MASSACHUSETTS Volume 7, Issue 8 ASSOCIATION October 2013

The MAAA is a group of accordion enthusiasts that Nils Flacke, Swedish accordion king, welcomes players of all skill reigns at MAAA September meeting levels and accordion types, Many thanks to as well as interested non- Donna Maria players. Regis of the New Hampshire Join us! Open to the public! Accordion 4th Sunday of every month Association for helping MAAA 1:30-4:00 p.m. arrange this exciting Ciociaro Social Club opportunity to 144 Bridge Street hear a master of Newton, Massachusetts the instrument and champion of the Next meeting Nils Flacke, one of Sweden’s kings accordion’s history. October 27, 2013 of accordion, performed at the MAAA meeting on September The meeting began with the best kind of open mike session, Mark your calendar 22. A master of old types of , Flacke is dedicated which featured professionals and November 17, 2013 accordion student debuts. December 15, 2013 to sustaining the tradition of Scandinavian folk music. His concert included many traditional Stay connected works, Sibelius’ Finlandia, his www.MAAccordion.org own “Memories from the Silent Movies,” and many others.

Like Nils was one of the founders of Share the Jularbo Museum in Avesta, Post Sweden in 1984 and has donated www.facebook.com/ dozens of rare antique accordions Photos: Tony Marini MAAccordion to the museum’s collection as well as posters, photos, and other After his performance, Nils Flacke and members of the Central Please email your news memorabilia. Massachusetts Accordion Club and items of interest to the Nils’ performance was a fitting (CMAC)--some of whom are newsletter editor:catherine. inauguration for MAAA’s new also MAAA members--played [email protected] Bose sound system, which did Scandinavian dance music. justice to the magnificent music that was performed. More about CMAC on page 4. MASSACHUSETTS ACCORDION ASSOCIATION 2

Honoring Bob Guenther My Accordion Life MAAA’s President, Bob Guenther, by Bob Guenther passed away April 22, 2013 at the When asked by Lenny to write age of 57. “We respected Bob and a little about myself, I found his dedication so much that the it difficult to start. Being the MAAA Board decided not to fill newsletter editor for the MA the Presidency until the October Accordion Association for almost meeting,” said Jim Avedisian, 4 years, it’s always easier to write MAAA Vice President. about someone else. In remembrance of Bob and Back in the early 60’s, my mom his many contributions to the and dad thought it would be good involved with. My schedule did Association and the people if I learned an instrument (they not allow me to take the long trips who knew him, we reproduce also thought it was good for me to practice with them on a regular here an article that he wrote for to learn ballet, but that’s another basis, but it was an experience Lenny Feldmann’s Cordeen Man story for another time). I wanted I will remember forever. Kind newsletter. Thank you to Dave to learn a “cool” instrument back of turned things around for me Magliozzi for providing link to the then, like the guitar or trumpet, with my developing my playing of article. but instead, one day dad came songs from the Sound of Music MAAA Board elections home with an accordion. My and some rag time songs, like heart sank when I saw that box Hello My Baby. and bylaw changes instrument. Mom enrolled me Then college came. It was not The Massachusetts Accordion with my first instructor in Linden, “cool” to play an accordion in Association is a volunteer-run NJ. college in the early 70’s. I did not nonprofit organization. Elections It was a struggle to learn and I play again until my mid 20’s when will place at the October seemed to learn a lot slower than I met my second wife. Her mom meeting. The following slate of the others taking lessons at the was probably the first person that officers has been nominated: time. Mom would keep on me I met, other than my parents, who President: Tony Marini to practice every day and, the really liked the accordion. I began Vice president: Jim Avedisian strict Irish Catholic disciplinarian playing again and would perform Secretary/Treasurer: Patty that she was, I did. After awhile, at Christmas time in her hair salon Simmons I would start playing some songs for her customers. I was truly and then the embarrassment enjoying playing the accordion Board of Directors would start – playing in front of for the first time in my life, but I Al Bacchiocchi others, especially relatives. was stagnant with no new music Jan Borelli other than my earlier high school So, my early years with the Carmen D’Angelo repertoire. accordion were a struggle. Gary Morin Eventually I began to enjoy playing Tragedy struck in 1986 when the Ed Wawrzynowicz as I continued trying to play. In flooding of our home in Billerica, high school I met a friend who MA destroyed my accordion. We More information is available was also an accordion player and lived on a hill, so my practice area in the July issue of the MAAA invited me to a practice session was in the basement. The rain was newsletter, available online: with the Strummers, who he was so hard for so long, our basement www.MAAccordion.org. Continued on next page... MASSACHUSETTS ACCORDION ASSOCIATION 3

My Accordion Life... continued e-bay, until I settled on an older new songs on the accordion. Universal accordion that was Finally, I was really excited to leaked from the pressure of the probably a younger players size, further develop my abilities with ground water pressing against the since it had the 120 bass and 41 the accordion and I was beginning foundation, going downhill for keys, but was about ¾ the size of to comprehend again, near to such a long period of time. I did the one I use to have. where I was before the tumor. not play again for quite a while. Initially, it was difficult trying to Back when I was recovering from Then in July 2002, I was diagnosed remember the songs I use to play, the surgery and the treatments, I with a stage 4 brain tumor that trying to find the song books thought that I would like to “give had metastasized from my “retired” after I lost my accordion back” to others the joys that I lungs. Through the many prayer back in the great Billerica flood of have had throughout my life. I groups my mom created and the 1986. now volunteer playing for assisted incredible doctor and surgeon living facilities. What a great way who operated and the technology Slowly, after a couple of months to learn how to play in front of of cancer treatments at the time, I of strapping it on and finding a others. My first performances have survived now for eight years couple of early songs, I began to were horrible, but again, like (six years longer than predicted). everything else, when you keep Since it was my brain that was with something you do get better. affected by the radiation and Today, I still volunteer at an chemo treatments for several assisted living facility in Billerica, months, I was truly concerned as MA, been invited to play at parties to my mental retention to think and even have a regular weekly and function at the levels I had gig at a restaurant in Tewksbury, before the tumor. I would try to MA. take tests, do puzzles and read to get my mental capacity to I am so thankful for those early where it once was. Then it came argumentative days I had with my to me that the most challenging mom to practice an instrument exercise when I was younger was that I did not want to learn and to learn to play the accordion. I that was a true struggle to play. thought this would be the best The sacrifice of my mom and way to “heal” and re-build my regain some of my playing skills. I dad, the repertoire developed comprehensive and motor skills did find it more challenging since from listening to karaoke and the since the accordion involves the the keys, although 41 of them, volunteering at assisted living right hand, the left hand, bellows were narrower due to the 16” facilities are the cornerstones control and eyesight to hand length, as opposed to the 19¼ “ of where I am today. Most coordination to read music and length I was use to. I was focusing importantly, if it wasn’t for the play at the same time. on getting better, mentally and accordion, I believe that I would mechanically. still be rehabbing from my So, with a renewed dedication, surgery. I went on my search to replace Then, in 2005, my wife joined the the accordion that I had lost. This Red Hat Society, through which, My Accordion Life by Bob brain tumor thing was the 2nd we met our new best friends who Guenther was originally published life changing experience in my happen to also be a karaoke DJ online: www.cordeenman.com/ life, so financially, things were and singer. It is through karaoke bg/BG-Accordion-Life.pdf tough. I went through a couple of that I heard and wanted to learn cheap, second hand accordions on MASSACHUSETTS ACCORDION ASSOCIATION 4

Accordion Friends from Central Gary Morin Massachusetts performance by Dan Mackowiak locations in Connecticut and New Hampshire. In addition, small Several members of the Central groups spun from the CMAC Mass Accordion Club (CMAC) membership play for functions attended the MAAA meeting requiring fewer musicians. on September 22, drawn by the appearance of Swedish The CMAC has an extensive accordionist extraordinaire, Nils repertoire compiled from Flacke. On the other hand, a few numerous sources, including Nils of them may have otherwise been Lundin, who many consider the at the meeting because they are dean of Scandinavian music in also MAAA members. the New England area. MAAA member Gary Morin was The CMAC specializes in playing After the Flacke concert at recently profiled in the Sentinel Scandinavian dance music. It the MAAA meeting, seven and Enterprise newspaper. The is based in Rutland, MA--the accordionists from CMAC, joined article, “Accordion coming back, location of Sovittaja Park, a by Nils Flacke, played selections according to Gary Morin,” traced Finnish social club that sponsors a from their repertoire. Three his journey from finding a small dance series during the summer MAAA members are CMAC Sears accordion in the trash on months. The group was founded members: George Carlson, Arthur his way home from junior high several years ago by Bernie Nowak Richard, and Dan Mackowiak. school, to his recent performance with two primary purposes: to Dan commented, “It seems the on September 27 show at the provide an outlet for accordionists Scandinavian community is fond Drawbridge Puppet Theater in to play together; and to offer a of the accordion which is the Lunenberg as part of the theater's source of live music for an active featured instrument in many Friday Night Concert Series. Scandinavian dance community in Scandinavian ensembles. Dancers that area. The CMAC membership are very responsive to the Several MAAA members attended roster totals about twenty. music created by the accordion. the performance, after which Gary received a standing ovation. The The CMAC occasionally performs It is a delight to play for such program included songs about at other venues, including enthusiastic audiences.” autumn, Irish ballads, Italian serenades, French love songs, and A special Roland event at German, Polish and Jewish pieces. Falcetti Music in Springfield, MA Gary also played a tribute to his showcased the latest Roland mentor, accordion player Art Van accordion (FR-8x) and a workshop Damme. "Van Damme did for by Don and Leslie McMahon on accordion what Benny Goodman “Backing a Vocalist.” did for clarinet," said Morin in the newspaper article. "Van Damme Thank you to Jim Avedesian for played big band music; he was sharing this photo and a video of one of the fastest jazz players ever Don and Leslie performing a single to live." song in three styles with three different intros and endings. Read the full article online. MASSACHUSETTS ACCORDION ASSOCIATION 5

Cape Accordion 2013 The concept of Cape Accordion was born in 2010 when Dave Magliozzi and James Gerke, both members of MAAA, met on the Cape with their accordions for a few hours, and thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a retreat where musicians could meet and hold workshops and trade ideas and play 24 hours a day?”

After connecting online with CD Mazoff of Victoria, British Columbia, who wanted to meet and invite others to discuss tango, french musette, and bellows control, Accordions 2011 was organized. CD unofficially named it ‘The Doo.’ Accordionists from around the country, Canada, and Doug Makofka and Janet Borelli play one from Germany gathered at the Oaks Guest House in Harwich MA, an Excelsior accordions duet which is owned by James’ family. Several MAAA members dropped in Doug Makofka, Len Feldman, Don during the event. McMahon, Leslie McMahon, Jan and Lou Borelli, Alexei Tsiganov, Cape Accordion 2012, which also took place during the last week in Roberto Cassan, Fabio Pirozzolo, August, was another marvelous event. Ian Fries, MD, presented a lecture and Simon Shapiro.

“I personally got to play and practice with Cathie Travers and Frank Petrilli, Frank Morocco’s protégé, several times a day, every day of the week,” Dave reports. “This was the thrill of a lifetime for me. What a blast! We all have become great friends. Hopefully there will be a 2014 Cape Accordion.”

You can view photos from Cape Accordion on the Accordion Gallery webpage:

2011: http://www. accordiongallery.com/Cape- Accordion-2011.html Dave Magliozzi and Cathie Travers at Cape Accordion 2013 2012: http://www. on the hand, Guenadiy Lazarov conducted a workshop on accordion accordiongallery.com/Cape- repair, and people from around the world (Chico Chagas of Brazil, Accordion-2012.html CD Mazoff of Victoria, BC, and Sandra Figueiredo of Lisboa, Portugal) participated via Skype. 2013: http://www. accordiongallery.com/Cape- News of CAPE ACCORDION continued to spread through the Facebook Accordion-2013.html group Accordion Friends, which Dave describes as “The ongoing, virtual Cape Accordion event.” In 2013, Australia’s Cathie Travers and Los Angeles-based Frank Petrilli flew in to join Melody Ben Flah, Len Imbry, MASSACHUSETTS ACCORDION ASSOCIATION 6

HONK! if you ♥ accordions club shows, and shows with the Circus Guild.” The 8th annual HONK! Festival takes place October 11-13, when social activist street bands from across the county and the world converge in For eHawk, the activist aspect Somerville and Cambridge. The music is acoustic and mobile, rooted in of HONK is “bringing artistic diverse folk music traditions like New Orleans second line brass bands, expression and music to people , Balkan, Romani, and Brazilian Afro. everywhere. HONK is free, it’s outside, it’s for everyone. People Not bond and it doesn’t matter what everything your political persuasion is. It’s hard not to fall in love with it!” that’s honking is brass! One of the best parts for her is the warmth and joy of seeing another EHawk, an accordion in another band. “HONK accordionist is a big family. People have meals in Emperor together and jam together. No Norton’s matter what the group, people Stationary make room for every instrument. Marching Band, They’ll lower their volume to reports that make sure an instrument is heard. about one-third That kind of sharing is really of HONK!’s moving.” bands include accordions How does she handle the two- Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band and that “A mile parade that is one of HONK’s lot of itinerant highlights? “I found the lightest accordion players will show up and play with a band. HONK! Becomes a accordion I could. Mine is about home for wayward musicians who really want to play.” 16 pounds. It’s small but really versatile. I can walk with it for It’s a colorful, fun, joyous, and inclusive musical happening. But about four hours.” underlying all the costumes and celebrations are diverse musicians intent on sparking positive change in their communities. When not honking and squeezing, eHawk works at the Harvard Until she experienced HONK, eHawk was primarily a vocalist who had Museum of National History, grown up playing the but, as she observes, “Piano is not mobile! “playing with mollusks all day. But As a joke, I picked up a melodica and there I was, honking and blowing I try to play music wherever I can.” into an instrument that had a keyboard! It was a lot of fun but the melodica is quiet--if you put me next to any kind of horn, I am lost. I Emperor Norton’s Stationary borrowed an accordion and it was awesome—a lot of fun and a lot more Marching Band will be playing versatile. So I got my own accordion, and I’ve been playing ever since.” at the pre-HONK! Festivities Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band is made up of “about 17 Thursday night in Union Square, musicians—it varies,” she says. Instrumentation, in addition to her Somerville, from 7-10. Check the accordion, includes percussionists, sousaphone, trombone, trumpet, saxes, piccolo, violin, and sometimes marimba.“We play a mix of world entire schedule of HONK events, music in any kind of crazy time signature we can come up with while still at www.honkfest.org. being a party band,” she says. “People always dance. We play a lot of MASSACHUSETTS ACCORDION ASSOCIATION 7

HONK! FESTIVAL Sunday, October 13, 2013 Special events HONK! Parade www.honkfest.org See related story on page 6. 12:00-2:00 p.m. OKTOBERFEST The parade leaves Davis Square at WITH NHAA Saturday, Oct. 12, 12:30 p.m. noon, travels down Elm Street and Seven HIlls Park, Davis Square Beech Street to Massachusetts Saturday, October 19, 2013 Opening Ceremony Accordion Connection, Ave and concludes in Harvard Gilmanton, NH 1:00-9:00 p.m. Square. 12:30-4:00 PM Davis Square, Somerville For information about the Ladies MAAA members are invited More than 25 activist street Accordion Orchestra that is being to meet our New Hampshire bands from around the world organized for the parade, email “accordion cousins” at their gather for ongoing, free outdoor [email protected]. Oktoberfest celebration. If you performances. plan to attend, or if you’d like to Open-to-all pick-up band 2:00-6:00 p.m. play at the open mike or play- 4:00-5:00 p.m. HONK! Bands perform together along, please email Jim Avedesian Winter Street Lot on the Main Stage of Harvard’s ([email protected]) by Pick-up band, open to all. Join Oktoberfest and on smaller stages October 17. other accordionists and HONKERS around Harvard Square. to make music.

Debo Band Gigs & shows Friday, October 18, 7:30 p.m. MAAA LEADERSHIP Regattabar, Cambridge, MA Email gigs and other accordion www.regattabarjazz.com See page 1 for info about events to: Boston’s Debo Band reinvents upcoming Board elections. [email protected] the golden age of Ethiopian pop President with a big band lineup of horns, musAner Bob Guenther accordion, guitars, and violins. Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Regattabar, Cambridge Vice-President Cory Pesaturo and Zulu Time www.regattabarjazz.com Jim Avedisian Saturday, October 19, 7:30 p.m. A ten-person ensemble blends Wakefield Unitarian Universalist jazz and Armenian folk music, Treasurer\Secretary Church, Wakefield, MA joined by the ethnographic singer Patty Simmons www.sroconcerts.org Aleksan Harutyunyan. World champion accordionist Board Members Cory Pesaturo, violinist Gabriel Echoes of Erin Lewis Howes Solomon, and bassist Richey Tally Saturday, October 12, 8:00 p.m. Ed Wawrzynowicz will play jazz, musette, tango, Waltham High School, Waltham Al Bacchiocchi klezmer, folk music of Bulgaria www.cceboston.org Penny Yunuba and Macedonia, classical, and The Echoes of Erin tour showcases original compositions. accordionist Joseph Keane and Board Advisor other All-Ireland champion Tony Marini Lou Borelli Octet musicians playing traditional November 5, 2013 music with champion dancers. Nick’s, Worcester www.BorelliMusic.com