meeting via ZOOM, and I will send you a link this weekend.

The SVAS meetings:
Christ Episcopal Church of Los Altos
1040 Border Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650-948-2151

Silicon Valley Accordion Society meetings are held the first Sunday of each month unless noted. In-person meetings start at 1:30 with announcements and introductions. Performances start immediately afterwards. We will try to schedule all performances and may start including club members. Let one of the board members know if you are interested in playing for us. You are invited to visit one of their meetings and listen to wonderful performances by guest performers. Our members are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about SVAS and how you can join.

For further information: Colette.Ogata@gmail.com

Brooklyn Accordion Club presents Virtuoso Accordion Concert Series Fall/Winter 2022-2023

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Video: Bogdan Prezc - “Twelve in four”
Jiří Laburda - “Moto perpetuo”

The Brooklyn Accordion Club presents Virtuoso Accordion Concert Series Fall/Winter 2022-2023:
Concert Series No. 2: Martin Šulc (accordion) & Josef Matěj Švec (cello)
The program includes: Bach, Scarlatti, Dvořák, Hindemith, Zubitsky, Laburda, and Piazzolla. Two young musicians will be traveling from Czech accompanied by Professor Ladislav Horak (accordion) and Professor Petr Nouzovsky (violoncello).

The concert takes place on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 7:00 - 8:PM.
Location: A4 Collective at 636 Dean Street #2F Brooklyn, NY 11238
Admission: Free and open to the public. A hat will be passed around for donation for the performer.
The space is limited to 30 people.  RSVP is required to attend.
Reservation form will be disabled when the space is full. Please respond by the end of Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Each meeting will start with a brief open mic. If you are interested in performing a piece or two, please indicate your interest in your RSVP form. Accordionists of all playing levels are welcome to perform.

Martin Šulc started to learn the accordion when he was 6 with his teacher Lenka Slaninová. He graduated on ZUŠ in Třeboň. He has won prizes at the prestigious stages including the 1st prize at the international Accordion Days competition in Prague, the international accordion competition in Portuguese Alcobaca, the final round of the CIA Global accordion competition in Shenzhen, China, and in Castelfidardo, Italy, the national competition of the Conservatory of the Czech Republic, and the Gold Award at the international accordion video-competition held in New Zealand. [Read Martin's full bio]

His most recent success was in 2020: After the successful casting organized by Czech television, he reached the final rounds of television competition show Virtuosos V4+, which was filmed iin Budapest, Hungary. This show was broadcasted in all 5 countries including contestants from 5 countries – Czech, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Serbia on all instruments of classical music. The jury included world stars such as Maxim Vengerov, Gabriel Prokofjev, Coco König and in the superfinal also included Maestro Placido Domingo. The Czech side was represented by Gabriela Boháčová – dramaturge of International music festival in Český Krumlov. The whole competition was a unique combination of classical music and a modern television show. Martin reached the superfinal and then, after a successful perform with orchestra, he got a 1st prize for the Czech Republic.

Violinist Josef Matěj Švec (born 2003) comes from a musical family. He played the violin when he was 3 years old only to start studying the violoncello two years later simultaneously in Mgr. Petr Šporcl’s class. He received his first prize at Jan Vychytil’s cello competition at 7 years old, where he was also awarded a special prize. Since then he has participated in numerous competitions both in Czech Republic and abroad.

Brooklyn Accordion Club Code of Conduct:
The mission of the Brooklyn Accordion Club (BAC) is to build a community of accordionists and accordion enthusiasts in the greater NYC area, and to support an open exchange of ideas within a safe and respectful environment. We value your attendance at the Brooklyn Accordion Club meetings and workshops. We are dedicated to providing a positive and welcoming experience for everyone regardless of gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, political view, musical preferences, and skill level. We want all Brooklyn Accordion Club events to be welcoming, supportive, and comfortable for all participants.

For further information: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com
For further information on Martin: martinsulc999@gmail.com

Cafe Accordion Orchestra: Cafe Christmas on December 8

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Video: Cafe Accordion Live Mix 2021

Cafe Accordion performs on December 8, 2022 from 7 to 8:30 PM EST at
Crooners Supper Club
6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432
763-571-9020

Cafe Accordion puts their own special spin on holiday classics from many lands. Dan Newton (accordion, vocals), Brian Barnes (guitar, vocals), Eric Mohring (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Erik Lillestol (bass, vocals), Joe Steinger , (percussioin), Elizabeth Rowan (percussion). Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra (CAO) performs an eclectic mix full of French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude. The heart of the CAO repertoire is the passionate sound of the French valse musette.

The group complements the musettes with swing, ballads, tangos, cha chas, rumbas, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. They inject their music with good humor and expressive abandon. Their high level of musicianship and passion for performance makes them an entertaining concert act as well as a great dance band. CAO has been delighting audiences and dancers alike since 1995. They have appeared in New York at the Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing series, the International Akkordeon Festival in Vienna, Austria, the Minnesota State Fair, as well as festivals, theaters and dance halls across the United States.

Upcoming performances include:
Thursday, December 1 @ 7:PM: Pat Donohue & Prairie All Stars @ Crooners, Fridley Join Pat and the gang for An All Star Christmas. Fresh takes on old holiday favorites and a few new tunes to boot!
Friday, December 2 @ 5:PM: Dan, Tom Wells & Dean Magraw @ Friends Holiday Sale Dan, Dean and Tom play for an hour, you get some Christmas shopping done while supporting local artists and the Friends School. The Friends Holiday Sale is held at the Friends School on 1365 Englewood Ave, St Paul.
 Saturday, December 3 @ 10:AM: McNordiques @ Swedish Institute, Mpls McNordiques play during the Julmarknad Handcraft Market and Festival at the beautiful Swedish Institute on 2600 Park Ave, Mpls. 
Sunday, December 4 @ 6 - 8:PM: Ben Cook-Feltz Holiday Shindig @ KJs Hideaway, St Paul Dan joins the fun as Ben and his friends celebrate the season in St Paul! 

“The recent boom in world music has brought a lot of new sounds to U.S. listeners’ ears. But the Café Accordion Orchestra plays the kind of gentle, enticing, low-volume world music that Americans already knew about in the Kennedy era: waltzes, French Café sounds, bossa novas, sambas and tangos.”
— Minneapolis Star Tribune

For further information: daddysqueezenewton@gmail.com

Future events

Chubby Carrier Entertains on New Year’s Eve

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

The Chubby Carrier Zydeco Band will entertain on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the Evangeline Downs Race Track & Casino, 2235 Crewel Ln, Opelousas, LA. from 9:30 to 12:30 AM. Mojo’s Sports Bar

Carrier is a prince in zydeco royalty. His father, Roy Carrier; his grandfather, Warren Carrier, and his cousins, Bebe and Calvin Carrier, are considered zydeco legends. For more than 20 years, Chubby and the Bayou Swamp Band have toured relentlessly around the world, playing venues such as the Chicago Blues Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Cajun and Zydeco Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Montreaux Jazz Fest in Switzerland. For his steadfast dedication to zydeco music, Carrier was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on October 16, 2011.

During the 20-year span, the band has produced and released 10 albums, “Boogie Woogie Zydeco” (1991), “Dance All Night” (1993), “Who Stole the Hot Sauce?” (1996), “Too Hot To Handle” (Live) (1999), “It’s Party Time!” (1999), “Take Me To The Zydeco” (2001), “Ain’t No Party Like A Chubby Party!” (2003), “Bayou Road” (2006), “Live at Knuckleheads” (2007), and “Zydeco Junkie” (2010).

Carrier has shared the stage with many well-known musicians. To name a few, the list includes Carlos Santa, Buddy Guy, Eddie Money, Travis Tritt, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Taj Mahal, Morris Day and the Time, Confunkshun and “Weird” Al Yankovic.

Chubby Carrier, a Church Pointe, La., native, has taken on several causes that are dear to him, including children’s causes, education, and advocating a smoke-free environment. The band is an ardent supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, as they have held concert fundraisers to benefit the nonprofit organization. The most-recent benefit, Zydeco For a Good Cause, raised money for the Opelousas unit. In an effort to spread zydeco music to the younger generations, Carrier and the gang teamed up with the Acadiana Symphony & Conservatory of Music to provide students with zydeco lessons. The project, Zydeco from A-Z, boosted participants’ understanding of zydeco music. Through Carrier’s inviting instruction, students learned about the rich history of the genre, the types of instruments used in zydeco such as the accordion, the rub board and the fiddle.

Of all the causes that Carrier endorses, his urge for a smoke-free environment is a personal one. In May 2010, his father, Roy Carrier, died from lung cancer. Carrier, along with Lafayette musicians David Egan, Joey Richard, Carol Fran, among others, has become a vocal spokesman for the Let’s Be Totally Clear campaign. The Bayou Swamp Band front man has made several media appearances to show his support for smoke-free venues in Lafayette and around Louisiana and for individuals to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Upcoming performances of the Chubby Carrier and Bayou Swamp Band:
Mid City Lanes Rock-n-Bowl
Thu, Dec 8 @ 8:PM — 11:PM
New Orleans, LA

Alexandria Festival
Fri, Dec 9 @ 7:30PM — 9:PM
Alexandria, LA

Cajun Palms
Sat, Dec 10 @ 3:PM — 6:PM
Henderson, LA

Moncus Park Christmas In The Park
Fri, Dec 16 @ 6:PM — 9:PM
Lafayette LA

Rock-n-Bowl de LaFayette
Sun, Dec 18 @ 5:PM
Lafayette LA

Not Just Oompah! Presents Shirley Johnson

by Laura Niland, President of the San Antonio Accordion Association

Not Just Oompah! Workshops and Concerts continue in 2023 with Shirley Johnson presenting “The Frills and Thrills of Embellishments” (Zoom) on Tuesday and Wednesday Jan 24 & 25, 2023 form 7-9:30 PM Central time and an Interactive Concert on Thursday Jan 26 , 2023 @ 7-9:30 PM The cost is $80 includes all materials delivered in PDF by email to participants and also includes the concert! Each event is recorded for later viewing which will be posted on www.NotJustOompah.org for registration which will be updated Dec.1, 2022.
Learn how to take a Lead sheet and add: Fills, Trills, Runs, Embellishments and work with adding: Introduction, Ending, Transitions from one key to another. Shirley will pre-record several songs and present them during the Interactive Concert where workshop participants will then discuss what Shirley added to make the song more interesting. Participants can also suggest alternative embellishments! Learn how to make your music more interesting and fun!

Shirley Johnson has been singing, dancing, and performing music since she was 10 years old, when she started performing with Croatian groups in Pittsburgh, PA, since this is her heritage. She is comfortable performing as a soloist, often strolling while playing and singing Italian or French music, or in bands playing Celtic, Gypsy Jazz, Balkan, Polka/German, Klezmer, etc. music. Shirley’s musical career has taken her many places: playing the accordion at Czechoslovakian festivals, singing with the Duke University Chorale at Carnegie Hall in NYC and Disney World, and touring in Northern Spain.

From 1992 to 1994, living in Rome, Italy, Shirley sang with the “Coro Misto” of “L’Accademia della Filarmonica, ” performing throughout Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, Italian radio and TV, and at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II’s “Papal Concert to Commemorate the Holocaust.” Currently Ms. Johnson lives in Austin, TX, and performs professional with “The Oom-Pahs” (Polka) and with “Julie Slim and RendezVous” (French Jazz). For multiple years, she has taught singing classes during the annual workshops produced by the Texas International Folk Dancers. She is the current president of the non-profit Innovative Accordion Music Productions. Shirley’s 3rd CD, “Dancing Angels,” features several of Austin’s finest musicians. She teaches accordion privately in person and online, and is co-producer of the “Not Just OOM-PAH!” Accordion Concert and Workshop.

For More Information:
Shirley Johnson 512-680-0422 or email ShirleyJ@Vjeverica.com
Laura Niland 210-651-4359 or email LauraJNiland@outlook.com

Kim and Dan Christian Lead Branson Accordion Extravaganza/ Band Camp 2023

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

Kim and Dan Christian are leading their Branson Accordion Extravaganza and Band Camp 2023 from May 17 - 20, 2023. Come and be a part of this amazingly fun, interactive 4 day event where you will be working together with people all over the US to perform an awesome and entertaining set of music in front of an appreciative and energetic audience in the famous show capital of Branson, Missouri!

Kim and Dan share, “We would like to invite all accordionists to an exciting Band Camp/Accordion Extravaganza that we will be having in Branson, MO. May 17-20, 2023.”

When you get signed up, you will be sent the music to seven great band pieces. This is a very fun event where Kim and Dan promise that you will definitely notice an improvement in your technical playing skills, articulation, and performance skills and you will be very proud to be part of this impressive Accordion Orchestra! The audience absolutely loved this Albuquerque Band Camp performance in 2022 which received a long and hardy standing ovation.The attendees had a blast and performed extremely well!

These are the pieces to be performed in Branson 2023:
“Gonna Fly Now” (Theme from Rocky) - Arr. Dan Christian
“Slavonic Dance #8” - Dvorak - Arr. Curt Herold
“Rock A Jimmy” (An original accordion chart - Swing)
“Theme from Schindler's List” - John Williams (Arr. Dan Christian)
“Corazon” - Carole King (Arr. Dan Christian)
“Espana Cani” - Arr. Palmer-Hughes (Select advanced players)
“Nickelodean Rag” (fun ragtime piece)
“Conflict - An Overture on Civil War Themes” - Eugene Ettore

2023 Schedule:
Wednesday, May 17: 5:00 pm Meet and Greet
6:00 – 8:30/9:00 Rehearsal

Thursday, May 18: 9:00 AM – 12:PM Rehearsal and Built in Workshop
12:30 pm Bus to Branson Landing. Lunch at White River Café on the Lake. Afternoon at the Branson Landing and Downtown Mainstreet 8:00 – 10:00 Hughes Family Show

Friday, May 19: 9:AM – 12:PM In Depth Rehearsal
12:30 PM Bus to Dana’s Barbecue for Lunch
Sightseeing Tour of Chateau at the Lake, Tablerock Lake and Dam, Showboat Branson Belle, College of the Ozarks and the Branson Strip
6:00 – 8:00 PM Open Microphone for anyone who would like to perform
Saturday, May 20: 9:AM – 12:PM Dress Rehearsal at the Theater. Show will be professionally set for sound and lights.
2:00 pm - This is it! The Big Performance!! Concert Show Time
8:00 – 10:00 Shanghai Circus Show
(Amazing production right next to the Lodge of the Ozarks)

Sunday, May 21: 9:AM Farewell Breakfast

Costs for the additional fun events will be available soon. These are all voluntary, of course. The activities are just a fun way to hang out with awesome accordion friends from all over the country! We want this to feel like a wonderful vacation where you get to perform and learn, too! We want to make this a blast for everyone involved – the participants and the spouses and family members will have lots of fun at Branson Accordion Extravaganza and Band Camp 2023!

Registration Fee for Accordionists Only: $247 which includes: Music, workshops, and the ability to work directly with Dan and Kim in a band setting which will help improve your playing skills and most importantly, you will be part of a performance that you can be proud of for a large crowd on a professional theater on the Branson strip!! You can brag to your friends how you performed on the strip in Branson!! On the back end, the fee helps pay for the rental of the theater both for rehearsal and performance, rental of rehearsal room, lighting and sound technicians, drummer, marketing and other expenses.

Registration Payment for the event can be made via check and snail mail, contact Kim Christian (719) 459-2061. Registration closes March 15, 2023 so there is still plenty of time to learn the band parts.
Please email Kim Christian with any questions at: kdcstudios@gmail.com

Come and be a part of this fun and unique adventure! This is meant to be a great time for all! Great people! Great fun! Great music! Great learning experience!

Register now! Email: kdcstudios@gmail.com

Sounding Out the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux

LIAC Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 22-25, 2023

by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News

LIAC Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration, sponsored by the Northwest Accordion Society, will be held June 22 - 25, 2023 in Leavenworth, WA.Featured performers will include: Joey Miskulin, Alicia Jo Straka, Andu Mirkovich, Juan Barco and Andy Gonzalex, Max Kyllonen, Toby Hanson and Lyle Schaefer and more!

The events will include: Concerts, competitions, workshops; free performances at the gazebo and grange, free accordion lessons, Frank Calapristi Accordion Parade on Saturday, Accordion Vendors, Jam Sessions in restaurants, Volunteer opportunities and fun for all ages!

Here are the latest updates for LIAC 2023 as of November 28, 2022 by Bonnie Birch:
Please note: the website is not fully updated yet but should be done by the end of February. We do have the evening concert performers lined-up and you may see this on our website at Festhalle - Concert | Accordion Celeb (accordioncelebration.org) .

The competition will basically remain the same as was planned for 2020. We will evaluate how it goes this year and possibly make changes for 2023. We have something to offer everybody that wants to get on the stage and show what they have been practicing and creating. There are competitive and non-competitive categories. A person entering any category can get valuable feedback from a professional staff as well as valuable performing experience.

Gazebo sign-up will start at about the first of April.

Advanced ticket sales will also start around the first of April. We hope to have our online payment system ready to eliminate the need to mail in a check.

Sign-up for the competition categories should be in March and April. However, if you are going to participate, start preparing as soon as possible.

It will be wonderful to see everybody again and encourage all to participate.

For further information: Bonnie Birch – Chairman - bonniebirch@msn.com