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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Mary Tokarski to Perform at Coupe Mondiale with ASO
American Accordionists' Association 2009 Competition and Festival from July 15-19, 2009
World Champion Alexander Savastien featured at ATG, August 13-16
Betty Jo Simon to Perform with Auckland Symphony Orchestra in August
Roland Corp. Announces Sponsorship of 2009 Coupe Mondiale Digital Category
Heriberto Rodriguez, Winner of Texas Folklife's Big Squeeze Accordion Contest '09
Limited Edition Sterling Silver Commemorative AAA Necklace is Available Now
15th Annual American Accordionists’ Association Master Class and Concert Series
Dr.Robert Young McMahan: Prolific Composer/Accordionist
Joan Grauman: Accordionist, Artist, and Historian
Patricia Bartell to Perform at the Kimberly International Oldtime Accordion Championships
20th Annual Galla-Rini Accordion Camp: July 26-31
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Accordionares Orchestra Presents Concert with a Symphony
MECA Accordion Band Wins First Prize in Juneteenth Parade
Grayson Masefield Concert in Spokane - USA
Rose City Accordion Club Silver Falls Camp 2009
Buckwheat Zydeco Releases New CD
Future events |
JULY 11: Main Squeeze Accordion Festival
Dominic Karcic Presents Free Concert in August
ACCORDIONS NOW! 2009 2nd Annual Music Festival in August
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
| There is an amazing array of accordion events coming up in the summer months! All styles of playing, all types of accordions, all kinds of workshops, concerts, festivals etc. It seems that each month we are given so many choices! Just decide and go to one, or two, or maybe more! This month, our series on young accordionists continues. Read about 16 year old Heriberto Rodriguez, Heriberto Rodriguez, Winner of Texas Folklife's Big Squeeze Accordion Contest '09! A great achievement for such a young person! And........ don't forget the upcoming Festivals and Competitions right here on the North American Continent! Read this month's news to find out about them. Or........maybe you love travel outside the USA....then go to NZ for the 2009 Coupe Mondiale featuring the world's best accordionists competing for the World Title! Or maybe YOU can participate in the Third Annual World Accordion Orchestra III in New Zealand. Yes, YOU can play in an accordion orchestra with people from all continents! WOW! This month's accordion news is exciting! Enjoy! |
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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Mary Tokarski to Perform at Coupe Mondiale with ASOby Rita Barnea |
 Mary Tokarski will perform “Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra” by Gary Daverne with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra at the Coupe Mondiale 2009 World Accordion Championship Concert. The concert will take place at the Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland, NZ on August 25, 7:30PM.Mary Tokarski performs as a soloist, and as a member of “Buttons & Keys” (a piano/accordion duo). Mary was United States Champion twice, and represented the U.S. in the 1971 and 1973 Coupe Mondiale events in Belgium and France. Mary serves on the Board of Directors for both the American Accordionists Association and the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, Intl. Mary also teaches and travels throughout the U.S. presenting workshops and Master Classes on improving musical skills, and coaches on all aspects of performance. The Auckland Symphony is Auckland's most popular orchestra. The ASO is a community-based orchestra formed in 1975 by its musical director, Gary Daverne. The players are drawn from all parts of Auckland and from all walks of life. The orchestra provides an opportunity to musicians who have chosen a career outside music, to enjoy weekly rehearsals of symphonic music, playing without payment and purely for the pleasure of making good music together.The orchestra also supports local young soloists, giving them the opportunity to perform with a full symphony orchestra, in concert. The orchestra’s main philosophy is that music should be fun and enjoyed by players and audiences alike - hence the regular, Free Family concerts that are offered in Auckland with out-of-town concerts in areas where a live performance by a Symphony Orchestra is a rare event. The Auckland Symphony Orchestra, with over eighty players, has developed an excellent following and reputation for its high quality performances of popular classics, film and show music, often playing to capacity and turn-away audiences.Regular annual features of the orchestra are the two sell-out performances of Last Night of the Proms and the Free Christmas Sing Along with local Pacific Island youth choirs. For further info about the concerts: Mary Tokarski, mary.tokarski@comcast.net |
American Accordionists' Association 2009 Competition and Festival from July 15-19, 2009by Rita Barnea |
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 Mary Tokarski, Chairman of the 2009 AAA Competition and Festival in Memphis, TN. from July 15-19, 2009, announced that several new categories will be included in this year’s events including: AAA Digital/Electronic Entertainment Competition, as well as a solo category honoring “The King”, Elvis Presley. There will be an International Piano Accordion Competition with prizes funded by the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund. In addition, there will be the Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Competition for Female Accordionists. This competition is sponsored by the Mauro Greco family, under the auspices of the AAA. Another category will be the Elsie M. Bennett Composition Category whose general purpose is to encourage young students of the accordion and those who just enjoy the sound of the accordion, to create literature for accordion either as a solo instrument, or with other instruments. There is no directive for the style of the composition, only that it is written for the acoustic accordion, not electronic accordion. There will be cash awards. A performance at Graceland will take place followed by a Graceland tour with additional sightseeing time afterwards. The events will take place at the Holiday Inn Suites at the University of Memphis, TN. The Holiday Inn is an all-suite hotel located on the campus of the University of Memphis and adjacent to the Fogelman Executive Conference Center. Headline performers include Joe Natoli (winner of the recent Roland V Competition in Los Angeles), Tony Lovello (Liberace of the Accordion), and Randy Martin, director of the Martin School in Fullerton, California, will conduct the AAA Festival Orchestra. The evening entertainment will feature “Riders in the Sky”. They have been playing original and classic cowboy songs for more than thirty years. They are keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the genre. While remaining true to the integrity of Western music, Riders in the Sky have themselves become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life "The Cowboy Way!" In the late 1980s, the group added accordionist Joey Miskulin known to many as the accordion prodigy who joined Frankie Yankovic’s band when he was only thirteen. Joey Miskulin, "The CowPolka King!", is no stranger to any medium or genre. Accordion in hands, he's garnished audio and video recordings, movie tracks and live performances for rock 'n roll artists and polka bands alike. Though he's played the gamut of musical homefronts, Joey specializes in two areas that represent our rich culture: polka music and Western music. (That's "Western" as in Gene Autry.) This unlikely marriage has brought a special, wonderful sound to Joey's most recent projects. Riders In The Sky proclaimed him "Joey The Cowpolka King" after he appeared on their recordings and their radio show, Riders Radio Theater. Joey then began touring with Riders In The Sky, now touring as part of the group, performing more than 200 shows per year throughout the U.S. and other countries. With Riders, Joey's skillful musicianship rounds out the groups' fine sound on the road and on recordings, and it garnishes the drama in Riders' Radio Theatre. For more info visit the American Accordionists' Association website. |
World Champion Alexander Savastien featured at ATG, August 13-16by Dee Langley |
 The ATG has a very special environment at the Hilton Mall Airport of America to enjoy hearing World Champion Alexander Savastien, Roland Artist Don McMahon, ATG National Champion Jeff Lisenby, John Scaffeo and all the other fine accordion artists during festival. Workshops include topics and demonstrations by Dr. Helmi Harrington & Dr. Marion Jacobson, Musik Garten, Orkestar Bez Ime, Alexander Savastien, Don McMahon, Michele Boddicker Scheffler, Button Box America and many others. James Touchi-Peters, Conductor Emeritus of the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, is the guest conductor for the ATG Festival Orchestra. The festival/convention concludes with a sightseeing tour which includes a special behind the scenes tour of the Science Museum of Minnesota, entrance to the Titanic Artifacts Exhibit and a Sunset Mississippi River Dinner Cruise. The Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International was established in 1940 by a group of 29 founding members (including ATG President Emeritus, the late Anthony Galla-Rini) with the purpose of furthering the progress of the accordion by improving teaching standards, music, and all phases of music education. The 2009 ATG Competition and Festival "Accordion Renaissance" will be held August 13-16 2009 at the Hilton Minneapolis/St.Paul Airport Mall of America, 3800 American Boulevard East, Bloomington (Minneapolis), MN. Please plan on participating in this once in a lifetime event! For Hilton Reservations call: 952-854-2100, to Register for the convention visit the ATG web site: accordions.com/atg. See you in August at 'Accordion Renaissance'! For more information, please contact: Dee Langley, President of the ATG E-mail: dlangley@airaccordion.com |
Betty Jo Simon to Perform with Auckland Symphony Orchestra in Augustby Rita Barnea |
 Betty Jo Simon will perform Anthony Galla Rini's "Accordion Concerto in G Minor (No.1)" three times with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gary Daverne during the August 2009 Coupe Mondiale. The dates and places are: August 16 - Auckland Town Hall, soloist with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Auckland, New Zealand (2:30 p.m.) August 23 - Bruce Mason Center, soloist with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Auckland, New Zealand (2:30 p.m.) August 25 - Bruce Mason Center, soloist with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, opening concert of the 64th Coupe Mondiale, (World Championship Accordion Competition) Auckland, New Zealand (2:30 p.m.) Betty Jo’s musical aptitude and love for the accordion appeared early. As a high school student, she became the first accordionist to win the instrumental division of the Youth Talent Auditions of the Topeka Civic Symphony. She performed the Galla- Rini “Concerto No. 1 in g minor” at that concert. Betty Jo is looking forward to have this opportunity again so many years later to play it with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and to work with Gary Daverne. Betty Jo earned a Bachelor of Music in Accordion Performance from the University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC), where she played the world premiere of Paul Creston's “Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra” with the UMKC Civic Orchestra. She participated in USO tours to Greenland, Newfoundland, Labrador and Germany, and did a two-year stint with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians. Betty Jo now performs as a soloist throughout the United States and internationally. In 2000 she appeared on a Chinese satellite TV musical variety program aired on Chinese New Year and went on to give concerts in Beijing and Shanghai. In 2007 she won the Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Competition for Female Accordionst and currently leads a German polka band called The Alpen Spielers. Betty Jo has recorded two CD’s: “Musically Yours” and “Mama Mia”. She strives to project a positive image of the accordion through her concerts and hope to encourage others to take up the instrument by demonstrating its versatility using MIDI technology. For more info: Betty Jo Simon, wbsimon@earthlink.net |
Roland Corp. Announces Sponsorship of 2009 Coupe Mondiale Digital Categoryby Rita Barnea |
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 Roland Corporation announces their sponsorship of the inaugural Coupe Mondiale Digital Accordion Competition, part of the 2009 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships & Festival, to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, in August 2009. Roland is a leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, including the V‐Accordion, the world’s first digital modeling accordion. As part of their Coupe Mondiale sponsorship, the full range of Roland V‐Accordions will be exhibited at the Bruce Mason Centre during the 62nd Coupe Mondiale event, August 25-29. This most prestigious international accordion competition is organized annually by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA – IMC‐UNESCO), and in 2009 is hosted by the New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA). Roland Australia & NZ have invited two very special guests to Auckland to assist with the performance and promotion of V‐Accordion at Coupe Mondiale 2009: Mr. Luigi Bruti is the Marketing Director for Roland Europe, home of the V‐accordion. Mr. Bruti was a central figure in the development of V‐Accordion and the establishment in 2007 of the V‐Accordion Festival, an international competition that has attracted some of the finest accordionists from around the world. A renowned accordionist himself, Mr. Bruti will be on hand throughout the event to share his knowledge and experience of the Roland V‐Accordion with musicians and enthusiasts. The other guest is Mr. Ludovic Beier. Hailing from France, he is one of the finest exponents of jazz style accordion, and will perform on the V‐Accordion at Coupe Mondiale 2009 at the Thursday night concert on August 27th where he will unveil, in a world debut, the latest developments for Roland V‐Accordion. Ludovic will also appear in a more informal French themed social setting on Friday evening, August 28th. He is a thrilling and inspiring performer and his show should not be missed. Sales and Marketing Manager for Roland Australia & NZ, Mr. Brendan Callinan, says that “the release of the Roland FR7 V‐Accordion in 2004 was the culmination of many years of planning and design, and fulfilled a long ambition of Roland’s founder, Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi, to produce a Roland accordion that did justice to both the fine history and tradition of the instrument and Roland’s dedication to developing cutting edge technologies to enhance the musical experience. We are excited about the prospect of the union of fine musicianship and creative technology within the Coupe Mondiale program and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA – IMC‐UNESCO).” For more information visit the Roland website. For more information on the Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships & Festival, including the full 2009 programme, visit www.coupemondiale.org |
Heriberto Rodriguez, Winner of Texas Folklife's Big Squeeze Accordion Contest '09by Rita Barnea |
 Texas Folklife's Big Squeeze Accordion Contest '09 winner was selected and announced at the 20th annual Accordion Kings & Queens concert in Houston on June 6. The winner, Heriberto Rodriguez, 16 years old, was selected from a very talented group of young players: Gloria Jean Cantu (16) from San Benito who was the first female finalist in the history of the contest; Anthony Ortiz Jr. (16) from Austin who recently received a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives and played in the Capitol Rotunda and Jorge Vasquez (25) from Houston. The photo is of Gloria Jean Cantu (one of this year's contestants), John Ramirez (Big Squeeze 2008 winner) and Heri Rodriguez (Big Squeeze 2009 winner). The photo is by David Dodd It was a fabulous night with over 5,000 in attendance. The judges were: Arlyn Visentin, president of the Houston Accordion Association; Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle music critic; Roger Wood, writer; Chris Longwood of Sugarhill Studios; music legends Santiago Jimenez Jr. and Sunny Sauceda; and the evening's host, Joe Nick Patoski, popular Texas journalist. Performers for the evening were: Tejano greats Sunny Sauceda and Santiago Jimenez, Jr.; Zydeco stars Cedryl Ballou and The Zydeco Trendsetters and Lady “D” and the Zydeco Tornadoes, and Czech polka specialists Mark Halata and Texavia. At the Accordion Kings & Queens festival, each finalist performed two songs backed by Houston’s hometown band, Grammy and Tejano Music Award nominee, Avizo. An esteemed panel of judges selected the winner based on song interpretation, technical skill, originality, execution, and stage presence. The Grand Prize Winner, Heri Rodriguez, received a prize package valued at $7,000, including an all expense paid trip to perform in Trossingen, Germany, the home of Hohner’s German factory, a day-long recording session at the historic SugarHill Recording Studios in Houston, and promotional support from Hohner, Inc., SugarHill, and Texas Folklife. One of the prizes, of course, is performing at the Accordion Kings & Queens Festival in front of accordion legends, music industry professionals, and a large crowd of enthusiastic music lovers. The Accordion Kings & Queens festival and The Big Squeeze contest are funded in part by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Hohner Inc., Houston Endowment, SugarHill Recording Studios, The Raven Grill, Flashbang and Sign Effects. Additional support for the contest is provided by Embassy Suites Hotel, Austin, Botticelli’s and Güero’s Taco Bar, the Still Water Foundation and the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. All players dazzled the public with their performances. Congratulations to Heriberto and all the finalists for their great performance; we know there will be great accordion music happening in Texas for a long time! For further info: Sheree Scarborough, sheree.scarborough@gmail.com |
Limited Edition Sterling Silver Commemorative AAA Necklace is Available Nowby Rita Barnea |
 The AAA logo set in sterling silver is available. The logo was designed about forty years ago by AAA Board member, Faithe Deffner. AAA Board member Joan Grauman found a supplier who has created a sterling silver replica of the AAA logo on a 20” sterling silver chain. A limited number of this piece, which is suitable for men or women, has been ordered.The price is only $35.00 each (plus $2.00 shipping). Order now and pick up at the AAA Festival in July to save the shipping and handling. Please make checks payable to AAA and mail to M. Kendrick, c/o AAA, 120 Valley View Road, Stratford, CT 06614 - MasterCard or Visa also accepted. Or call: 203-335-2045 |
15th Annual American Accordionists’ Association Master Class and Concert Seriesby Rita Barnea |
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| On July 24, 25 and 26, Dr. William Schimmel will be the Moderator/Curator of the 2009 Annual Seminars. This will be the fifteenth year and the event is sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association. The title is: "WELCOME HOME SKINNY almost (not) (t)here". It takes place on July 24, 25 AND 26 2009 at the Tenri Cultural Institute of New York, 43A West 13th St. between 5th AND 6th Ave. Each afternoon master class will begin with an interactive segment: four or five accordionists from the audience who wish to perform will receive comments, advice and encouragement from the seminar participants, members of the audience and from William Schimmel. Reserve a place early! Performances will be in a staggering variety of styles, genres and angles. Many well known accordionists will be performing! Master classes are at 3:PM . Concerts are at 7:PM. The fee is $20 for each master class, $25 for each concert or $40 for each day. The entire weekend is $110. For further information, reservations or for reserving a place to perform at a master class, call: Dr.William Schimmel at 212-876-0827 or Email: billschimmel@billschimmel.com Come and enjoy this special accordion weekend! It will be a weekend with twelve doctorates: Dr. Robert Young McMahan –composer, accordionist, lecturer; Dr. Ronald Sarno-writer; Dr. Mark Birnbaum-composer, pianist (King of Ragtime);Dr. David soldier-composer; Dr. Rocco Jerry-bajan player; Dr. William Schimmel-composer, accordionist, philospher; Dr. Hugo Goldenzwieg-Argentine pianist; Dr. Marion Jacobson-musicologist; Dr. Jacob Neupauer-educator, advisor; Dr. Thomas Massucci-accordionist, arranger; Dr. Salvatore Febbraio – educator, adviser; Dr. Samuel Adler, composer. It will be a weekend of innovation: Micki Goodman – video artist/choreographer and dancer; Brian Dewan – performance artist and sound sculptor; Kathleen Tipton – actress; Godfrey and Lorraine – electronics/guitar/vocals/harp; Lee Mc Clure – electric digital flute; David First – guitarist and drone sculptor; Cristina Speligene - installation artist; Will Holshouser - Jazz Accordionist There will be new faces: Ingrid Kvale, the bajan girl (Norway); Doug Makofka, accordionist, lecturer; Diane Makovka, violinist; Michael Century, accordionist, composer; John Foti, rock accordionist, composer; Art Bailey, accordionist, composer/arranger It will be a weekend of tradition: Paul Stein, Yiddish theatre and sing alongs; Mary Tokarski, virtuoso accordionist; Marni Rice, accordionist and chantuese It will be a weekend of controversy: Radiant Pietro, a sound and visual installation showing Pietro headless. It will be a weekend of fun: David Stoler, grunge; Ken Laufer, humorist Get radiant! – experience the skinny! - The seminars! July 24, 25 and 26 at Tenri Check out our promotional video – www.billschimmel.com and for complete program info: click visit our 2009 seminars page |
Dr.Robert Young McMahan: Prolific Composer/Accordionistby Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair, AAA Composers Commissioning Committee; Professor Emeritus, The College of New Jersey, Music Department |
 Robert Young McMahan has had an active year as a composer/accordionist. He and soprano Suzanne Hickman (a colleague on the Music faculty of The College of New Jersey, where he heads the Music Theory and Composition program and offers an accordion major) premiered his “Three Songs on Texts by Walt Whitman” (“Beginning My Studies”, “Shut Not Your Doors,” and “No Labor Saving Machine”) at the American Accordionists’ Association Master Class and Concert Series at the Tenri Institute in New York City, on July 27, 2008. Two other performances of the songs took place in the annual TCNJ Faculty Composers Concert at The College of New Jersey, on March 5, 2009, and two days later at the American Accordion Musicological Society Festival, where McMahan was the honored guest for the year. Another work, “Romp”, for violin, accordion, and piano, was performed twice in this period, at the AAA sponsored fourth concert of contemporary music for or including accordion (produced by McMahan) at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), October 10, 2008, and to a very enthusiastic audience at the last concert of the 2008-09 Clearfield Salon concert series in Philadelphia, on May 24, 2009. Artists were TCNJ faculty colleagues Ruotao Mao, violinist, and Tomoko Kanamaru, pianist, and the composer. McMahan also gave the world premiere of the original free-bass version of the latest AAA commissioned composition, Samuel Adler’s “Canto XVIII” (which, as chair of the AAA Composers Commissioning Committee, he had the privilege of commissioning), at the CUNY concert. On July 26, 2009, McMahan and TCNJ faculty colleague, George Balog, clarinetist, will premiere the composer’s latest work, “Three Inventions for Clarinet and Accordion”, at the 2009 Master Class and Concert Series. This composition will be performed a second time at the annual TCNJ Faculty Gala Concert at the College in October (exact date to the announced). Dr.Robert Young McMahan is also Secretary of the AAA. For further info: mcmahan@tcnj.edu |
Joan Grauman: Accordionist, Artist, and Historianby Rita Barnea |
 Pictured with her accordion, her American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) archival display boards, logos she has designed for the Coupe Mondiale and the AAA, and some of her SqueezinArt t-shirt designs, is Joan Grauman who is AAA historian, co-owner of “SqueezinArt”, co-director of the Frank Marocco Accordion Event, vice-president of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS), and conductor of the Potomac Accordion Ensemble.Never in a million years would Joan have predicted that, in her mid-50s, her life would center around her father’s musical instrument, the piano accordion. As a child, she delighted in the beautiful melodies her father played each evening on the instrument that won him many awards in his childhood. Joan’s young life centered around her artwork, her piano, and performing and choreographing international folk dances. It was her love for the dance melodies of the Balkan countries that redirected her life toward the accordion. The rest is history. The accordion led her to play all over the country, first with her Balkan band, BAMCO, with Klezmer groups, and then with her accordion duet partner, Stella Allison. Joan met her husband, Dan, at an accordion event. Together they created the company, “SqueezinArt”, that features her artwork on “everything accordion”. SqueezinArt led her to the AAA, and then to its governing board, where she was asked to be its historian. A born “local historian”, Joan then redirected this interest to the history of the AAA. She loves researching and writing about the accordion greats (look for her article on Dr. Carmelo Pino in the 2009 AAA Festival Journal). Joan’s most recent design for the AAA is the new sterling silver logo necklace (see article in this month’s www.accordionusa.com). Joan and friends, Karen Malan-Uribe, president of WMAS, and celebrated accordionist, Mary Tokarski, are finishing up a book and CD they have collaborated on about – you guessed it – the accordion! Joan hopes to see everyone at the AAA Festival in Memphis where she will be giving a workshop on the AAA Archives, and playing French Musette waltzes in Bernard Metais’ workshop on the history of French Musette (both on Saturday, July 18). For further info: joangrauman@comcast.net |
Patricia Bartell to Perform at the Kimberly International Oldtime Accordion Championshipsby Rita Barnea |
 Accordioniist Patricia Bartell will perform on Wednesday, July 8th, 7PM at the Kimberly International Oldtime Accordion Championships in Kimberley BC, Canada.Patricia Bartell holds a B.A. in Music Education and Performance. She teaches accordion and piano full time in Spokane Washington and travels worldwide as an adjudicator, professional performer and teacher. She conducts the Spokane Accordion orchestra, is involved in an Argentine Tango Quartet (Tango Volcado) and is the guest artist for the Hot Club of Spokane – a fantastic swing jazz group. Studying in France last summer, under world-renowned accordion teacher Frederic Deschamps, led her to Bosnia October 2008 as the official USA judge for the international competition of the C.M.A (World Trophy for Accordion). This year, 2009, she will travel to Portugal as the USA adjudicator. Patricia is a member of the Washington State Music Teachers' National Association. She has studied with Dr. Judith Schoepflin of Whitworth College and Kendall Feeney of the Golandsky Institute; the preeminent center for the Taubman Technique Approach. Her performances; whether individual, ensemble, or with other classical artists both in the USA and Europe, continue to receive high reviews. She has performed in numerous international competitions, claiming many international titles. For further info please call: 1-888-4KIOTAC (1-888-454-6852 |
20th Annual Galla-Rini Accordion Camp: July 26-31by Rita Barnea |
 The 20th Annual Galla-Rini Accordion Camp will be held from July 26th to July 31st at the San Domenico Music Conservatory on the beautiful campus of San Domenico School, 1500 Bufterfield Road, San Ansel mo, CA, a stunning setting in rural Marin County, California.A special invitation to past campers to attend this 20th anniversary camp and share the excitement, as well as memories and music in a special evening dedicated to Maestro Anthony Galla-Rini. New campers will surely enjoy this look back and then look forward to music created by our new Maestro, Joe Smiell, who in 2005, at the personal request of Maestro Galla-Rini, was asked to continue the camp and expand the program of presenting the accordion as a serious musical instrument by presenting more sophisticated arrangements. Maestro Smiell is uniquely suited to this task, being a Conservatory-trained musician (Peabody Conservatory) with years of experience in writing, scoring, and arranging solo, ensemble, and orchestral music (popular and folk, as well as classical) for the accordion. The camp provides an opportunity to play the accordion in an orchestral setting with music arranged for up to 10 parts, comprised of classical, show tunes, and original compositions. There will also be workshops for improving your technique and music skills. Joe's vision for the camp is to have a good time while learning. The camp is open to accordionists of all levels of competence, with parts for each skill level and room for individual musical growth. On the final evening, members perform a free concert for the public in the Conservatory concert hall. Thirty people have already signed up and there is a limit of 55 resident campers, so please get your reservations in early if you wish to stay on campus. Nearby hotels and motels are plentiful, if you wish to register as a ''commuter". Meal service is available on campus. We look forward to having you join us for a memorable week of music and fun with a final concert putting a period on the camp! The 2009 Galla- Rini camp logo is from the original art designed by AAA board member, Joan Grauman. For more information please contact:Tor Arild: tarild@gotsky.com. Phone: 650-851-7831. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Abruzzi Earthquake Benefit Show is a Great Success!by Rita Barnea |
 A benefit concert for the Abruzzi Earthquake Victims was held at the historic Paramount Center for the Arts on Monday evening, June 22, 2009. The concert was presented under the auspices of the American Accordionists’ Association. Produced by GIOIA Productions, the musical extravaganza starred internationally acclaimed vocal artist sensation, Mary Mancini, and world renowned accordion virtuoso, Mario Tacca. Joining Mancini and Tacca were Floyd Vivino, comic, and popular radio, TV and movie personality, singer Steve Ritrovato and the dynamic City Rhythm Orchestra. Surprising the audience, Peekskill’s own Bagpiper, Joe Brady, Jr. made a well received cameo appearance. Drawing from her deep repertory reservoir, Mancini moved the audience to their feet with her renditions of Italian and Broadway favorites. Thunderous applause and a standing ovation followed her moving performance of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.” Mario Tacca was greeted by the Paramount Center audience with rousing applause, wearing his trademark hat. His fingers flying over the keyboard of the accordion, he brought the audience to their feet with his renditions of “Granada” and “The William Tell Overture.” Tacca was born in Assergi, a small town in Abruzzi, the region struck by the catastrophic earthquake on April 6, 2009. It was obvious that his dazzling performance was heartfelt and on this special night, connected to the victims of the earthquake. Vivino entertained the audience with his trademark humor, as well as masterfully emceeing the show. To the delight of the audience, singer Steve Ritrovato delivered his true renditions of songs made popular by Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin. An integral part of the show, the City Rhythm Orchestra entertained the audience with their sophisticated and upbeat style of music. Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca prepared a video presentation, “Abruzzi, Before and After the Earthquake, 2009,” illustrating the devastation of the earthquake, and moving the audience to tears. The performers and organizers of this benefit show donated their time and efforts to the success of this cause and are grateful for the generosity of so many. A reception at the Elks Club following the show allowed members of the audience and performing artists to share their vision to continue to aid the victims. The ABRUZZI EARTHQUAKE FUND is ongoing. Please make donations by check payable to “Abruzzi Earthquake Fund” and mail to 175 King St., Chappaqua, NY 10514. For more information: www.gioiaproductions.com |
Accordionares Orchestra Presents Concert with a Symphonyby Ron Schwarz |
 The Accordionaires Orchestra presented a wonderful concert on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at the Fred Kavli Theater in the Thousand Oaks Civic Plaza in California.AAA Board Member Joan Grauman and her husband, Dan, flew to LA from their home in Maryland to attend this fabulous concert. Joan says, "It was a total joy to see this excellent youth orchestra onstage with twenty one accomplished accordionists performing classical music for a very appreciative audience. Janet Hane, a fine accordionist and conductor, has taken the accordion to a new level in the eyes of our youth. We need more people like her out there showcasing the accordion as a serious instrument." To read the review by Ron Schwarz of this amazing event, please click on the link: "The ACCORDIONAIRES ORCHESTRA in concert" |
MECA Accordion Band Wins First Prize in Juneteenth Paradeby Rita Barnea |
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| The MECA Accordion Band players participated in the Killeen,Texas, Juneteenth Parade last week. They won first prize in the parade and will be playing in the Killeen Music/Mariachi 2009 Festival on July 9, 10, and 11 at the KPLE-TV station on Elms Road, Killeen, Texas both in the studio, and outdoors. The festival will start with a jam session on July 9, Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. On July 10, Friday, during the day, there will be music instruction on all the mariachi instruments, violin, trumpet, accordion and guitar and the mariachi style of playing. The accordion instructors will be Shelia Lee from Galveston, Texas; Chris Rybak from Halletsville, Texas; and Joe Kraus from Austin, Texas. The mariachi instructors will come from Alice, Texas. On Friday night, there will be a Noche Mariachi starting at 7:30 pm. Some of the program will be in the studio and some outside in the parking lot. The outdoor session will be similar to a Plaza Girbaldi event in Mexico City. There will be food booths, strolling musicians, and dancing. Most of the music will be Mexican, Hispanic, and Texas. The MECA Ballet Folkloric de Colores will be also performing in the Noche de Mariachi. The public is invited free to the jam session and the Noche de Mariachi event. For more information: dfkott@aol.com |
Grayson Masefield Concert in Spokane - USAby Patricia Bartell |
 Patricia Bartell and her students were honored to host the President of the CMA Frédéric Deschamps and his student Grayson Masefield (New Zealand - picture left) for a seminar and concert. Spokane Concert Reviews.For the concert, Grayson performed both a Classical Program and Variety Program. With his great personality and amazing technique he won the hearts of the audience who gave him standing ovations and great appreciation. Spokane Concert Reviews. |
Rose City Accordion Club Silver Falls Camp 2009by Rita Barnea |
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| The Rose City (Portland Oregon) Accordion Camp at Silver Falls Conference Center, held from June 7 – 12, was a huge success. Sixty four people attended from three countries, USA, Canada and Great Britain. Gary Blair came from Scotland. Ilmar Kuljus was the musical director with Murl Allen Sanders as the Guest Conductor. Gary Blair and Lillian Jones were the teachers for the workshops. All of the music staff gave “one on one” sessions with the participants who signed up for this. The accordionists were split into two groups to form the “Morning Orchestra” and the “Afternoon Orchestra”. This defined their rehearsal time so when they were not in rehearsal they could attend workshops or “one on one” sessions. Workshops were offered on the following subjects, “Bellows Control”, “Make the music your own”, “Improve your technique”, “Adding ornaments”. There was time for sectional rehearsals of orchestra parts and also free time to play together and form various size groups. These groups and individuals had opportunities each evening to perform for the rest of the campers. Silver Falls Accordion Camp 2010 will be held June 6 – 11 and is limited to 50 accordionists. Thirty have already enrolled. If you are interested in attending next year’s camp, it is usually sold out by January, so please send in your $50 deposit to: RCAC Treasurer 251 McNary Heights Dr N. Keizer, Oregon 97303 For more info: Geoff Levear, GLevear@aol.com, |
Buckwheat Zydeco Releases New CDby Rita Barnea |
 With his new CD, “Lay Your Burden Down”, Buckwheat Zydeco (aka Stanley Dural) celebrates his 30th anniversary of recording as a solo artist. It is the most ambitious, deepest and varied recording of Buckwheat Zydeco's career.It is a remarkably conceived, rocking album featuring five new Buckwheat originals and complete reinventions of songs by Memphis Minnie (When The Levee Breaks, made famous by Led Zeppelin), Bruce Springsteen (Back In Your Arms), Gov't Mule (Lay Your Burden Down), Captain Beefheart (Too Much Time), Jimmy Cliff (Let Your Yeah Be Yeah) and JJ Grey & Mofro (The Wrong Side). Guests on the album include Sonny Landreth, Warren Haynes, Steve Berlin, JJ Grey and Trombone Shorty. As New Orleans author Ben Sandmel writes in the liner notes, “In this, Buckwheat's first post-Katrina album, Louisiana's life-affirming jazz funeral philosophy of renewal,partying in the face of adversity, is on full display, with joyful, rhythmic dance music and deeper, more intense songs sharing the same celebratory bayou spirit." Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural, Jr. was born in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1947. He acquired his nickname because, with his braided hair, he looked like Buckwheat from The Little Rascals. His father was an accomplished, non-professional traditional Creole accordion player, but young Buckwheat preferred listening to and playing R&B. He became proficient at the organ, and by the late 1950s was backing Joe Tex, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and many others. In 1971 he formed Buckwheat and The Hitchhikers, a 15-piece funk and soul band. They were a local sensation and found success with the single, "It's Hard To Get," recorded for a local Louisiana-based label. Never a traditional zydeco fan when growing up, Buckwheat nonetheless accepted an invitation in 1976 to join Clifton Chenier's Red Hot Louisiana Band as organist. He quickly discovered the joy and power of zydeco music, and marveled at the effect the music had on the audience. Buckwheat's relationship with the legendary Chenier led him to take up the accordion in 1978. He started his own band under the name Buckwheat Zydeco, and began his recording career with the small Blues Unlimited label. By the mid-1980s there were more offers to perform than he could possibly accept. Recordings for Black Top and Rounder followed before Buckwheat befriended New York-based journalist Ted Fox, who championed Buckwheat to Chris Blackwell at Island Records in 1986. Buckwheat Zydeco signed a five-record deal and Fox became and still remains his manager. The success of these records kept Buckwheat Zydeco on the road and in constant demand. Buckwheat Zydeco has played just about every major music festival in the world, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (numerous times), Newport Folk Festival, Summerfest, San Diego Street Scene, Bumbershoot, Montreaux Jazz Festival and countless others. Over the course of 30 years, Buckwheat Zydeco has gigged with everyone from Eric Clapton (with whom Buckwheat also recorded) and U2 to The Boston Pops. The band performed at the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics to a worldwide audience of three billion people. Buckwheat even performed for President Clinton twice, celebrating both of his inaugurations. The band has appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman, CNN, The Today Show, MTV, NBC News, CBS Morning News and many others. Along with his remarkably talented band, he brings his music to fans all over the world. For more info and touring dates: zydecobuck@aol.com |
Future events |
Annual Kimberly International Old Time Accordion Championshipby Rita Barnea |
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| The 36th Annual Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships 2009 takes place from Mon, July 6, 2009 at 7:00 PM to Sat, July 11, 2009 at 11:00 PM. The location is Downtown Kimberley, 525 Archibald St. Kimberley, BC,Canada. It features six full days of accordionists from all over the world competing in a variety of musical categories, including diatonic, classical, popular music, jazz, showmanship, and more. This annual event includes cash prizes, evening concerts, family dances, platzl entertainment, pancake breakfasts, barbecues, jam sessions, workshops, and guest artists. Featured guest artists perform in the Civic Centre, including orchestral, family dance, family band, and accordion-only performances.There's lots of free entertainment each day in the Platzl - grab your dancing shoes, bring your smiles and your lawn chairs. Accordion competitions and evening performances are located in the Civic Centre. Among the many wonderful performers this year will be: Gary Blair and Gary Blair Jr., The Brabec Step-Brothers Dance, Alex Meixner, Sylvia Marie, The Emeralds, Patricia Bartell, Sylvia Marie, Cory Pesaturo and many more. For further info: info@kiotac.ca or (888) 454-0822 |
JULY 11: Main Squeeze Accordion Festivalby Rita Barnea |
 On Saturday, July 11, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Pier I, West 70th Street, NYC, the 4th Annual NYC Main Squeeze Accordion Festival will take place.Don’t forget your dancing shoes for this all day festival of traditional and eclectic music from around the globe featuring the Main Squeeze Accordion Orchestra and popular guest artists. Kids can get in on the act too, at the Accordion Kids Corner, where they’ll get free accordion instruction. Browse the Accordion Flea Market and dance! Schedule TBA. Other activities include: kayaking, yoga, pilates, kids’ soccer, basketball at Riverside Park South, for the whole family. More than 40 free events with internationally acclaimed artists will be presented in July at the 9th annual Summer On the Hudson, one of New York City’s largest free summer festivals, The six-month series, which opened May 3 and runs through October 11, is an annual summer arts and cultural festival in Riverside Park South, West 59th St. to West 72nd Street at the Hudson River, presented by The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. All events are free to the public. Contact: Reva Cooper, (718) 965-0486 or revacooper@earthlink.net |
Dominic Karcic Presents Free Concert in Augustby Rita Barnea |
 Dominic Karcic will present a free concert entitled “A Romantic Evening - La Sera Romantica” on Friday, August 7, 2009, 7:30PM at the Memorial Park Band Shell, Tulip Ave. & Plainfield Ave. Floral Park, NY.This free concert features the sounds of the streets of Europe with accordionists, Dominic Karcic and Tim Lyons, plus the songs of Chopin and Mozart with renowned singer Margaret Benczak, star of Ben Johnston’s Rock Opera,” Carmilla”, and also Puccini’s “ La Boheme”. Originally from Astoria, NY, Dominic Karcic attended New York College of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree and continued his education at the City University of New York (CCNY) where he received his Masters Degree in Music. Dominic was a public school music teacher for thirty-two years focusing on vocal and instrumental instruction in the Long Island towns of Valley Stream, Freeport, and Baldwin. He has always played professionally in the New York metropolitan area and continues to do so today. His love for the Valtaro Musette music was instilled in him through his years of study with noted accordionist Peter Spagnoli. In recent years he has been involved in the preservation and documentation of this musical style. He collaborated in writing a biographical article on the life and career of accordionist John “Scudlein” Brugnoli (founder of the Valtaro Musette Orchestra) which was published in the Gazzetta di Parma (Parma, Italy). He has continued writing articles about Valtaro Musette music and several have been published in the Borgo Val di Taro web-site. Dominic is a member of the AAA Board of Governors and writes a column “Heard It On The Gig” for the AAA Newsletter. His love for the accordion has only grown over the years. His greatest interest lies in musette music and he hopes that he can contribute to the enrichment and preservation of this very festive music. Please remember to bring a chair to the concert which is in Memorial Park in front of Our Lady of Victory Church. The performance takes place rain or shine. For further info: DKarcic10@optonline.net |
ACCORDIONS NOW! 2009 2nd Annual Music Festival in Augustby Rita Barnea |
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 The ACCORDIONS NOW! 2009 2nd Annual Music Festival which is co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Accordion Association and Accordion Connection LLC will be held from Friday, August 7 - Saturday, August 8 at the Highlander Inn & Conference Center in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA.Come to beautiful New Hampshire and discover why the motto of ACCORDIONS NOW! is “LOTS OF ACCORDIONS, LOTS OF MUSIC, LOTS OF FUN!!” Some of this year’s festival highlights include a Gala Concert starring Tony Lovello, AKA the “Liberace of the Accordion,” jazz wizard Eddie Monteiro and Russian bayan master Vladimir Sidorov. Also on the program will be the original music of Nils Lundin and perhaps even Nils himself!; Alambic with Bob Lanoue, guitar/vocals, and Brenda Lanoue, accordion. There also will be the premiere of new Tony Lovello arrangements written for and performed by the New Hampshire Accordion Association Small Ensemble featuring Donna Maria Regis, who also conducts the ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra. You have a unique opportunity to participate in the ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra. Accordionists of all levels of ability are invited. Music will be sent in advance to pre-registered players. The last day to register for the orchestra is Friday, July 17, 2009. Don’t miss your chance to rehearse and perform. Sign up today. Many workshops will be offered with Introductory workshops by Arthur Welch. Intermediate and advanced workshops will be led by Lovello, Monteiro, and Sidorov. Many other fine performers are on the program including: Connecticut Accordion Association Small Ensemble, The Knoff Family, Phil Minichiello, Sylvia Miskoe, Gary Morin, New Hampshire Accordion Association Ensembles, Al Paradis, Jerry Tramontozzi, Carmen Vitanza, plus a few surprises. There will be continuous musical activity including concerts, workshops, jam sessions, vendor displays, demonstrations, door prizes, and more. Open Mike Night. Optional lunch, cocktail reception, dinner – all with accordion entertainment are offered. Celebrate the beauty, versatility, and expressivity of this underappreciated instrument at ACCORDIONS NOW! 2009 where you will find LOTS OF ACCORDIONS, LOTS OF MUSIC, LOTS OF FUN!! The event will be held at the Highlander Inn & Conference Center, 2 Highlander Way, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA. Special rate only $99 [+ tax] per room which includes continental breakfast buffet. To reserve, call hotel directly, 1-800-548-9248, and mention "accordion festival." See http://www.highlanderinn.com/ for map and directions. The cut-off date for the reduced room rate is Friday, July 17, 2009. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport [MHT is served by six major airlines and is conveniently located next to the Highlander Inn & Conference Center. The Highlander Inn offers complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service. For more information, please contact Donna Maria Regis, Artistic Director, at regisdonna@yahoo.com or Suzanne Welch, Executive Director, at 1-800-328-5227. |