Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
ATG Festival: July 20 - 24 in Lisle (Chicago) Illinois
Entry Date Changed For 2022 AAA Virtual Competition - USA
Michael Bridge Performs in Canada and USA
Leaping Into the Future: New Accordion Association for Young Adult Accordionists 18 - 29
ATG Announces Historic CD Recording Event
Alex Meixner Band Performs at Live Free & Fly Festival and More!
Online: Dr. William Schimmel Accordion Seminars
Ludovic Beier Performs in The NYC Django Reinhardt Festival at Birdland July 12-17
Nikolay Bine to Perform at ATG
Dan Newton and Honky Tonk Jump Perform at Red Wing Concert in the Park
Additional Concert by Michael Bridge at AWAM on July 25
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Introduction to Joan Graumans' Article - Gratitude for my almost 68 years of love for the accordion!
Gratitude for my almost 68 years of love for the accordion!
New England Digital Accordion Orchestra Performs on Sturbridge, MA Concert Series
"Not Entirely Schubert" at Lincoln Center
Papa Joe De Clemente to Perform for New England Accordion Museum
Viivi Maria Saarenkyla Performs in VILDA at Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Dr. William Morse Conducts the Racine Symphony Orchestra with Guest Artist Stas Vengleski
Kim and Dan Christian Present Patriotic Celebration Concert Video
The Polski Chix Release New CD “Polka Lovin’ Chix”
New Accordion Club: Toronto Accordion Club
In Spite of His Disabilities, Franklin Nichols Excels on the Accordion
Dominic Karcic Performs for Bastille Day Festivities
Future events |
2022 Not Just Oompah! Announces New Fall Workshop/Concert with Matt Tolentino
2022 Carrefour Mondial Accordion Festival in Quebec
Chemainus Accordion Festival on August 13
NorthEast Squeeze-In 2022: September 16-18
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  The July www.accordionusa.com news is online now! Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July! Time for fireworks, celebrations, and accordions! As conditions improve and more outdoor events are scheduled, please email me at Ritabelll@aol.com with details of your upcoming live rehearsals, festivals or performances so we can let accordionists and enthusiasts around the world know the positive news about our beloved instrument. Read the USA news this month for new CD releases, live concerts, competitions and future events. It is exciting to see the accordion world continue to open up. In the meantime, continue your practicing, taking lessons, and how about performing for friends and family again? Enjoy the summer! |
ATG Festival: July 20 - 24 in Lisle (Chicago) Illinoisby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Video: ATG Welcome from Mary Ann Covone, ATG PresidentPlan to attend the ATG Festival from July 20-24, 2022 in Lisle, Chicago. It will be an event with something for everyone, from an accordion petting zoo to well known virtuosos. Patterned after “petting zoos” held by major orchestras around the country, it presents an opportunity to anyone who would like to become familiar with an accordion--maybe for the first time--to do so with the guidance of an ATG member accordionist. You still have time to register and choose the activities you wish to attend. Please read the June www.accordionusa.com for fascinating articles on artists, workshops, concerts, and events during ATG. See you there! For more information: ATG |
Entry Date Changed For 2022 AAA Virtual Competition - USAby Harley Jones |
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 The entry dates are changed: Entry Form submission deadline: August 1, 2022. Video submission deadline: August 15, 2022. The 2022 AAA Virtual Competition Rules and Entry information are updated at: 2022Rules&Entry.pdfCategories include Standard & Open solos, Standard & Open duets, and Open Ensembles & Bands. Contestants in Standard categories must choose a selection from the Standard music list. All other categories are Open, which means you can play anything you wish, except in the Ethnic, Pop, and Jazz categories, where the style of music is designated. For any inquiries, please contact Frank Busso Jr. contest chairperson at: frank@bussomusic.com. |
Michael Bridge Performs in Canada and USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  Video: Isaac Albéniz: "Asturias" Played by Michael Bridge | CBC MusicRecorded at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, Ont., in May 2018. Michael Bridge has had an amazing summer so far. On June 9, 2022, he presented the Canadian premiere of Sofia Gubaidulina’s “Fachwerk!” Michael commented, “Thank you @espritorchestra and maestro Alex Pauk for a great Canadian premiere of Gubaidulina’s “Fachwerk! in Toronto's iconic Koerner Hall. We brought the audience to their feet with this amazing contemporary concerto. It is truly one of my favourite works. I look forward to playing it again.” Photos by bo huang photography. In May 2022, Michael was the cover accordionist for Brett Dean’s “Hamlet” at the Metropolitan Opera House. Michael said, “For the last three weeks, I’ve been practicing 24/7 as there is a major on-stage role for the accordionist. (My job, Cover Accordionist, means that Veli Kujala is performing, but in case he gets sick, I am here—fully prepared, memorized, costumed, and rehearsed with the orchestra.) We have both learned this 88-page part in 3 weeks, including memorizing 40 pages for when we’re on stage. It’s an extremely difficult opera for all involved, but I have to say the warmth of all the artists and administration has been outstanding and assisted in getting up to speed. I’m grateful to be a part of this amazing production.” Michael Bridge shares, “I play digital accordion a lot, but next week, I’ll perform 4 solo concerts in Québec and Ottawa on my analog, non-digital, unplugged, soul-southing, harmonic-creating, air-vibrating, human-connection-making beast of an acoustic accordion. Come feel the good vibes.” July 2022 performances include: July 3 - CAMM AC Music Centre (Québec) July 4 - Ottawa (Music & Beyond opening gala) July 5 - Ottawa (Music & Beyond solo concert: El Acordeón Español, with special guest Yolanda Bruno) July 6 - Ottawa (Music & Beyond: Behind the Bellows Young People’s Concert) Michael will also be a featured performer at the ATG Festival July 20 - 24, 2022 in Lisle (Chicago), Illinois. Photo up: Michael Bridge performs with Esprit Orchestra Photo right: Michael Bridge and Conductor Alex Pauk Photo left: Michael Bridge at Metropolitan Opera House in "Hamlet" |
Leaping Into the Future: New Accordion Association for Young Adult Accordionists 18 - 29by Norman Seaton, NAA President |
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 A new accordion association is being proposed for Young Adult Accordionists (ages 18-29). The National Accordion Association (NAA) is looking for young adult accordionists who are leaping into their future while continuing to play the accordion. Regardless of their current position in this exciting new life, the NAA wants to support members of this group as long they continue to play the accordion along life’s journey. All of us know that this age group can use the accordion as a social instrument, a hobby, part-time income, and/or to develop a musical-related career.Will this “Young Adult Accordionists Association” be Successful? The Seatons need facts before this question can be answered. As founders of this idea and college professors, Drs. Norman Seaton and Sharon Seaton are asking all known accordionists to encourage those in this age group to complete the “Young Adult Needs Analysis Survey” that will close on August 1, 2022. At that time, the Seatons will make the “go or no go” decision. Meanwhile, Sharon Seaton will be researching funding to support this group of young adults as they continue playing the accordion. You may feel free to view the survey before recommending those in the 18-29 age bracket. If you are equal to, or greater than 30 years old, do not complete the survey. We want their opinions only. Survey Link: Young Adult Accordionist Association Needs Analysis Study URL: https://forms.gle/EehbEjRE2QyG3tZ67 |
ATG Announces Historic CD Recording Eventby Mary Ann Covone, ATG President |
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| Anthony Galla-Rini, an ATG founder, composed two concerti for accordion with orchestra. "Concerto No. 2 in E minor for Accordion and Orchestra" has never been recorded. Recognizing the importance of this piece to our history and to the history of the accordion in the United States, ATG’s Board has commissioned a professional recording featuring the renowned Stas Venglevski with the Racine Symphony Orchestra, conducted by noted maestro Pasquale Laurino. Included on the CD will be two additional tracks, both professionally remastered and mixed from earlier tape recordings of Concerto No. 1 in G minor for Accordion and Orchestra. In the first remastered track, with internationally famous Maestra Joan Cochran Sommers conducting the University of Missouri-Kansas City Accordion Orchestra, the first movement is played by Karen Fremar; the second, by Robert Sattler; and the third, by Jeff Lisenby -- each a USA champion. The second remastered track is Galla-Rini’s own performance of "Concerto No. 1" with the Oklahoma City University Symphony Orchestra under the baton of James Neilson. Without doubt, this CD will be not only musically enjoyable, but also of historical importance. Please contribute to this one-time, important project. Financial contributions of over $100 will receive a complimentary copy of the CD and be given special recognition in the next Bulletin. Add your name to join other ATG members and supporters of the accordion in their funding of this historic recording. Levels of donation are: Platinum donors: $500 and above; Gold donors: $250 - $499; Silver donors: $100. CLICK ATG-Donations and choose Galla-Rini Fund for the donation webpage. Donations of any size are, of course, also appreciated. Thank you! Sincerely, ATG Board of Directors Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International |
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Alex Meixner Band Performs at Live Free & Fly Festival and More!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video: “Tick Tock Polka” One of the most popular American polkas ( nearly an official million-seller for Frank Yankovic) - the “Tick Tock Polka” (or tik tok polka) is originally an Italian song entitled “Tic-tì-tic-tà”.The Alex Meixner Band will perform at the Live Free & Fly Festival, held at the Texas Heritage Vineyard in Fredericksburg, Texas, USA on July 4th, 2022. Gates open at 12 midday and there will be live music, games, food and wine from 1:PM to 6:PM. Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz and ethnic music, Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. For Alex, it’s more than playing energetic shows; it is a mission to provide a much needed positive experience that pulls communities together to celebrate history, culture and genuinely good times. Excerpts from his website: Alex’s passion for music was kindled at an early age by having the rare fortune of living in a household of professional musicians. He was cultivated intimately by his father, the 3rd generation of the family band whose leadership was passed down through generations hailing from Austria. Fully immersed in the business of music, Alex immediately gravitated toward mimicking their activities in the studio, stage and record shop. Finally, at age 3, he began formal study on the piano, and within a year he picked up the accordion resulting in his debut on stage by age 6, an experience that was to shape his life so much in future years. And if playing those instruments weren’t enough, his ability to learn many instruments led to gigging regularly on drums, bass, keyboards, piano accordion, button accordion and trumpet with Polish polka legend Joe Oberaitis and Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek, in addition to touring nationally with his father’s band by age 11. His aptitude for playing jazz and classical trumpet opened doors to formal study and opportunities including playing with the London Symphony Orchestra in High School and emerging as a highly sought after candidate for music school. He chose Ithaca College for its renowned reputation in developing music performers and educators.  While exceeding expectations in academic pursuits, he continued developing professional credentials in the polka music, recording albums for artists from the USA, Mexico, Austria, and Canada while maintaining a national touring schedule. At age 18, a track he performed on with his father was on Walter Ostanek’s, 1994 Grammy award-winning album “Music and Friends.” This performance not only added to his credibility but also started a renewed curiosity of the polka music market by younger musicians and veteran performers who had viewed this genre as a mere novelty whose popularity was past its prime. As a leader in the polka music cultural renaissance, Alex performs fluidly in styles hailing from Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Poland, and America/Cleveland. His signature style pays homage to the authenticity instilled in his DNA while adding a modern twist that appeals to a broad cross-section of audiences. By creating and performing an expansive range of new and traditional music for solo, small, and large groups, Alex has expanded the vocabulary of ethnic music and continues to maintain a body of work that places him among the culture’s finest performers.  In 2016 Alex collaborated with the notable advertising agency, BBDO, to produce the infamous Hormel Pepperoni commercials contributing to a successful sales campaign and contract renewals. At the end of 2016, he recorded with comedy phenomenon, Jack Black, for the major motion picture, ”The Polka King, ” that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. Alex’s reputation for professionalism and quality performance attracted additional commercial opportunities including performing on radio commercials for Ford Trucks and the soundtracks for numerous episodes of Moonshiners on the Discovery Network. Future Performances Include: SUN 10 July: Krause's Intersections Jam Band. Alex is appearing as part of the band at Krause's Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S.Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 THU 28 July Estabrook Beer Garden: Milwaukee, Wisconsin FRI 29 July: German Fest Milwaukee, Wisconsin SAT 30 July: German Fest Milwaukee, Wisconsin SUN 31 July: German Fest Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 1, 2022: Milwaukee Accordion Club, solo performance For details email: info@alexmeixner.com |
Online: Dr. William Schimmel Accordion Seminarsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Dr. William Schimmel online accordion seminars are scheduled for July 29th, 30th and 31st, 2022, presented by The Accordion Global Association.The Theme is: “Too Much Information, Too Little Time, But We Do It Anyway!” The event will include Master Classes from 3:PM to 4:PM and concerts from 4:PM to 5:PM. The distinguished list of participants include Micki Goodman, Paul Stein, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Will Holshouser, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nelson Wolf, Dr. Denise Koncelik, The Main Squeeze Orchestra, Doug Makofka, Jeanne Velonis, Sari Kalin, Brian Dewan, Erica Marie Mancini, Mary Spencer Knapp, Benjamin Ickies, Dan Cooper, Peter Flint, William Komaiko, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Gene Pritsker, Peter Jarvis, Bachtopus, Mayumi Mayoaka, Robert Duncan, David First, Bob Goldberg, Carl Riehl, Rachel Quirbach, Melissa Elledge, Dave Soldier and more to follow. Topics that will be presented include: In your face, Out of your face, The New Professional, The Vague Panther - dealing with navigation of rough waters, The technique of ideas, The technique of chops, Ideas and chops, The Accordion as Homing Pigeon, Accordi yoga, Zen Phrasing revisited, Accordio meditation, De stressing with your accordion, Fun with a purpose, Hard work - with payoff (instant gratification), Hard work with delayed payoff (the art of patience), Contraction and release, Aught Culture and Reverse Irony, New works, Old works - new angles, Nothing new, but how we look at it, The Accordion as Smile - La – Phone, Morality and the Accordion and much more. The versatility of Dr. William Schimmel is evident by the many musical projects that he is involved in. He has devoted his life to musicianship particularly utilizing the accordion. For further details email: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Ludovic Beier Performs in The NYC Django Reinhardt Festival at Birdland July 12-17by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  Video 1: Django Festival AllstarsVideo 2: The Django Festival All-Stars: NPR Music Field Recordings The Django Reinhardt Festival is going into its 23nd successful year with packed houses at its home, the legendary music club Birdland, in New York City-and tours prestigious halls across the country such as Rose Hall/Jazz at Lincoln Center, Disney Hall in LA, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, The San Francisco Festival, and many more. These world class musicians, who come mostly from France, now called the Django Festival Allstars, are the best players to come out of the Festival. Pat Philips- Stratta Presents an evening of “HOT JAZZ” with The Django Festival All-Stars at Birdland on July 12th – 17, 2022.! Pat Philips-Stratta’s Django Reinhardt Festival featuring: Samson Schmitt/Lead Guitar Ludovic Beier/Accordion and Accordina Pierre Blanchard/Violin Antonio Licusati/ Bass Michael Joseph/ Rhythm Guitar I have attended the Django Reinhardt Festival for over 10 years at Birdland, located on 315 West 44th Street, NYC which is an exciting and very comfortable venue. The Django Reinhardt NY Festival continues at Birdland for their 22nd successful year. Excerpts from Birdland website: The Django Reinhardt Festival carries on the legacy of legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, with original music keeping it fresh, exciting, cutting-edge! .…along with some old favorites.. the music, Hot Jazz, 'swiging and romantic' has exploded across the US and it all started at Birdland in 2000, with the launching of the Festival with tours now 2X a year at prestigious venues...to standing ovations: Kennedy Center, Disney Hall in LA, SF JAZZ, to name a few. Dorado Schmitt, legendary Manouche gypsy guitarist from the Strasbourg region of France, a Django look-alike with pencil thin mustache, returns to Birdland to adoring fans. Schmitt started coming to the US in 2002 and is now a star attraction at major festivals as well as at Birdland. He is joined by his son, Amati Schmitt, a brilliant young guitarist, plus other talented musicians appearing regularly as part of the Festival: Virtuoso accordionist/accordina player Ludovic Beier, violinist Pierre Blanchard. Each year, they present their newest compositions/arrangements filled with technical brilliance and emotion. If you want to hear more, check them out on Youtube. Accordionist Ludovic Beier is amazing in his virtuosity and sensitivity in performing. Born in 1978, Ludovic Beier learned the accordion from his father and benefited from being part of a musical family. He was brought up in the French tradition of the instrument and developed his jazz accordion skills. He has a spirited, adventurous style which strays into all kinds of byways. He performs on the French and European scene with some of the top players of the Django/Swing Jazz style including Angelo Debarre, Dorado Schmitt, Florin Niculescu. Along with his virtuoso playing, Ludovic composes and arranges, and has his own band, Ludovic Beier Quartet, to perform his "cool and latin" French jazz. He has an impressive technique and also a great dose of lyricism with a band that keeps him at full stretch. Besides performing in Europe at top festivals and clubs, he appeared in the States with the Django Reinhardt Project, performing at Birdland (NYC) with guests such as Paquito D'Rivera, at Lincoln Center with Joe Lovano, at Yoshis (CA) with David Sanchez, and last summer at the Montreal International Jazz Festival with Angelo Debarre and James Carter where he brought the house down. He also had the honor to perform at Carnegie Hall with Toots Thielemans among a prestigious line up including Herbie Hancock, Ivan Lins and Eliane Elias. Django’s unmistakable cool and jumpin’ jole de vivre have made him an icon for an unlikely range of luminaries from Carlos Santana to Eric Clapton, guitar greats! Jimi Hendrix named his “big band of gypsies” in tribute, and Willie Nelson adopted his influence in “country-swing.” The Django Festival All-Stars, have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group of star musicians who’ve taken America by storm, performing at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. The music speaks of Paris in the 20s and 30s when “gitane” music filled the air, in the cafés, the streets, in the countryside, a romantic Paris with lovers, campfires, a time of Montmartre, la belle époque, le Boudon café, café au lait, luscious pastry, and a great glass of wine. Django was “king”. He teamed with Jazz Violinist Stephane Grappelli and made musical history. The Django Festival All-Stars bring this music to ‘today’… combining known standards and original music…intoxicating!! They swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad. Special Guests include: July 12: Ken Peplowski / Clarinet July 13: James Carter / Sax July 14: Edmar Castaneda / Jazz Harp July 15: John DiMartino / Piano July 16: Ken Peplowski / Clarinet July 17: Houston Person / Sax Please note that Birdland is proud to offer two levels since July 2018! Their Ground Level is called The Birdland Jazz Club and offers sets at 7:PM and 9:30 PM. (Additional 5pm Sets Friday – Sunday Only). The Lower Level is called The Birdland Theater and offers sets at 8:30pm. Both Levels have a full service Dinner Menu and Bar. Birdland Jazz Club & Birdland Theater 315 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036 Sponsors: John Pearse Strings John & Joan D’Addario Foundation The Row Hotel Purchase tickets by calling (212) 581-3080, or by emailing Office@birdlandjazz.com. For further information: Stratta/Philips Producer: Tel: 212-744-8836 Email: patmusic2@gmail.com |
Nikolay Bine to Perform at ATGby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video 1: Nikolay Bine - “Petite suite Française” by Richard Galliano conducted by Ajtony Csaba on January 9, 2022Video 2: Nikolay Bine - "Pondicherry Tango" by Jérôme Richard219 viewsMay 26, 2021 Accordionist Nikolay Bine will perform at the 2022 ATG Festival July 20 - 24, 2022 in Lisle (Chicago), Illinois. Nikolay Bine (born 1996) began accordion studies at the age of 6. He studied at the St.Petersburg State Conservatory named after N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov. During his education, Nikolay proved to be a very talented accordionists among young musicians of Russia. He is a winner of many world prestigious competitions such as: - 2014 1st place Trophée Mondial (Kaunas, Lithuania) - 2017 five 3rd places in internationally aclaimed accordion competitions: “Internationaler Akkordeonwettbewerb Klingenthal” (Klingenthal, Germany), “Coupe Mondial”(Ozimo, Italy), “Citta di Castelfidardo” (Castelfidardo, Italy), and “Trophee Mondial”(Onet-le-Château, France). He toured as a soloist and with his jazz ensemble “Four ever band” organized in 2015, participating in many large international festivals: Limbažu accordion festival in Latvia, the festival of association of Chinese and Russian universities of arts 2016 in Jinan, China, “Jazz accordion festival in Castelfidardo” (Italy) 2017. In 2019, he was invited to play in the international exhibition “The New York Times Travel Show” in New York, USA. Nikolay's well-received concerts and masterclasses have been held in the USA, Canada, China, Italy, Hungary, Latvia, Slovenia, Germany, and many other countries. In 2019, he was accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts (USA), and currently continuing his music education at the University of Victoria in Canada, pursuing a Master’s Degree in accordion performance in the newly established accordion studies program. In addition to his primary instrument, the accordion, Nikolay began studying piano at the age of 8 as a secondary instrument. He continued piano courses at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory where he developed his virtuoso music skills. Nikolay’s musical specialty is accordion and piano jazz. He has created many arrangements of jazz standards and composed his own contemporary jazz pieces, being inspired by current New York jazz artists. He has played with world-famous jazz musicians such as Chick Corea, David Binney, Benny Benack III, Alexander Claffy, Simone Zanchini, Sean Mason, and others. Nikolay has also been an invited jury member of the prestigious world accordion competitions PIF Castelfidardo (Italy, 2019), Trophée Mondial (virtual online, 2020), Accordion Star International (USA, 2021), and Italia Award (Italy, 2021). |
Dan Newton and Honky Tonk Jump Perform at Red Wing Concert in the Parkby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Honky Tonk Jump (which includes accordionist Dan Newton) will entertain at the Red Wing Concert in the Park in the Central Park Bandshell on July 6th, 2022 at 7:PM. This concert is part of a summer concert series of free Live Music in the Park events for all ages, by Red Wing Arts from June 1st to August 31st, 2022.You can also dance with Honky Tonk Jump at the Eagles Club in Minneapolis on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 8:PM. 2507 E 25th St, Mpls. Daddy Squeeze and Elizabeth will stream live for you on Independence Day! July 4, noon CT. Watch live or later on Facebook. Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton has been dazzling audiences with his creative accordion style for over 40 years. His fresh approach to the much-maligned squeezebox and his mind-boggling repertoire of both original and traditional material will change the mind of the most hardened accordion skeptic. Dan draws influences for songs and tunes from such sources as French Musette, Swing, Cajun, Jug band blues, Celtic and Scandinavian music. Daddy Squeeze entertains and also enlightens his audiences with stories and colorful anecdotes about the accordion and his experiences making a living playing the instrument he loves. Dan has produced more than 25 albums for himself and has appeared on recordings by other artists such as Garrison Keillor, Son Volt, The Proclaimers, Peter Ostroushko, Prudence Johnson and Pat Donohue. Dan has performed at The Lincoln Center, NY, The Kennedy Center, Washington DC, accordion festivals in Vienna, Austria, Kaustinen, Finnland, Winnepeg, Canada, San Antonio, Milwaukee and Cotati,CA. Dan was a frequent guest on A Prairie Home Companion and spent much of his time playing accordion with his group Café Accordion Orchestra. For further information: daddysqueeze@yahoo.com |
Additional Concert by Michael Bridge at AWAM on July 25by Dr. Helmi Harrington, Curator, A World of Accordions Museum, USA |
 A World of Accordions Museum is proud to present Canadian accordionist Michael Bridge in concert on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 7:PM. The concert will be held in the beautiful Hanni Strahl Concert Hall which is located in the historic A World of Accordions Museum, 1401 Belknap St., Superior, Wisconsin. Michael Bridge is a musical maverick. He’s a virtuoso performer on both the acoustic accordion and its 21st Century cousin, the digital accordion. His concerts capture the energy and panache of stadium rock with the elegance and discipline of chamber music. He’s won a slew of competitions in Canada and abroad and was named one of CBC’s 30 under 30 classical musicians. He recently received a doctorate in performance from the University of Toronto and became a Rebanks Fellow at the Glenn Gould School. He gives over 100 concerts a year as a soloist and as a member of both the “Bridge & Wolak” duo and “Ladom Ensemble”. He’s in huge demand for masterclasses around the world. Bridge embraces a musical aesthetic that is alternatively irreverent, deadly serious, meticulously prepared and completely in-the-moment. He’s at home with jazz, folk and classical music and has premiered 53 new works. Ultimately, he aims to make your world more bearable, beautiful and human – even if only for the length of a concert. www.MichaelBridge.ca A World of Accordions houses the world’s largest collection of accordions, from the very oldest dating back to the 1800’s to the newest digital instruments. Part of the museum’s mission is to provide concerts to better acquaint the public with this incredibly versatile instrument - and this is one concert you won’t want to miss! Tickets are Adults $35; Age 13-College Student $20; Age 12 and under $10. They are available for purchase online or at the door on the night of the event. The concert will be livestreamed as well. Purchase tickets or register for the live stream at: https://worldofaccordions.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/worldofaccordions/event.jsp?event=13 For additional information, contact: Dr. Helmi Harrington A World of Accordions Museum 218-393-0245 www.worldofaccordions.org aworldofaccordions@gmail.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
AAA Composers’ Commissioning Committee Additional Publications - USAby Harley Jones |
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 AAA Composers’ Commissioning Committee Chair Dr. Robert Young McMahan (picture left) continues the historical and analytical series of articles about the AAA commissioned works. McMahan has recently added some more recordings to the AAA Composers’ Commissioning repertoire list on the AAA website. Dr. Robert Young McMahan writes: From Schimmel’s LP, Accordion Revisited I have extracted Luening’s Rondo, Surinach’s Pavana & Rondo, and Cowell’s Iridescent Rondo, all 3 of which will join other artists’ performances on the AAA Composers’ Commissioning list; and Schimmel’s Fables (the most important to add, since it is the sole performance of that work). These 4 performances are online at: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php In recent weeks, McMahan has been busy updating and expanding previously published articles of the AAA commissioned works. These are listed in pdf format on the page: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions2.php |
Introduction to Joan Graumans' Article - Gratitude for my almost 68 years of love for the accordion!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 I really admire people who develop life long hobbies, whatever they may be. Of course, I am very interested in musicians who have played the accordion for fifty or more years! What made you love the accordion so much that you still play it today. Any kind of accordion: keyboard, button, bayan, diatonic etc. For those of you who are wondering? YES! I am a proud member of the "50 plus Accordion Club"! I am very grateful to my parents for introducing me to the accordion which holds a lasting life long positive effect! I cannot imagine a day without playing or listening to accordion music. I am sure that many of you also feel similarly. Tell me about it!!AWW wants your story! No matter what your level of skill is, I am interested. I am working on a project to learn about the thoughts of people with life long commitment to the accordion. I am including an article about my findings in www.accordionusa.com news publications each month. Would you like to contribute your story to this worthwhile project? Please submit your info including photos of you with your accordion over the years. Maximum of 4 photos, please. You may include one or two video links of your performance either as soloist or in an ensemble. Please send the info to me at: Ritabelll@aol.com Remember to check out the April USA News for a list of suggested questions/ideas that you may consider for your article. As AAA Secretary and Board member, I am also a promoter of the important series of articles by AAA Historian Joan Grauman about the history of AAA personalities and artists, I have long advocated that Joan Grauman, should also write about her life and after many conversations she has agreed. I am proud to call Joan Grauman a friend and applaud her stellar documentation of the AAA History. I am confident, you will enjoy reading Joan Graumans' "life-long love" of the accordion just below. |
Gratitude for my almost 68 years of love for the accordion!by Joan Grauman, AAA Historian |
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 My love affair with the accordion began the day I was born, almost 68 years ago. My handsome, Italian-as-they-come father played the accordion, and won competitions, from the time he was five years old. He played for me nightly. He played Italian arias and folk melodies, as well as just about everything Magnante and Frosini composed. I loved it all: the melodies, the bellows, the gorgeous grille, the buttons, and especially the sound of the magical reeds. To this very day, my favorite musical sounds are those produced by accordion reeds!The theme of my accordion memoirs is “Gratitude”. I am so grateful for the people in my life who paved the way for me to become an accordionist. Also, I am eternally grateful for the wonderful people I met through playing the accordion, many of whom have become my lifelong close friends. First and foremost, I want to thank my dear friend Rita Barnea for coming up with this terrific idea for us “old folks” to write about our lives with our beloved musical instrument!! As I began to write and reflect back, it became quite apparent that if my cherished piano teacher, Shirley Boettner, didn’t live around the corner from us, I would never have been able to take private music lessons! My mother had no sense of direction and would not have been able to drive me anywhere for lessons. The saying, “Can’t get past the end of her nose” was inspired by my mother. I wanted so much to play the accordion!! There was no accordion teacher in walking distance of my house, so I began to take piano lessons from sweet Shirley Boettner at the age of 6. Shirley encouraged me, pushed me lovingly, and in about a year, I was her star student. The shocking reality that I had talent, plus Shirley’s pride in my accomplishments, were the “shot in the arm” that I needed to keep practicing and to truly eventually love playing the piano. — One of the most important gifts a music teacher can give to students is expressing a tremendous amount of pride and joy in their accomplishments. My teacher’s pride in my accomplishments inspired me to work harder. This, in turn, taught me a very important lesson: hard work pays off! There were several moments in my childhood that truly made a difference in my musical life, and I am forever grateful for these moments. For one, my close friends were very supportive of my music and, from a very early age, all of them came to my piano recitals. This was so special for me! For another, my elementary school music teacher was the best! Libby Crowley was so terrific that she inspired many of us to seek a career in music education. A sweet coincidence: both Shirley Boettner and Libby Crowley were warm, cheerful redheads. Stay tuned for yet another important redhead! We moved to another community — a farm community — in Maryland when I was eleven years old. I missed my piano teacher so much! Soon, however, I found a new teacher. Virginia Lee Stiegler owned the Glenelg School of Music and was an excellent piano teacher. Coincidentally, Mrs. Stiegler was a warm and cheerful REDHEAD! She liked the way I played and offered me a job accompanying the Glenelg School of Music’s ballet school. I loved the ballet teacher and my job, which paid quite well! This job, that I held for several years, greatly helped me to pay for my college education. Thank you, Mrs. Stiegler! When we moved, I befriended a girl whose socially active mom, Minnie Gibson, loved hearing me play the piano, and she encouraged me to play for her garden club events and fashion shows. I loved playing for these events! These jobs forced me to learn new music quickly. This greatly assisted in my becoming a better sight-reader. I am very grateful to Mrs. Gibson for these delightful opportunities and for her loving support! I played for both of her daughters’ weddings, which was the start of my part-time career as a wedding musician. — Teachers: encourage your students to play for community events, family parties, weddings and dances. It broadens their repertoire, sparks self-confidence, and encourages them to work hard to learn new music. Seriously, hard work truly pays off! At the age of fourteen, I discovered the world of international folk dance. A shy young woman came to our youth group and taught us a few folk dances from Israel. I LOVED these dances, and the music! The young teacher, Fern Eisner, took notice of my enthusiasm and abilities as a dancer, and took me under her wing. I became her babysitter (for years — I loved her children!), and I helped her to found an international folk dance group in the new community of Columbia, Maryland. Fern and I stayed close for 50 years until her sudden death in 2018. The dances and the hauntingly gorgeous music totally changed my life! What instrument can be heard in recordings of just about every folk culture? You got it: the accordion!! After graduating from college with a degree in Music Education and Piano Performance, I borrowed my father’s accordion and, with the help of a few old Palmer-Hughes books that I picked up, I taught myself to play. I so wanted to play the Bulgarian and Macedonian music that I danced to, and the beautiful Irish jigs and reels that my good friend Dolly was dancing to — she was learning to become a step-dancer — so: I worked hard! Daily! Soon, I could play for dancers. I was absolutely thrilled!! Finally, I was playing the instrument of my dreams: the accordion. In 1979, I was asked to be the accordionist and dance partner for Morry Gelman, the leading Bavarian dance instructor in the US. Morry was so sweet and kind, and I learned so much from this enthusiastic, knowledgable man! Although I can thank Fern Eisner, Shirley Boettner, my father, Frank Marocco, Carmelo Pino, Faithe Deffner, Maddalena Belfiore, Linda Soley Reed and so many others for my musical opportunities through the decades, dear Morry Gelman was truly my “life mentor”. One of the most endearing life lessons that Morry taught me through those joyous years we spent together was that “walking to a coffee shop for a great cup of coffee with friends” was one of life’s greatest enjoyments. This has stuck with me for decades. I miss you, my friend Morry! Thank you for giving me your daughter: my “sister” Nina Gelman Harris!! Nina and I have been great friends for 51 years!! I must move quickly through this now, as my memoirs are getting too lengthy! The magical accordion brought me to the then new Balkan band “BAMCO”. We were a nine (and sometimes ten) piece group that specialized in the intricate and gorgeous folk dance music of Bulgaria and Macedonia. I was with BAMCO its entire 18 years of existence. We met weekly, enjoyed each other tremendously, and made a name for ourselves throughout the east coast of the US. Our two incredible wind musicians eventually moved to North Carolina and Belgium respectively, and we had to “call it a day”. It was a beautiful 18 years. Grateful, truly grateful! During the years when I was performing constantly with BAMCO, I was frequently asked to create artwork for various folk events and festivals. My poster of “Free Reed Instruments” for a folk festival sparked the creation of my mail-order business of 25 years, SqueezinArt, which I owned with my ex-husband Dan Grauman (SqueezinArt 1994-2019). SqueezinArt featured my artwork on tee shirts, jewelry, stationary, Christmas ornaments, etc. SqueezinArt took us to the AAA festivals. Suddenly, at these events, I was considered an “accordionist” instead of just a “folk musician”. By 2006, I was asked to be on the AAA Governing Board. More on this soon…. In 2003, after a couple of decades of “almost accordion nonexistence” in the Baltimore- Washington area, two accordion clubs were suddenly formed, and I was asked to attend both - which I did. There was WMAS (Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society) and MAC (Maryland Accordion Club). Within a few months, I became the Vice-President and Music Director for WMAS. I thought that I had no time for anything new in my life. Then suddenly, WMAS was a huge and wonderful addition to my life! In September of 2004, I brought together ten accordionists from WMAS, and we created the “Potomac Accordion Ensemble”. Our ensemble performed at national accordion festivals and local events together until I left the Washington, DC area in 2018. I am deeply grateful to Karen and Luis Uribe, Mara Cherkasky, Lee Paulson, Peter DiGiovanni, JoAnn Pankow and so many other special friends in WMAS for their loving support during those years and beyond. At one of the MAC meetings, a warm, funny and very talented older woman named “Mama Stella” Allison came and played her accordion for us. Wow, Stella’s smile and music lit up the whole room! Little did I know that day that this woman would totally change my life — and for her friendship and those incredible changes, I am eternally grateful!! Stella encouraged me to become her duet partner, and eventually I said “OK”. We had a great time together, practicing and preparing new music a couple of times a week from 2004 to 2008, when she had to stop playing for health reasons. Stella and I traveled in 2005 to Oregon to play in the Silver Falls Accordion Camp. There, I met a woman who would become my closest friend, Lynn Ewing, and I also met the internationally known jazz accordionist Frank Marocco. Frank really enjoyed Stella and me, mostly because of Stella’s delightful sense of humor, and one day in the summer of 2006, I received a phone call from Frank. He wanted me to run an accordion camp for him. I was shocked and so honored! OK, I said: if my (then) husband Dan would handle all of the financial aspects, and if my close friends from the Silver Falls Camp would attend to create the “atmosphere” I wanted, then yes, I will do it!! All agreed, and the first Frank Marocco Accordion Event, held in January 2007 in Mesa, Arizona was a huge success. With the tremendous help from Mike Roche, Bruce Lawrie and Frank Petrilli, Dan and I held seven more fantastic camps, all in Mesa, Arizona. Many lifelong friendships were made at that camp, and I will cherish the memories of those years all of my days! It was a lot of hard work, but so worth it!! Frank sadly passed away in early 2012. We held two more camps after his death, the last one featuring the world renowned accordionist and conductor Joan Cochran Sommers. The world renowned bayanist Stas Venglevski was our assistant music director at the camp for years. When Frank became ill, Stas took over as director for the last three camps. Frank, Joan and Stas were all absolutely delightful to work with. Each winter (camps were held in late January or mid-February) we had 60 accordionists, a percussionist, a bass player and around 30 spouses at our camps. To say that I am grateful for these years is a monumental understatement!! After I retired as a camp director, the accordion still played an enormous role in my life and still does to this day. Highlights of my “life with my accordion” that immediately come to mind are: — illustrating the book “An Accordion! What is THAT?” with my friends Karen Malan-Uribe (author) and Mary Tokarski (narrator and accordionist). (2008) — playing accordion for the 70-minute world premiere of music for silent films by Alice GuyBlashe, composed by the husband and wife team of Kim and Kathryn Kluge (2011) — playing in ATG and AAA Festival orchestras for several years, and playing in the World Orchestras at Coupe Mondiale in Salzburg, Austria and Victoria, British Columbia. — performing with the multi-talented Daniel Rozas as a duo (Daniel on saxophone, clarinet and recorder; me on accordion) in venues in and around Washington, DC, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Cathedral and the Basilica (1997-1999) — recording a live concert CD with Mama Stella in 2005 — playing and performing with the 17 piece ensemble in Blakely Island, WA, under the direction of Stas Venglevski (2006, 2007) — traveling to Castelfidardo, Italy with 38 members of our Frank Marocco Accordion Event. We, and other accordionists from all over the world, attended an orchestra camp there, directed by Frank Marocco, and performed at the exquisite old Teatro in Castelfidardo. Thank you, again and again, Elke Ahrenholz for making that magical event happen for all of us!! (2011) — taking on the position of Historian for the AAA in 2008. This has ended up being a tremendously joyous task for me! Please visit my many articles on AAA historical events and people, and check out article #2, “AAA History: Documenting the Fascinating History of the AAA”. All of the articles can be found in: www.ameraccord.com under “History”. — Playing in Dale Wise’s “Accordion Plus Players” band from 1987-1999 — Conducting the WMAS Holiday Orchestra each winter (2004-2018) All of that said, the greatest memories are the times spent with my friends in the accordion world. We had some fantastic times together and, when my life became a struggle for a couple of years, it was four of my accordion friends, from all over the country, who called me daily — literally daily! They carried me through the dark tunnel back into the light, and I am eternally grateful for them! Two of these cherished friends have sadly passed away: Lynn Ewing (2019) and Lou Coppola (2020). Two years ago, I remarried and have moved from Maryland to Colorado — and I am so grateful for this wonderful man, Dr. William (Bill) Morse! Bill and I have performed as an accordion duo here in Colorado where he has been a conductor, professor of music, and performer for several decades. Bill retired as Principal Conductor of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra on May 8. We are excited about having more time to spend with our families, our good friends and, of course: our accordions!! |
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New England Digital Accordion Orchestra Performs on Sturbridge, MA Concert Seriesby Marissa Falcetti |
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 The New England Digital Accordion Orchestra has been invited again to perform at the Sturbridge Ma. 2022 Concert Series. The program takes place on Thursday, July 14, 2022 Sturbridge Concerts on the Common. The time of the performance is 6:PM to 8:PM at Sturbridge Common, Route 131 (across from the Publick House).The New England Digital Accordion Orchestra is the nation's first-ever digital accordion orchestra and is a leading force in the evolution of the world of the accordion! Roland V digital accordions, which first appeared in 2004, are a far cry from the old family "squeeze boxes". They reproduce virtually every musical instrumental sound through a technology that's as versatile as it is portable. One accordionist aptly described this instrument as "an orchestra in a box!” The New England Digital Accordion Orchestra was formed in 2015 and is conducted by internationally recognized accordionist and music educator, Anselmo (Sam) Falcetti of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. The digital orchestra is complemented by drums, percussion, guitar, and vocalists. The Orchestra currently features 20 players representing four of the six New England States. Nowadays, the old reed accordions may create sounds that are "cool", but it's the 21st century digital accordion that makes the instrument sound really "hot"! When is an accordion not just an accordion? You'll find the answer as you watch the New England Digital Accordion Orchestra create a musical entertainment that is lively and varied. You won't be disappointed, in fact, you'll be amazed! Performance Information: The New England Digital Accordion Orchestra is available for performance at summer concert series, festivals, fairs, holiday celebrations, parties, and special events. Performances can be tailored to run for one to two hours and include solo and duet performances. Audiences are encouraged to sing and/or dance along to the music. Complete List of Songs Performed by the Orchestra: Concert programs will be selected from this list. “Beatles Medley”, “Birdland”, “Birth Of The Blues (Big Band)”, “Celebration”, “Celtic Medley (Irish-Scottish)”, “Conflict” (Medley Of Civil War Songs), “Dixieland”, “Ease On Down”, “Evergreen”, “Fly Me To The Moon” (Big Band), “God Bless America”, “Gonna Fly Now”, “He’s Got The Whole World”, “If I Were A Rich Man-Fiddler On The Roof”, “James Bond Medley”, “Joy to the World”, “Neapolitan Memories” (Italian Medley), “New York, New York” (Big Band), “On The Road Again”, “Overture Miniature”, “Pennsylvania Polka”, “Polka Medley”, “Star Wars”, “Stars & Stripes Forever”, “Tarantella”, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon”, “Your Mama Don’t Dance”. To arrange a performance or for further information, please contact Sam Falcetti at 413-204-5522 or samfalcetti@gmail.com. |
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"Not Entirely Schubert" at Lincoln Centerby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Dr. William Schimmel, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, and friends performed at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on Jun 16, 2022. The concert showcased the accordions melodic dimension. With his distinguished associates, new takes were presented on Schubert from the accordions' point of view and other pieces he feels that Schubert would have loved. Performers for this program included: * Dan Cooper * Corn Mo * Brian Dewan * Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig * Will Holshouser * William Komaiko * Dr. Denise Koncelik * Erica Mancini * Dr. Robert Young McMahan PROGRAM ATTACHED: 2022Schubert.pdf Dan Cooper is a composer & multi-instrumentalist from Manhattan with academic background at Columbia & Princeton; performing experience at Berlin Philharmonic Hall, Birdland, CBGB's, Joe's Pub, Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, & Town Hall; awards, commissions, & performances from Albany Symphony, ESYO, Harlem Chamber Players, lmani Winds, Shakespeare & Co., & SBDNY; & professional experience at Composers Concordance (Co-Director), Goddard-Riverside, Greenwich House, Marymount College, 92Y, Southbridge, SUNY-FIT, & Tanglewood, among others. Brian Dewan is a visual artist and musician living in Catskill, NY. He has published recordings of both original songs and historic material with accordion, zither and autoharp accompaniment. He has performed at Town Hall, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the New Museum and the Museum of Jurassic Technology. He is represented by Pierogi Gallery in New York City. Dr. Denise Koncelik, DMA has performed on accordion at Carnegie Hall with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the American Symphony Orchestra, Off-Broadway in the Yiddish Fiddler on the Roof and The Last Boy, in concert; Bruno Walter Auditorium, Symphony Space, Joe's Pub, and le poisson rouge. She is a recipient of the Neupauer Conservatory Order of the Shield under studies with Dr. William Schimmel. Dr. Koncelik is bass accordionist and resident arranger for the Main Squeeze Orchestra. Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig has performed as a recitalist, soloist with orchestra, and chamber musician in over 1,000 concerts worldwide, including five major New York recitals. He has also given master classes for leading conservatories and universities in the U.S. and abroad. Peter Davis of The New York Times hailed his debut at Weill Recital in Carnegie Hall: "A satisfying performance...a sharply profiles and warmly committed interpretation. Mr. Goldenzweig elucidated textures crisply and cleanly." Will Holshouser's music draws on many sources, from accordion folk styles to jazz and classical music. Will has recorded three albums with his trio, as well as collaborative projects with trumpeter Eric Vloeimans, Musette Explosion, and Han Bennink & Michael Moore. He has toured and recorded with violinist Regina Carter and clarinetist David Krakauer, and has presented his solo pieces at Bill Schimmel's seminars for many years. He teaches at Brooklyn College. William Komaiko has a dual background in jazz and classical performance. His style has been cited for exceptionally fine detail, beautiful shifting colors like a Calder mobile (Leighton Kerner, The Village Voice) and pianist comparisons: Ahmad Jamal, Thelonius Monk, Glenn Gould (John S. Wilson, New York Times). As pianisUcomposer/ he appeared is a recipient of a national commission as composer/pianisUconductor with the jazz/classical contemporary music-combined He was educated at the Juilliard School where he was awarded the George Gershwin Memorial Prize. Com Mo has toured with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, Wheatus, Nick Offerman, Ben Folds, They Might Be Giants, David Bowie, and the Polyphonic Spree. Recording credits include Ben Folds' cover of "Get Your Hands Off My Woman", Polyphonic Spree's "Together We're Heavy", Die Winterreise with Dr. William Schimmel, and TMBG's "Particle Mo", and his own albums. He wrote for a ballet called SEVERED:The Tragic Loves of Frankenstein's Monster with The Love Show. Erica Mancini is an accordionist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist based in New York City. She has performed with Smokey Hormel, Frank London, Walter Thompson, Karl Berger, and Matt Wilson. She recently was in Rashaad Newsome's Assembly, at the Park Ave Armory. Additionally, she incorporates the use of accordion with electronics in her original bands Ghost Pony, and La Banda Chuska. Dr. William Schimmel holds BM, MS and DMA degrees, with a doctorate from the Juilliard School. He performed with virtually every ensemble in New York, from the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, Jazz at Lincoln Center, many contemporary ensembles, and on Broadway as well as on numerous European tours. His Tango Project albums have reached #1 on the Billboard charts along with Stereo Review Album of the Year and Grammy nominations. He has performed in many movie soundtracks, and can be seen and heard in Scent of a Woman starring Al Pacino. His current album, The Theater of the Accordion features trumpeter Wynton Marsalas. lt has reached #2 on the Amazon charts. Dr. Schimmel resides in Manhattan with his wife, Micki Goodman, a dancer/ choreographer and video artist. Together they have produced numerous videos that can be seen and heard on YouTube. Dr. Schimmel's works are currently being archived at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Dr. Robert Young McMahan is a composer, music research writer, and accordionist, specializing in original contemporary music for his instrument. He studied accordion with Louis Coppola and composition with Stefalils Grove, Robert Hall Lewis, and Jean Eichelberger Ivey at the Peabody Conservatory. Active in the New Jersey/New York region, Dr. McMahan is Professor Emeritus of The College of New Jersey, where he taught music theory and composition. About the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, one of NYPL's renowned research libraries, houses one of the world's most extensive research collections in the fields of theatre, film, dance, music, and recorded sound, as well as a wide array of circulating and reference materials. Program pdf link: 2022Schubert.pdf For further information: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Papa Joe De Clemente to Perform for New England Accordion Museumby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Canaan Railroad Days is proud to be celebrating its 58th year in bringing an amazing festival to the Northwest Corner of Canaan, CT. Enjoy fireworks, train history, carnival, live music and much more. At this event, the New England Accordion Museum will feature accordionist Papa Joe De Clemente on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 1:PM to 4:PM.Do you know Papa Joe De Clemente? He is one of the most upbeat, positive, musical, and friendly people I have ever met. He exudes positivity and caring toward everyone who meets him. For many years “Papa Joe” De Clemente has volunteered once a week early in the morning to assist the music teacher, Linda Holcomb, at an elementary school music program at Public-school 203Q, in Bayside, Queens which may be one of the only elementary schools in the five boroughs of New York City that has a student accordion band. The school started their accordion band fifteen years ago. They meet once a week, at the beginning of the school day to practice various songs that they will perform throughout the year. Papa Joe volunteers his time to join the students for rehearsals and he inspires them to be better accordionists. Among the many things he does for them, he also fixes their accordions! Joe shares his love for the accordion, “To me, music has been a language that crosses all barriers, speaking to all people and bringing joy to those who listen. The box has been my pal for over 60 years and I am glad the Lord gave me this special gift” Joe has been married to his wife, Janet, for almost 53 years and is the father of 4 kids and has 11 grandchildren. Over the years, he has shared his love of the accordion with many people all over the world who developed a love and appreciation of the instrument because of his enthusiasm. “Papa Joe” De Clemente, who lives in Queens, New York, was brought up in an Italian family environment and started playing the accordion at the young age of nine years old in 1956. He was interested in playing because he used to visit his relatives, the Iorio’s, who manufactured accordions in NYC, as far back as 1907. Joe has performed in numerous venues and loves to entertain people. He is also a member of the Long Island Accordion Alliance. He performs all over the tri-state area. For information on Papa Joe: joedeclemente@yahoo.com Every Tuesday night Papa Joe plays at the Village Lanterne in Lindenhurst, New York (German Restaurant) and every Wednesday at Umberto's in Wantagh, New York. You will enjoy his lively, entertaining show! Over 400 spectacularly-beautiful accordions have been moved into the recently-restored Canaan Union Railroad station in North Canaan, Connecticut by long-time collector Angelo Paul Ramunni. As creator and owner of the New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company (NEACMC), Ramunni recently relocated the exceptionally-detailed and highly-ornate hand-crafted accordions from throughout the world dating back to the year 1829 into the historic railroad station. "This is a happy, hands-on experience place the public is embracing joyfully," stated Ramunni. "We opened this living historical museum space in early July 2021 and people's jaws drop when they see hundreds of accordions in a room with 12' high wood-beamed ceilings and windows. It is the only room in the original 8,500 square foot station dating back to 1872. The rest of the building was destroyed in a 2001 fire and was re-built to modern-day specs." Between 1984 and 2002, Ramunni owned the historic station to house his CPA business. In 2001 he sold it to the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association after it was heavily damaged by an arson's fire. Visitors to his museum today are enthusiastically engaged when he tells them stories about what happened in the building over the last 147 years at the 'crossroads where thousands of people passed every week." In 2011, Ramunni created his accordion museum in a garage on his home's property in North Canaan. This July, he relocated to display the 400+ accordions plus he repairs, buys and sells these remarkable 'bling-enhanced' vintage accordions, and he offers to sell over 10,000 pieces of sheet music and books, provide lessons, and play an accordion at special events. "Vienna, Austria in 1829 was where the first accordion was patented," revealed Ramunni. "In America, the accordion was popular while the West was being settled and was integral for emigrating families from across the globe. Being portable and musically-rich, it was played throughout the Civil War, World War I and II." "This museum's 40 x 24 foot historical room," continued Ramunni, "is helping people to reconnect to themselves and unite with others. It is offering a fun, energizing, and beautiful atmosphere. People of all ages walk through taking deep, appreciative long breaths of joy. They especially enjoy my old polka-playing Wurlitzer jukebox!" The New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company is located in the historic Canaan Union Railroad station in North Canaan next to the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association Museum. The museum is open weekends and by appointment weekdays by calling 860-833-1374 or by emailing to ramunni@comcast.net. New England Accordion Museum 75 Main Street, North Canaan, CT Email: ramunni@comcast.net |
Viivi Maria Saarenkyla Performs in VILDA at Vancouver Folk Music Festivalby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video 1: "Vildaluodda" (Official Music Video)Vildaluodda / Wildprint (comp. and arr. by Hildá Länsman, Viivi Maria Saarenkylä). Published by Bafe's Factory, 2019. Film by Ernesto Calderón. Filmed in Valparaíso, Chile, in September 2018. Vilda shares, “We are honoured & grateful to live, create and play on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations, and the beloved home of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nation where the festival occurs.” Vilda 2: "VILDÁ Studio Live: Beata Ciellá" Vilda will perform on Friday, July 15, 2022 3:50 PM South Stage at the 2022 Vancouver Folk Music Festival – an eclectic lineup that traverses a global musical landscape with something for everyone, including artists from Korea, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, India, Finland, USA and across Canada. VILDÁ is an original blend of indigenous Sámi yoiks, grooving rhythms and improvisation. Inspiration has been gathered from the Sámi people's strong connection to nature, present-day pop as well as the Finnish folk tradition. The result is a unique dialogue that takes the listener to a fascinating journey to the Sámi land – the vast landscapes under the arctic hills and frosty winds. VILDÁs debut album Vildaluodda - Wildprint (2019, Bafe’s Factory) has gained great reviews internationally and was singled out as one of the best albums of 2019 by Songlines Magazine. Since then the band has toured in Canada, Spain, the UK, France, Bulgaria and Scandinavia. VILDÁ is singer Hidla Länsman and accordionist Viivi Maria Saarenkylä. Vilda is a” A magical, mystical blend of Sámi joiks, accordion, and contemporary pop " Excerpts from their website: The joik, the traditional form of song of the Sámi, has a long and noble history – researchers believe it to be one of Europe’s oldest continuous musical traditions. Meant to evoke a particular person, animal, or place, joiks were typically sung a cappella, and deeply personal or spiritual in nature. And while they’re also prevalent in modern day Nordic pop culture, they’d never been combined with accordion, Finland’s most traditional instrument. Until now. The story goes that when Hildá Länsman, an acclaimed Sámi singer and musician, and Viivi Maria Saarenkylä, Finland’s leading young accordionist, first heard each other’s music, they decided they had to collaborate. The result is VILDÁ, a magical duo blending the past with the present and casting fresh spells with their talent. Debut album ‘Vildaluodda’ combined contemporary pop with traditional Finnish folk, all “mystical yoiks, swinging rhythms and improvisation”. The result is as enchanting as it is unique; there’s a shamanic element to many of their songs, and they conjure both a deep sense of history and the remote wilderness the Sámi call home. But there’s a modern edge to their work too, a reimagining of what folk music can be or do – witness the beat underpinning ‘Utsjoki-disko’, or the drone-like tones of ‘Talvisalo’. And they’re reaching new audiences; having already played WOMEX and several prominent Canadian festivals, they won a Music Moves Europe Talent Award earlier this year. But really, giving such a rich, cultural heritage a new lease of life – and new set of devotees – is the best prize of all.’ Viivi Maria Saarenkylä is an award-winning Finnish accordion artist. She got her first accordion at the age of 6 and 10 years later, the young accordionist became known in her home country after winning the Finnish Championships for entertaining accordion music in 2010. The competition known as Kultainen Harmonikka was a popular TV show broadcast live on the main national TV channel. The next year Viivi Maria started to study variété-music in Italy with maestro Renzo Ruggieri. In recent years Viivi has participated in many international accordion competitions around the world winning the 1st prize of the prestigious PIF Castelfidardo in 2014 in the Senior Variété category as her latest achievement among many other successes. The young accordionist has performed solo as well as in several bands and groups in Europe, Japan, Ethiopia, Canada, China etc. “Carnevale” is Viivi Maria Saarenkylä's first solo album. It is a fascinating selection of virtuoso music from jazz to tango and from pop music to new Finnish folk music. Most of the songs are composed and arranged for international accordion competitions, some exclusively for Viivi Maria. The 2022 Vancouver Folk Music Festival will be held at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from July 15th to 17th, 2022. In honor of Earth Day, festival organizers are committed to ensuring they get closer each year to being a zero waste festival and have an amazing team of volunteers who ensure their recycling programs and site clean up run smoothly. Additional performers include: The Bros. Landreth, Robben Ford Music, Frazey Ford, Taj Mahal,Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Asleep at the Wheel, Allison Russell, The New Pornographers, SG̲aanaG̲wa (Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson), Shovels and Rope, Alejandro Escovedo, and Five Alarm Funk. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a not for profit society building a world where folk music culture thrives. Already known around the world for the quality of its programming, friendly ambiance and beautiful park setting, the 2022 Vancouver Folk Music Festival will be another year of exciting, eclectic and diverse music for all ages. VILDA is presented in partnership with Nordic Bridges 2022 and in collaboration with Harbourfront Centre, Toronto. Tickets are now on sale. For more information: info@thefestival.bc.ca |
Dr. William Morse Conducts the Racine Symphony Orchestra with Guest Artist Stas Vengleskiby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  Musicians and artists from around the world will gather in the Chicago Western Suburbs on July 20-23, 2022, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Accordionists & Teachers Guild International (ATG) with an amazing line-up at the ATG Accordion Festival. The festival will feature internationally acclaimed musicians at three special concert events as well as fun activities for the entire family. Be sure to attend this magnificent event: Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 7:30 PM CDT at Armerding Concert Hall, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton for the closing celebration of the Festival, featuring the Racine Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. William Morse, featuring solo accordionist Stas Vengleski. The program culminates with the 80-piece Festival Orchestra conducted by the one and only, Joan C. Sommers, herself a former ATG Champion and founder of the World Accordion Orchestra. Maestro Dr. William Morse has been Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra since 1999. The orchestra continues to develop and flourish under his leadership. Dr. Morse holds bachelor and master degrees in music from Oberlin Conservatory and a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the University of Arizona. He has also studied at the Mozarteum Academy of Music in Salzburg, Austria. Bill is Professor Emeritus at Metropolitan State College in Denver where he conducted the Metropolitan State Symphony Orchestra and taught Advanced Conducting and Music Theory. A man of diverse musical talents, Dr.Morse is fond of the literature for symphony and chamber orchestra. His dynamic conducting style, innovative musical taste, and outstanding musicianship have made him very popular with Colorado audiences. Excerpts from AAA website: In recent years, Dr. Morse “had a calling” to return to his roots and the accordion. He became close friends with Robert Davine, Professor of Accordion at Denver University, and was inspired and encouraged. After conducting several concerti for Mr. Davine, Dr. Morse decided to take up the accordion again in the early 2000s. He purchased a lovely used Titano Emperor from Faithe Deffner, had it tuned to A440 for use in orchestras, and since then it has been a “serious labor of love” in his musical endeavors. He has soloed on accordion with the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra, Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, Concord Orchestra (Massachusetts), and the Mahlerfest Orchestra (Boulder, Colorado) and looks forward to many more years with his “new found old love – the accordion.” Having recently retired, he enjoys playing the accordion in duets with his wife, Joan who is the AAA Historian. The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International is a non-profit organization of accordion teachers, students, composers, professional musicians, and hobbyists from around the world. Its goal is to foster an appreciation of this remarkable instrument and its music. Since its establishment in 1940 by the late Anthony Galla-Rini and colleagues, the ATG has garnered international prestige and respect for its ongoing pursuit of excellence in music education. The ATG offers scholarships, hosts seminars, workshops, concerts, recitals, and an annual festival -- all of which provide accordion education and performance opportunities for players of all ages and levels. |
Kim and Dan Christian Present Patriotic Celebration Concert Videoby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video: “Washington Post March” Just in time for the 4th of July, Kim and Dan Christian have an awesome Patriotic Celebration Concert video available for purchase. You can see a sample in the video above. Kim and Dan Christian are a husband/wife accordion duet couple who met when very young and have devoted their lives to accordion activities including their performances and teachings. AKA Squeeze Play. Kim is a US National and World Bronze Medal Champion. Dan is a 3 time Rocky Mountain Accordion Society Champion. Together, Dan and Kim have performed extensively throughout the US at Fine Arts Centers, Colleges, Festivals, and Accordion Conventions, and much more, with engagements in Canada and as far away as Beijing, China at the Beijing Philharmonic. Performances also iinclude a 2 year run of their own production entitled “Music Makes the World Go Round” in Branson, Missouri. While in Branson, Dan and Kim experienced performing along with Bobby Vinton, Andy Williams and Les Brown. These magnificent artists love to educate people as to just how versatile and virtuoso the accordion can be. People are amazed that just two accordions can produce so much music. This is largely in fact because of the intricate arrangements that Dan crafts. He often takes an entire symphonic score and arranges it for just two accordions. Most importantly, the Christian's share their love for each other and their passion and joy of music with each and every audience member. All their concerts are intriguing, enthusiastic, fascinating and just plain fun!! The video normally sells for $39, but for this 4th of July week, the price is $25. You will hear your favorite patriotic tunes plus several songs written by American composers like Gershwin, Berlin and others! This concert includes this exciting repertoire: Star Spangled Banner, Take Me Out to the Ball Game,Semper Fidelis, Dixieland Rag, My Country Tis of Thee, America, the Beautiful, Grand Old Medley, Rhapsody in Blue, Irving Berlin Medley, Washington Post, Battle Hymn, Colonel Bogey, Military Salute, American Salute, Ten Gallon Boogie, Stars and Stripes, God Bless America, 1812 Reprise Kim and Dan share that their recent Albuquerque Accordion Extravaganza was a huge success!! “There were 32 accordionists from 11 different states and Canada. We had a great, enthusiastic audience who just loved the concert and totally supported and loved the versatility of the accordion! Next year, we will be doing this same type of event in Branson, MO!! We would like to invite any of you who would like to come! It is going to be a blast!! We will be performing on an actual professional theater stage with professional sound and lights, camera action!! We are working on the dates, accommodations and details now. We will keep you informed as we know more. In the meantime, please keep this in mind for an awesome vacation adventure next spring. (Probably the 2nd weekend of May)." For further information on purchasing the July 4th video or the Accordion Extravaganze 2023 event: kdcstudios@gmail |
The Polski Chix Release New CD “Polka Lovin’ Chix”by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The Polski Chix are excited to announce that their new CD has been released “Polka Lovin’ Chix”! The Polski Chix are a new and upcoming all girls polka band based out of Grand Rapids, MI. The “Chix” are made up of four very talented, fun loving ladies. The Polski Chix share, “We definitely put the fun back in Polkas with a variety of classic Oldies but Goodies polka’s, Classic Rock tunes turned into a polka’s, and many favorite party sing along songs we have put some original arrangements to for your entertainment. You will enjoy listening and watching as we play some of your favorite polkas, waltzes and obereks. We not only provide great polka music, we also put on one heck of a great show. We hope you consider hiring us for your up coming event or festival. We would love to be a part of it!”Information about the members of Polski Chix: Dawn Watkoski Rosinski: “I am Dawn Watkoski Rosinski “Party Chick”! I am the leader of the Polski Chix. I had a vision about ten years ago of forming an “All Girls” Polka Band and it finally come true. My love for polka music has only grown over the years and it’s amazing the friends I have met along the way. I have been blessed playing polkas since age five and have enjoyed every minute of it! I couldn't be more proud of my Polish heritage and the love of polka music my parents; Ray & Julie Watkoski Michigan State Polka Hall of Famers) have instilled in me. I enjoy playing the saxophone, clarinet and trumpet! I have been honored to sing “Something in Red” as a female guest vocalists on the Gerry Kaminski & Merry Makers “Top Shelf Polkas”. I have also enjoyed performing with Mollie B on her Christmas Show in Branson, MO. God has definitely blessed me in many ways and hope to keep performing for many years to come.”  Debra Watkoski Bizon: Debra Watkoski Bizon also know as “Bam Bam Chick”. She plays the drums and has performed with several polka bands throughout the years. Not only does Debra play a mean set of drums, she also has a beautiful voice. You may know her as the female guest vocalists on the Jimmy Webber Sounds Live CD. She was featured as a female guest vocalists on “Never Ending Love". Debra has also had the honor of singing with Mollie B on many of her Christmas performances in Branson, MO and also WI. You have probably seen her on the Mollie B Polka Party entertaining.  Emily Bizon: Emily Bizon is the daughter of Debra Watkoski Bizon and plays a rocking bass. Emily known as “Baby Chick” is only sixteen years of age and adds so much youth and beauty to the stage. She is the past reign of Miss Teen United States Polka Association for 2017-2018. Emily has only been playing for a few years and enjoys adding her special touches to the band. Emily released her own CD a few years back titled "Polkas on my Mind." She sings like a bird and dances like a feather. You may have seen Emily on Mollie B’s Polka Party. Emily has performed in every Christmas Show Mollie has ever done and loves the opportunity working with her. Emily is very active with her Catholic High School. She is involved with Student Council, she is the Drum Major in the marching band and belongs to Life Force. We are so proud of her and love her leadership!  Rhonda Lackowski: “Rhonda Lackowski is our lead accordion player. We are honored to call her “Navy Chick” as she served in the US Navy back in her younger years. Rhonda plays with much heart and add so much life to this band. Not only does she play a great accordion, she also sings like a bird. Rhonda comes from Frankenmuth, MI. Rhonda performed with the world famous “Johnny Green” back in her youngest days playing the keyboards and was a backup singer. She traveled all across the states and enjoyed entertaining and meeting people from all over the world. Rhonda is a well rounded musician and has played with many polka bands along the way. We are so blessed to have her and our band would never be the same without her.” If you would like to purchase a CD, the cost with shipping is $20 and $5 will be donated to the Ron Urbanczyk Scholarship Fund! The Polski Chix share, “Thanks to all who have supported us and may God continue to bless you always.” Photo left: Accordionist Rhonda Lackowski For further information about the group, CD purchases and bookings: Email: polskichix@gmail.com Cell: Dawn Watkoski Rosinski 616-334-3068 |
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New Accordion Club: Toronto Accordion Clubby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The Administrator of the Toronto Accordion Club, Alan Scheer, shares, “Welcome all to the new Toronto Accordion Club! I started this group because Toronto is one of the only cities on the continent that doesn’t have an accordion club. The closest one is in Burlington which meets online now. There are accordion clubs in Montreal,Calgary, Victoria and throughout the United States. Hopefully our membership will grow and one day we will be able to meet in person.”The newly formed Toronto Accordion Club invites players and accordion enthusiasts of all levels to join. You can find out more information on the Toronto Accordion Club Facebook page. The goal of this group is to inform one another of activities of interest to accordion enthusiasts and to begin building a group to meet on a regular basis in the Toronto vicinity. AWW wishes the Toronto Accordion Club many musical meetings with accordion enthusiasts of all levels. The main idea is to enjoy and learn about the accordion! For further information: yiddishalan@yahoo.com |
In Spite of His Disabilities, Franklin Nichols Excels on the Accordionby Peggy Falcetti |
 Franklin lives in Chicopee, MA with his family and has been a student of Michael Falcetti for the last 3 years. To quote his teacher, “Franklin has an incredible God given talent and is a joy to teach”. His newest instrument is the digital accordion. He started on acoustic accordion three years ago and transitioned to the Roland digital accordion two years ago. Franklin discovered his passion for music when he was just three years old, learning on piano and since then his countless hours of practice and natural talent have made him a master of the keys. A music enthusiast, he also plays the flute, saxophone, and harmonica. Franklin, who has autism and is blind, learns by ear and can fill every musical part of an arrangement with ease—often becoming engrossed in melodies and harmonies, while contemplating the theory behind it all.
Franklin has attended Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a school for young adults with intellectual disabilities, since 2013. When he matriculated into the LIVE Program in 2015, Franklin joined BHMA’s Performance Troupe; he rehearses with the eight-member band daily, and is booked for regular, paid gigs at schools, conferences, and various events across the Northeast. With his signature charisma and humor, he also entertains audiences through his work as a solo musician, part of a jazz trio, and accompanist. Franklin aspires to be a professional musician, as well as an advocate for others with disabilities. During troupe performances, he shares powerful testimony about his experience living with a disability. Franklin also speaks about the importance of acceptance and inclusion—values he aims to embody in his own life. Innately inquisitive, Franklin enjoys getting to know people, traveling around the world, and using the internet to teach himself different languages, including Spanish, Hebrew, and Japanese. For further information: peggyf1944@gmail.com |
Dominic Karcic Performs for Bastille Day Festivitiesby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Accordionist Dominic Karcic will perform on Thursday, July 14 and Friday, July 15, 2022 at 6:30 PM at La Baraka Restaurant, 255-09 Northern Boulevard, Little Neck, NY. Phone: 718-428=1461. Reservations are necessary. “Great food, excellent service”Dominic founded the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) The wide spread success of LIAA events has endeared it to accordionists and accordion music lovers from all over the New York Metro area and has made it (LIAA) and its events the “Voice of the Accordion on Long Island.” He also created and performs with various singers in a program titled "From Broadway to the Met” which features the music of the Great American Song Book and Opera. For further information: dkarcic10@gmail.com |
Future events |
Cotati Festival August 20-21 in Californiaby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Tickets are on sale for the 31st annual, multicultural, nonprofit, Cotati accordion Festival taking place August 20 & 21 2022 in La Plaza Park in downtown Cotati, Ca. Music at the festival will range from Conjunto, folk, jazz, Irish, Venezuelan, rock, classical, zydeco, western & more. The event will include a Jam Tent, a Zydeco Dance Party, a Student Stage, the Ray's Deli Stage, and two main stages, along with over 60 vendors including crafts, accordions, food, wine and beer. Performers include: the long awaited return of Alex Meixner; Cory Pesaturo, Ginny Mac, the rocking Mad Maggies; Motordude Zydeco, Matthias Matzke of Germany; Sergei and Maria Teleshev, the international duo of Sam Reider and Jorge Glem and the Free Reeds featuring Rob Curto and Corey Purcell and more. Tickets prices: $19.00for one day ticket purchased in advance. $28.00for two day ticket purchased in advance. $23.00for a one day ticket at the gate. $32.00for a two day ticket at the gate. $17.00 for one day senior discounted ticket purchased in advance. $21.00 for one day senior discounted ticket purchased at the gate. All the proceeds go to local nonprofit youth organizations, funding their music programs and outdoor education. If you sign up as a volunteer you will receive a weekend pass to the festival, along with a ticket to the hospitality tent. |
2022 Not Just Oompah! Announces New Fall Workshop/Concert with Matt Tolentinoby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  Not Just Oompah! announces an exciting new Fall Workshop & Concert with Matt Tolentino and “The Music of the Golden Age: Ragtime, Early Jazz, Early Swing”. The online ZOOM workshops are scheduled for September 12 & 13 from 7:00 - 9:30 pm Central Time and the Free Facebook Concert is scheduled for Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm Central Time. Join us at Not Just Oompah! for this exciting workshop with this special presentation with Matt Tolentino! For more information, please view the flier: 2022TolentinoFlyer.pdf Matt Tolentino is a multi-instrumentalist, band leader, vocalist, preservationist, and music historian. Born in 1985, Matt shares his birthday with Fred Astaire, and some say Matt was born 80 years too late, but he will argue this is not the case. Tolentino has made it his life’s mission to perform and preserve pre-swing American popular music- hot jazz, ragtime, and the roots of swing, as well as traditional German, Czech, French, and Italian music for the modern audience to appreciate for years to come. As a true multi-instrumentalist, he plays accordion, piano, banjo, guitar, tuba, clarinet, saxophone and vibraphone. He can be found working in solo, trio, quartet, as well as his larger band, the 17-piece “Singapore Slingers,” a unit specializing in the music of 1900 - 1935, and “The Royal Klobasneks” - a traditional “old-time” polka band. His presentation style is educational and lively, with additional humor, just for fun! Matt makes his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, sharing his 1890 Victorian home with his wife Danielle, their Chihuahua “Doo-Dad”, and a 1952 Kaiser DeLuxe. |
2022 Carrefour Mondial Accordion Festival in Quebecby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The 33rd edition of the Carrefour Mondial Accordion Festival will be held in Montmagny, Quebec, Canada from September 2nd to 4th, 2022. The Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon is an annual and international music festival taking place in Montmagny (Chaudière-Appalaches) during Labor Day weekend. The program presents artists from Quebec, Canada but also from many other countries. The musicians display all the tones of the accordion on our indoor and outdoor stages. The organization also manages a music school in Montmagny where kids and adults can learn to play the instrument of their choice. It is also in charge of the Musée de l’accordéon, the only Canadian institution centered around this thematic and open all year long. The festival program has just been released and includes details of performers, activities, dates, sponsors, contact details and a map of events. Download the program here: 2022CarrefourProgram.pdf |
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Chemainus Accordion Festival on August 13by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The Chemainus Accordin Festival takes place in Chemainus, Vancouver Island on Aug 13 2022 from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Each year, Jim Hamilton brings together a wonderful group of accordionists to perform at the Chemainus Accordion Festival. After a few years break due to COVID, the accordion fest will be back again in 2022. CVCAS is very pleased to bring this happy event back to Waterwheel Park, and accordion enthusiasts are invited to come and join the fun. The picture shows Jim Hamilton and Lynda Little performing at a past Chemainus Accordion Festival. When playing as a duo, Jim and Lynda are known as “Heart and Soul.” The location is Waterwheel Park Bandshell 3828 Croft Street, Chemainus, B.C. Connecting communities through the arts has been the mandate of the CVCAS since it was incorporated as a non-profit society in July 2001. During that time hundreds of volunteers have brought together artists and an appreciative community with music and art. The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society operates within the framework of its mission and bylaws. The CVCAS is run by volunteers, supported by people who appreciate live arts in their own communities, and dedicated to encouraging artistic expression in all forms and disciplines. If you have any questions about the CVCAS or the arts in the Chemainus Valley: CVCAS, PO Box 196, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 or Email: membership@cvcas.ca |
NorthEast Squeeze-In 2022: September 16-18by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Registration is now open for the NorthEast Squeeze from September 16-18, 2022. This year’s NESI at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in Litchfield, CT. Wisdom House. Everything is in 2 adjacent buildings: the Main Building and the Farmhouse. Both contain bedrooms and meeting rooms as well as several porches. There is a large auditorium suitable for the concert and contra dance in the main building.There are many heated, well-ventilated indoor spaces for workshops and jamming that offer excellent sound separation and comfortable seating. Responsible consumption of your own alcohol is permitted.There are gardens and other outdoor spaces in their well-kept grounds. Topsmead State Forest is within walking distance and offers many natural trails. (Admission is free.) FAQ about NESI: 1. What workshops are offered?: This is a free-form gathering that evolves throughout the weekend. People post workshop offerings on the Big Board located in the registration room. People also post requests for things they hope someone else might agree to lead. Some “workshops” are really tune swaps, often focused on a particular genre, such as Morris tunes or Scandinavian waltzes. Some are for specific instruments, such as Hayden duet concertinas. Sometimes there is a “slow jam” for people who are just learning the tunes or their instrument. There is usually one that is a rehearsal for the pick-up band that plays for Saturday night’s contra dance, and that may happen just for fun even if we don’t have a dance. If you have a request or if you want to find out if there is interest in a workshop you’d like to offer, you can post it on Si-Talk ahead of the weekend. 2. Do I have to go to the workshops?: Definitely not. Some people never go to any and just join in the many jam sessions that spring up in every available corner. This is a weekend for fun and camaraderie, and nothing is required except your presence. I’m a first-timer. 3. Can I offer a workshop?: Of course. All you have to do is post it on the Big Board in the registration room. Write a brief description on a post-it (provided on the table) and put it in an available location and time slot on the schedule on the bulletin board. You don’t necessarily need to be a teacher – you might just want to be a facilitator for something that interests you, such as an Irish tune seisiún. Post it, and they will probably come. 4. There's something I'd like to learn; will there be a workshop for that?: If what you want is not listed on the Big Board, you can post a request there. It’s quite possible that someone will decide to lead such a workshop or offer to give you some one-on-one help. You could also post a request ahead of time on Si-Talk. 5. I don’t play a free-reed instrument yet, but I’m interested in starting. Will there be anything for me to do?: Absolutely. First, you’ll be able to hear, see, and try out everything from big piano accordions down to a 20-key Anglo concertina. You’ll be able to find people who will talk with you about what they play and why. You’ll hear all kinds of music being played on free-reed instruments and consider which ones seem to relate best to your own musical interests. You might be able to find a teacher who lives in your area. Some workshops are quite suitable for absolute beginners. This is an excellent way to take the first steps toward becoming a player. 6. I have a free-reed instrument that needs to be fixed. Is there someone there that can help?: You can ask around -- many attendees are quite knowledgeable about instrument repair. 7. My partner plays the fiddle (guitar, ocarina, nose flute, etc.) – can they take part?: For workshops, it would be good manners to ask the workshop leader. Generally, there will be no objection as long as your partner is aware that the activity is primarily for the free-reeders and is probably not the time to ask for advice on bowing technique. Finding a jam session to join is often a better option. All instruments are welcome in those, and they happen just about continuously. 8. Should my non-playing partner/spouse come along?:If your partner likes music, there is a lot to listen to, and some non-players decide to take up an instrument after a weekend of free-reed saturation. There are lovely grounds for walking onsite, and Topsmead State Forest is about a mile away. The Young Player Award provides full registration for accommodation in our least-expensive 2-person housing, including meals, for the upcoming NESI event. If the award winner is under 18, we will also provide the same accommodation for the required accompanying adult. The NESI Young Player Award is intended to find and encourage a young player who demonstrates a growing interest and engagement in music with a free-reed instrument. Commitment to becoming a better player is the primary criterion for selection. Advanced proficiency on the applicant’s instrument is not required. The applicant must: * be 25 or under by Sept. 1 of the year of the NESI event for which the award is given; * be a player of concertina, button accordion, or piano accordion * be identified in writing by a teacher or other adult free-reed player as serious about his/her advancement as a player of his/her instrument * if under 18, be accompanied to the event by a responsible adult who will remain on site for the duration of the event Applications must be submitted by June 30th. All applications will be reviewed by an individual or committee comprised of or appointed by the NESI organizers. One applicant will be selected and notified no later than July 5th of the current year. The award winner must confirm his/her intention to accept the award by July 31st, or another winner will be selected. Please note that all participants must be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC. For information on registration and more: lynnh1947@gmail.com |