![Jacques Mornet's [non] Method Book with Video Support](http://www.accordions.com/index/squ/graphics/jmornet-en.jpg)
Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
World Champion Grayson Masefield USA Concerts
Patricia Bartell to Perform with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra
Roberta Cantow's New Film "Accordion Rising"
Exciting Workshops Scheduled for the 2015 AAA Festival in Virginia
75th Anniversary of the ATG July 22-25, 2015
2015 Summer Schedule of A World of Accordions Museum
Sourdough Slim, the Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys to Perform for SFAC
Lawmaker Plays Polka on Iowa Senate Floor
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Roland 17th Semi-Annual V-Accordion Event
Young Musicians in Concert in Connecticut
Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton performs in the Washington, DC Area
Stas Venglevski Spring Concert Season
Video: Alicia Baker in San Francisco - French Medley
Meet Accordionist Evan Perry-Giblin
Brooklyn Accordion Club on May 3rd
"From Broadway to the Met….Plus" with accordionist Dominic Karcic on May 20th
Future events |
Accordion Pops Orchestra in Concert on May 3, 2015
San Francisco Accordion Club Celebrates Milestones on June 6
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention June 22-25, 2015
AAA Seminars In August 2015
25th Cotati Accordion Festival August 22-23
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 May brings Spring, renewed positive feelings. And, of course, new fun events for accordionists!Celebrate World Accordion Day on May 6th! Celebrate the accordion every day! New accordionists, new festivals, videos, musical possibilities! Go to an outdoor festival and enjoy live accordion music. As always, send me your comments/ideas to Ritabelll@aol.com |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
 |
  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
 |
World Champion Grayson Masefield USA Concertsby Rita Barnea |
 |
 World Champion Accordionist Grayson Masefield will perform at several accordion events during the 2015 Summer. It is a special opportunity for all to hear this young virtuoso in concert. Tour dates announced so far are: 22nd - 25th June, Las Vegas International Accordion Convention; 2nd July, Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane; 5th to 7th July (available for concerts in NY/North Eastern USA); 8th to 12th July, guest artist at the AAA Festival in Alexandria, Virginia, with concert on July 10th; July 17th & 19th, Victoria International Accordion Festival in Victoria, BC, Canada. In 2009, Grayson became the first person to win the Coupe Mondiale top classical category and the Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category in the same year. In 2009 he also won the Roland International V-Accordion Competition & Festival, Rome and the Primus Ikaalinen International TV Competition, Finland, showing his amazing musical versatility and in September 2010 Grayson won the Trophée Mondial Classique World Accordion Championships. At the 2010 Coupe Mondiale, Varaždin, Croatia, Grayson was elected to the prestigious CIA Music Committee. He also made a major USA Tour in 2010. Grayson Masefield was born in Auckland, New Zealand on the 10th September 1987 to accordion playing parents Ian and Heather Masefield. His musical career began at 3 years of age with Fay Schaw, then developed into the entertainment field with Maurice Jones. He played in the North Shore Accordion Orchestras. Grayson began classical training at Auckland University with Stephanie Poole. Grayson went to France for seminars and tuition with Frédéric Deschamps in 2007 for 4 years. He is currently studying at the HEMU (University of Music Lausanne), tutor Prof. Stéphane Chapuis. Grayson has been invited to perform in many European countries during 2007 to 2015 - France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, UK, Portugal, Slovakia, Italy, USA, Canada, Russia, Lithuania, Portugal, China, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, Finland. Grayson has available a varied program of serious concert works as well as entertainment music. eTracks album (mp3 files downloadable) available at: Grayson01 |
 |
Patricia Bartell to Perform with the Spokane Symphony Orchestraby Rita Barnea |
 |
| Patricia Bartell will present an exciting performance of Piazzolla's "Bandonenon Concerto" with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra will in the fabulous Fox theater Concerts on Sat. May 9 at 8:PM and Sun. May 10 at 3:PM Born in La Paz Bolivia, South America, Patricia is a graduate of Whitworth University with a B.A. in Music Education and Accordion Performance. She was the first person from Whitworth to graduate with an accordion performance degree. She is widely-known throughout the U.S. northwest and western Canada as an adjudicator, professional performer and teacher. Currently Patricia is a member of Tango Vocaldo (Argentine Tango Quartet), leads a radical young accordion band called, “The Portatos,” was the 2012 organizer for the Trophée Mondial (World Championships for Accordion) that came to the U.S.A. for the first time. She is a certified piano and accordion teacher of Simply Music and is working with the Founder and C.E.O. of Simply Music to complete the new Hohner Certified Accordion Method. Patricia is a professional musician whose performances continue to receive high reviews; individual, ensemble and with numerous other classical artists both in the western states and Canada. As a person who has performed in numerous international competitions, Patricia has claimed many championships, including the prestigious Kimberley International Championship award, the Leavenworth International Championship, 3rd in the Maddalena Belfoire (virtuoso entertainment world competition for females) and recently 3rd in Castelfidardo Italy. Patricia has been an adjudicator for competitions and festivals such as the American Accordion Association (AAA), Accordion Teachers & Guild (ATG), Calgary Canadian Accordion Association and others. She also travels world-wide as the USA judge for the international championship Trophée Mondial of the C.M.A (World Confederation for the Accordion - World Trophy for Accordion) Eckart Preu is the conductor of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Also on the program will be Frank Zappa's "Dupree's Paradise" and Camille Saint-Saens "Symphony No.3 "Organ Symphony". The Spokane Symphony continues a long tradition as the largest and most active professional performing arts organization in the Inland Pacific Northwest. The 2015-16 Season marks its 70th year. The 70-piece professional orchestra performs for more than 150,000 listeners each season and provides a wide variety of exceptional educational experiences. The orchestra presents critically acclaimed performances featuring some of the world's most respected soloists. The orchestra is led by Eckart Preu, outstanding Music Director, who has taken the orchestra to the next level of artistic achievement. He was selected from a field of more than 200. He is assisted by Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara. Jorge Luis Uzcátegui officially joins the Spokane Symphony as its Assistant Conductor at the start of the 2015-16 Season, having occasionally conducted programs during the previous season. For Mother's Day, tickets would be a thoughtful gift at www.spokanesymphony.org. Ticket prices are $15, $25, $37, $46 and $54. Tickets may be purchased with personalized service at the Box Office of Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 West Sprague Avenue, or by calling 509-624-1200. They are also available online and at all TicketsWest outlets. |
Roberta Cantow's New Film "Accordion Rising"by Rita Barnea |
 Film maker Roberta Cantow shares the latest news about her new film about the accordion: "Accordions Rising is the new title for my film-in-progress, formerly known as The A Word Documentary. This is the film I have been working on for years about how appreciation for the music of the accordion has found its way back into the culture and is taking its rightful place! The film covers a broad spectrum of accordion music - from traditional and ethnic variations to popular, jazz, classical, new music and beyond. I have been fortunate to be able to include some wonderful performers and composers who are also very fascinating and articulate “characters” who put on a good show in every way. I am grateful to them all who so generously gave of their time and talent to share their passion and enthusiasm. To date, I have completely self-funded this project through the production and post production stages, traveling to the northeast, southwest and southeast. I have every intention of completing the film this summer, but I am in need of final stage post production funds involving color correction, sound mix, and other tall tasks related to clearances, as well as the funds needed to get the film into festivals and out into the world. In honor of May 6, World Accordion Day, I am posting the new trailer here, for all in the accordion world to see. Soon the Indigogo Funding Campaign will begin with posts to Facebook, and elsewhere. It will continue into June, National Accordion Awareness Month. If you have an interest in changing perceptions about the accordion and the music that it can make, and if you are interested in the accordion’s rise in popularity, please rise to the occasion in any way that you can: by making a donation of any amount to the campaign (once posted) and by forwarding information about the campaign to others. May this little trailer inspire interest in all of you out there in the accordion world to support the completion of this project in any way that you can. And may the masses come to know more about he instrument and all that there is to discover about accordion music. Facebook page URL is still: www.facebook.com/TheAWordDocumentary - No website yet." Roberta Cantow is a graduate of NYU Graduate Institute of Film and Television (MFA, 1972). Her independent film work has been recognized with production and distribution grants from: The American Film Institute, The New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts (Artist Fellowship Award, 1987) and The Jerome Foundation, among others. She received a NY Area Emmy for her film, Clotheslines, about the symbolic and artistic role of laundry in women's lives. Her films and videos have also received several Best of Category Citations in film festivals around the country as well as an Award of Excellence and an Award of Merit. Her 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 and all of her work will be housed in the Sophia Smith Women’s History Collection of Smith College (in perpetuity). For further information: rcantow@originaldigital.net |
Exciting Workshops Scheduled for the 2015 AAA Festival in Virginiaby Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
 |
| The AAA Festival is shaping up to be a very exciting event! Excellent, highly qualified workshop presenters will be bringing fresh and new topics for the workshops that will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the 5-day “celebration of the accordion”. Beautiful historic Alexandria, Virginia will be the site of this year’s festival, which will be held July 8 to 12. For more information, visit the AAA website: www.ameraccord.com. Here are the workshop presenters and the days they will be presenting. Thursday, July 9: Mary Tokarski, AAA President and Youth Orchestra Conductor: “So You Want to Play with the School Orchestra?” Would you like to include your accordion with your school’s Jazz Band, or perhaps Orchestra program? This workshop will focus on HOW you should present yourself to your Music Educators – what to show them about your playing, and the accordion’s capabilities – and an overall “lesson” in putting your talents in a good light (also known as “getting your foot in the door”). Parents are requested to attend with the student. We will also have young accordionists tell us about THEIR experiences with school events and programs. If YOU have a story, bring it along . . . we want to hear it! Dr. Robert Young McMahan with Melody Ben Flah: “Playing Between the Cracks: the ‘Rubbery’ Accordion and its Place in Tuning Experiments in Modern Music, both Western and Middle Eastern” In 1911, one of the world's leading pianists and futuristic thinkers, Ferrucio Busoni, published his brief treatise Sketch of a New Esthetic of Music in which he protested the limitations of the equal division of the octave into only twelve pitches in the instruments and music written for them during his day and before. He felt it was time to increase the number of pitches within that compass through new tunings (and new instruments if need be) so that music could progress into the new century unfettered by this technological shortcoming. Particularly implicated was the immovable intonation of keyboard instruments and their fixed, equal tempered set of twelve keys per octave. Since that time, a considerable number of composers have attempted to remedy the situation via newly created electronic and acoustic instruments, and the use of microtones on more tonally flexible conventional instruments, such as unfretted strings. The accordion, more than other standard acoustic keyboard instruments, has found some ways to fulfill this need, as will be demonstrated on both the standard-tuned and micro-tuned accordions. Kenneth Moulton, Director of the Mantovani Orchestra: “What It Takes to Run the Mantovani Orchestra” Ken will speak about what one needs to know about organizing and operating a musical tour outside of the United States. He will speak about the role of the accordion in the Mantovani Orchestra. Ken will also cover problems one might encounter on a tour and what can be done to solve these problems quickly and successfully. Rita Davidson Barnea: “The Music of Eugene Ettore” Rita has been the National Editor of Accordion USA (www.accordionusa.com) for eight years and has had a long and successful career in music. She attributes her success and love of the accordion to her teacher and mentor, Eugene Ettore. Ettore taught, composed, arranged, conducted, wrote instructional material for the accordion and the impressive list goes on. Rita describes Ettore as a “true Renaissance man”. She will speak about his fascinating life and play several of his beautiful compositions. Prof. Joan Cochran Sommers: “How to Prepare Properly for a Rehearsal” Joan Sommers has been preparing for rehearsals since the age of 9. Sometimes she was a member of a group, sometimes she was the leader of the group, but regardless of which side of the baton she was on, Joan found out there were certain requirements to be met. During this workshop, she will discuss some of the most important ones. SGM Manny Bobenrieth: “Playing For Uncle Sam” SGM Manny Bobenrieth will speak about what it’s like being an accordionist with the United States Army Strings, and about his duties and responsibilities as the only accordionist in the US Army. Manny will elaborate on what it means to be a US Army military musician, no matter what instrument you play. Lauren Brody: “Klezmer and Balkan Ornamentation for Accordionists” Learn the ins and outs of the trills, turns, mordents, grace notes and fingering puzzles that make Klezmer and Balkan piano accordion music so technically challenging and so elusive, yet so pleasing to the ear. See how these styles use techniques that are unfamiliar to classically trained players. Discover how you can use your thumb on black keys with no fear and with lots of conviction. This workshop will be hands-on. *Note: Lauren Brody’s workshop is the only hands-on workshop this year. Bring your accordion for a delightful hour of learning how to create the hauntingly beautiful sounds of Eastern European Jewish music and the folk music of the Balkans. Photo description: Top, L to R: Mary Tokarski, Robert Young McMahan, Melody Ben Flah, Ken Moulton. Bottom, L to R: Rita Barnea, Joan C. Sommers, Manny Bobenrieth, Lauren Brody. |
75th Anniversary of the ATG July 22-25, 2015by Rita Barnea |
 |
 The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) is celebrating their 75th Annual Competition and Festival from July 22-25, 2015 at the Hyatt Lisle, Lisle (Chicago), Ilinois. There will be competions, exhibits, workshops, concerts, the 75th Anniversary ATG Orchestra and much more.Information from the ATG Website. Guest artists include: Yuri Shishkin from Russia Honored Artist of Russia and Soloist of Rostov State Philharmonic, graduated from the Rostov Rachmaninov Conservatory in 1989 and accomplished his post-graduate studies at the Russian Gnesin Academy of Music in Moscow in 1992 (class of professor V. Semyonov). He is laureate of international competitions in Germany (Klingenthal, 1988), USA (Kansas City, 1990), Italy (Castelfidardo, 1991). Nowadays, Yuri Shishkin is one of the most sought-after musicians. His repertoire includes not only transcriptions by among others J. Brahms, A. Glazunov, S. Prokofiev, I. Stravinsky, M. Mussorgsky, P.I. Tchaikovsky, C. Saint-Saëns, G. Bizet, D. Shostakovich, J. Strauß, A. Copland but also original works by A. Kusyakov, V. Semyonov, V. Podgorny. He organizes festivals, concerts, widely promoting the bayan and the accordion by doing lectures and master classes in major cities around the world, performing in various regions of Russia and at international festivals and competitions. This is a rare opportunity to hear Yuri in concert in the USA. See more articles on performers in the May USA news. For further information: betty@bettyjosimon.com |
2015 Summer Schedule of A World of Accordions Museumby Rita Barnea |
 |
| The summer performance schedule of the Harrington ARTS Center is listed below. A World of Accordions Musem is located at 1401 Belknap Street, Superior, Wisconsin 54880. Helmi Strahl Harrington, Ph.D is the Curator of the World of Accordions Musem and Lead Instructor in Accordion-concertina Repair and Technicians' School. The phone number is 715-395-2787. Email: accordion@sprynet.com May 3 Accordion Concertina Music Studios: Student Recital Free and open to the public. Donations welcome May 8 HARTS and AWAM display at the Depot, Duluth:Northland History Museums Coalition event: Discover History Fair. Free and open to the public May 23 Ethnic Evening: Finnish / Scandinavian 7:00 PM Music, History, Songs and Legends, Food and Jam Session Free and open to the public. Donations welcome June 20 Ethnic Evening: Slovenian / Eastern European 7:00 PM Music, History, Songs and Legends, Food and Jam Session Free and open to the public. Donations welcome July 4 Superior Parade – Float with ACM Band performing July 4 Carlton County Historical Society: ACM Band/Soloists Concert Free and open to the public. Donations to CCHS welcome July 15 Alex Meixner interview on radio (pending) July 16-18 Third Annual Dr. Willard A. Palmer Festival and Fundraiser Focus: Willard Palmer, III Historic Accordions Sounded and Explained: Helmi Harrington Helmi’s guided tour of Museum displays, American Accordionists’ Association Archival Collection, Deffner Legacy Room, and Library resources Alex Meixner: Workshop 5:00 PM, Band Concert 7:00 PM, July 16 Dr. Anthony Bukoski: Readings and Music Willard Palmer, III: Master of Music and Magic Paul Vargason: Piano-, Chromatic-, and Diatonic Accordionist Frank Busso, Jr. (Titano/Pancordion executive, concert pending ) Amanda Bush-Hauta: Soprano and Accordionist Helmi’s Workshop: “Interpretation: It’s Not Written in the Notes” Jam sessions Membership Open Meeting; AWAM Board Meeting Food and Refreshments Admission charged July 18-21 Accelerated Accordion Repair Seminar Advanced piano accordion repair seminar: tuning, machine alignments, bellows, cosmetics, much more. 4:00 PM July 18 til noon July 21. $350 per person July 22-25 Accordionists and Teachers Guild Festival (Lisle, IL) AWAM Traveling Museum Display Helmi’s History Workshop: Accordions Sounded on Historic Instruments, Organological Evolution, Types, Qualities, more Accordion Concertina Music Band and Students Perform / Compete August 22 Ethnic Evening: French and Musettes 7:00 PM Music, History, Songs and Legends, Food and Jam Session Free and open to the public. Donations welcome September 19 Ethnic Evening: Latin and Tango 7:00 PM Music, History, Songs and Legends, Food and Jam Session Free and open to the public. Donations welcome November 8 John Scaffeo Concert 4:00 PM Admission charged Please watch the website www.accordionworld.org for further information. |
Sourdough Slim, the Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys to Perform for SFACby Rita Barnea |
 Written and filmed by Ross MehanSour Slim Documentary 2011(updated) Sourdough Slim will be the featured performer on May 17, 2015 for the San Francisco Accordion Club. He is known as a "one man Western extravaganza," crooning Western classics, playing accordion, guitar and harmonica, dancing a jig, dishing out hilarious comedic sketches and letting loose with award winning yippie-ti-yi-yodeling. "Slim is popular at cowboy gathers and county fairs. Slim, aka Rick Crowder, is a well traveled veteran of stages ranging from The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering to The Lincoln Center's Roots of American Music Festival and the Carnegie Hall Folk Festival. His fast-paced stage show finds him crooning Western classics, playing accordion, guitar and harmonica, dancing a jig, dishing out hilarious comedic sketches and letting loose with some absolutely mind boggling yodeling. His truly astounding yippie-ti-yi style won him the Academy of Western Artists 2001 Will Rogers Award for "Yodeler of the Year" and 2009, 2010 and 2011 nomination for "Entertainer of the Year" from the Western Music Association. The Allentown Morning Call proclaims him to be a "One-man Western extravaganza!" The East Bay Express calls him "The most entertaining cowboy singer-yodeler-accordionist extant!" The Newport News Review brandishes him "The W. C. Fields of Western Entertainment" and Via Magazine heralds him "Entertainer extraordinaire!" Born in Hollywood, California, Rick Crowder spent much of his childhood on a family cattle ranch in the Sierra foothills. But as he explains, "my true calling as a cowboy was not on the range but rather, on the stage." A childhood cut-up, he developed his comic character, honed his musical and yodeling skills and garnered the nick name "Slim" while performing in several traveling western bands in the 1970's and 80's. Sourdough Slim emerged in 1988 when he came up with the idea to meld his experiences into a solo act based on a comical accordion playing yodeling cowhand. He has never looked back. Future performances include: MAY 2015 1, 2 Genoa Cowboy Festival, downtown, Genoa, NV 17 San Francisco Accordion Club concert, Oyster Point Yacht Club, S. San Francisco, CA 2:00 PM 25 Memorial Day Bar-B-Q, Roseleaf Commons, Chico, CA 11 AM JUNE 2015 6 Country Faire, Patrick Ranch Museum, Midway, Durham, CA, noon, 11 Pioneer Hall, Wheatland, CA 7:30 PM 530-633-9334 17 Feather Canyon, Paradise, CA 6:30 PM 18 El Dorado County Fair, Placerville, CA 12:45, 2:00, 4:00 PM 19 Hilltop Commons, Grass Valley, CA 11:30 AM 19 Squaw Valley Chapel, Olympic Village, CA 4 PM 26 Rodeo Concert, fairgrounds, Fallon, NV 6 PM For further information: Sourdoslim@aol.com Phone: 530-872-1187 |
Lawmaker Plays Polka on Iowa Senate Floorby Rita Barnea |
 |
| From the Des Moines Register a heart warming story on Senator Joe Seng who, while battling cancer, played a polka on his accordion and sang on the Iowa Senate floor on April 29, 2015. "Each year as the Iowa Legislature nears the end of its annual session, the Davenport Democrat serenades his colleagues with music in the chamber. On Wednesday, before lawmakers were officially gaveled to business, he played "In Heaven There is No Beer" and the "Beer Barrel Polka." Seng, 68, who is a veterinarian outside of politics, was diagnosed in August with a brain tumor in his left parietal lobe, but he immediately vowed to undergo treatment and continue his legislative career. He underwent surgery in September to remove the tumor and he completed a battery of radiation in November. He receives chemotherapy five days a month,. But he won re-election without opposition last fall to a four-year term and he was back in his seat at the Iowa Capitol when the Legislature convened in January. He still plays both the piano and the accordion and he plans to resume his veterinary work on a limited basis after the legislative session ends. Seng has served in the Senate since 2003, and earlier served in the Iowa House and as a Davenport alderman. He is chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee." Dr. Joe Seng was elected in 2010 to his third term in the Iowa Senate. He represents Davenport and the southern portion of Scott County along the Mississippi River on the eastern border of Iowa. Prior to serving in the Senate, he served one term in the Iowa House of Representatives. Previous to State Office, he served as Mayor ProTem and Alderman at large for the City of Davenport. Senator Seng is chair of the Agriculture Committee and vice-chair of the Ways & Means Committee. He also serves on the Commerce, Ethics, and Natural Resources & Environment committees, as well as the Economic Development Budget, Labor and Business Subcommittee. Joe is active in the Davenport community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Midwest National Rail Compact, NAACP, and as president and CEO at Marquette Academy. Joe has received national recognition from the American Humane Society for his efforts to prevent animal cruelty. He has also been honored by many Iowa organizations, including the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and was named Legislator of the Year by the Izaak Walton League. Joe has also served as President for the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the President of the Iowa Health Council. As we all know, music is a wonderful source of positive energy and spirit and is beneficial to all, both performers and listeners. AWW wishes Senator Seng a speedy recovery. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
AAA Festival in Alexandria – an exciting event!by Mary Tokarski |
 |
 Historic and strikingly beautiful Alexandria, Virginia is the site for this year’s American Accordionists’ Association Annual Festival. Alexandria is one of the most celebrated towns of the United States, noted for its breathtaking waterfront views and historic housing - George and Martha Washington’s Mount Vernon home, Robert E. Lee’s residence, Civil War Era homes, the Torpedo Factory, and so much more. On Thursday July 9, 2015, the AAA Luncheon Concert will feature accordionists from the Virginia/D.C. area including The Potomac Ensemble directed by Joan Grauman, Robert & Rocio Ford, Ken Kunec and Mark Nejako with violinist Chris Sungenis. Thursday evening will feature “Accordionists on the Town”. It is a special celebration weekend in Alexandria, and in its honor, The Busso Festival Orchestra will perform on King Street at 7:00 p.m. Shuttles are available from the hotel to the downtown area, so don’t miss it! In addition to the usual Festival competitions, this year will host the memorial Faithe Deffner Accordion Competition with U.S. and international competitors. Participating on the adjudication panel is world reknowned composer Viatcheslav Semionov, along with Professor Joan Cochran Sommers, Joe Natoli, and Kevin Friedrich, Moderator. Guest Artists for the Gala Concert on Friday, July 10, 2015 will be Professor Viatcheslav Semionov, Eddie Monteiro, Joe Natoli, the Accordion Pops Orchestra with Al Terzo conducting, Dr. Robert Young McMahan with cellist Ceceylia Barczyk, and as reported in the earlier article, multi World Champion Grayson Masefield, now based in Europe. Highlighting the Gala Banquet on Saturday, July 11, 2015 will be the performance of the Festival Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo. The orchestra is comprised of professionals and amateurs alike from all around the United States. Dinner will be graced with the unforgettable music of SGM Manny Bobenrieth and the United States Army Strings . . . don’t miss it! All events are at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 625 First Street, Alexandria, VA. For more information, tickets and registration forms go to www.ameraccord.com . See you there! |
 |
Roland 17th Semi-Annual V-Accordion Eventby Rita Barnea |
 Sam and Peggy Falcetti (pictured left) invite all to attend the 17th Semi Annual Roland Workshop and Performance event scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2015, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at Falcetti Music, 1755 Boston Rd., Springfield, Mass. 01129. The workshop portion will be on transposition. The When, Why,and How of changing the key of a song will be discussed and demonstrated, not only by using the transposition button but the tricks of changing the key by using other methods. The performance portion will include entertainment on the Roland models not presented before: 1. Martha Flood will show some of the extra embellishments in dressing up a song,(including transposition). 2. Liam McCool, 3rd place winner in the Accordion Championship category at the recent ATAM competition, will play one of his winning selections, a classical piece using orchestral sounds. 3. Joseph Dziok , a 2015 graduate of Hartt College of Music, will perform with Sarah Michel on the Violin. 4. Angela Falcetti, along with a 5 piece all girls group, (the Pink Zebras), will sing and play. 5. Sammy Gavish will play Jewish, Arabic and Russian music on his Roland 8X. Don't miss this varied and entertaining program. YOU & A GUEST ARE INVITED!! REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED!! PLEASE RSVP ASAP: peggyf1944@gmail.com or call: 413-596-6940. |
Young Musicians in Concert in Connecticutby Marilyn O'Neil, Youth Involvement Program Coordinator |
 |
 The next gathering of the Connecticut Accordion Association will be held at 1:PM on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Vasi's Restaurant, 1700 Watertown Ave., Waterbury, CT. The CAA proudly presents “Young Musicians in Concert,”a combination of classical and jazz ensembles as well as solo performances by young accordionists.The program will feature the AAA's 2014 Youth Involvement Program's jazz ensemble and the 2014 Junior Festival Orchestra.The program will be embellished by solo performances by several young accordionists. The Jazz ensemble will be conducted by Don Gerundo, and they will perform the pieces arranged by Vladimir Mollov for last year's program in Tarrytown: "Manha De Carnival" and "All The Things You Are." The accordion section includes Rachel Quirbach, Nathan Chapeton, Will Comer and Cody Mc Sherry. We welcome newcomers Anton and Joseph Klettner. These young accordionists will reunite with Mitch Guido and Arjon Goyal on sax, Dianna Forella on flute, and Mike Rasimas on drums. Newcomers Matt Reich and Ian Tait will play trumpet and stand up bass respectively. 2014 Festival Orchestra participants Rachel Quirbach, Joey Quirbach, Nathan Chapeton, Will Comer, Gia Ciccone, Cody Mc Sherry, joined by newcomers Joseph and Anton Klettner, will perform under the direction of Mary Tokarski performing "Squeeze Box Rock" by Palmer-Hughes and Carmen Carrozza's "Cascade,"arranged by Mary Tokarski. Rachel, Nathan, Will and Cody will also perform several solo pieces. Admission is $5.00 to CAA members. General Public is welcome at $10.00 per person. RSVP by Friday, May 29 to Marilyn at 203-272-1202 Email: Marilyn@CTAAccordion.com Photo:The Youth Involvement Program's Jazz ensemble from 2014 who performed in Tarrytown last July under the direction of Vladimir Mollov is pictured here. Bob Vitale conducted a rehearsal for those participants who were able to make it to Connecticut to practice. Pictured here is Bob Vitale, with Marilyn O'Neil's dog, Ivy, who loves Bob. The young musicians include, from left to right, Mitch Guido on sax, Mike Rasimas on drums, Will Comer on Accordion, Rachel Quirbach on Accordion, Rebecca Poole on Clarinet, Deanna Forella on Sax and Flute, and Arjun Goyal on Sax. |
Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton performs in the Washington, DC Areaby Dan & Joan Grauman |
| Video 1: Just My Style composed and performed by Dan Newton Video 2: The Cherokee Waltz (traditional) performed by Dan Newton and Elizabeth Rowan Dan Newton has been a full-time performing musician since 1980 and a resident of Minnesota since 1987. Dan has a fresh approach to the accordion and has a dazzling repertoire of both original and traditional material. Known as “Daddy Squeeze”, Dan entertains and enlightens his audiences with stories and colorful anecdotes about the accordion’s history and of his experiences making a living by playing and singing with the instrument he loves. He also enjoys mixing up styles and genres that do not generally seem compatible. “Music out of context”, or “Ethno-clectic Bop” is the result of his heartwarming experiments with Celtic, Tex-Mex, Creole, Blues, Jazz, Scandinavian, polka and pop music. In April, Dan performed several house concerts in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, including one at our home, delighting an audience of 45 people. His wife, Elizabeth Rowan, accompanied Dan in some of the selections on percussion instruments, including the triangle, rub board and guiro. Dan and Elizabeth also performed the following day for the Spring Guest Artist Concert of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society. The room was filled to capacity and a great time was had by all. Dan spends most of his time playing accordion with his fabulous group “Café Accordion Orchestra” performing French, American and Latin ballroom dance music. He frequently appears as a guest on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”. He also performs regularly with the bands Jumbo Ya Ya (Cajun and Zydeco music), Rockin’ Pinecones (Louisiana R and B) and Guys Can Talk (square and contra-dance music). He has appeared on recordings by Prudence Johnson, Peter Ostroushko, Peter Mayer, Ann Reed, The Proclaimers, Son Volt and Neal & Leandra. In 2013, Dan released his 15th CD, “la Zingara” with Café Accordion Orchestra. |
 |
Stas Venglevski Spring Concert Seasonby Rita Barnea |
 Stas Venglevski will be a guest artist at the 2015 75th Anniversary ATG Festival in Lisle, (Chicago) Illinois, June 22-25, 2015.His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stanislav, "Stas," Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the Bayan. A two-time first prize winner of Bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian Bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the United States. A Past President of the ATG, and current Board of Director, Stas is an Accordionist, a Musician, an Arranger, an Entertainer, a composer and a Teacher. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. He is a regular participant the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced numerous recordings including a transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions. Stas founded Accordion XXI Century Series in 2010 so that the Midwest audiences can experience the amazing range of the Accordion and Bayan by bringing gifted artists from all over the world. In a concert setting, these gifted musicians share their skills and cultures to provide the audience with a unique musical experience. The performances feature the Accordion or Bayan in solo presentation and, when possible, in concert with other instruments. The brilliant artistry and musical virtuosity of Stas afford an expanded dimension in music and an innovative musical adventure to the audience. Future performances include: May 8, 2015 at 7:30 PM with the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra at UWN Recital Hall 2400 E.Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI. May 10, 2015 at 7:30 PM with Project Incubator at Constellation, 3111 N Western Ave., hicago, Illinois June 7, 2015 for the Rose City Accordion Club Annual Accordion Camp at the Silver Falls State Park, Conference Center, Sublimity, OR. For more information: stas@stasv.com Phone: 262-957-6599 |
Video: Alicia Baker in San Francisco - French Medleyby Harley Jones |
| Published on Sep 25, 2014. Performance by Alicia Baker at the San Francisco Accordion Club in September 2014. Her first piece is "Rivalite" and then "Under Paris Skies". |
Meet Accordionist Evan Perry-Giblinby Rita Barnea |
 Evan Perry-Giblin, 26 years old, is new to Brooklyn, New York. He is an accordionist, pianist, music teacher, and owner of Brooklyn Bellows which will have a grand opening in May, date to be announced very soon.Evan originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a 2011 graduate of Temple University with a degree in Spanish. He has always been involved in music, playing the piano since age 6. He also plays the bass and drums. While in college, he acquired his first accordion and devoted himself to the instrument. The accordion, both playing and servicing, is his passion. I visited him at his home/business on 227 Berry Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY where he gives accordion lessons but also teaches students in their home. His business is a cheerful place with his workshop right next to the studio, decorated with accordion posters and a wall of vintage and new accordions for rent or purchase. Evan is an aficionado of Chango Spasiuk and the Chamame style. He played and sang, a delightful impromptu performance in Spanish and Portuguese, which he speaks fluently. When I asked him the source of his musicality he said, " I am channeling my great uncle who was a banjo player of Old Time music." Evan said, "Brooklyn Bellows is inspired by the many diverse and eclectic communities of accordionists found here in NYC. Even in its infancy, it has been an excellent resource for both Beginners and Professionals. We operate to the standards set by the most respected proponents of American Accordion culture, who began the industry here in New York some 100 years ago." Evan honed his accordion repair skills at Liberty Bellows in Philadelphia. He recently performed for the Brooklyn Accordion Club and will perform at the Bryant Park accordion events. It is wonderful to see a new generation of accordionists bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to the world. For further information: Brooklynbellows@gmail.com |
Brooklyn Accordion Club on May 3rdby Rita Barnea |
 The Brooklyn Accordion Club will meet on Sunday May3, 2015 from 2-4:PM at the 61 Local Cafe & Public House on 61 Bergen St., Brooklyn, New York.The MC is Uri Sharlin. Performers include: Papa Joe, Julie (Cajun accordion) & Deborah (fiddle), Uri Sharlin, and more! Interested in performing? Email brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com The Brooklyn Accordion Club aims to build a community of accordion players of all levels and admirers in the heart of Brooklyn. Admission: $3-$5 (Pay what you can) For further information email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
"From Broadway to the Met….Plus" with accordionist Dominic Karcic on May 20thby Rita Barnea |
 "From Broadway to the Met…Plus" features vocalist Cheryl Spielman an accordionist Dominic Karcic who will perform music form the American Song Book Broadway, Tin Pan Alley, Opera, Operetta plus much more.The program takes place at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East North port, NY at 6:PM. Phone for reservations: Frank at 631-261-6344 Email for information: dkarcic10@verizon.net |
Future events |
Sy Kushner in Concert with Ken Maltz on May 6, 2015by Rita Barnea |
 |
| The Ken Maltz/Sy Kushner Klezmer Duo will perform on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Recologie, 49 Lawton Street, New Rochelle, New York at 7:PM. $15 Music Cover. General Admission tickets will be available at the door. Recologie is a multipurpose venue consisting of a boutique committed to promoting sustainable products, a vegan-vegetarian cafe and performance space. The performance is called "Two Lifelong Journeys Through Jewish Music." Sy Kushner has been involved in the Jewish music scene since he was 13 years old when his Uncle Sam booked him to perform at the Young Israel of Manhattan Synagogue on the Lower East Side. The year was 1956. Seven years later, in 1960, he founded, along with Ben Hulkower and Jordan Penkower, The Mark Three , a band that specialized in contemporary Chassidic music. In 1966, after rehearsing and playing gigs for six years, they recorded and released "The New Jewish Sound, The Mark Three Orchestra and Singers", which was recently re-released on CD. The album became trendsetting, blending early klezmer influences with contemporary Chassidic music being written in the 1960's. In 1996, Sy released Klezsqueeze!, an album featuring early 1900's klezmer music featuring Sy on accordion, Marty Confurius on string bass, and Alexandre Fedoriouk on tsimbl(hammered dulcimer). During this period, Sy transcribed early klezmer music from the original 78rpm recordings and released two volumes of printed music, The Klezmer Fake Book, Volumes One and Two. In 2004, Sy returned to composing for the first time in twenty years. The product of his works can be heard on four recordings; Arise, Journeys, From My Soul, Klez, Kush & Son. Also available is the printed music for each of the four albums. Clarinetist Ken Maltz has enjoyed a career of remarkable accomplishment, diversity and depth. As a founding member of Kapelye, the pioneering klezmer band, he has performed in hundreds of appearances on stage, television, radio and film throughout North America, Central America and Europe and is known throughout the world as a leading figure in the klezmer revival. Such diverse sources as The New York Times, The Times of London and The Berlin Morning Post have spoken of his performances in the most glowing terms. He has appeared in the feature films Over The Brooklyn Bridge and The Chosen, for which he received additional credits as musical arranger. Ken has performed with such greats as Itzhak Perlman, Fyvush Finkel and accompanied cantors Joseph Malovany, Ben Zion Miller, Moshe Koussevitsky, Robert Abelson and Alberto Mizrachi. In addition to his career as a performer, Ken has composed musical scores and sound effects for Bantam Doubleday Dell audio books including the popular Star Wars series, which features his music alongside that of Oscar winning composer John Williams. He is a member of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and serves on the Board of Directors of Long Island Traditions. |
Accordion Pops Orchestra in Concert on May 3, 2015by Rita Barnea |
 |
| Performance of "Star and Stripes Forever" by the Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo Following successful concerts in 2013 and 2014, the Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo has been invited back for their third concert at Seabrook Village, a premier retirement community in Northern New Jersey. The concert called "A Night at the Movies" takes place on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Seabrook Village, 3000 Essex Road, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07753. The guest vocalist is Sasha Leon. The concert is open to the public. Call Seabrook Village (1-800-532-1267 or 732-391-4801) for more information. |
San Francisco Accordion Club Celebrates Milestones on June 6by Rita Barnea |
 From SFAC President Lynn Ewing: "The San Francisco Accordion Club is proud to announce the 25th Anniversary of the Re-establishment of the San Francisco Accordion Club and the 100th anniversary of the original San Francisco Accordion Club!"The SFAC is celebrating these two milestones with a festive evening gala on June 6, 2015 from 6-10 pm. Join them for a memorable evening of fun, dancing and—of course—ACCORDION MUSIC! The gala will be held at the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, 300 E Santa Inez Ave, San Mateo, CA. There will be snacks, beverages and entertainment galore, featuring: • The Accordion Orchestra Project conducted by Richard Yaus for its 3rd consecutive year • The strolling accordion music of Reno Di Bono • Performances by Jana Maas and Mike Zampiceni • Music for dancing by Steve Albini The cost is $25 per person. For further information and to RSVP: Lynn Ewing: ewinglynn@gmail.com |
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention June 22-25, 2015by Rita Barnea |
 |
| The Las Vegas International Accordion Convention takes place in Las Vegas at the Gold Coast Hotel from June 22-25, 2015. Many well known and virtuoso accordionists will perform including Riders in the Sky, Grayson Masefield, Joey Miskulin, Stas Venglevski, Mary Tokarski, Luciano Testani and more. Plus The Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra directed by Professor Joan Sommers. Among the featured performers are Luciano Testani, Europa Trio, Pete Barbutti, Paul Betken, Jerry Cigler, Gordon Kohl, Gina Brannelli. Included are Four Fun Filled Nights of Music and three WONDERFUL days of workshops plus three fantastic Lunch Concerts – INCLUDED are 7 great meals with 7 great concerts! Over 40 workshops taught by the best of the best – and After Hours Club Concerto where you can be the Star! Come join the FUN and discover why it’s called “the best accordion party EVER”! For further information: Vegas@AccordionStars.com 1-800-472-1695 1-801-486-1695 |
AAA Seminars In August 2015by Rita Barnea |
 AAA SeminarsDr. Schimmel's Master Class and Concert at Tenri Cultural Arts Center in NYC will be held August 7-9, 2015 and this year's theme will be Chock full O'Learnin'. AUGUST 7, 8 and 9, 2015 Tenri Cultural Institute 43A West 13th Street (Between 5th and 6th Avenues) New York, NY. Three consecutive days of seminars, *workshops, lectures, discussions and performances with accordionist-composer-author-philosopher Dr. William Schimmel as moderator/curator Each afternoon workshop will feature up to five performers who wish to receive advice, criticism and tools for improvement from the presenters, the audience and Dr. Schimmel. Daily workshops are from 3-5:PM. Daily Concerts are at 7:PM. Master Classes - $25 • Concerts - $30 Entire Day – Includes Master Class and Concert -$50 Entire Weekend - $125 INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: 2I2-876-0827 www.billschimmel.com • www.ameraccord.com Reservations and Info: 212-876-0827 www.billschimmel.com William Schimmel is the featured accordionist in the new Broadway Smash Hit: "An American in Paris" - at the Palace Theatre - New York Dr. Schimmel will also perform in "Zorba", from May 5 to 10 as part of the City Center Encore series. Dr. Schimmel also performed in the 1980's version of "Zorba" starring Anthony Quinn. |
25th Cotati Accordion Festival August 22-23by Rita Barnea |
 |
| The 25th Annual Cotati Accordion Festival will be held August 22 and 23, 2015 at La Plaza Park in Cotati, Californica. The festival features great bands and soloist from all over the USA. See future publications of the USA news for more information on performers. For info: info@cotatifest.com |
 |