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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
AAA 85th Anniversary In-Person Festival: July 12-16, 2023
National Accordion Convention March 15 - 19: Still Time to Register
2023 ATG Festival to Feature Many International Guest Artists
Grayson Masefield in Concert at A World of Accordions Museum on July 30
Searching for Accordion Orchestra and/or Solo Accordionist to Perform Accordion Works of Lloyd La Vaux
Latest Activities of the AAA Composers Commissioning Committee:
Alicia Jo Straka: New CD Plus Upcoming Performances
Dr. William Schimmel’s 2023 Accordion Performances
What Are You Doing For May 6th World Accordion Day?
New England Music Festival Celebrates 61st Anniversary
Joseph Natoli Receives “Honorary Lifetime Member Award” from Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts
New Book Release: “Olaf & Me” by Accordionist Edwin Erickson
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
NAA Evening Concert with Brave Combo & Alex Meixner
“Scythian” Presents March USA Concerts
Rob Curto Releases New Single”Ersatz Angel”
Powell River Academy of Music Presents Accordion Fest Preview on March 5
Rachel Bell Performs at Bal Folk Evenings
Seattle Accordion Social on March 5
Cory Pesaturo’s Performances
Cody McSherry and the Tamburitzans - Florida
Future events |
The Teleshev Father and Daughter Duo - Two Accordions in Concert
41st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival May 19 - 21
Texas Folklife Announces 34TH Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert
2023 Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 22-25
CNIMA and Jacques Mornet’s Accordion Method Workshops in New Orleans
2023 Master Classes in Spain with Victor Prieto
Highlights |
Thank You Readers for Amazing 2022 Traffic Statistics: Almost 1 Million Page Views!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Accordion Worldwide (AWW) has kept traffic records since 2015. 2022 was a RECORD for the USA News! As the Editor of the USA News I want to thank our viewers and advertisers for an excellent 2022 year! The USA News in 2022 achieved nearly 1 million page views, an amazing 81,072 page views per month! We want to thank our viewers and advertisers. It is our advertisers that make all the free news possible and information services provided by AWW. We thank our advertisers for continuing to enable AWW to be a free service to the entire world. We ask you, our viewers, to please continue to support these advertisers whenever you are looking for accordion related products. They deserve your support. Finally, thank you to all the people who contribute news, the largely voluntary AWW team who do so much for love of the accordion and finally thank you to our loyal readership of accordion enthusiasts from around the world. It is our pleasure to serve you. To contact Editor Rita Barnea: Ritabelll@aol.com |
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AAA 85th Anniversary In-Person Festival: July 12-16, 2023by Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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  The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) celebrates its 85th Anniversary festival at the Marriott Philadelphia West in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA from July 12th to 16th, 2023.Organisers are very excited to announce that the delightful, dynamic and brilliant world renowned conductor, Joan C. Sommers, will be conducting this year’s Festival Orchestra! The AAA Festival committee is busy adding new events constantly, so please check the AAA website regularly. Registration forms will be online soon as well. Meanwhile, below are just a few of the exciting events we have planned. After two years of virtual competition, we are excited to return to live competitions for students of all ages and abilities! Solos, duets, ensembles, and bands. Full list of categories, competition rules, and entry forms can be found at http://ameraccord.com/festival.php We are very pleased to announce that New Zealand born Grayson Masefield will be joining us for performances and workshops. Very personable and well-spoken, Grayson has won and been laureate at over a dozen international accordion competitions around the world in classical, virtuoso and digital categories. He is currently the instrumental music teacher for accordion at the University of Auckland, NZ. Another special guest performer will be accordion legend Joey Miskulin. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018 for his extraordinary accomplishments with the piano accordion, Joey continues to delight listeners with his “flying fingers” and ability to engage audiences. Conducting our Youth Orchestra for this year’s festival will be Joanna Darrow. Joanna has dedicated her entire life to performing, teaching and promoting the accordion. She has performed several times with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and performed all over Europe, for over 30 years, with her accordion teacher/husband, the late Stanley Darrow. Joanna has accordion students of all ages and has conducted ensembles and orchestras for many years. At our festival’s Saturday banquet, the AAA will award its coveted Lifetime Achievement Award to long-time AAA Board member Frank Busso Sr. Frank has been an educator, performer, conductor and all-around ambassador of the accordion for decades. Keep checking our AAA website for announcements of additional performers, workshop presenters and events! To read more about Joan Cochran Sommers, Frank Busso Sr., Joey Miskulin, and to learn more about the events that led to the formation of the AAA, please see the articles listed below. For many other articles of AAA History, go to http://ameraccord.com/articles.php. Article #1 — AAA-Formation.htm What events led to the formation of the AAA? Article #9 — "Spotlight on Frank Busso Sr." Article #18 - Joey Miskulin Article #25 - Prof. Joan Cochran Sommers |
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National Accordion Convention March 15 - 19: Still Time to Registerby Norman Seaton, NAA President |
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 If you plan to attend the Annual National Accordion Convention in the Dallas, Texas area, but have not made your hotel reservations, do it today. http://accordions.com/naa/cRegistration.htmlThe National Accordion Convention (NAA) takes place at the Hilton Hotel, Richardson, Texas from March 15-19, 2023. You asked and now we are delivering! This conventioneer-driven convention is getting close! Make reservations today (both hotel and convention). The schedule and related items are on the website at http://www.accordions.com/naa The convention is four days of action-packed events for accordionists and accordion enthusiasts that includes over 30 workshops, two evening concerts, and a Friday high-tempo experience with the popular Brave Combo Band and accordionist Alex Meixner. Two meals are included, including an elegant Saturday night banquet, and opportunities for private lessons by presenters will make the event even more special. An always-popular part of the Convention will be Fun Band directed by Dick Albreski. The music is now available on the NAA website. Our plan is that everyone who wishes to perform will be able to do so at some point during the four days. There will be numerous opportunities to play during meals, jam sessions, and Music in the Air. The Swap Shop will offer musical instruments, and accordion dealers will be onsite to show their instruments for sale. One important aspect of every NAA Convention is the wonderful friendships forged during the event. One conventioneer stated that it’s not just the music that makes the experience so great; when one returns year after year, it becomes a reunion! The convention will feature 2023 versions of American Music that is marketable as today’s music. The music is a combination of contemporary American music originated by USA immigrants who brought their musical values and traditions as they joined the great American melting pot. Our music is a blend of musical styles that include, but are not limited to, popular tunes, folk music, country and western (C&W), ballads that tell a story, rock and roll, polkas and waltzes, European music, Gospel, and jazz. (Results summarized by Dr. Norman Seaton) 2023 National Accordion Convention Higher Learning Opportunities: High on the survey requests include learning opportunities such as creative thinking and applying to music, ear-training, articulation and bellows control, practice techniques, sightreading, musical theory, performing techniques, and performance opportunities. Late and/or Expedia registrations will not receive Free Parking, nor will you be able to enjoy breakfast with the other conventioneers in the Executive Suite located on the 7th floor. Convention Registration and payments are due March 1, 2023. Convention Registration: Link or cut and paste the following: https://forms.gle/TNR2CfyAiUABRZe37 Registered conventioneers (hotel and/or Convention) will be contacted approximately March 2, 2023 to finalize the food orders and printed materials such as music and handouts.Conventioneers registering after March 2 will not receive any food orders. Interested in attending the evening concerts for $10.00 only? Visit the concert page (link). Membership dues: http://accordions.com/naa/aJoin.html For complete information, visit our website: http://www.accordions.com/naa |
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2023 ATG Festival to Feature Many International Guest Artistsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The 2023 Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival will be held at the Lisle Hyatt in Lisle, Illinois, USA from July 19th to 22nd, 2023. ATG President Mary Ann Covone welcomes accordion enthusiasts from around the world.Event concerts will be held at the Armerding Center for Performing Arts on the campus of Wheaton College and feature guests Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), the Polyphonia Orchestra (Reunion Island), Das Duo Kollektiv (flute & accordion duo from Austria), Stas Venglevski (USA) with Dr. Brett Jones on marimba and the (UMKC) Community Accordion Chamber Ensemble directed by Joan Cochran Sommers. Further information and link to reserve rooms at: Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG)  |
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Grayson Masefield in Concert at A World of Accordions Museum on July 30by Helmi Harrington |
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Video 2: Grayson Masefield performs Chaccone in F minor - Pachelbel, 2021 Finale concert, South Pacific Accordion Championships & Festival
 World of Accordions Museum announces a Museum fundraising concert featuring Grayson Masefield. Grayson is a New Zealand born accordionist and is the first person to win World Championships in Classical, Virtuoso and Digital accordion categories. He is the Instrumental Music Teacher for Accordion at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, he has spent the past decade studying in France with Frederic Deschamps and completing his University education in Lausanne, Switzerland with Stephane Chapuis. He is regularly invited to adjudicate and/or appear as Guest Artist at international competitions he has previously won, CIA in Italy, China & Russia, CMA in USA & Portugal, Primus Ikaalinen in Finland and Roland International in Rome. At the 2010 Coupe Mondiale, Varaždin, Croatia, Grayson was elected to the prestigious CIA Music Committee and today is Vice-Chairman of the CIA Music Committee. Over the years, Grayson has been invited to perform in many countries including France, Spain, Germany, UK, Portugal, Slovakia, Italy, USA, Canada, Russia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Portugal, China, Switzerland, Chile, Czech Republic, Singapore, South Korea, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, Finland. Grayson has available a varied program of serious concert works as well as entertainment music. His extensive repertoire can be heard on his three albums as well as many live performances on youtube. He has worked with several of the world's leading composers such as Franck Angelis (France), Gary Daverne (New Zealand), Gorka Hermosa (Spain) and Petri Makkonen (Finland) to perform and record new original works for the accordion. A World of Accordions Museum looks forward to welcoming Grayson Masefield to Superior, WI for his Museum visit and Concert in July!! |
Searching for Accordion Orchestra and/or Solo Accordionist to Perform Accordion Works of Lloyd La Vauxby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video: Retrospektif: Poet of the Accordion (Malaysia,1965)Dr. David Cohen, a cousin of the late composer/accordionist Lloyd La Vaux (1924 - 2011), has possession of scores of LaVaux’s “Concerto No. 1 in D Minor” (for accordion orchestra) and several solo accordion compositions. The Concerto debuted in Chicago in 1948 and to his knowledge has not been performed since. Cohen is seeking an accordion orchestra and/or solo accordionist who would be interested in performing and/or recording the Concerto and/or the solo compositions. The solo compositions utilize Quint Freebase. Cohen is open to orchestras/performers anywhere on the globe and he is willing to provide financial support for the effort. Please refer to the following article for further information reprinted from www.accordionusa.com: Remembering Lloyd La Vaux Lloyd was a WWII decorated veteran and accomplished accordion soloist. Born on August 29, 1924 in New York City, Lloyd began his musical career at age five, studying under his father Joe La Vaux. His professional debut came at age six. As "The Two La Vaux", he and his father won the love of audiences throughout North America and the West Indies while on tour together. His career started in 1929, as a six-year-old touring vaudeville stages as a duo act with his father. Years later, when the United States entered the Second World War, Lloyd joined and was assigned to the Intelligence Division, thanks to the fact he could speak German, French and Italian. Lloyd returned to New York and continued his studies and within ten years, at age 17, would perform at Carnegie Hall. One of the first graduates with honors from Mayor La Guardia's High School of Music and Art, Lloyd enrolled in Brooklyn College, where he studied foreign languages and literature. Concurrent with these studies was his intensive work in harmony and composition with the late Pietro Frosini. Through his vast repertoire of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Bartok, Gershwin and other masters, he was recognized universally for his outstanding work in the elevation of the accordion and was referred to as "The Poet of the Accordion". Lloyd wangled an under-aged enlistment in the Allied Intelligence Service during WWII, and as an Army Intelligence Agent, accompanied the first wave of shock troops in the Normandy invasion. He was decorated with the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Northern France. He volunteered for an intelligence mission alone in advance of Allied fighting lines, and was captured by German forces on September 7, 1944. He landed in Stalag IIIC in Prussia, from which he ultimately escaped in January 1945. Mr. La Vaux toured the United States, Canada and the World, performing for President Dwight D. Eisenhower as well as for dignitaries around the world, including Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia. Lloyd eventually settled in Toronto and ran the "La Vaux School of Music" until moving to Amherst, NY in 2008. Before and after the war, Lloyd was a headline act, performing in 23 coast-to-coast tours of the U.S. and Canada, and concerts in at least 21 other countries. Performing classics by great composers like Bach, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, and Gershwin, a critic dubbed him “The Poet of the Accordion.” His career continued into the 1960s, despite the general flagging interest in the instrument at that time. Known as “The Poet of the Accordion”, excerpts from the article “Once Upon An Anecdote: The ‘Poet of the Accordion’” by Scott B. Thompson, Sr.: It was on a mild, cloudy, late autumn night when they came to see him play. They came to see man who was known around the county and the world as the “Poet of the Accordion.” Lloyd could play his accordion as well as and as uniquely like few others had ever done. At the age of five in the late 1920s, he began to study under the tutelage of his Russian father, Joe. Lloyd, then six years of age, joined his father to form the act, “The Two La Vaux,” and traveled throughout North America where they appealed to a wide variety of audiences. Lloyd moved from Amherst, New York to the Bronx in New York City to study his craft. By the age of seventeen, Lloyd was performing in Carnegie Hall. As one of the first graduates from Mayor La Guardia's High School of Music and Art, Lloyd began his study music in Brooklyn College, where he also concentrated in the classical foreign languages and literature. Reaching new heights as an accordion player, Lloyd played many compositions of the great classical composers to become one of the more famous accordion players in the country as he performed in dozens of national tours in the United States and Canada. After the end of World War II, Lloyd returned to the United States and returned to stages in big cities and small towns around North America and the world. After performing for President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the King of Cambodia, Lloyd eventually made his home in Toronto, Canada. He opened a music school, “The La Vaux School of Music,” which he operated until his move home to Amherst in 2008. He died two days after his 87th birthday in 2011 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Erie County. The members of the Laurens County Concert Association had been working for more than three years after forming their group in the lobby of the Fred Roberts Hotel in November 1949. It was the goal of the association to seek out and obtain many of the best musical performers in the country within the means of their budget from among more than 400 performers available.This group and others like it have consistently brought the finest musical talent in America to Dublin under the banners of the Dublin Community Concerts Association, the Dublin Fine Arts Association and the Dublin-Laurens Art Council.The Dublin performance took place in the auditorium of Central Elementary School, currently the home of Dublin City Hall. The auditorium was the city’s primary performance center from its early days as the high school auditorium in 1902 until its remodeling in the 1980s. The twenty-eight-year-old master of the bellows presented his unique style on an accordion especially designed to simulate the individual and combined sounds of an entire orchestra. Lloyd was touring the nation raising funds to benefit Italian War Orphans Relief and other charities in Italy. After his American tour, La Vaux was scheduled to perform in a dozen of Italy’s largest cities. What the audience that night did not know back in the days when we only had adequate encyclopedias and no Google searches, hardly anyone knew the whole story of La Vaux’s life as a teenager. For you see, the highly talented accordionist known around the world as “The Poet of the Accordion,” was actually a boy hero of World War II. Lloyd entered the United States Army at the age of seventeen in the Allied Intelligence Service during WWII. As an Army intelligence agent, Lloyd accompanied the first wave of troops in the D-day invasion of Utah Beach on the coast of Normandy. “On 15 June 1944, Private La Vaux, as a member of the 90th Infantry regiment, volunteered to accompany his lieutenant in an attempt to gain information from a Civilian who was taking refuge in a house some distance beyond the American lines. During the interrogation of this civilian, a fire fight developed in the vicinity of the house and Private La Vaux found that they were 200 yards behind German positions. Realizing the importance of the information obtained if received in time, Private La Vaux left his place of comparative safety and worked his way back through the enemy positions and through 400 yards of intense small arms fire to his own lines. The meritorious achievement and devotion to duty of Private La Vaux aided materially in the subsequent successes at Valognes and Cherbourg,” read his citation issued by the President Franklin D. Roosevelt. ”Toward September of 1944, I must have been a little less intelligent than my London mailing address indicated. Volunteering for an intelligence mission alone in advance of Allied fighting lines, Lloyd ran into some difficulties and was, on September 7, 1944, arrested by German police forces. After some of the most fabulous experiences on record, he landed in Stalag IIIC in Prussia from which he promptly escaped in January of 1945. The return trip was made the hard way -through Eastern Germany, Poland, the Soviet Union to Odessa, then Istanbul, Greece and Naples and finally back to Paris,” La Vaux recalled of his most trying times during his military service. Described as “A young man with an engaging personality, a fine musical background and imagination,” Lloyd La Vaux thrilled the Dubliners present that night nearly 63 years ago on December 8, 1952. They saw his brilliance flowing out of his special accordion. And, now you know what an American hero this brilliant young man truly was. Photo Up: Lloyd La Vaux playing the accordion for a school of blind children in Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City. This photo, which appeared in the Guardian, is likely of Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for the Blind, established in 1926. - Region of Peel Archives/Brampton Photo: Scandalli Accordion Vintage Print Ad. Interested musicians can contact Dr. David Cohen: Decohen2@outlook.com 201-417-2461 |
Latest Activities of the AAA Composers Commissioning Committee:by Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair, AAA Composers Commissioning Committee |
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  The AAA is looking forward with excitement to the premiere of its latest commission and first internationally commissioned work, by the acclaimed Italian composer, teacher and accordionist Antonio Spaccarotella. In accepting the AAA’s commission, Antonio Spaccarotella has also agreed to attend the 2023 AAA Festival in July to hear the world premiere performed by Grayson Masefield and to also make a special presentation about his music and teaching. Antonio Spaccarotella commented that it is an “immense pleasure to collaborate with the AAA,” and that “these events (promoting new compositions) are very important for the growth of our instrument, and that is why I have agreed to accept this commission.” Just published is the latest expanded article about AAA Composers Commissions. The original version was published in the 2016 edition of the AAA Journal about José Serebrier’s delightful work for accordion and chamber orchestra, Passacaglia and Perpetuum Mobile. The 2023 expanded article with the addition of new photos and musical examples is now online at: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions11.php A recording of the Serebrier composition has also been added to the list of AAA commissions at: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php These are part of an expanding AAA website featuring many aspects of AAA Commissions, AAA history, news and upcoming events. |
Alicia Jo Straka: New CD Plus Upcoming Performancesby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video: "Doin' Just Fine" Behind the ScenesAlicia Jo Straka recently released her new CD, “Doin’ Just Fine”. Alicia shares, “This video is a "behind the scenes" compilation from the production of my album, "Doin' Just Fine". Thank you again to everyone who donated and made my first original album possible! For lyrics, links to various streaming platforms, and to purchase a hard copy or a digital download of my CD, please visit my website: www.aliciajostraka.com/doinjustfine” Alicia shares some thoughts about several of the selections on the CD, “Doin’ Just Fine”: I wrote this song in July of 2019, two years before my album project. The lyrics came to me during a difficult time when I had a sudden onset of intense anxiety, and was constantly feeling unlike my normal self. It was musically inspired by the theme song from the movie “Monster’s Inc”. I’ve always loved how cheerful that tune is, and wanted to create my own version to help lift my spirits when I’m feeling overwhelmed or down. This song served as the launchpad for the rest of the album, and was rounded out with a French verse in 2021. “Swing for Schmitt”: This swing tune was inspired by one of my favorite gypsy jazz tunes, “Tchavolo Swing” composed by Dorado Schmitt. I wanted to embody the style and feel of a gypsy jazz swing tune, while keeping the melody fairly simple to allow space for ornamentation and improvisation. “L’automne”: The music for this tune came to me first, and then my husband Sam added the English lyrics, and Hélène helped me translate those into a poetic French verse. The melody and harmony had a melancholy sound, so we leaned into the somber theme of lost love and remembrance. “Bring it Home”: This song is very special to my husband and I, as the lyrics of this song were directly inspired by our honeymoon in Paris. All of the places we mention are real locations we visited to eat, hear music, and observe the sights. For example, the lyrics “go find the light, up all the flights, and touch the sky” refers to the Eiffel Tower, and “38 riv” is a jazz club, located in the Marais neighborhood, where we went to a show. “Printemps”: This song began as an improvisation on the piano. I loved the simple, yet rich, harmonies that provided a blank canvas for improvising melodically. As I played around, this song reminded me more and more of paintings from the Impressionism era, which led me to Hugo Wolf’s poem “Printemps”. His stanzas had a natural fit with the musical form, and the meaning of the poem encapsulated what I felt the music portrayed. “Musette au Paris”: I have loved playing French musettes on the accordion since I was a little girl. The unique harmonies, melodic intricacies, nuance, and fast tempos all contributed to my fascination with the genre. I’ve written a few pieces in the French musette style before to this one, but I wanted to write something fresh for the album. I leaned into my love of fast triplets, unexpected harmonies, and that “je ne sais quoi” element to French music that makes you feel like you need a coffee and croissant. “As Long as I’m with You”: This is the last song I wrote for the album, and it is extra special to me. I wrote both the music and lyrics for this piece on my own, and dedicated it as a love song to my husband Sam. I was sitting by a window in the Colorado mountains watching the snow fall, and wrote the song in one sitting. The music came to me first, which was inspired by the feel of “With a wink and a smile” by Harry Connick Jr. and the harmonies from “Out of Nowhere” by Johnny Green. My favorite line of the song is, “your sweet melodies that color everyday”, as Sam actually sings silly made-up songs throughout the day. I’ve been making up weird songs and singing about what I'm doing since I was young, but I never thought I’d find someone who would join in with me!” Alicia Jo Straka (previously Alicia Baker) will be a featured performer at LIAC, Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration, Leavenworth, Washington, June 22 -25, 2023. She will perform at Festhalle - Friday – June 23, 2023 from 8:10 PM to 9:PM. She also will present a workshop, “The Art of the Musette With Alicia Jo Straka” TBD Grange/Upper. Join Alicia Jo Straka, accordion expert and French music lover, for a one-hour workshop on the form, techniques, and “je ne said quois” nuance of French musette. Come away with repertoire recommendations, practice tips, and a finer ear for this beautiful music genre. Alicia Jo Straka is a professional accordionist, singer, pianist, and composer from Portland, OR, currently residing in Denver, CO. Excerpts from LIAC website: Throughout her career, Alicia has won multiple International accordion competitions, worked as an artist for the prestigious Roland Corporation, sung leading operatic roles, and has performed at many notable venues including Carnegie Weill Hall and the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Thanks to her love of academia, Alicia has earned 3 Bachelor of arts degrees from Oregon State University; piano performance, vocal performance, and choral music education, in addition to a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from University of Colorado Boulder - all of which were funded by full-ride scholarships. Versatility has always been a point of pride, which is highlighted through her diverse repertoire; jazz, Parisienne, pop, funk, opera, polka, and techno; to name a few. Alicia currently spends her time performing, teaching private students, composing and arranging. Most recently, she crowd-funded, recorded, and designed her new album called “Doin’ Just Fine”, which features original music composed in the French jazz genre. Alicia Jo Straka is a very gifted musician on accordion, piano, and vocals. Her style is versatile and covers many genres. I recommend ordering her album which showcases her numerous talents. It will be an entertaining and unique experience. For further information: aliciajostraka@gmail.com |
Dr. William Schimmel’s 2023 Accordion Performancesby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Dr. William Schimmel has recently appeared with Sound Icon in Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art. Sound Icon is a group devoted to innovative new compositions.The composition was “Hyena”, composed by the Viennese Composer, Gerg Friedrich Haas with text written and performed with his wife, Molina Williams. The text deals with the writers' dealing and recovering from addiction.. The piece call s for a chamber orchestra which includes a large accordion part. The performance received a 15 minute standing ovation. Haas is noted for a genre called "Spectral Music". Much of the writing explores extended techniques and performing in microtones giving the ensemble an electronic effect. Haas and Williams both teach at Columbia University. Haas received international fame with his 70 minute work, “In Vain”. Much of the work is performed in total darkness and can be seen and heard on Youtube. Again, the work has a large accordion part, performed by Schimmel. A major performance took place in 2010 at New York's Park Avenue Armory to an audience of a thousand plus people. Dr. Schimmel's upcoming 2023 performances include: March 5 - Music from Japan - performing a new work by Akira Ito - Scandanavia House - NY March 15 - 19 - “Dear World”, a musical by Jerry Herman - City Center - NY Dr. Schimmel can be seen and heard in the following new films: “The Good Fight” - Honoring Eric Bentley “The Quantum Leap” “Halmoni's Pot” “Atemis and the Astronaut” “Hyena” (soon to be released) The 2023 Accordion Seminars will be curated by Dr. William Schimmel. It is their 29th smash year sponsored by the Accordion Global Association. - AGA. Dr. Schimmel shares, “We go in a global direction - a global synthesis in a single instrument anywhere or anyplace. Welcome to the ominous side of the accordion - shadowed - mysterious - intimate - subdued - gorgeous - in the background - highlighting - classical - - out front and center - and also can be: (like new york) too surreal to love, but ….. What about the baroque aspect - or baroqueness - finding oneself in the fertile reality of some really bon merde. There is so much to explore - and even more!” There is so much to digest - and to jest! There is …….. yes, the built in ironic duality as Dr. Schimmel states: “Hip/square, beautiful/ugly, elegant/vulgar, old/new, classy/ain’t got no class” - never one without the other and two new ones - “terribly sad/ wonderfully hilarious” Tune into the seminars this year - with accordion philosopher, Dr. William Schimmel - and the seminar team. We will give you some really cool presentations and some wonderful hot new pieces - all premiers and some remakes - they will be great fun and make for some really good discussions “We”ll explore the visual arts, dance, video, music theatre and concept art in the midst of this - what is the goal? as always, content on the highest level and like the last three years - they will be virtual, July 28 29 30 2023 - Master Class 3 to 4 - Concert 4 to 5. Links will be provided prior to each day.” Participants will include - in no separate order: Micki Goodman, Paul Stein, Will Holshouser, Dr. Robert Young Mc mahan, Dr. Denise Koncelik, Doug Makofka, Carl Riehl, Erica Marie Mancini, Robert Duncan, Jeanne Velonis, Sydknee, Rita Davidson Barnea, Hanzhi Wang, Dr. marina li, Dr. Thomas Massucci, Bob Goldberg, Brian Dewan, The Main Squeeze Orchestra, Peter Flint, Mayumi Mayaoka, Bachtopus, Benjamin Ickies, John Foti, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nelson Wolf, William Komaiko, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Dan Cooper, Elliott Sharp, Gene Pritsker, Mark Kostabi, Mary Spencer Knapp, Sari Kalin, Milica Paranosic, Dave Soldier, David First, David Stoler, Jack Di Bennidetto, Peter Jarvis, Corn Mo - and Dr. Schimmel. $165. entire weekend: Checks can be made to: William Schimmel 345 E 85th st 4re New York, NY 10028 paypal - accordionbill@gmail.com For reservations and information: accordionbill@gmail.com 212 - 876 0827 917 - 498 6823 A sample of the Master Class and Concert topics include: How to be your own DJ - How to play a proper Reggae - Asian Culture and Bluegrass - The Choral Dimension, AccordioFear/The Diminished Chord, The Chotscka, Unpublished Ettore - The Left Hand, too much or two little - Three Shades of blue - Improving your technique Physically - The Classical Accordion in America - Accordio - Ranting - Pugliese (the other "Piazzolla") A soloist and orchestra in one box - The Art of Humor and it's levels - and much more to follow. |
What Are You Doing For May 6th World Accordion Day?by Harley Jones |
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 What are you doing for World Accordion Day to promote the accordion in your country? World Accordion day is on May 6th, which is the day the accordion was patented in 1829.World Accordion Day was started in 2009 by the CIA and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. A key part of this event is the World Accordion Day website. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support this event by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of Accordion Day if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their World Accordion Day activity on the website and send a report of their event after, for that website. No event is too big or too small. ALL accordion events celebrating World Accordion Day are welcome. This is a CIA promotion for the accordion in which every accordion enthusiast can participate and help bring our accordion world together as well as strongly promote the accordion. |
New England Music Festival Celebrates 61st Anniversaryby Sam Falcetti and Mike Silvia |
 The Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM) will sponsor one of their biggest events in years with over 1500 entries! This 3 day festival will take place March 31, April 1 & 2, 2023 at the Boston Newton Marriott in Newton, Massachusetts. President Frankie Coelho, is happy to announce that the ATAM will recognize Joseph Natoli from Ohio, “Internationally Famous Accordionist”, Concert Artist, Educator, and Adjudicator. The award as “Honorary Lifetime Member” will be presented at the Saturday evening annual Awards Banquet. ATAM President Frankie Coelho shares, “This is a well-deserved honor!” The Contest Co-Chairmen Michael Falcetti and President Frankie Coelho (Miguel School of Music), will be taking over for Chairman Peggy Falcetti after her 43 years tenure. The 3 day event includes music students from all of the New England states participating in accordion, bass guitar, drums, guitar, piano, violin, and voice categories. Students may compete in solo, duet, ensemble, battle of the bands, and orchestra categories. There are over 800 entries in solo, duet, and band categories, which span all age groups and skill levels. Adult categories were introduced in 2019, and the 2020 pandemic was the catalyst for its new virtual competition, which is open to anyone, including those outside the New England area. Over $5,000.00 in cash awards and scholarships will be given out. All events are free and open to the public. Both live and virtual categories will take place during the weekend. The Battle of the Bands can always be counted on to showcase exceptional talent, and Sam Falcetti's New England Digital Accordion Orchestra, which usually closes the event, is sure to be quite entertaining. There also will be workshops, a vendor station, and a Saturday night banquet, where all New England Cup categories will be awarded. 2023's Festival co-chairs are Michael Falcetti and Frankie Coelho (Miguel School of Music). For more information about the ATAM or the Festival, visit atamnemusicfestival.com or email atamnemusicfestival@gmail.com. If you would like to know more about the virtual competition, email atamvirtual@gmail.com. |
Joseph Natoli Receives “Honorary Lifetime Member Award” from Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusettsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video 1: “Accordion Fanfare” composed by Joseph Natoli. Joseph Natoli is playing all 5 digital accordion orchestra parts and the percussion on this recording. Video 2: “Here's That Rainy Day” arranged by Joseph Natoli ATAM President Frankie Coelho, is happy to announce that the ATAM (Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts) will honor Joseph Natoli from Ohio, “Internationally Famous Accordionist”, Concert Artist, Educator, and Adjudicator. The award as “Honorary ATAM Lifetime Member” will be presented at the Saturday evening annual Awards Banquet on April 1, 2023 at the Boston Newton Marriott in Newton, Massachusetts . ATAM President Frankie Coelho shares, “This is a well-deserved honor!” Joe Natoli is certainly deserving of being honored by his musical peers. He has devoted his life to the promotion of the accordion. Since a young age, Joe has been involved in composition, performance, and promotion of the accordion. Joseph Natoli, makes his home in Northeast Ohio with his wife JoAnn and has been a performer and advocate of the accordion since the age of seven. Joe started his studies with prominent Ohio accordion teacher, the late Mickey Bisilia of Youngstown, Ohio. Joe later attended and achieved Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Toronto Faculty of Music where he also studied free bass accordion as his applied major instrument with renowned Canadian virtuoso, Joseph Macerollo. Joe is the co-founder and director of GR8 IDEAS, an organization dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge of digital accordions and digital peripherals via its GR8 IDEAS web page as well as its accompanying GR8 IDEAS Facebook page, Joe has released 6 CDs, including "Omaggio", "Waltz For Ron", "Merry Christmas", and "Chameleon" Vols 1 & 2, and 3. The "Chameleon" series CDs are 70-75 minutes each of completely original compositions in every imaginable genre including Classical, light Classical, Latin jazz, jazz ballads, contemporary, orchestral, cinematic, tango, and more (including his latest compositions including accordion orchestra pieces like "Accordion Fanfare", "Smooth", "A New Beginning" and "Nine Children’s Pieces", plus solo pieces like "Nostalgic Suite", "Homage" & "Offspring to the Bumblebee", "Fantasy On a Well-Known Melody", "Fragments", and "We’ll Dance Again", along with many others. Joe writes for both acoustic and digital accordions, but he uses his orchestrational knowledge to exploit all the best coloristic possibilities on digital accordion. For any information about IDEAS and/or his publishing company JANPress Music, you are invited to send any requests to josephnatoli@ymail.com or to janpressmusic@yahoo.com. |
New Book Release: “Olaf & Me” by Accordionist Edwin Ericksonby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  Video: Edwin Erickson & Tight Squeeze - Fiolen MinEdwin Erikson has just published (February 3, 2023) a unique biography of his beloved accordion teacher. The book, “Olaf & Me, Remembering Mentor and Friend, Olaf Sween”, traces the musical development of Edwin through the influence of his teacher, Olaf Sween. I highly recommend that you read this book which not only covers the life and musical career of Olaf, but also serves to educate all about Scandinavian music and the life of Edwin Erickson. Many European artists and musicians dream of coming to North America to pursue professional careers in the "land of plenty." Excerpts from Buck Mountain Press: Not many succeed, but Olaf Sveen was one who did. He not only established himself as a successful recording artist, producing more than thirty albums, selling well over 250,000 copies, but—through his compositions and records—became an integral figure in the creation of a unique Western Canadian style of accordion music. Along the way, he became an inspiration to others, among them the author of this biography. “Olaf & Me” tells the story of an unassuming legend and one of his greatest admirers and long-time friends, Edwin Erickson. Edwin Erickson, from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was raised on the family farm and in the forest in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Edwin began playing accordion formally at age 15, studying under Norwegian brothers, Georg and Olaf Sveen. He began performing in the mid 1960s, both as a soloist and in various groups, both on stage as well as on radio and television. Edwin entered into a recording contract with Rodeo/Banff Records of Peterborough, Ontario in 1974, producing one album per year for three consecutive years. He owned and operated a number of music teaching studios through the years, along with selling and servicing accordions and other musical instruments. He co-founded KIOTAC (Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships) together with W.R. (Bill) Baerg in 1975, which continued for 38 years, becoming an event attracting many thousands of participants annually from around the world. Edwin began pursuing a musical presence in Scandinavia in the late 1960s and has since performed widely across Sweden and Norway. He is a composer and arranger of accordion music and has written over sixty original compositions, mostly in the folk music genre. In recent years, Edwin concentrated primarily on accordion repair, restoration and tuning, serving a wide area of Western Canada from his location at Buck Lake, in west-central Alberta. Many of you, whatever your career or path in life is, will certainly understand the great importance of having a mentor. Edwin successfully conveys how valuable that is and how great an influence Olaf Sween was on his entire life. You will certainly be happy that you read “Olaf & Me”. To order the book as an ebook or softcover: Buck Mountain Press https://buckmountainpress.ca/books For further information: erickson.edwin@yahoo.ca |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
The Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS) Celebrates 20th Anniversaryby Mara Cherkasky |
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  Video: 2022 WMAS "Cold Weather Medley", Recorded on December 11, 2022 at the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society Holiday Concert with Conductor Peter DiGiovanni The Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS, pronounced Wah-mass) celebrated its 20th birthday in February 2023 with a cake and a special surprise. Fortuitously, “Papa Joe” De Clemente and his wife, Jan, happened to be passing through town on the very weekend the club was meeting, so they paid a visit. Papa Joe regaled the group with song after song, demonstrating the bells and whistles on his Roland, singing, and generally showing everyone a good time. And that’s not all. WMAS members Peter DiGiovanni, Halina Banas-Jones (aka the “Tuneful Twosome”), and Michael Jones on spoons had warmed up the room and set the tone with a slew of hit tunes. [photos here of trio, Papa Joe, and cake] So much has changed in 20 years, but so much has remained the same. WMAS was the brainchild of Karen Malan-Uribe, who learned to play the accordion as a child in Michigan—where her father ran a music school—and had recently taken her instrument out of the closet after many years. In early 2003, she mentioned the idea to two new friends, Mara Cherkasky and Anne Johnson, both of whom had been playing only a couple of years. They were in! Karen found free space in her church, Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church, in Falls Church, Virginia, and the three ran an announcement in the Falls Church paper and posted flyers in area music stores and on bulletin boards. To their shock, 25 people showed up at that first meeting a few weeks later! It was magical. The minutes of the February 11, 2003, meeting have been lost—or maybe never existed—but someone took photos. [photo from Feb. 2003 here]The following excerpts from Karen’s summary of the second meeting, on March 11, 2003, are evidence that the club got off to a roaring start: The group voted to accept the slate of officers presented by the executive committee: Karen Denice Malan-Uribe as president; Mara Cherkasky as secretary-treasurer (she hopes to relinquish the treasurer post to someone else); Paul Przedpelski as membership chairman, and Anne Johnson and Janice Lavoie as events co-chairs. Then, several newcomers demonstrated their squeezeboxes. Dottie Beck talked about concertinas and played her own vintage model with its beautiful harmonic sound. Next, Sylvia Eberly sang and played her button accordion. Originally from Austria, Sylvia also plays piano accordion and teaches. Jim Briley and Michael Boicourt demonstrated their Louisiana-made Cajun button boxes (accompanied by a triangle) and explained how the instruments work. The final performance was by Mort Herald, who had recently moved to this area from Chicago, where he led a 20-piece accordion band. This was a wonderful demonstration of some classic pieces played on a professional piano accordion. Following the individual performances, we broke up into our groups of various levels and played the songs that we were comfortable with. Twenty years on, Karen remains active but stepped down as president in 2010, Mara is still secretary-treasurer, and Anne and others have moved on. Janice Lavoie is back with the club after years away due to a demanding work schedule. Silvia has relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia, but returns occasionally. A lot has happened in between. Mara’s mother came up with the club’s name, and Mara worked with a friend to design the logo. A high school-age member designed the club’s first website. Mara, Karen, Joan Grauman, and Lee Paulson created a banner. Lee made name tags. Dale Wise promoted the club to his students and members or former members of his orchestra, and he conducted the first WMAS Holiday Concert in December 2003. It was a huge success, drawing an enthusiastic audience of about 130 people—who also enjoyed the overflowing post-concert potluck table and more music. Joan Grauman, a long-time accordionist who had joined the club a few months after it started, played in that first concert and took over as conductor and music director in 2004. (Dale remained as emcee for a few years before Ken Kunec took on the role.) The Potomac Ensemble, which Joan had formed with several other WMAS members earlier in 2004, debuted at the second Holiday Concert and went on to play gigs around the area and at festivals through 2018. [photos of 2006 Holiday Concert and Potomac Ensemble] Peter DiGiovanni, too, had learned of the club through Dale and joined in 2003, as he had just started playing the accordion himself. He became president in 2010 and began conducting the orchestra (and arranging most of the music) in 2019, after Joan moved out of the area. Many dedicated members have kept the club going for 20 years: making and keeping track of name tags, handling the hospitality aspects (and carrying huge bins of coffee-making and other supplies back and forth every month, not to mention storing the bins), decorating for special occasions, setting up and breaking down the room each month, and of course contributing music and good humor. Given the age of much of the WMAS membership, the club has also had to sadly say goodbye to many good friends. WMAS has hosted dozens of virtuoso musicians in a guest-artist series launched by Joan in 2004. Rita Davidson Barnea kicked off the series in November of that year. In March 2020, Stas Venglevski had already arrived in town to perform for the club when everything abruptly shut down due to Covid. When the series finally resumed last September, Stas became the first guest artist. Vladimir Mollov will be the next, on March 19, 2023. WMAS is lucky to still be meeting at the same church, and in the same room, after 20 years! Of course, the club had to give up in-person meetings during the shutdown, but it barely missed a beat, gathering instead via Zoom until the coast was clear again. In 2020, Peter created an amazing virtual Holiday Concert using video-editing software. WMAS was back in person in 2021 and played its 20th Holiday Concert in December 2022. AWW congratulates WMAS and wishes them many more years of encouraging love for the accordion! Photo left: Peter DiGiovanni, Halina Banas-Jones, and Michael Jones perform at the February 2023 meeting. Photo right: “Papa Joe” De Clemente performs at the February 2023 meeting. Photo up: The Potomac Ensemble at the 2008 AAMS Festival. Standing from left: Phil Fox, Meryl Benenati, Lee Paulson, Karen Malan-Uribe, Peter DiGiovanni. Kneeling from left: Lou Silvia, Joan Grauman, Mara Cherkasky. Photo down: The first meeting, in February 2003. Standing from left: Clay Bobrowski, Paul Przedpelski, Karen Malan-Uribe, unidentified. Seated from left: Joyce Palmer, Leone Monticone, Anne Johnson, Mara Cherkasky, Larry McCullough For further information: peter@musicisforever.com mcherkasky@verizon.net |
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NAA Evening Concert with Brave Combo & Alex Meixnerby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Video: Westview Polka - Alex Meixner sits in with Brave Combo. Alex Meixner was the special guest accordionist for a Saturday afternoon, May 23, 2022 dance party at the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin, Texas featuring music by the two-time Polka Grammy Award-winning, Brave Combo! Alex Meixner is one of the most dynamic accordionists on the scene today. Meixner has performed around the world, notably at American festivals like The National Folk Festival and Central Park SummerStage, as well as at uncountable community celebrations and accordion-centric events. He has worked with Jack Black on the Sundance-screened, Netflix movie "The Polka King", with Post Modern Jukebox, and as an on-screen spokesperson for Hormel Pepperoni. Brave Combo and Alex Meixner will perform for NAA on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 9 - 11:PM EDT. The public is invited to attend this special collaboration of Brave Combo and Alex Meixner being presented during the annual National Accordion Convention taking place March 15-19, 2023. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. More information can be found at http://accordions.com/naa/cConcerts.html Free admission to all youth (ages 2 to 19). The admission for all interested fans of Alex Meixner and/or Brave Combo includes an "Introduction to playing the accordion" lesson. The concert location is: Hilton Richardson Dallas 701 East Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, USA 75081 Tel: 1 972 231 9600 Fax: 1 972 907 2578 |
“Scythian” Presents March USA Concertsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 “Scythian” which includes accordionist Dan Fedoryka will tour the USA in March 2023. Scythian is a Celtic/Celtic rock band based in the DC Metro Area that formed in 2002.The band's name, according to the members of Scythian, means “a bunch of pre-Mesopotamian barbarians who did not use forks or phonics," to describe a varying sound that encompasses everything from traditional jigs and reels to contemporary covers. The UB Post describes their sound as a mix of Celtic, Klezmer, Gaelic, Gypsy and Rock.The band was named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythians, due to the Ukrainian ancestry of Alexander, and Danylo Fedoryka.The band comprises brothers Alexander Fedoryka (Violin/Mandolin/Harmonica/Bass/Vocals) and Danylo Fedoryka (Rhythm Guitar/Accordion/Vocals), as well as band members Ethan Dean (Bass/Percussion/Vocals) and Johnny Rees (Percussion/Drums/Vocals). Since its inception, Scythian developed from a group of street performers in Alexandria, VA,to the 2009 winner of Washington City Paper's Best of DC 'Best Local Band' competition. They found that their brand of high-energy folk music found a resonance that led The Washington Post to state: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” For over 12 years they have found success as an independent band and have played over 1,300 shows all over the United States, Europe, Canada and as far away as Australia. Scythian’s accordionist is Dan Fedoryka. Dan and his brother, Alex, are the founding members of the band, which hosts annual fan trips to Ireland and the Labor Day weekend “Appaloosa “festival in Front Royal, Virginia. “Danylo Fedoryka (Rhythm Guitar/Accordion/Vocals) was initially trained as a classical pianist, Danylo made the switch to rhythm guitar in order to make music with his brother Alexander. Having performed at the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap as a classical musician, Danylo enjoys the free and somewhat loose spirit of Celtic music. Putting his keyboard skills to use, Danylo also picked up the accordion, which he plays during the band's Gypsy and Klezmer pieces. Scythian’s 2023 Performance Schedule: • March 2nd at 6pm: Brightside Music & Events Centre in Daytona, Ohio. • March 3rd at 7.30pm: Irish Cultural & Heritage Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • March 4th at 4pm: Shamrock the Dock Festival (poster above) in Annapolis, Maryland. Skerryvore (which includes brothers Daniel on accordion and Martin Gillespie on pipes, whistles and accordion) are also playing at this festival. • March 5th at 6pm: The Athenaeum in Chicago, Illinois. • March 7th at 7.30pm: The Midtown GR in Grand Rapids, Michigan. • March 10th at 8pm: The Reeve’s Theater in Elkin, North Carolina. • March 11th at 8pm: The Lucknow Music Festival (see poster below) in Downtown Dunn, North Carolina. For details email: scythianmail@gmail.com  |
Rob Curto Releases New Single”Ersatz Angel”by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Accordionist Rob Curto shares, “I’m very excited to announce the release on March 1st of my new single "Ersatz Angel"!!!! This original song was mixed, mastered and co-produced by Greg Giorgio and will feature a music video filmed and edited by Christopher McDonald, with amazing animation by Erik Ruin!! Vocals, piano and accordions played by yours truly. and percussion by Doug Hirlinger!”Rob Curto is an accordionist, composer, and pianist based in Philadelphia and New York City. Excerpts from his website: Curto has a prolific career touring and composing, gaining notoriety for his mastery of the piano accordion, exciting harmonic blends, and general musicianship across genres and musical boundaries. He is a founding member of the "Brazilian Bluegrass" band Matuto,which gained a following across the US and Canada, was selected to showcase at WOMEX, and toured extensively across Africa, Asia, Europe, and other areas, chosen to represent the US State Department overseas. He has released several CDs and EPs as a band leader and is a prolific composer/arranger, including his latest musical project, the unabashedly accordion-centric American roots band, Fish Harmonics, featuring smokin' accordion along with bass fiddle, groove-oriented drumming, and old-timey strings. Fish Harmonics' debut EP, ONE, is available streaming in all the places. Since relocating to Philadelphia, Curto has developed an interest in Irish button box, adding B/C button accordion to his repertoire. He studies with NEA National Heritage Fellow and multi-All Ireland Champion, Billy McComisky, and occasionally with John Whelan and PJ Hernon. Curto is profoundly interested in the (relatively) recent history of accordion in traditional Irish music, a passion that has brought him zig-zagging around West Kerry and Co. Sligo, joining sessions and absorbing tradition and tunes. Curto has many compositional credits, including his own albums as well as TV (Bear in the Big Blue House), documentaries (The Same Heart), independent compositions, and other commissions for theater, film, and commercials. Rob is available for virtual lessons on reading music, improvisation, composition, development of repertoire and more. Rob has over 20 years of experience as an educator. During his rich career as a world-class performer, Rob has also shared his musical knowledge through private lessons in Accordion and Piano, and workshops for students on both amateur and professional levels. Through teaching, Rob strives to give students not only first-hand information and insight, but the tools to then go and learn on their own. Skills such as how to organize one’s practicing, how to work on technique, how to play by ear and master new repertoire are emphasized. |
Powell River Academy of Music Presents Accordion Fest Preview on March 5by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  The Powell River Annual Accordion Extravaganza is back! On March 5, 2023, 2:PM Walter Martella and Karina Inkster will present a preview of their Accordion Fest (happening May 5 - 6, 2023)). Joining them are special guests Terry Martyniuk and Jessica Colasanto. It will be an entertaining afternoon of wide-ranging genres including tangos, classical music, selections from the Amélie film soundtrack, and more! To celebrate Walter's birthday (a day early!), audience members will be treated to a dessert bar and delicious selections from The Knotty Pretzel Baked Delights.Where: James Hall at the Powell River Academy of Music. Tickets: At the door by donation (suggested $20) 7280 Kemano Street · Powell River, BC V8A 1M2 · Canada Martella said, “It’s going to be a showcase for the May Accordion Fest, including some new repertoire. There will be a selection of different musical genres, so there will be tangos, classical music and pieces from the Amélie film soundtrack. We are going to bring some repertoire that isn’t common with the accordion. We have four classical pieces that we have adapted for accordion solo and piano accompaniment. It’s a new genre that we haven’t experimented with. They are not common on the accordion.” Martella said a Chopin piano piece has been adapted for accordion. Additionally the Accordion Fest planning team along with the Powell River Academy of Music, is planning an incredible 2023 event. Walter Martella and Karina Inkster are excited to bring you Powell River's Second Annual Accordion Fest! Including a concert performance, workshops for beginners and advanced players alike and a wide range of musical genres for their audiences to enjoy. Mmark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, May 5-6, 2023! Check out their full schedule of events. Joint them for two days of diverse events celebrating the accordion! Fun fact: May 6th is World Accordion Day, marking the anniversary of the day its patent was filed on May 6, 1829. Some highlights of this year's Fest include: 9 special guest musicians Opening night concert: tango, jazz, classical, and more (featuring at least 6 accordions!) Workshop: introduction to klezmer music Masterclass for intermediate/advanced students Accordion 101 for complete beginners General merriment Squeezebox Night closing party On March 5, 2023 there will be a preview concert. Tickets are by donation at the door. Accordion Fest tickets will be on sale soon -- stay tuned! Walter Martella is a musician, conductor, instructor, Music Director of the Powell River Academy of Music (PRAM). He has recorded 6 studio albums. Bench presses your body weight and makes a mean apple cider. He is also conductor and Music Director of the Powell River Academy of Music (PRAM), Walter is an accomplished pianist, accordionist, and trumpeter. He earned a Diploma in Jazz Trumpet from Malaspina College (VIU), a Bachelor of Music Degree from UVic, and attended the Banff School of Fine Arts. Karen Inkster is a recreational accordionist, author, podcast host, vegan fitness and nutrition coach. She is the author of 5 books, magazine writer, and host of the No-B.S. Vegan podcast. Founder of K.I. Health & Fitness, she and her online coaching team work with vegan clients all over the world. Karina holds a Master's degree in Gerontology, specializing in health and aging. Karina and Walter share, “Our First Annual Accordion Fest was a success! We thank our performers, special guests, and audience members for making Accordion Fest 2022 a huge success! Virtuoso accordionist Nikolay Bine performed to a full house, our various afternoon events were well-attended, and we sold out our kitchen party to close the Fest. We hope to see you at our second fest on May 5 and 6, 2023!" The Powell River Academy of Music is a not-for-profit community music school offering excellence in arts education to students of all ages. The community is enriched by the Academy Concert Series and the Academy's international festivals. For further information: karina@karinainkster.com |
Rachel Bell Performs at Bal Folk Eveningsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video: Rachel Bell, Becky Tracy and Bethany Waickman.Rachel Bell will perform at Bal Folk Evenings at the Broad Brook Community Centre in Brattleboro, Vermont, USA on March 16th and April 9th, 2023 with Becky Tracy (violin). Bal folk is a form of social folk dancing (French/European dancing) and the duo teach attendees “everything they need to know”. “The dances range from energetic circle dances to groovy lines and spirals to beautiful couple dances to meditative walking dances.” Rachel Bell is performer, tunesmith, and teacher who is sought after for concerts, contra dances, French bal folk dances, English country dances, workshops, and festivals–all in virtual form during the pandemic. She plays with Eloise & Co., Peregrine Road, Alchemy, and Old World Charm School. Her playing spans an enormous range of emotion, from nuanced and sensitive to exhilarating and powerful. Excerpts from her website: Over a decade of musical travel has landed her smack-dab in the middle of some of her most exciting projects ever. A vibrant and versatile collaboration with Karen Axelrod, exquisite violin and viola sounds from Eric Martin, a rich and energetic contra dance band called Seaglass, and a slew of French-focused music and dance adventures with Susan Kevra are just the tip of the iceberg. A recent addition has been a joyful musical partnership with Becky Tracy, Bethany Waickman and other combinations often round out the mix. Rachel’s work is infused with a contagious enthusiasm for her instrument and a deep respect for the musical traditions she carries. She loves to create authentic connections with audiences everywhere—from packed, energized dance halls to small, intimate house concert settings. She is passionate about sharing with others the delight she finds in this music. For details email: rachel@rachelbellmusic.com |
Seattle Accordion Social on March 5by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The next Seattle Accordion Social will be held at St Mark’s Lutheran Church in Seattle, Washington, USA on March 5th, 2023 at 1:30 PM. The event will include guest performers Lyle Schaefer, Toby Hansen, David Miles and Kory Tideman. All accordionists are invited to perform at the social. David Miles grew up with music and dancing. In 2007, David picked up a teach yourself accordion book in Russian by Alfred Mirek and and an Italian American accordion inherited from his mother in law. He studied with Ken Olendorf He enjoys performing at his dad’s señor living center, at Seattle Socials and more. Kory Tideman shares, “ My Dad played piano accordion, my mom’s dad played button accordion. I started on harmonica, went to 2 row button box, then mandolin, guitar, and the 3 row. I always liked traditional music. I have been playing with Happy Hans’ Music for 19 years. I also play slack key guitar with a few Hawaiian groups. Too may tunes, never enough time!” Lyle Schaefer says that music was “All in the Family” Dad on sax, Mom on piano, Brothers Lynn Larry and Lyle on accordion ,drums and accordion. In 1962, he won first place in his competition division. After military service with the 82nd Airborne, he pursued a career in the medical profession. He has played as a strolling minstrel, for dance groups, ethnic dance clubs, placed 11 of 12 categories in Canada’s largest Old Time competition, the Kimberly International. and many more memorable groups. Lyle has played professionally for over 50 years! Toby Hanson plays accordion and piano. He has performed with many bands including his polka band, The Smilin’ Scandinavians, Valse Cafe Orchestra, French cabaret band Rouge, Western swing band, The Jangles, etc. He was an instructor at the Rose City Accordion Camp in 2021. He also teachers private students accordion, composition and arranging. For details email: testaduda@gmail.com |
Cory Pesaturo’s Performancesby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Video: SCL Awards PerformanceThe SCL is the premier organization for music creators working in all forms of visual media: film, television, video game, and musical theatre. The creation of scores and songs for visual media involves unique skills and presents special challenges. The SCL assumes a central role in helping composers and lyricists achieve their full career potential in a demanding and ever-changing field. Cory Pesaturo, in addition to participating in the 2022 SCL Awards Performance, was happy to attend this year’s Grammy Award Ceremony and shares, “It is always a treat when you get front row at the Grammys, but this year I was right near the podium, and got to witness everything from 4 Friends getting their First Grammy Award, to Viola Davis (Fellow Rhode Islander) become an EGOT Winner, only the 18th One! “ Cory’s Upcoming 2023 Performances Include: March 3-5: Phoenix Music Festival March 6th: Purim Event in Boston March 10-12: Sun City, AZ Italian Festival March 15-19: National Accordion Convention April 13-15: NAMM Convention April 15: Grand Plaza Main Stage Concert at NAMM April 16th: IndyCar Long Beach GP Private Events April 17-19: Concerts and Masterclasses at Fresno State University Cory Pesaturo (“C Pez”) is revolutionizing the accordion. Cory has won the trio of World Championships on Acoustic, Digital & Jazz Accordion, and is an accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. In 2017, Pesaturo became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria to break the Marathon Accordion Record, in which Cory played for 32 Hours & 14 Minutes. His performances at all 3 of his World Championships were played on accordions which were not his, and were generally 90% improvised; both aspects are unheard of in the accordion world. CPez has given 4 TED Talks, 2 Google Talks, an EG Talk, and spoken at various other conferences on the accordion & its history. He is featured on the soundtrack of the new movie, “Weird Al, The Al Yankovic Story. Cory will also perform at the 2023 ATG Festival in July. Photo Up: Cory Pesaturo in the Front Row of the Grammys. Bonnie Raitt passing by after her Win for Best Song. Photo Down: Cory acknowledging Grammy winners For further information: cory.pesaturo@gmail.com |
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Cody McSherry and the Tamburitzans - Floridaby Dan Grauman |
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 Video: excerpts from the concerts by the Tamburitzans featuring accordionist Cody McSherryWOW, what a show! I just had the pleasure of watching a two-hour performance of vocal and instrumental music and dance by the Tamburitzans, a group that has been performing for over 80 years. This year’s program, “Phoenix: A New Dawn”, features music from Croatia, Bulgaria, the Alpine Region and Israel in the first half, and music from Serbia, Italy, Romania, Greece and Ukraine in the second half. There were large and small dance ensembles, instrumental and vocal solos and duets, and creative choreography. This outstanding group combines talent, high energy, with joy of entertaining and connecting with the audience. These performers, who are also full-time students at Pittsburgh-area universities, are doing shows around the country, while keeping up with their studies. One of these performers is accordionist, Cody McSherry, a second year student with triple major at the University of Pittsburgh. I have known Cody since the age of 9, when he showed up with a small accordion at an American Accordionists’ Association festival and impressed everyone with his talent and enthusiasm. Cody plays many instruments besides the piano accordion and its chromatic and diatonic cousins. He is not only featured on the accordion in this show, he also sings, dances, and performs on other instruments. Tha Tamburitzans will be performing five shows in five days: Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, 7:00 PM, St. Petersburg, FL. Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 7:30 PM, Miami, FL. Friday, March 3rd, 2023 7:00 PM, Mt. Dora, FL. Saturday, March 4th, 2023, 6:00 PM, Atlanta, GA. Sunday, March 5th, 2023, 3:00 PM, Monroe, NC. There are more shows in various states around the US later in March and April. Details can be found on the Tamburitzans’ website (https://www.thetamburitzans.org/). If you are anywhere near one of the venues, you owe it to yourself to see the show. Tickets are available online and at the door. |
Future events |
Accordion-YellowPages.com Future Events Free Listing - Cyberspaceby Harley Jones |
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| All concert, competition and festival organizers are reminded to list their Future Events for 2018 in the Accordion-YellowPages.com website. Its free to list and you can do it yourself. You can also change and update your listing yourself as further information becomes available. The Accordion-YellowPages.com Future Events calendar displays at the top right hand side of this Weekly News of accordions.com in all 7 languages and also on the USA News, Diatonic News and Russia News. Huge numbers of readers, about 5,000 visitors per day, view also the Future Events calendar display, so all accordion event organizers are reminded to take full advantage of this free service to keep the accordion community informed. Any internet challenged organizers may email their event details: harleyaccordion@yahoo.com |
The Teleshev Father and Daughter Duo - Two Accordions in Concertby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video: "Thunderstruck" Duo TWO ACCORDIONS Live at the Leavenworth International on June 28, 2022Sergei Teleshev and his daughter, Maria Telesheva, will perform for the The Muckenthaler Cultural Center on April 13, 2023 at 7:30 PM. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center (714-738-6595) is located on 1201 W. Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833. For ticket information: info@themuck.org Duo Accordions will also perform for the San Francisco Accordion Club on April 16, 2023. The Teleshev family duo Two Accordions is a unique collaboration between father, Sergei and daughter, Maria, both renowned musicians and world accordion champions, winning international accordion competitions around the globe. Together they play a diversity of styles including Classical, Tango, Jazz, Pop, original music and more... Classically trained at the Academy of Music in Voronezh, Russia, Sergei Teleshev has won numerous regional and international accordion competitions. In addition, he collaborates with many internationally recognized artists, ensembles, and orchestras, composing and arranging music and participating in recording projects of different genres. Sergei has sat as a jury member at international accordion competitions from the USA and Canada to the Ukraine, and major “accordion” capitals in between. If this isn’t enough, Sergei is also available for online accordion lessons, master classes, and educational school programs for all ages. Maria Telesheva was six years old when she started to play the accordion under the tutelage of her father. Within two months after she started playing, Maria won her first international competition and she hasn’t stopped since, taking prizes in competitions in the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, and Belarus. Not only is Maria an exceptionally talented duet and solo accordion performer, she is also a talented singer, singing in both Russian and English. Duo “TWO ACCORDIONS” is one of the most unique duos in the United States. For a preview of the artistry of this father/daughter team, please visit their YouTube playlist at: Duo TWO ACCORDIONS YouTube Playlist April's San Francisco Accordion Club meeting will be live from the Chetcuti Community Center at 2:30 PM and broadcast over ZOOM. The Chetcuti Community Room Civic Center Plaza 450 Poplar Avenue Millbrae, CA 94030 The San Francisco Accordion Club is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization whose purpose is to enhance, promote and stimulate an appreciation for the accordion within the membership and throughout the general public. Donations are tax-deductible and gratefully accepted by using the Donate button on the Home page, or by mailing your contribution to the Club Treasurer. For further information: steleshev@yahoo.com |
41st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival May 19 - 21by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The 41st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival lineup has just been announced! The line-up for the 41st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio will feature “Puro Conjunto Pesado: Lo Mejor de Tejas” with three days of the very best in conjunto music. On Friday, May 19, 2023 the festival kicks off with Joe Zimmerle y su Conjunto, Los Tellez, Javier Solis y los Unikos, Ruben de la Cruz and Ruben Garza, the South Texas Homies, and Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers. On Saturday, May 20, the festival features Conjunto Cats, Isaac De Los Santos y La Sangre Chicana, Ricky Guzman y Los Tres Ases, Conjunto Baraja de Oro, Los Cucuys de Rodney Rodriguez, Los Fantasmas, Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Diaz, Lazaro Perez y su Conjunto, Los Garcia Brothers, and Tony Tigre Saenz. On Sunday, May 21, the Tejano Conjunto Festival closes out with an incredible old school line-up, made up of Cindy Ramos y su Conjunto, Grupo Azido, the Tejano Boys, Los Badd Boyz Del Valle, Santiago Garza y Naturaleza, Los Conjunto Kingz de Flavio Longoria, Edgar Vasquez y su Conjunto, Eva Ybarra, Los Texmaniacs featuring special guest Flaco Jimenez, and Boni Mauricio y Los Maximos. In addition to the live music and dancing over three days at Rosedale Park, the 41st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival will feature a free Wednesday, May 17th seniors dance with music from Santiago Jimenez, Jr. and Eddie Lalo Torres, and new inductions into the Hall of Fame with a special dinner and dance on Thursday, May 18 at the historic Guadalupe Theater. See future publications for updates. |
Texas Folklife Announces 34TH Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concertby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| Special concert just announced: Texas Folklife announces 34th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert on Saturday June 3, 2023 (7 - 10:PM) in celebration of the Miller Outdoor Theatre’s 100th Anniversary. Excerpts from Texas Folklife website: The lineup Includes Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, Grupo Imagen, Alex Meixner Band, and Texas Folklife’s 2023 Big Squeeze Youth Accordion Contest Champions. The free live event is included as a part of the theatre’s celebration of its 100th season and features a lineup of the best in Texas accordion music genres, including Tejano Conjunto, Creole and Zydeco, Polka and more. 2023 performers include Texas native and Louisiana based Cedric Watson bijou creole, the gulf coast female-led Tejano Conjunto act Grupo Imagen, and Grammy-nominated polka phenomenon Alex Meixner band. guest performers will also include Texas Folklife’s 2023 Big Squeeze statewide youth accordion contest champions. The show will simultaneously be live streamed via Facebook for audiences not able to attend in-person. Since 1990, Accordion Kings and Queens has showcased the musical diversity of Texas accordion styles, featuring the music royalty of Conjunto, Polka, Country Western, Zydeco, Cajun and more. the vibrant showcase draws thousands of music fans to houston's miller outdoor theatre to dance and enjoy roots music each year. the 2023 concert will feature a lineup of celebrated musicians including: Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole: one of the brightest young talents to emerge in cajun, creole and zydeco (louisiana french) music over the last decade, Cedric Watson is a four-time grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist & songwriter with seemingly unlimited potential. originally from san felipe, tx, cedric has performed french music in 17 countries and on 7 full-length albums with various renowned groups, including the Pine Leaf boys, Corey Ledet, Les Amis Creole with Ed Poullard. Cedric’s albums are a tapestry of pulsing rhythms and creole poetry, and his live performances are unforgettable, all at once progressive and nostalgic. Grupo Imagen: Grupo Imagen is a Tejano-Conjunto band based out of Corpus Christi, TX. 2015 recipient of the Tejano Music Award’s Best New Group category, Grupo Imagen has performed across Texas and has recorded three studio albums, performing primarily their own original compositions. The band is fronted by accordionist Silvia Navarro and vocalist Lorissa Chapa and continues to break barriers in the industry in their commitment to centering Tejana voices in their projects. Alex Meixner Band: 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. “Texas Folklife is thrilled for Accordion Kings & Queens to be part of the Miller Outdoor Theatre’s 100th season of programming!” Said Texas Folklife Executive Director Charlie Lockwood. “No other event celebrates the legacy and lasting impact of Texas accordion music traditions like AKQ, and no other venue creates a vibrant atmosphere for this music and our diverse audience more than the Miller Outdoor Theatre. We are looking forward to a night of amazing accordion performances and dancing, hope to see you there!” Tickets for advanced assigned seating are available now exclusively to Texas Folklife members or free tickets will be available on a first-come-first-served basis at the Miller Outdoor Theatre website and box office the day before the performance at 10:00am. For those planning to attend the live event, both covered and outdoor seating will be available. Covered seats will require a free digital ticket, which are available now to Texas Folklife members before the general public. The Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, Texas 77030 For Media & Program Contact: Charlie Lockwood, Executive Director (512) 441-9255; akq@texasfolklife.org For Advertising & Sponsorship Contact: Maya Williams-Britton, Outreach & Marketing Manager (512) 441-9255; memberships@texasfolklife.org About Accordion Kings & Queens; Accordion Kings & Queens has showcased the extraordinary accordion music of Texas at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre since 1990. The event celebrates the cultural diversity of Texas by bringing communities together for an evening of dancing and roots music played on the accordion. Accordion Kings and Queens is supported by the Board and Members of Texas Folklife and the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board. Additional sponsorships and support provided by Raven Grill and Texas Commission on the Arts. Please reach out to sponsorship contact above for more information on sponsorship opportunities. About Texas Folklife: Texas Folklife (TXF) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. TXF is designated by the National Endowment for the Arts as the official folk and traditional arts organization for the state. Since 1984, TXF has honored traditions passed down within communities, explored the importance of traditional arts in contemporary society, and celebrated the state’s vibrant heritage by providing arts experiences enjoyable for all generations. For more information, visit http://www.texasfolklife.org. |
2023 Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 22-25by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The 2023 Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration, sponsored by the Northwest Accordion Society will be held in Leavenworth, Washington, USA from June 22nd to 25th, 2023.The event will include a variety of performances, competitions, workshops, lessons, jam sessions and a parade. Festhalle 2023 performers include Joey Miskulin, Alicia Jo Straka, Andy Mirkovich, Andy Gonzalez & Juan Barco, Max Kyllonen and the Toby & Lyle Duo (Frank Yankovic Tribute). For further information: Bonnie Birch – Chairman bonniebirch@msn.com See poster for details: 2023LeavenworthPoster.pdf More info in future USA news publications. |
CNIMA and Jacques Mornet’s Accordion Method Workshops in New Orleansby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Following their successful teaching and concert tour of 2022, CNIMA is thrilled to announce their return to the USA with Two Accordion Workshops in New Orlean, Louisiana on May 22 2023 and June 3, 2023 CNIMA directors Jacques Mornet and Nathalie Boucheix look forward to sharing their revered accordion technique with amateurs and professionals of all ages and styles. For piano and chromatic button accordion you can transform your playing with the renowned French Accordion School which includes all levels, all ages, all styles from beginner-intermediate-advanced to professionals. Enter a learning environment that transports you to a world of beauty and passion. A workshop in which each participant’s individual expression is encouraged through a rigorous approach to discovering one’s own musicality. Educators Jacques Mornet and Nathalie Boucheix provide unique and inspiring instruction on accordion. With over 60 years of teaching hundreds of professionals, world champions and avid amateurs of all ages, the CNIMA legacy has evolved as the destination for accordionists who are committed to improving the heart and soul of their playing. This year CNIMA USA is offering two consecutive weeklong workshops in one of the world’s great music cities: New Orleans, Louisiana. The format of the workshops is almost identical to the successful workshops CNIMA holds throughout the year at their school in Saint Sauves d’Auvergne, France. Accordionists attending the New Orleans workshops can expect: -Intensive one-on-one instruction with master teachers. -Group classes learning the Mornet Method with other attendees. -Personalized instruction on music of your choice. -Performance preparation. -Local lunches catered by New Orleans chefs. Here are just a few ways of how you’ll benefit from your week with Jacques and Nathalie: -Unlock your emotional expression. -Fine tune your ear to listen more musically. -Learn the secrets of bellows phrasing to produce a rich sound. -Playing on the surface, and creating dynamics and a variety of articulations. The workshop schedule includes: • Monday afternoon: Brief orientation, then a short video is made of the song you’ll be working on during the week. After, our first group class, followed by private classes. • Tuesday through Friday: Attendees get two group classes and two private classes per day, and lunches (from Tuesday until Friday) are included in the workshop price. • Friday afternoon: a final group class, then the “after” videos are made of each student. • Friday night: an end-of-workshop recital in which everyone will present the music they worked on during the week, followed by a professional performance by Nathalie Boucheix. (Attendees are strongly encouraged, but not required, to perform in the recital.) • Saturday: The final morning of the workshop, in which before-and-after videos of your progress are reviewed, along with a detailed analysis of your strengths, and areas which can be focused on in your post-workshop practices and performances. Tuition: 1. Early bird registration is $575 and ends on March 13, 2023. After that date, full tuition of the workshop is $675. 2. Pre-registration: You can hold your workshop place with a non-refundable pre-registration deposit of $200. You can pre-register up until March 13, 2023, and the balance is due any time before April 7, 2023. 3. Full registration: You can register and pay the full amount at any time. For further information on registration, payment etc.: cnimausa@gmail.com |
2023 Master Classes in Spain with Victor Prietoby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video: Víctor Prieto & The New York VoyagersSantiago Greco, Bass Michael Olivera, drums Viktor Prieto informs that the 2023 Master Class will be entirely in English. He will translate to Spanish and Russian in case it is needed as in past years. For Registration:You will be required to audition for The International Jazz Accordion Master Classes City of Ourense, July, 2023. Once again Ourense City (Spain) will become the center of Jazz - World Music Accordion world Wide. There are 9 available spots. (July 15 - 16, 2023). Please send a video recording just playing alone or with your group to info@victorprieto.net. You will be notified if you have been selected to participate in the Master Classes in April - May. You will receive information about transportation, hotels and lodging. NOTE: The hotel and meals will be free for all the participants If you have any question please write to the organization office: Xohán Manuel Xil Páxaro Phone: +34-665-629-110 info@victorprieto.net The master class will be held on 15th -16th of July and will take place at Centro Cuntural Marcos Varcarcel (Ourense - Spain) Group and Schedules: -The group will have a maximum of 9 to 10 students. -The Master Class will last for 10 hours distributed as follows: 3 hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon each day. -The classes will run from 10:30 to 13:30 and 15:30 to 17:30. The lunch break will be from 13:30 to 15:30. -The Master Class will be entirely in English. Victor will translate to Spanish in case it is needed as in past years Jam sessions: During the night, there will be an open Jam session at the best Jazz Club of the city "Cafe Cultural Auriense" so all the participants can play with other instruments, experiment, socialize and have a great time performing in front of an audience. Victor Prieto holds a degree in Jazz Accordion Performance from Berklee College of Music (Boston), where he studied with a full scholarship and a Diploma in Classical Accordion from Ouresnse - Spain Conservatory. Grammy Winner Victor Prieto is hailed by The New York Times as "A fiendishly skilled accordionist and composer. He has changed the way musicians and spectators view accordion by revolutionizing both technique and sound (Chord approach on both hands). His love for the traditional Galician music and classical education enriches his compositions with explosive rhythm and colors uniquely combining Galician Roots, Celtic, Brazilian, Jazz, Tango, and Classical music Victor continues collaborating on world stages with Yo-Yo Ma (Songs of Joy and Peace, Sony BMG Masterworks. "2010 Grammy Winning Album"), Arturo O'Farrill Latin Jazz Orchestra, Cristina Pato, The Maria Schneider Orchestra, Valinor Quartet ("Second Half" 2014 Grammy Nominated album) Paquito D’Rivera, Chris Cheek, Christian Howes Group. He teaches Master Classes in US Berklee College of Music, "Playing outside the Box", Spain, Italy, Portugal and has headed the jazz accordion studies at the Brooklyn Conservatory, New York and he also was the Chairman of the Accordion department at Adagio Conservatory, Lugo (Spain). Some of Victor’s awards and prizes are: The Creative Performer award from the Spanish Association of Artists and Performers, and the first prize CMZK’s Concourse of Composition. Victor Prieto holds a Degree in Jazz accordion performance from Berklee College of Music, where he studied with a full scholarship and a Diploma in classical accordion from Ourense - Spain Conservatory. Victor created his own study program applying the expertise offered by educators at Berklee to the accordion. His students are internationally renowned accordionists and teachers. For more information: masterclass@victorprieto.net |