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February
2008
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| ATG Annual Competition and Festival to be held in Nashville | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Jeff Lisenby Performs in home town of Kansas City | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| On
Thursday, January 17th, Jeff Lisenby's jazz accordion concert at the University
of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC) Performing Arts Center was a wonderful
success. Joan C. Sommers reports that If you did not attend the recent Jeff Lisenby Concert at UMKC, that you missed out on a wonderful evening of really great music-making led by an outstanding accordionist. Jeff grew up in the Kansas City area, got his musical education here and all the while was busy performing. After moving to Nashville, he established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians in that area, too, just as he had been in Kansas City before moving. |
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| At
his concert, he included three well-known local jazz musicians: Doug Auwarter
on drums, Danny Embry on guitar, and Greg Whitfield on bass. His daughter,
Jaclyn Brown, who is a successful songwriter/vocalist, also joined the group
on three pieces, a couple of which were her own. Jaclyn is young, vivacious, friendly, a great promoter, but above all, a very fine singer with a beautiful voice who knows how to sell a song; she was truly an outstanding addition to the overall success of the four veteran professional musicians led by Jeff on Thursday evening. She had presented her own show the night before at the popular Kansas City night spot known as Bar Natasha.  Jeff
Lisenby has the technique to carry out all his musical ideas. He includes
great jazz arrangements of both standard tunes as well as his own compositions
and shares the limelight equally with all members of the group.Even when others are carrying the solo spot, Jeff provides that extra-special accompaniment with artistic interest and excitement, always inspiring the group towards musical excellence throughout. Last night's concert was laid-back, convivial and intimate, in a space similar to a club; it offered a perfect climate for a warm connection among the members of the audience and the musicians, and gave Jeff ample opportunity to introduce the repertoire with short, sometimes funny, anecdotes. It was a great evening for everyone and as one departing member of the audience kept saying, "We need to do this once a month!" No one wanted to leave and all agreed. Thank you, Jeff, Jaclyn, Doug, Danny and Greg for a wonderful musical experience; we loved it! |
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| Kansas City Accordionist to appear with Longmont Symphony | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Kansas
City based accordionist Brett Gibson will perform as guest soloist on the
Tango Romantico Concert in Longmont, CO, featuring the Longmont Symphony
and the Longmont Youth Symphony Orchestras on February 2, 2008. Brett will perform Piazzolla's Concierto para Bandoneo y Orquesta, Tres Tangos para solo Bandoneon Y Orquesta and Gardel's Por Una Cabeza under the direction of Michael Boone. The February 2, 2008 concert will take place at 7:30 PM at the Vance Brand Civic Auditorium Skyline HS, 600 East Mountain View Ave., Longmont, Colorado. |
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The
full concert program is as follows:
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| National Accordion Association Features Accordion All-Stars! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Included
in the impressive lineup, the upcoming NAA
Convention will feature a seminar and concert by Accordionist Tony Lovello.
Tony Lovello, the undisputed “King and Master of the Bellow Shake,”
is sharing his numerous techniques for entertaining audiences in his seminar
which will deal with enhancing entertainment techniques. While some use
“musical dynamics” for special emphasis, Lovello incorporates
his “Razzle and Dazzle.” During this seminar, accordionists will
learn numerous techniques for adding excitement to a normal performance.
Lovello will be one of the featured entertainers on the Saturday evening
program.Other featured performers and workshop presenters include: Danny Jerabek (below), Vivant!, Patrick Harison, Bradley Williams, Carl Finch, Ginny Mac,Wesley Kucera, Sylvia Marie, Nick Ballarini, Dee Sligar, Julie Silfverberg, Karen Fremar, Shelia Lee, Debra Peters, Mary Wright, Gordon Kohl, ACCORD'S youth accordionists from Oklahoma City, Kay Hickman, Pete Nalda, Ian Blair Fries, Carol Widder Fayetteville, Thomas A. Visentin, Jerry Cornish and Sharon Seaton, Arlyn Visentin plus many others! For a full list of presenters and artists and the times they will be appearing, please visit www.accordions.com/naa  The
2008 National Accordion
Association Convention takes place at the Richardson Hotel, Dallas,
from March 13th to 15th. The Convention covers a very wide spectrum of national
and international accordion styles.The schedule summary is as follows:
For
further information, and regular updates on workshop and performers, please
visit www.accordions.com/naa
or please e-mail NAA President Norman Seaton at: NatlAccordion@SBCGlobal.net |
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| Absolut Accord Accordion Ensemble in San Mateo, CA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Good Goes Around | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Accordionist
Nancy Leonard of Silver Spring, MD, had the recent heartwarming experience
of experiencing 'A Gift That Kept on Giving'.At her Church potluck dinner, she played her accordion as part of the entertainment. A nun from the parish told her that she hadn't played her accordion for years but still had it in her closet. She then said, "I would like to give it to you." Several days later, she sent her a Macy's gift certificate in appreciation of the beautiful instrument. In the first week of December, Nancy received a letter from the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary saying that the nun had purchased a winning raffle ticket for her and a check for $300.00 was enclosed. They were having a Christmas toy drive at Nancy's Parish, so she took the money and bought 33 presents for the children. Nancy said 'I felt so good that I could bring joy into their lives, just as the nun had brought joy into my life. Through the act of giving we also receive. |
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| AAA kicks off 70th Anniversary at Magnanini Winery | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The
American Accordionists'
Association (AAA) begins its 70th Anniversary celebration year by presenting
the 6th Annual Afternoon of Music, Food and Fun at the Winery to benefit
the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund, for the advancement of promising young
accordionists. |
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Guests:
Mary Mancini & Mario Tacca, Frank Toscano, Frank Carozza,
Dominic Karcic, Ray Oreggia, Lenny Feldmann |
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The
celebration will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2008 from 12 noon until
5:00 PM at the Magnanini Farm Winery, 172 Strawridge Road, Wallkill,
NY 12589, tel. 845-895-2767. |
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| 'Smiling Eyes' Celtic CD released in Central Illinois | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Maria Merkelo Performs with Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In Central Illinois, the community of Jacksonville is celebrating the 45th season of its symphony orchestra. On November 3, 2007, the second concert of the season featured Maria Merkelo in a performance of Dominick Argento's "Valentino Dances" from the opera "The Dream of Valentino". | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Maria
Merkelo (accordion) and Garrett Allman (Conductor)
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program theme for the evening was "International Gems: A Musical Travelogue".
The audience of 200 in Rammelkamp Chapel on the campus of Illinois College
was in for a surprise. In addition to the accordion soloist for the evening,
the Jacksonville Symphony shone brightly under the baton of Music Director
and Conductor Garrett Allman. The selections included Dvorak's "Slavonic Dance in C Major", Leroy Anderson's "Blue Tango", Ketelbey's "In a Persian Market", Offenbach's "Can Can", Faure's "Pavane", Brahms' "Hungarian Dance No. 5", Ippolitov-Ivanov's "Procession of the Sardar", Gliere's "Russian Sailor's Dance"...and...believe it or not...a "tango" from John Philip Sousa "The Gliding Girl"! And, yes, since the accordion was front and center in this concert, there was an obligatory polka for an encore - Strauss' "Thundering and Lightening Polka". Perhaps the highlights of the evening were the two sets of accordion/violin duets in both halves of the concert. Maria Merkelo was joined by her friend Dorothy Martirano, concertmaster of the Champaign-Urbana Symphony. They performed 8-10 pieces in their two sets of duets without the JSO. The music was representative of a wide variety of ethnic origins including "Tzena Tzena", "La Paloma", "Spanish Eyes", "Good-bye My Gypsy Camp", "Anniversary Waltz", a Greek tune and others. Maria Merkelo emigrated from Ukraine and studied the accordion with William Kuehl in Chicago. She resides in Urbana, where she teaches piano at a private school and gives lessons in piano accordion at her home. She played accordion in the University of Illinois Russian Orchestra for 10 years and has numerous performance credits with other orchestra's, area ensembles and theater groups. For 14 years she has performed regularly on weekend at Bayern Stube, a German restaurant in Gibson City. Since the late 1970's Maria has performed with various musicians as "Maria & Company". |
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Maria
Merkelo (accordion) and Dorothy Martirano (Violin)
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Dorothy
Martirano has served as concertmaster for several symphonies and ensembles.
She is violinist for "Maria & Company" and the Tone Road
Ramblers. She was a founder and director of String Society Artists and
the Squareknot Quartet. She performs at new music festivals around the
United States, and performs and records with jazz groups and blues bands
in Central Illinois, Memphis and Phoenix, AZ.
Maria and Dorothy endeared themselves to the appreciative and responsive audience with both their superb musicianship and Maria's communication skills. She spoke before each piece and kept the commentary light and humorous. Dorothy's skills as a violinist included "bariolage" - rapid up and down (bouncing of the bow) using all 4 strings; "sautille portamento or portando" - a type of sliding; "fall" - used at the end of a note common to jazz performance; "sul tasto" - extremely delicate high notes; and strumming and pizzicato, which are more universally known. She also used a great many double stops/chords. These two accordion/violin artists were perfect complements for one another. The Jacksonville Symphony Society has been behind the orchestra for five decades. The JSO depends upon players from all over the area in addition to Jacksonville, including Taylorville, Springfield, Champaign, Peoria and Quincy, as well as St. Louis. |
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| Mario Pedone Concerts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The
following was reported by Ron Schwarz in the Sharps ‘N’ Flats
ACCORDIONAIRES Newsletter Volume 2007, Issue 12 December, 2007 |
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| Promoting Your Accordion Services Free at AWW | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(If you have a printed yellow
page ad, it is time to consider buying a smaller ad and shifting your
marketing dollars to the Internet.) The off-line Yellow Pages see the
writing on the wall and are scrambling to transfer their business model
to the Internet. |
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| The accordion-yellowpages.com
offers free of charge listing for all accordion businesses, teachers and
for every type of service for accordionists. On the Accordion Yellow Pages
site, you do not need to have a website for accordionists find you and contact
you. |
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| The search-accordion.com
site is also free of charge, being a listing service for every type of accordion
service, but you must have a website. Viewers of search-accordion.com can
click through to your website. |
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| Very popular is the AccordionLinks.com
site where those accordion service providers with a website, can attract
accordionists free of charge to their website. All it takes is a little effort, to make sure your information on these three popular and very effective accordion sites is up to date. Your future success may well be determined by your ability to effectively adapt to the Internet. Should it be your New Year's resolution for 2008? |
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| MO Valley Folklife Society Presents Metro Artists' Concert | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| A Proud Night for the Accordion in Carnegie Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 On
January 13th, Zankel Auditorium in Carnegie Hall was filled to capacity
for the renowned Polish group 'Motion Trio'. Performing their own compositions
and arrangements, their program was a diverse array of cutting edge performances
including the World Premiere of the accordion version of Krzysztof Penderecki's
'Ciaccona' in Memory of John Paul II. Having worked with the Motion Trio,
Penderecki himself calls them an exceptional accordion trio!Utilizing every dimension of their instruments, the Motion Trio comprising Janusz Wojtarowicz, Pawel Baranek and Marcin Galazyn, brought the house down leaving the audience calling for several encores. Each a skilled artist with superb technical and musical ability, the three combined to capture and ignite the imagination of the enthusiastic audience. Formed in 1996, the Motion Trio has performed in 29 countries and continues to explore the boundaries of the instrument while drawing inspiration from all forms of music including contemporary, classical and baroque, through to rock, metal and techno. The Motion Trio artists include:
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| Rik Kaplan to be honored at AAMS Festival in Pennsylvania | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 The
annual festival and competition sponsored by the American Accordion Musicological
Society (AAMS) takes place from March 7th to 9th, and once again held at
the Dolce Valley Forge Hotel, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.The program of guest performers this year includes Mario Tacca, Mary Mancini, Stanley (pictured left) and Joanna Darrow Richard DiBlassio, Ron Onda, Ed Touchstone, Bobby Raye, Jim Vandelly, and Lenny Feldmann, (pictured right with Stanley Darrow) known as 'The CordeenMan'. The festivities begin with a Cajun/Zydeco concert on the opening night. Saturday will feature the competitions and a range of accordion workshops. The Annual Dinner takes place at 5:30 PM on Saturday evening where this year's Honoree, Rik Kaplan, will be recognized. From Washington, DC, Rik is being recognized not for a particularly distinguished musical career, but his enthusiastic support for this organization; cheerful volunteerism; and promoting respect for the “established” participants with inspiration for the younger. Rik graduated from George Washington University, with study at Berklee & MIT. Keeping active in music (primarily for dance and theater) he made his primary vocation in network level engineering at the Mutual Broadcasting System and, since 1979, at National Public Radio, at both their headquarters in Washington DC. |
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Using equipment and skills from his broadcast and audio production background, Rik has provided sound reinforcement and A/V support for individuals; ensembles; and orchestra’s throughout the festivals. He reminds the AAMS that the world of Folk music and non-written accordion music has much value, which can supplement (not compete with) the more traditional conservatory-style education. He’s shared songs and techniques with a concentration on Melodeons as used in the Cajun/Creole/Zydeco music of Southwest Louisiana. Passing on this info is homage to those kind enough to teach him as well as the elders of the genres who never got to benefit personally (either financially or by Mainstream acceptance). As a gift to the symposiums, Rik has produced many Friday evening concerts presenting local; regional; national; and international artists. The goal was to entertain early arrivals; present dramatic context for the genres & techniques he promoted; as well as showcase certain artists and musicians who might not otherwise have the opportunity to perform their dance music for such an academic audience. Conference guests may recall the Tango music of Hector Del Curto; the Cajun & Zydeco of Geno Delafose; Andre Thierry; Zcrayz; Tom Tonon (with the world début of his "BluesBox" poly-reed pitchbending invention); as well as the multi-culti modern repertoire of Kraig Greff with The Crawdaddies. He has been keen on inspiring the youngest of the attendees, showing them that despite the anxiety of performance and competition, there can be a great deal of Joy in playing less structured community oriented unwritten & improvised music. He hopes to further support Joanna Arnold Darrow’s involvement in the Musikgarten program. An Accordion Spectacular Concert, featuring guest artistes Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, and supporting acts, will follow the dinner. On Sunday, the morning will continue with more competitions and more workshops. After lunch will be the Awards Concert featuring the Festival Massed Band, guest artists, and the presentation of awards and trophies. The festival also includes a trade display, accordion repair seminars, accordion memorabilia, recordings and sheet music. For complete information, please visit: www.aamsaccordionfestival.com |
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| Henry Doktorski Keeps Busy Concert Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For more information, please visit www.henrydoktorski.com |
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| Polka Floyd Show Releases Debut CD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The
Polka Floyd Show has released their debut CD on Indie label Static Records.
Ever wonder what the music of Pink Floyd would sound like polka? The Polka Floyd show was formed in 2006 out of the ashes of nameless bands in the Toledo, OH and Detroit, MI area. The Polka Floyd show is no ordinary tribute band; they perform the music of Pink Floyd, polka style, with all the energy of a high-octane rock band! |
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The
Polka Floyd show is the latest project of native Detroiter and musician
Ken Haas who lends his guitar and vocals to this unique band. Haas is a
veteran of many bands including The Culture Bandits, The Hoolapoppers, Kids
from Krypton and, most recently, the Zimmerman Twins. This project came
about unexpectedly when Haas and fellow Toledo musicians, bassist Chris
Zielinski and drummer Frank Dramczyk - from the nationally-renowned polka
band, Crusade - got together to jam. 
Messing around with some Pink Floyd tunes, they added a polka twist to the
classic rock songs and a new band was born. After recruiting accordion player
Eric Hite and keyboardist Penny Haas, the band played their first gig to
a sold-out hometown Toledo crowd.The Polka Floyd show pays tribute to Pink Floyd in their own way, featuring classic material from throughout the band’s history from the early Syd Barrett period to the epic “The Wall”, including “Comfortably Numb” the first song they covered together as a band. They have also performed the seminal “Dark Side of the Moon” album in its entirety. What started out as a fun band rehearsal has taken on a life of its own. Along with their many headlining performances, the Polka Floyd show has also opened for notable acts including Unknown Hinson & The Mysterians. They were also invited to play music festivals: The Shamybash in Columbus, Detroit Cityfest and the Hamtramck Festival’s “Polka Palooza.” They have since taken the show on the road to enthusiastic audiences from Cleveland to Fargo. Static Records will release their self-titled debut album that features a seven-song selection from their vast repertoire, including “See Emily Play,” Pink Floyd’s second single.  “Polka
Floyd plays remarkably good renditions of all your favorite Floyd tunes
with a polka twist that’ll have you jaw-dropped in awe at the stellar
musicianship while laughing at the pure ridiculousness of it all at the
same time.” Ryan Bunch, Toledo City Paper, 9/12/07The band comprises Ken Haas - Vocals, Guitar, Steel, Eric Hite - accordion/vocals, Chris Zielinski - Bass/vocals, Penny Haas - Keyboards and Frank Dramczyk - Drums. For more information on Polka Floyd and their new CD, please visit www.polkafloyd.com |
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| Alexander Shirunov Appears at NAMM Show in CA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| During the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, held from January 17th to 20th, 2008, young Russian accordion star Alexander Shirunov cast a spell over the audience with his Hohner Fun Flash piano accordion while a guest of the Hohner company, demonstrating their line of piano accordions at their trade stand. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Alexander
will also will perform daily during this year´s Musikmesse in Frankfurt
both at the Hohner stand and on the Acoustic Stage. Alexander Shirunov
performs on his 'Morino IV 120 C45' deluxe converter accordion and his
Fun Flash Piano accordion. |
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| '50 Bluebells' splices 50 Cent with Sir Jimmy Shand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 The
late Sir Jimmy Shand, the legendary Scottish accordionist who would have
been 100 years old, has had his Bluebell Polka bootlegged with US rapper
50 Cent's 'In Da Club' in a release titled 'Jimmy Shand Vs 50 Cent.' The
bootleg track '50 Bluebells' refers to the splicing of 'In DA Club' over
the top of the Jimmy Shand track of Bluebell Polka.Originally released in 2005 on LP 'PRM001 -Various -'Cowboy Boots EP' from the then 'Prank Monkey Records' the track was included in an album themed around the marriage of country style music with the vocals of current, popular rap and R'n'B stars. On the Album, Pheugoo's lead track finds Usher's 'Yeah' delivered hilariously over the Smokey and the Bandit Theme while '12 String Milkshake' involves that most unlikely, yet fantastic, marriage of Kelis to Glen Campbell. On the flipside, on the track in question, Rapper 50 Cent dons a kilt to duet with Scottish legend Sir Jimmy Shand and his accordion while 'Man of Constant Sorrow' from 'O Brother Where Art Thou' provides the perfect new backing for Southern Belle Britney Spears. This 200 copy limited edition release sold out in record time after being nominated as LP vinyl release of the week in London's flagship HMV store. From this incredibly small release of 200 LP's to an an astonishing resurgence via the power of the Internet, the release of the track has created interest and in some cases uproar all around the world, drawing reactions ranging from admiration to disbelief. Some believe Sir Jimmy Shand would be rolling in his grave, while others think it is a great way to expose the accordion to a generation of rappers, that might not otherwise be exposed to the instrument. |
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To
add to the mix, a copyright infringement from popular New Zealand Scottish
entertainer residing in Australia for the unauthorized use of his picture
used to accompany the re-release on youtube is in an ongoing dispute.
To
see the original Jimmy Shand track and picture please visit: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PIG9evq2RqM
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| Steve Albini at Copia, CA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Accordionist
Steve Albini is an acclaimed musician and an emotional singer. Steve's
Italian roots are brought to life through a passionate performance infused
with world, jazz and Latin rhythms. The music is lively and the rhythms
are infectious! La musica con passione e fuoco! |
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| Cape Cod Irish Village features Irish Lineup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For more information, please visit: www.capecod-irishvillage.com/index.shtml |
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| Hogfish Gumbo - "It's All Good!" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Last
months posting of information about a new CD"It's All Good" inspired
this CD review from fellow accordionist Brett Gibson.Often when a band finally gets into the studio, their cautious efforts may drive them toward overproduction, neurotic cleaning or worse - both. Creating that razors edge of live stage energy and quality mixing takes the ear of a musical professional steeped in their art. This is exactly what you'll take home with the latest from Hogfish Gumbo - "It's All Good" and believe me, it is. This fresh menu of Cajun and Zydeco a la carte plays like a Louisiana eatery made for dancing. In fact, this entire album was made for dancing, right up to the original closing waltz for solo accordion "End of Evening." In the hands of Juha Silfverberg you'll hear the accordion on a peer footing with some of Kansas City's finest - Mark Cohick, James Albright, Mike McKinley and the great young talent of Trombonist Janne Silfverberg. This configuration never relegates the accordion the oft condemned background of musical "flavor" simply to fool the uninitiated. Instead, you'll hear that level of musical ambassadorship which can only be forged from both instrumental mastery and years of immersion in the genre. The entire album, while never predictable in its landscape of original arrangements, has a genuinely original tone reminiscent perhaps of any great 50's band able to get you on your feet from track one - and keep you there. The coupling of Mike's comfortable, inviting vocals and the bands instinctive solos proves that Kansas City has a band par excellence in its own backyard with a lot to say about this music - to an audience who's never heard it like this. CDs are available directly from Hogfish Gumbo for $15.00 plus $2.25 shipping and handling. To purchase CDs by mail send Check or Money Order for $17.25 to: Juha Silfverberg Hogfish Gumbo 9613 Kessler Overland Park, KS 66212 (Please allow 2 weeks for shipment) For more information and track samples, please visit www.hogfishgumbo.com |
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| Vivant! to Hold CD Release Party for 'River of Destiny' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Vivant!
is made up of multitalented musicians whose primary musical training centered
around the accordion, in addition to various other keyboard instruments
and other acoustical and percussion instruments. The focus of the group
is to share the unique versatility of the accordion and the various styles
of music that are possible to produce with the instrument. |
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Janne
Silfverberg, Gail Overly, Erica VandeVoort, During
their individual careers, the members of Vivant! have toured and concertized
as accordionists in most of the states in the continental USA and in the
following countries, islands, and principalities: Austria, Azores, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Guam, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Midway Island, Monaco,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Okinawa, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Scotland,
South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan. |
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| Accordion Cruise with Pedone and Ballarini a Success! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Pedone/Ballarini Accordion Clinic Cruise was a terrific success. Members of the interesting Cruise took part in a five day vacation to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico while enjoying a lot of fun as well as accordion Work Shops and Concerts. Organizers Mario Pedone and Nick Ballarini announced that more such Accordion Clinic/Cruises would be held in the future. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sylvia Prior Accepted to Receive CIA Award at Macedonian Meeting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 The
Confédération Internationale Des Accordéonistes (CIA)
held its 119th General Assembly of Delegates "Winter Congress"
in Skopje, Macedonia hosted by the Association of Accordionists from the
Republic of Macedonia. In addition to the General Assembly, association
President Zorica Karakutovska, Vice President Elizabeta Ilievska, Public
Relations Manager Anica Karakutovska and secretary Biljana Mladenovska provided
an exciting array of activities including meetings, sightseeing, a reception
with the Mayor of Skopje Mr. Trifun Kostovski, visits and meetings at the
school and university, both with the Director (Principal) of the Music High
School "Ilija Nikolovski-Luj" Skopje Mr. Zoran Dzorlev and the
students, a formal concert of Prof. Karakutovska's students, as well as
a Macedonian evening of entertainment.During this first CIA function held in Macedonia, two new associations were accepted for CIA membership including the Associação dos Acordeonistas do Brasil (AAB) - President: Lauro Valerio, and the Italian Accordion Culture (IAC) - President: Federica Celesti. The CIA Merit Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to the International accordion movement were accepted to be awarded to renowned concert artist and teacher Friedrich Lips (Russia) and to Manfred Gäbler (Germany) the organizer of the Klingenthal International Accordion Competition for more than 40 years. The Honored Friend of the Accordion Award was accepted to be awarded to Friedl Preisl and Herwig Peychär (Austria), Silvio De Pra (New Zealand) andlifelong AFNA member and supporter of the accordion in the United States, Sylvia Prior (USA), recognizing their lifelong work on behalf of the accordion in their respective countries.  The
2008 Coupe Mondiale will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from the 22nd - 27th
October, 2008 and all information regarding the various competitions offered,
the CIA World Accordion Orchestra II, tentitive schedule of events, Hotel
information and more, can be found at www.coupemondiale.org.
For a reivew of the Winter Congress held in Macedonia, please visit www.accordions.com/cia and select Winter Congress. |
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| Dr. Schimmel Performs Sequenza XIII at NY Phil's Day of Berio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 On
February 2, 2008 the New York Philharmonic will sponsoring a performance
of all Fourteen 'Sequenzas' composed by Luciano Berio. The performers will
be made by members of the New York Philharmonic and Dr. William Schimmel
will perform the Sequenza XIII (Chanson).Luciano Berio was born in Oneglia, Italy. After studies with Ghedini at the Milan Conservatory, he worked for the Italian Broadcasting Corporation from 1953 until 1960, when he founded the Studio di Fonologia and directed a concert series under its name. He has taught in America at Tanglewood, Mills College and Harvard University, and in Europe at Darmstadt and Dartington; from 1965 to 1971 he was a member of the composition faculty of the Juilliard School in New York. He ran the electro-acoustic department of IRCAM in Paris until 1980; in 1981 he founded tempo Reale, an institute for new music, in Florence. In 1982 he became Musical Director of the newly founded Regional Orchestra of Tuscany. In 1984 he was Artistic Director of the Maggio Musicale in Florence. In 1988 he became an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music, London. He has also been awarded the prestigious Siemens Prize. The Performances will take place starting at 2 PM at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Hall - in the Time Warner Building - Columbus Circle, New York. Dr. Schimmel studied with Luciano Berio in the mid 1960's and attended many of the world premieres of the Sequenzas as well as other Berio works. |
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| Dr. Schimmel (above)
can be seen as well as heard on the New York Philharmonic Website: www.nyphil.org
- (click Focus: Berio) - when he talks about his direct experiences with
Berio and his music. He also performs and excerpt of the Sequenza as well.
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| Accordionist 'Coba' at Kennedy Center in Washington, DC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Renowned
Japanese accordionist Yasuhiro "Coba" Kobayashim will perform
on a special concert "A Tribute to Toru Takemitsu" on February
9th, 2008 at the famed Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington,
DC.One of Japan's most famous and celebrated composers, Toru Takemitsu (1930–1996) broke new ground by exploring principles of western classical music and his native Japanese tradition. Largely self-taught, he experienced a stroke of luck in the 1950s when Igor Stravinsky heard his work by accident, greatly admired it, and helped bring him international attention. Influenced by French music, particularly that of Debussy and Messiaen, some of Takemitsu's most well-known compositions encompass jazz and film music. This special tribute concert, curated by his daughter Maki Takemitsu, features special guest instrumentalists Kazumi Watanabe and Daisuke Suzuki on guitar, Yasuhiro "Coba" Kobayashi on accordion, and Tomohiro Yahiro on percussion.  With
his extremely unique, pop, accordion music, "Coba" has revolutionized
the image of the instrument. In 1995, the Icelandic singer Bjork had seen
his concert performance in London and was instantly attracted to his music.
Immediately after the performance, he was asked to join her in world tour.
coba thus performed in Bjork's world concert tour for 3 years, covering
over 60 countries; more than 3 million audience worldwide enjoyed the collaboration
of Bjork and coba 's innovative accordion sound. The tour also was an opportunity
for coba to collaborate with many other internationally successful artists,
including Goldie, 808 State, Underworld, Plaid and Howie B. He has been
collaborating with Plaid and Howie B on many occasions since then.Currently, Coba produces music for more than 10 regular nationwide TV and radio programs. He is also engaged in a variety of activities ranging from producing projects for various other artists to producing film music. He is certainly one of the busiest composers, players and producers in Japan. He released his 29th original album "Boy" from JVC Victor Entertainment in October 2006. The concert will take place at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater on February 9, 2008 at 7:30 PM with tickets ranging from $15.00 - $35.00. |
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| Note: In order to provide as much information as possible for the United States National Accordion News stories, many different sources are often researched to gather additional information and pictures to complement what has been submitted. This information is then correlated to provide the news on www.accordionusa.com in the spirit of which it is intended, which is to provide a free news service to the Accordion Community, specifically in the United Sates. If you feel any copyright has been violated please advise www.accordionusa.com and the article will be removed immediately. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The
The
Hotel Preston is offering a convention rate of $99.00 (single through
quad) for convention participants. The Hotel Preston is located at 733
Briley Parkway, 
Saturday
evening (March 15, 2008)
The
accordion ensemble "Absolut Accord" recently performed for
the Silicon Valley Accordion Society as well as a concert in San Mateo.
Between February 12 and April 29, 2008 the Ensemble will be performing
many concerts for schools located in the San Jose school district and
on May 18, 2008, at 2 PM they will be presenting a concert for the San
Francisco Accordion Club at the Oyster Point Yacht Club, 911 Marina
Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080.
Lynn
Ewing was born and raised in San Diego, California, where she started
playing accordion at age seven. Later, Lynn directed five accordion
bands and taught more than a hundred young children play accordion with
the Robert Mitchell Accordion Studio. Lynn received certification in
the Orff Method of Music Instruction and taught as the Music Specialist
at El Granada Elementary School until recently. Currently Lynn teaches
private accordion students and plays and entertains with two accordion
ensembles, the Accordion Chamber Ensemble and AbsolutAccord.
For
more information, about this group or their CD, please visit their website
at www.absolutaccord.com or contact Musical Director Richard Yaus at:
e-mail: 
Jay
and Pat Landers have been married for over 33 years. These native Kentuckians
have made their home in Central Illinois/Springfield since 1997. Jay's
been a member of the Peoria Area Accordion Club for almost 9 years and
is a past president and newsletter editor for that organization. Jay's
played the piano accordion for 50 years. He and Pat have performed Celtic
music for 25 years going back to their experience as founding members
of the band "Drowsy Maggie" with Jerry, Martha and Sean Forde.
For more than 10 years Jay and Pat have performed as the duo "Donnybrook".
"Smiling
Eyes" is dedicated to Ryan. It also celebrates the wonderful Celtic
heritage in 17 tracks of instrumentals and vocals with a total running
time of almost 47:00. Performed on piano accordion and tin whistle,
highlighted by Pat's vocals, the titles include:
Italian
born accordionist Mario Pedone will perform at Polish American accordion
club in Chicago Illinois on February 24, at the The Alliance & Polish
Club, 5835 West Diversey @ Monitor (for information call Ed Smollen (773)
407-6156) and on February 25, he will be performing at Chicago Accordion
Club. For information call Leni Leto 630-918-0812.
The
Internet is changing the way your customers are searching for services.
The days of lugging out a 12 lb. telephone book to find very limited and
outdated business information are coming to an end. People are still letting
their fingers do the walking, but they're doing it over a computer keyboard.
Below are some revealing facts from the Kelsey Group. 
Kansas
City accordionist Brett Gibson will be one of the featured artists when
the Missouri Valley Folklife Society presents a Metro Artists' Concert
called 'Scottish Legacy Night.' The concert will take place at 8:00 PM
on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Community Christian Church, 4601
Main St., Kansas City, MO.
The
concert was held in the memory of the famous Polish composer Andrzej Krzanowski
(1951-1990), and his wife and son (pictured) were in attendance at the
concert. A renowned composer, Krzanowski was himself a skilled accordionist
who studied in Katowice with Joachim Pichura. 
Concert
accordionist Henry Doktorski will be featured in the following concerts:
Tickets
may be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust at 412-456-6666.
Accordionist
Steve Albini will appear in February at the following locations.
The
Cape Cod Irish Village, 512 Main Street, West Yarmouth, Massachusetts,
will features Irish American musicians every weekend throughout the year,
including many accordionists. 
Kansas
City based Vivant will be appearing in two upcoming shows.
The
accordionists in Vivant! all began studying the instrument at a young
age. They are highly decorated musicians in both ensemble and solo performing.
Most have toured professionally, and collectively they have concertized
in most of the United States and in 28 countries throughout the world.
Several of the musicians chose the accordion as their major area of emphasis
in college and have continued to play professionally.