AMERICAN ACCORDIONISTS’ ASSOCIATION Newsletter A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association SEPTEMBER 2012 From the Editor Here’s What’s Welcome to the September 2012 edition of the AAA Newsletter. This year has seen an eclectic array of accordion activities showcasing a tremendous variety of musical genres. Recently we have seen the accordion featured in such di- Happening at verse settings as Accordion Wrestling at the Lincoln Center in New York City, to ap- pearing as part of a new Apple Ipad application. We can truly say, there is something AAA in 2013 for everyone! My sincere thanks to you all for your kind support with the AAA Newsletter, and a special thanks MARCH 17, 2013 to both Rita Davidson for her assistance in providing News items, and Linda Reed, our AAA President 2:00 pm for the final production of the Newsletter itself. Open Meeting In our last edition, we launched a new section called “Coast to Coast” profiling some of the diverse Hanover Marriott accordion activities being held across the country. In this edition, we are pleased to continue sharing 1401 Route 10 East some of these exciting events with you. Whippany, NJ As we rapidly approach the busy holiday season, I hope you have time to share your accordion events with your fellow readers for the upcoming November edition. Items for the November Newslet- APRIL 21, 2013 ter can be sent to me at [email protected] or to [email protected]. Please include ‘AAA Carmen Carrozza Newsletter’ in the subject box, so that we don’t miss any items that come in. Text should be sent within the e-mail or as a Microsoft Word (.doc) attachment. Pictures should be sent as a high quality Scholarship Fund .jpg file, and the larger the file size the better. We can always reduce/crop the picture if necessary, Dinner & Dancing however we are unable to increase the quality from smaller pictures. The deadline for the November Villa Barone Hilltop Manor news will be the 15th of October. Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you all. 466 U.S. 6 Sincerely, Kevin Mahopac, NY Kevin Friedrich – AAA Newsletter Editor JULY 26-28, 2013 65th Coupe Mondiale in Spoleto, Italy Master Class and Concert AAA Governing Board members Mary House complete a sloping raked stage, made for Series - The Seminars Tokarski and Kevin Friedrich and AAA mem- an absolutely stunning setting for the 2012 Coupe The Accordion in 3D ber Joan Cochran Sommers were an integral Mondiale. part of the 65th Coupe Mondiale World Accor- The 2012 Coupe Mondiale was won by Chinese Tenri Cultural Institute dion Championships held in Spoleto, Italy 43A W13th Street, NYC contestant Xiaonan Xu, with two Russian contest- from Aug. 21-25, 2012. ants and a Serbian narrowly taking 2nd, 3rd and Moderator/Curator The beautiful medieval town of Spoleto, located 4th place. Amazingly, after three rounds of de- William Schimmel, midway between Rome and Ancona, complete manding international competition spread over a with castles, extremely narrow and steep tiny week, judged by a panel of nine international ad- AUGUST 14-18 2013 winding cobblestone streets, pathways linking the judicators, the final results saw less than one mark AAA 75th Anniversary various squares and alleyways, the stunning between the top four winners, ranging from 23.06 The New Yorker Hotel venue of the Teatro Nuovo "Giancarlo Menotti" for 4th Place to 23.45 for 1st place! The results and the 17 September Hall at the Spoleto Opera from all categories are: 8th Ave. at 34th Street continued on page 2 New York, NY See revervation information on page 4

Thank you to all who submitted online Evaluataion Forms from the Baltimore Festival. For those who were unable to access the form online, a hard copy is enclosed with this newsletter. All comments are World Accordion Orchestra Spoleto, Italy confidential. Joan Sommers, Conductor A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 2 SEPTEMBER 2012 Coupe Mondiale, continued from page 1 AAA Archival Collection by Helmi Harrington 65th Coupe Mondiale Ensemble Music Competition Joan Grauman, governing Elsie Bennett directly as well 1st. Xiaonan Xu - China 1st. Esse-Quintet - Russia board member and historian as through her estate-supervi- 2nd. Vitaly Kondratenko - K. Evseev & K. Evseeva for the American Accordion- sor son, Ken Bennett. Our Russia (Accordion), M. Krylov ists’ Association, and Helmi Charles Magnante estate col- 3rd. Alexander Veretennikov - & D. Chernykh (Bal- Harrington, curator of A World lection is housed here, as re- Russia alayka), D. Gogolev of Accordions Museum, are ceived from his son, Dr. Peter Junior Coupe Mondiale (Domra) actively compiling information Magnante, as is the complete 1st. Djordje Davidovic - 2nd. Perfect Storm - China about the history of the associ- collection of Pagani Publica- Serbia Xiaonan Xu (Accordion) ation and its events. Estab- tions and the works of Frank 2nd. Tian Jianan - China and Zujian Shang (Erhu) lished as the public face for the Gaviani, received from his 3rd. Vladimir Stupnikov - 3rd. Concertino - Moldova organization, AWAM is proud son, Frank Gaviani, Jr. Russia E. Negruta, M. Grosu, C. to offer this update about our Through previously published Virtuoso Entertainment Music Hioara & V. Leca evolving displays where visi- lists of AAA membership, we 1st. Zhao Liu - China (Accordion/percussion) tors are welcome and promo- conclude that people of ac- 2nd. Raffaele Crusco - Italy & A. Hohotov (Bass) tion of the organization is complishment as well as mas- 3rd. Sergey Lobkov - Russia Digital Accordion Competition continuous. The goals are to sive numbers of aficionados Junior Virtuoso Entertainment 1st. Petar Maric - Serbia permanently house records choose this organization and Music 2nd. Stanislav Malyshev - documenting activities, to are supported by it. 1st. Matteo Petronio - Italy Russia focus public awareness on In photos A 2nd. José Dias - Portugal 3rd. Guillaume Clerget - noteworthy members, and to and B you will 3rd. Jean-Baptiste Baudin - France make visible AAA’s societal see: posters France significance. In fact, it is pri- from AAA Masters Coupe Mondiale marily because of the planning board member 1st. Dmitrii Kiselev - Russia for this room that emphasis Mary 2nd. Dino Suljkovic - Serbia has been placed on compiling Tokarski; a 3rd. Klavdiya Tarabrina - AAA history now. This has Russia proven to be a more difficult project than expected. History Mary Tokarski served as the festival ever since. Joan also evaporates in a generation or framed USA-AAA Delegate at the served as a jury member for the two, and reliance on printed and 128th General Assembly of Junior Coupe Mondiale. Both documents becomes critical. matted Delegates at the CIA Congress, Mary Tokarski and Kevin Therefore, materials that may collec- as well as a member of the In- Friedrich performed in the seem insignificant in mem- tion of ternational Jury panel for the World Accordion Orchestra VI bers’ memorabilia boxes may photos new Masters Coupe Mondiale in the highly acclaimed per- be of first-line importance to with Al category, the most heavily con- formances of the Paragon us. We ask all readers of this Monte, tested event at the Coupe Mon- March by Anthony Galla-Rini newsletter to look for and to long- diale festival. Mary was also on (directed by Torsten Petzold donate photos, newspaper clip- time AAA member; AAA the jury for the International from Germany) and Joan’s pings, concert programs, Competition and Festival jour- Competition for Ensemble blockbuster arrangement of E.T. newsletters, trophies, and other nals from 1950 to the present; Music and the International by John Williams, which she pieces related to AAA history. and two filers housing docu- Competition for Digital Accor- conducted. Although the area’s official ments that need more sorting dion. Kevin Friedrich served as For a full report on the festi- opening celebrations still lie and evaluating. the CIA Ambassador as well as val including all contestants ahead, this room already has Shown in Photos C and D: webmaster for all the Coupe pictures and programs, a com- been viewed by many museum from Mondiale related websites in- plete set of results in .pdf in- visitors. To reflect the interna- Aldo cluding the reports that have cluding all adjudicators marks, tional importance of the sub- DeRossi been published online high- free video downloads of the top stantial array of AAA Archive and his lighting the weeklong activities. three winners in each category material currently housed at, cousin, AAA member Joan Cochran and pictures from throughout and promised to the museum, Donna Sommers, a Vice President of the festival, such as those of the plans to upgrade the AAA dis- Maria the CIA, was also the delegate magnificent World Accordion play facilities with profes- Regis we for the ATG at the Congress Orchestra, please visit sional furnishing and attractive have a meetings and she coordinated www.coupemondiale.org and display cases remains a top four-fold and directed the 70 member follow the links through to the priority. As always, readers are upright World Accordion Orchestra VI Italy Coupe Mondiale. invited to support this en- photo- which performed at the presti- Next year’s event will be held deavor. graphs gious Spoleto Opera House. immediately following the Contents of the AAA display Joan founded the World Accor- AAA 75th Anniversary Cele- Archival Collection include and CDs of his complete musi- dion Orchestra at the jointly brations in New York City when items already housed in the cal output; from the estate of hosted AAA/ATG Coupe Mon- the Coupe Mondiale is staged in museum as well as those sent Elsie Bennett we have bound diale in Alexandria, VA in 2007, Victoria, British Columbia, to us through Joan. Our copi- volumes of AAA, ATG and as- and it has served as an impor- Canada. ■ ous historic documents come sorted other publications, vinyl tant part of the Coupe Mondiale from many sources including recordings, composers’ fliers, continued on page 3 A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 3 SEPTEMBER 2012 Accordion is the Star of New Interactive Ipad Children’s Book App Acclarion, the husband and wife duo of David Carovillano (accordion) and Re- becca Sajo-Carovillano (clarinet) have created an interactive children’s book app for the iPAD called Squeezy, a story about musical instruments. Squeezy launched in Apple’s App Store in August, 2012. “We wanted to create a story to excite kids about musical instruments,” says David. As seasoned performers and music educa- tors, David and Rebecca are committed to promoting the value of the performing arts to the next generation. Set in a world of musical instruments, Squeezy tells the story of an accordion who desperately wants to play with the orchestra and join his only friend Clara, a beauti- ful clarinet and the orchestra’s newest recruit. But an embarrassing audition leaves Squeezy ousted from the concert hall. His chance encounter with a sage but scatter- brained metronome, Tick Tock, gives Squeezy hope that he’ll be able to learn to read notes and win favour with the orchestra’s leader, Barry Baton. Squeezy soon discov- ers that the Maestro’s orchestra is not all it’s cracked up to be: the maniacal conduc- tor has enslaved the instruments to do his bidding. Squeezy must find the voice within to stand up to Barry and free the orchestra from his tyrannical rule before Clara and the orchestra fall victim to the Maestro’s Symphony of Sorrows. “The story was first inspired by our experiences at the Carrefour Mondiale de L’Accordeon in Montmagny, Quebec where we saw a mix of generations and people from all over the world gathered for the love of the accordion,” Rebecca explains. “It was espe- cially exciting to see so many kids playing the accordion.” Squeezy is an endearing story which hopes to do for musical instruments what Disney classics like Ratatouille did for chefs. The IPAD app will delight children and adults alike with: • 38 pages chock full of vivid, colorful illustrations • 9 fully orchestrated songs with follow-along lyrics displayed on screen • Professional narration, with every character in his/her own distinctive voice • Entire story written in rhyme with interactive supplemental dialogue • Fully orchestrated musical score • Hundreds of interactive elements: tap, swipe, drag and pinch on every page • Tons of animations: dancing instruments, lightning, zapping with magic, smoke to swipe away and more!

Visit Squeezy on the web at: www.squeezybook.com Like Squeezy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SqueezyBook Follow Squeezy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SqueezyBook Squeezy is available at Apple’s App Store for $3.99. ■ World Premieres by Alexander Sevastian AAA Archival Collection, continued from page 2 On August 2, several impor- that era. The program included: some AAA commissioned Concert Hall. They include tant new accordion works were 1. "Angel of Love" and "Sor- music, and many filer drawers Magnante’s awards and premiered by Alexander Sevast- row Angel" by Mikhail Bronner of miscellaneous documents recognition plaques, big-game ian and the Glenn Gould string (for accordion & violin) - World and correspondences. The shooting trophies, and other quartet at the Music Niagara In- Premiere large grey felt board will soon pieces of ternational Festival in Niagara- 2. "Capriccio 1812" by show a linear history. visual in- on-the-Lake, Canada. Mikhail Bronner (for accordion Shown in terest. The concert was dedicated to & String Quartet) - World Pre- Photo E: Shown the anniversary of the War of miere founding in Photo 1812 (Quinston Height Battle) 3. "Quinston Heights Rhap- member of F: from and the performers were the AAA, Dr. sody" by D. Varelas (accordion, dressed in the costumes from continued on next page Charles Carmelo Magnante’s Pino, former president of estate in- AAA and longtime supporter cludes a of the museum, we display four-drawer original manuscripts, photo- filer of music, manuscripts, graphs, trophies, and pub- recordings, personal memora- lished music. Adjoining the bilia, candid and formal pho- AAA Archival Collection tos, and research materials (through a curved passageway listed in my book The Charles seen behind the large Mag- Magnante Story: Autobiogra- nante cut-out) is a room dedi- phy of America’s Great Ac- cated to The Deffner Legacy: cordionist. Items that call Ernest and Faithe Deffner. A attention to our Magnante es- report on the evolution of this tate are also displayed in the area will be presented at a ■ Pictured above are Alexander Sevastian, Mikhail Bronner and Atis Bankas, Special Exhibits Area of the later date. the leader of the Glenn Gould String Quartet. A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 4 SEPTEMBER 2012 Sevastian World Premieres, cont’d. from page 3 Renowned New York ‘Bargemusic’ Series String Quartet, flute, flute-piccolo & drums) - World Premiere features Accordionist 4. "Still Life in Beige" by Dmitriy Varelas (for String Quartet) "Capriccio 1812" was commissioned by Alexander Sevastian. The popular New York concert intimate wood-panelled room The performance was very well attended and well received by the series Bargemusic ‘Here and with thrilling views of lower Now Series’ featured an eclectic Manhattan and excellent audience. The piece has already been recorded and will be re- array of contemporary music acoustics.” Critics call Bargemu- leased soon on Alexander Sevastian`s 4th CD. A future perform- ranging from modern ragtime to sic “the perfect chamber-music ance of this piece is scheduled on November 15 at the Richmond experimental music featuring the hall” while artists say it is “un- Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. For more information about debut of a new instrument called like any other place in the world Mr. Bronner please visit www.bronner.ru the Haken Continuum. Perform- to perform.” "Quinston Heights Rhapsody" was commissioned to the young ing a three hour program of con- The concert concluded with Canadian composer Dmitriy Varelas by Music Niagara. temporary composers, Trillo, comprising Merima For more information about Dmitriy Varelas please visit highlighting a diverse array of Kljuco (accordion), Moran Katz www.varelas.net. ■ instrumentation including piano, (clarinet) and Remy Yulzari cello, clarinet, bass clarinet, (double bass). Merima is a voice, bassoon, french horn, renowned accordionist who per- Guy Klucevsek Teetering on the Verge of Normalcy oboe, flute, recorder, guitar and forms as a recitalist and has been accordion, the popular concert guest soloist with orchestras in- On October 25th, 2012 at 8:00 Guy series attracted a full house. cluding the Scottish Chamber pm, highly acclaimed accordionist Klucevsek Dubbed New York City’s Orchestra, the Holland Sympho- Guy Klucevsek will perform solo floating Concert Hall, moored in nia and the Netherlands Radio pieces in a program titled ‘Teetering Brooklyn just under the Brook- Philharmonic Orchestra. As a on the Edge of Normalcy’. In- lyn Bridge, Bargemusic presents soloist, she has participated in a cluded will be selections from the great music up to five days a number of festivals including the vast catalog of over 100 pieces he week, every week of the year. Gubaidulina Festival with world has composed for accordion since The audience enters by walking famous Russian composer, Sofia 1982, including tributes to com- ■ posers György Ligeti, Erik Satie, across the gangplank of a reno- Gubaidulina. and Astor Piazzolla, and to fellow vated barge into a “wonderfully accordionists Lars Hollmer (Swe- den), Kepa Junkera (Basque) and Ivan Milev (Bulgaria). For part two of the program, Guy will be joined by “New York's reigning classical/jazz violinist” - the New Yorker, Todd Reynolds, to preview Guy's score for Li- onel Popkin's new dance/theater piece, "Ruth Doesn't Live Here Anymore," inspired by the work of modern dance pioneer, Ruth St. Denis. Guy Klucevsek is one of the world’s most versatile and highly re- spected accordionists. He is the recipient of a 2010 United States Artists Collins Fellowship, an unrestricted $50,000 award given an- nually to "America's finest artists." In 1996, he founded Accordion Tribe, an international ensemble where he is joined by composer/ Left to right: Moran Katz, Merima Kljuco and Remy Yulzari. accordionists Otto Lechner (Austria), Maria Kalanemi (Finland), Lars Hollmer (Sweden), Bratko Bibic (Slovenia). They toured in- Dominic Karcic and the Continental Sound ternationally from 1996-2009, and are the subjects of Stefan Schwi- etert’s award-winning documentary film, Accordion Tribe: Music Orchestra in New York Travels. Accordionist Dominic Karcic and his “Continen- Guy has released over 20 recordings as soloist/leader on Tzadik, tal Sound Orchestra”, featuring vocalist Bruce Winter & Winter, Innova, Starkland, Review, Intuition, CRI, and Reed, will be part of the musical festivities at the XI. Stereo Review cited his Starkland recording, Transylvanian Italian Charities Dinner Dance on Sunday, October Software, as a recording of special merit" (1995). He can also be 14, 2012. The event will begin at 1 PM at Roma heard on John Williams’s orchestral scores for the Steven Spielberg View Caterers located at 160-05 Crossbay Blvd., films, “The Terminal,” "Munich," “Indiana Jones and the King- Howard Beach, NY. For information, please con- dom of the Crystal Skull,” and “The Adventures of Tin-Tin,” and on tact Ms. Rose Sproviero at (718) 699-9299. A. R. Rahman’s score for “People Like Us.” The group will also perform at the Fubinese Society Dinner Dance The concert will take place at Roulette, 509 Atlantic Ave. Brook- on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 1 PM at Riccardo¹s Caterers 21- lyn, tickets are $15/10 members/students/seniors or visit 01 24 Ave. Astoria, NY. For this function, please contact: Mr. www.roulette.org or e-mail: [email protected] ■ Adrian Longo at (718) 429-5186 for futher information. ■

The New Yorker Hotel is one of the most famous New York City hotels. Come revel in the newly re-imagined grandeur of this historic hotel. The guest rooms and suites deliver contemporary comforts that leave nothing to be desired for today's business travelers and guests. For reservations: 1-800-764-4680. Call betweein 8-5 EST for best results. Please mention American Accordionists’ As- sociation and NOT AAA. Reduced room rates are $179 per night. A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 5 SEPTEMBER 2012 2nd Anniversary of LIAA Premiere of "Accordion Wrestling" at Lincoln Center in New York August saw the "Long Island Accordion Alliance" (LIAA), Finnish accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen gave the renowned for composing and performing accor- celebrating their second an- USA Premiere of "Accordion Wrestling" in his dion music in revolutionary new ways. He has niversary at their regular venue first New York appearance with Helsinki Nelson. recorded and performed with many projects and of La Villini Restaurant in East Presenting two shows on August 3rd and 4th, groups worldwide. He has also composed music Northport, Long Island, NY. more than 1,000 people packed each show at the for films, dance and theatre. Their anniversary program Lincoln Center Damrosch Park Stage, ranging Pohjonen has released eight albums, the latest featured accordionist Dominic from the Finnish Consulate General to curious at- of which is Uniko with Samuli Kosminen and Karcic who performed with tendees who were lured by press reports and the Kronos Quartet, released in February, 2011. The award-winning New York vo- intrigue of what the combination of wrestling and previous album was 2008's Quiver by the trio calist Connie Shakalis, present- the accordion might provide. KTU, featuring Pat Mastelotto and Trey Gunn ing works by Victor Herbert, (King Crimson). His Earth Machine Music proj- Giacomo Puccini, Richard ect, featuring live collaboration with farmers and Rodgers, George M. Cohan, and their machines, toured UK and Australia. Lerner and Loewe. Pohjonen also performs in the trio K Cube with Originally from Astoria, NY, Finnish drummer Sami Kuoppamäki and guitarist Dominic Karcic attended New Timo Kämäräinen. Pohjonen and French drum- York College of Music where mer Eric Echampard perform as a 100% improvi- he earned a Bachelor of Music sational duo. Pohjonen also performs with degree and continued his educa- Kluster featuring sampling maestros Juuso Han- tion at the City University of nukainen or Samuli Kosminen. New York (CCNY) where he re- His most recent project, "Accordion Wrestling" ceived his Master’s Degree in takes place with ten Finnish wrestlers and the Music. Iron Lung project with visual artist / conceptual- Dominic was a public school ist Ville Walo. Kimmo describes "Accordion music teacher for thirty-two Wrestling" as music, years focusing on vocal and in- sport, dance, theatre strumental instruction in the and performance art Long Island towns of Valley revival of wrestling Stream, Freeport, and Baldwin. and accordion tradi- He has always played profes- tion from the 1920s- sionally in the New York metro- "Accordion Wrestling" was originally created 1960s. "Accordion politan area and continues to do for the Turku Cultural Capital of Europe Program Wrestling" toured so today. His love for the Val- in 2011. The event is sponsored by SofTrek Cor- Finland in 2010, taro Musette music was instilled poration and made possible in part by the Con- Hamburg in 2011 in him through his years of sulate General of Finland, The Foundation for the and to UK, Amster- study with noted accordionist, Promotion of Finnish Music (LUSES), The dam and NYC in Peter Spagnoli. Finnish Performing Music Promotion Centre 2012. The choreog- A governing board member of ESEK, Finn Spark, Inc. and Finlandia Founda- rapher is Ari Num- the AAA, Dominic Karcic, is also working on a project hop- tion National. minen. Kimmo Pohjonen's solo show continues Kimmo Pohjonen, a Finnish accordionist, is a to tour regularly. In 2012 Pohjonen took the show ing to make a documentary film ■ on the history and origin of Val- highly respected "accordion adventurer" who is to New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. taro Musette music in New York City. Lynda Griffith Releases New Book, ‘Playing Well’ The September meeting of the Lynda Griffith, Doctor of Physical Therapy, is a tional therapists, massage Long Island Accordion Alliance specialist in the biomechanics of orthopedic in- therapists, chiropractors and (LIAA) on September 4th, 2012 jury to musicians, dancers and athletes, player of other practitioners who treat at 7:00 PM at La Villini Restau- accordion, concertina and bandoneon and certi- injured musicians and rant featured noted German- fied instrument repair technician. would have academic or American accordionists Gus She has written and illustrated a new book, professional interest in Sengenberger, John Stampfel "PLAYING WELL" which is a detailed reference knowing about players of and John Weber. for: musicians, players, parents and teachers of accordion, concertina and For further information, accordion, concertina and bandoneon with regard bandoneon. please e-mail Dominic at: dkar- to injury, injury prevention and performance. It is "PLAYING WELL" will [email protected] ■ also for physicians, physical therapists, occupa- give the player, teacher, par- ent and practitioner common ground to facilitate communication and understanding. Lynda said, "Members of a symphony orchestra, who are also physicians, mathematicians, physicists or engi- neers, sometimes blend their science and music interests. A similar coupling occurs in this unique book because I combine my knowledge of and expertise in playing, constructing and repairing instruments in the accordion family with my pro- fessional training and practice in orthopedic phys- continued on next page A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 “Playing Well,” cont’d. from page 5 Julien Labro Performs with the Detroit ical and manual therapy, clinical College in Boston, did post- Symphony Orchestra kinesiology and biomechanics, graduate training in physical Brazilian jazz was the feature athletic training and exercise therapy at Childrens' Hospital on July 13th when the Detroit Julien Labro sciences." of Los Angeles and has a Bach- Symphony Orchestra, con- Lynda Griffith has 30 years elor/s degree in Kinesiology ducted by Carolyn Kuan, pre- experience in private practice as from the University of Wash- sented their third annual a physical therapist specializing ington. In addition she studied weekend of outdoor concerts at in manual treatment and biome- music with accordion as her pri- the Edsel and Eleanore Ford chanic analysis of orthopedic mary instrument at University House in Grosse Pointe Shores. injuries to musicians, dancers of Wisconsin-Superior. She is The orchestra serenaded audi- and athletes. She currently has a also a graduate of Accordion- ences as the sun set over Lake private practice in Grand Concertina Repair Technicians' Saint Clair. Rapids, Minnesota. Lynda School in Superior WI. The program included Julien began her career as an Athletic Lynda launched the book at Labro, a graduate of Wayne Many AAA members will re- Trainer, certified by the Na- the ATG Festival this summer State University and co-leader member when Julien won the tional Athletic Trainers Associa- and is now available for $60.00. of the Django Reinhardt-in- coveted $10,000 First Prize at tion and was certified as a The book has been well re- spired Hot Club of Detroit. the AAA Vivian Vivio Stolaruk strength and conditioning coach ceived and is now available on- Also performing were Brazil- International Entertainment by the National Association of line from the author by ian-born singer-guitarist Competition for Accordionists Speed and Explosion. contacting Lynda at: Lgac- Paulinho Garcia and Polish jazz that took place at the annual She has a Doctorate in Physi- [email protected] ■ vocalist Grazyna Auguscik in a AAA Competition and Festival cal Therapy from Simmons program of songs by the cele- in July of 2005 in Dearborn, brated Antonio Carlos Jobim. Michigan. The New England Accordion Museum Julien and Garcia are longtime His performance with the collaborators on the music of “Hot Club of Detroit” garnered Paul Ramunni, founder and Brazil. numerous critical acclaims and director of the New England Julien said, “On the page, it prizes like “Best Jazz Tradi- Accordion Museum, brought a can look very easy, but it's actu- tional Group” at the Detroit fascinating collection of photo- ally difficult to play, to get the Music Awards 2006, 2007, graphs, music, and vintage ac- style right. The simple things 2008, 2010, and 2011. He is cordions to the AAA Festival in are sometimes the hardest to featured on Grammy-award Baltimore July 11-15th. All accomplish.” The Bossa Nova winning vocalist Cassandra were mesmerized by the per- themed evening of Brazilan Wilson's "Another Country". sonal and unique stories sur- music featured many favorites For more information please rounding each accordion. ers of the now closed Cleveland including "The Girl From e-mail Julien at: julien@julien- Paul not only collects and pre- Accordion Museum. Since they Ipanema" and Piazzolla's labro.com ■ serves accordions, but he also were in the process of closing "Adios Nonino". collects the stories which sur- their museum, Paul was able to Mary Tokarski Teaches at the Peter Soave Music round each one. He began this move many of them to the New venture about three years ago. England Accordion Museum. Academy in Italy After forty two years of not Paul said, "I have learned that AAA Governing Board mem- in music with playing his accordion, he woke what is most interesting about ber Mary Tokarski has recently others. I have up one morning with the desire this project does not involve the returned from the Peter Soave found to play the accordion again. He accordions themselves. Rather, Music Academy (PSMA), In- through happened to be in Vermont at it is about the people and the ternational Summer School for teaching we the time, was referred to some- stories I have been gathering musicians and music lovers all can learn from the folks I meet." where she served as an instruc- from one an- one who had accordions and tor. The annual 10-day camp other! My bought one. On this day, his life In October 2011, the Ramun- Mary Tokarski nis opened the New England offered a rich musical experi- wife, took an amazing turn inspiring ence that plunged each partici- Madeleine, and I have worked the passion to acquire accor- Accordion Museum in Canaan, Connecticut. Paul presently pant into the depths of musical passionately to realize this proj- dions! He visited tag sales, artistry. The sessions included ect and create a multifaceted pawn shops, garage sales. Paul owns over 200 accordions and workshops, intensive coaching, program and environment to and his wife decided to set up a memorabilia. The museum is master classes, chamber music, equip instrumentalists from museum in their garage. open by appointment only. If and rehearsals culminating in around the world with the One very fortunate develop- you would like to see the accor- concerts where participants and knowledge and skills they need ment occurred when Paul met dions and hear the amazing sto- professionals played side by to perform music." Jack and Kathy White, the own- ries that go with them, call side. Mary’s workshop, simultane- (860) 833-1374 or e-mail: ra- The picturesque setting for ously translated in English, [email protected] for a tour. the camp is Sauris, a tiny alpine French, German & Italian was Paul is always looking to ac- village nestled in the Dolomite presented on Performance Con- quire interesting accordions ei- mountains of Italy, bordering fidence. For further informa- ther by donation or purchase. Austria, 2 hours north of tion on the two 10-day events While in Baltimore, he actually Venice, where participants in 2013 beginning on July 25, bought three accordions from make musical discoveries that 2013 and August 4, 2013, people who brought them to his last a lifetime. Peter said, "Per- please contact Peter and Mady workshop! ■ sonally, PSMA is a vehicle for Soave at: madysoave@hot- me to share my life experiences mail.com. ■ A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 7 SEPTEMBER 2012

Roland Corporation U.S. Announces their 2012 Winners! AAA’s Hottest Accordionist Dwayne Dopsie in Concert Roland US has changed their format for The 17th Annual Sebastopol this year’s festival, originally scheduled as Cajun-Zydeco Festival was held a live production on September 29 in Los September 8th, 2012 featuring Angeles. Instead, they decided to adjudi- Cajun food and Zydeco music cate the contestants via the videos that from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM at were submitted by the contestants when Ives Park in Sebastopol, Califor- registering for the event. nia. Gates open at 11:00 AM. The jury announced the winners for the Featured performers included Roland U.S. portion of the V-Accordion Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Festival as follows: Hellraisers, Andre Thierry & Zy- Senior Division: age 18 and older: deco Magic, Mark St. Mary 1st Place: Svetlana Ivanchenko Delta Blues & Zydeco Band and 2nd Place: Gregory Fainshtein Lynn August & the Red Hot Special Guests. There was be a Junior Division age 17 and younger: tracts over 2000 people each 1st Place: Olivia Luey huge shaded wooden dance floor 2nd Place: Peter Chudolij under the redwoods in Ives Park. year. For further information: [email protected] or call The first place winner of the senior divi- Dwayne Dopsie won the AAA sponsored Search for the Hottest 707-823-3631. sion will represent the USA at the interna- From September 14-16, tional Roland V-Accordion Festival in Accordionist held at the Welk Resort in Branson, Missouri in Dwayne appeared at Cuso's Rome this November. The first place Svetlana Ivanchenko Club and Cantina in Indian winner of each division will also receive a March 1999. Rocks Beach, Florida before Roland V-Accordion. Dwayne Dopsie started play- This year’s winner Svetlana Ivanchenko, originally from Rus- ing the accordion alongside his heading to Africa to appear at sia, now lives in Dallas, Texas where she gives private piano and father at age 7. When he was just the Tangier Jazz Festival in Mo- accordion lessons, performs regularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth 9 years old, Dwayne was a fea- rocco. He then returns to the area and is the pianist/organist for the Good Samaritan Episcopal tured guest on the Dolly Parton USA to appear at the Highway Church in Dallas. Show and performed during a 61 Blues Festival in Leland, In addition to the Roland accordion, Svetlana also plays the Roland Super Bowl half-time show Mississippi. On October 12, he RD700GX digital stage piano. In Russia, she was the director of the when he was 10. Through the will head north to perform at the Bayan and Accordion Department for the Mari El State Music Col- years, Dwayne has starred in Starry Night - An Evening for lege while serving as head of the Commission of Folk Instrument Art commercials and today heats up Arts & Healing at the Aria at the Department for the Mari Republic College of Culture and Arts where the New Orleans music scene Juene Lune in Minneapolis, she was also the orchestra conductor and choral director. Svetlana with his band "Dwayne Dopsie Minnesota. For more informa- holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education, has been involved in and the Zydeco Hellraisers" . tion on the AAA’s Hottest Ac- teaching and performance for over 22 years, and has performed as The Rotary Club of Sebstopol cordionist, please visit the accordionist with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra. Sunrise sponsored this event. www.dwaynedopsie.com. ■ For more information, please contact Roland at: V-AccordionFesti- The Cajun Zydeco Festival at- [email protected] ■

Frank Busso Jr. in Concert in Kansas City Frank Busso Jr. Trio The Fremar Foundation for Accordion Arts “Music & Merlot” performing at the event on June 23, 2012 presented AAA governing board member Fremar Foundation’s Frank Busso and his group, the Frank Busso Jr. Trio from Washing- “Music & Merlot” ton D.C,. and Vivant! from Kansas City in a shared concert that has become a yearly event in Kansas City. The Busso Jr. Trio (all servicemen in the U.S. Air Force Strings) enchanted the audience with their elegant and tasteful musicianship, charming banter and stunningly precise ensemble playing. Their program comprised the first half of the concert and included a vari- ety of works, including accordion standards such as “Two Guitars,” “Czardas” and the famous tango, “Jalousie;” while pairing them alongside Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance No. 5” and Duke Ellington’s “Take the A Train.” These works and more were all splendidly arranged by the trio members, Henry Tyszler, Frank Busso Jr. and William Hones, for violin, accordion and string bass. Opening their stage after intermission to perform a varied program that included program with an exciting and captivating arrangement of "Granada" music to honor veterans of different wars, including an updated ver- and concluding with their own energetic, toe-tapping version of the sion with electronic effects of the World War II tune, “Bei Mir Bist "Orange Blossom Special", the trio captured the hearts of the Du Schone,” the ‘50s West Coast Swing tune, “Night Train,” for Kansas Citians who filled the hall and stood in appreciation to de- Korean War veterans, the updated R&B piece, “Grapevine,” for mand an encore. Vietnam War veterans, and “Music for Patriots,” an arrangement of Vivant!, whose conservatory-trained members include Julie Sil- traditional patriotic works. fverberg (accordion/keyboards), Karen Fremar (accordion/vocals/ Vivant! premiered two new compositions by Karen Fremar: keyboards), Dee Sligar (bass keytar), Janne Silfverberg “Grasping for the Wind,” to honor Iraq and Afghanistan War veter- (trombone/Latin percussion) and David Sager (drums) took the ans, and “Vexation.” The group was joined by Melody Stroth and continued on next page A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 8 SEPTEMBER 2012 Frank Busso Jr. Trio in Kansas City 18th AAA Master Class and Concert Series in New York Ronda Adams for the premieres ing out a final 12-bar duo riff as The American Accordionists' Association that included video presenta- the group jammed together. Master Class and Concert Series celebrated tions to illustrate the music pre- The Fremar Foundation is a its 18th season on July 27, 28 and 29 at Tenri pared by local music educator, nonprofit charitable organiza- Cultural Institute in New York. The modera- Debbie Gray. The Busso Jr. tion that presents outstanding tor/curator, Dr. William Schimmel, stated that Trio then joined Vivant! as all accordion artists in concert it was one of the best ones yet - intriguing the guest artists performed to- from around the nation and the workshops, stellar performances and, most of gether on the final number, world. The free public event all, a collegial attitude in its presentation. “God Bless the USA/Up Where was sponsored in part by Husch Deiro delights – Ettore elaborates – Frosini We Belong,” a work arranged Blackwell, LLP; the Courtney fascillitates – Ellegaard is elegant – Mag- especially for the ten musicians S. Turner Trust--Daniel C. nante magnifies – Palmer is pedagogy – John on stage by Karen Fremar. Weary and Bank of America, Gart grabs you WHAT IS IT THAT YOU After a standing ovation, the Trustees; and the H. R. Block DO? FIND OUT – AT THE SEMINARS! group launched into a rollicking Foundation, Inc. For more in- Participants came from the local New York area, across the United version of “Kansas City,” with formation visit www.Fremar- various group members soloing Foundation.com. ■ States as well as China, Japan, Argentina, Croatia and Norway. and Busso and Fremar punch- Featured participants and performers included: Micki Goodman, Paul Stein, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Dr. Mark Birnbaum, Will 2012 AAA Festival in Baltimore Holshouser, Art Bailey, Doug Makofka, Ingrid Kvale, Brian Dewan, Martina Li, Yoichi Fukui, Martina Li, Marina Jerry, Melissa Elledge, The 2012 AAA Festival, held at the Sheraton City Center, Bal- Mark Nathanson, Benjamin Ickies, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nel- timore, Maryland, from July 11-15, was a hugely successful son Wolf, Dragica Banic-Curcic, Peter Flint, Erica Mancini, Dr. event, enjoyed by many accordionists and accordion enthusiasts Ronald Sarno, Dave Soldier, Mayumi Miyaoka, Tomoko Sugawara, from all over the world. The AAA Festival enjoyed extensive Hu Jianbing,Rachel Swaner, Genevieve Leloup, Joy Betchler, Char- TV, radio, and newspaper coverage before and during the week- lie Tokarz, Robert Haulfrecht, Dan Simon, Dr. Rocco Jerry, David end. Stoler, David First, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Lee Mc Clure, Ken Congratulations to the Winners of the following categories: Laufer, John Foti, Kathleen Tipton, Marni Rice, Bob Goldberg, Corn Mo, Dr. William Schimmel and many others. Albert Manginelli The AAA website will publish details on the 2013 event soon, or 1st place US Virtuoso Solo for further information please e-mail Dr. Schimmel at: billschim- Quinn Collins ■ 2nd place US Virtuoso Solo [email protected] Chris Gorton Guido Deiro and Mae West 2nd place US Piano Accordion Competition Tucked away on the corner of Mulberry and Grand Streets in NYC’s “Little Italy” is the Ital- Quinn Collins ian-American Museum in what used to be the 3rd place US Piano Accordion Competition Stabile Bank Building. On Thursday evenings during the summer, the Museum opens up in the Rachel Quirbach evening and presents various lectures and per- 1st place Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment formances. On August 16th, guests enjoyed a Category for Female Accordionists presentation by LindaAnn Loschiavo on Guido Deiro and Mae West. Ms. Loschiavo answered Christopher Gorton numerous questions from the audience about the 1st place Digital Accordion Competition “vaudeville headliner” Mae met in August 1913 in Detroit and wed in secret. Unique to accordion festivals, the second The drawing card was a poster in the window Youth Involvement Program was held, con- that announced: "Meet Mae West's Secret Italian ducted by Don Gerundo. It featured young Husband," a multi-media presentation by Lin- accordionists between the ages of 13 and daAnn Loschiavo. Frank Busso, Board Member 25, paired with young Baltimore musicians of the American Accordionists' Association, en- who played saxophone, trombone and bass. chanted the audience by playing the music of The jazz ensemble performed at the Satur- Guido Deiro. Many thanks to their amiable and day Awards Concert (picture left). beautiful president, Linda Reed, for coordinating The AAA Festival featured many accor- the participation of Mr. Busso, who is a past presi- dionists performing solos, in combos, with dent of AAA and now serves the organization as other instruments, and with singers. The their 1st Vice President. event was a true display of the great versa- Dr. Joseph Scelsa, founder and president of the tility of the accordion. Italian American Museum, was delighted with the The festival coordinators were Linda turn-out, which set a new attendance record here. Soley Reed, AAA President; Frank Busso The evening concluded with a Reception. Frank Sr., AAA 1st Vice President and Public Re- Busso entertained the assembly with his accordion Above, LindaAnn lations/Festival Coordinator; Mary Loschiavo, and there was even some dancing. One attendee Dr. Scelsa and Tokarski, 2012 AAA Contest Chariman and showed off her vintage snapshots of the late Pietro LindaAnn, Junior Festival Orchestra conductor; and From top: Deiro and his son. A few nice folks made sugges- Frank Busso per- Marilyn O'Neil, Youth Involvement Pro- Albert Manginelli, tions about getting the play Courting Mae West formed one of Guido’s gram Coordinator. Their excellent organiza- Quinn Collins, compositions and en- Racqhel Quirbach produced. Many people lingered, conversing with tertained at the re- tional efforts resulted in an event enjoyed Chris Gorton new friends. ■ ception. A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 9 SEPTEMBER 2012 Baltimore Festival 2012, continued Competition Results by all, that sets the stage for the 2013 AAA Festival, a celebration of the organization’s U.S. VIRTUOSO SOLO OPEN JAZZ SOLO 75th anniversary, to be held in New York City, 1st – Albert Manginelli Junior 1st – Ian Mitchell August 14-18, 2013. 2nd – Quinn Collins 2nd - Cody McSherry Performers during the AAA Festival in- Senior 1st - Ollie Luey cluded: Cody McSherry, Michael and Amanda U.S. PIANO ACCORDION COMPETITION 2nd - Tor Stumo Parziale, Robert and Rocio Ford, The Con- 2nd - Chris Gorton necticut Accordion Orchestra conducted by 3rd - Quinn Collins STANDARD SOLO Prep 1st – Samuel Pestello Linda Soley Reed, Joy Bechter, Joe MADDALENA BELFIORE ENTERTAINMENT 2nd - Randy Harris McKesson, Dr.Robert Young McMahan, Joe COMPETITION FOR FEMALE ACCORDIONISTS Elementary 1st - Darien Williams Zale, Vladimir Mollov, Annie Mollova, Dallas 1st - Rachel Quirbach 2nd - Jennifer Maun Vietty, Ben West, William Trigg, Tatiana 3rd - Gracie Bernardi Semichastnaya, Steve Albini, Stas Venglevski, U.S. DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT COMPETITION 3rd - Felipe Gonzales Dick Morarity, Mary Tokarski , Manny 1st - Chris Gorton Intermediate 1st - Ryan Victoria Segall Bobenrieth, John Simkus, and Emily Geller. 2nd - Amanda Parziale Performing ensembles included: The Po- ELSIE M. BENNETT COMPOSITION COMPETITION 3rd - Kelee Lawn 1st – Junior- Tor Stumo Senior 1st - Justin Cassamassino tomac Ensemble, Busso Festival Orchestra, 2nd – Kathryn Archuleta The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra con- 3rd – Joe Ciccone ADULT OPEN SOLO ducted by Linda Soley Reed, Alamo Angels 1st - Abby Cross Festival Orchestra, Junior Festival Orchestra, OPEN SOLOS 2nd - Yimeng Huang and the AAA 2012 Festival Orchestra con- Juniorette 1st - Cody McSherry 3rd - Barbara Beier ducted by Stas Venglevski. Junior 1st - Ian Mitchell 3rd - Peter DiGiovanni Attendees at the Saturday Night Gala Ban- Intermediate 1st - Liam Collins 2nd - Tor Stumo ADULT ETHNIC SOLO quet enjoyed performances by the Festival Or- Senior 1st - Rachel Quirbach 1st - Yimeng Huang chestra and the United States Army Strolling 2nd - Ollie Luey 2nd - Mark Nejako Strings under the direction of Sergeant Major Manny Bobenreith (accordion) featuring vo- OPEN CLASSICAL SOLO ADULT POP SOLO calists from The United States Army Band. Juniorette 1st - Cody McSherry 1st - Mark Nejako Workshop Presenters included: Mary Junior 1st - Ian Mitchell 2nd - Meryl Benenati Tokarski, Linda Warren, Don Gerundo, Dr. Senior 1st - Rachel Quirbach 3rd - Barbara Beier Robert Young McMahan, Mary Kathryn 2nd - Albert Manginelli 2nd - Quinn Collins ADULT DUET Archuleta, Paul Ramunni, Dr. Marion Jacob- 3rd - Cole Canfield 1st - Peter DiGiovanni & Lee Paulson sen, Dallas Vietty and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues. 3rd - Michael Parziale The large exhibition room gave festival at- OPEN DUET DIVISIONS tendees the opportunity to hear and see a vari- OPEN ORIGINAL SOLO 1st - Quinn & Liam Collins ety of accordions, music and gift items Intermediate 1st - Liam Collins including: Accordions USA (Alex and Lil- 2nd - Tor Stumo OPEN MIXED DUET lianna Chudolij), Alessandrini, Deffner Music Senior 1st - Quinn Collins 1st - Mark Nejako & Nick Sungenis 2nd - Michael Parziale Publications (Frank Busso Jr), Music Magic 3rd - Rachel Quirbach STANDARD DUET ELEMENTARY USA (Alex and Lillianna Chudolij), Otta- 1st - Kelee Lawn & Darien Williams vianelli Accordions Factory, Pancordion OPEN ETHNIC SOLO 2nd - Jennifer Maun & Gracie Bernardi (Frank Busso Jr), Pigini (Frank Busso Jr), Juniorette 1st - Cody McSherry 3rd - Samuel Pestello & Felipe Gonzales Roland (Music Magic USA, Steve Albini, Ta- Junior 1st - Ian Mitchell 3rd - Randy & Ruby Harris tiana Semichastnaya), Scandalli (Music Magic Intermediate 1st - Liam Collins USA), Titano (Frank Busso Jr), Victoria Ac- 2ns - Ryan Victoria Segall OPEN SENIOR BAND cordions (Elke Ahrenholz), SqueezinArt (Joan 3rd - Tor Stumo 1st - Busso Music School Accordion Orchestra Senior 1st - Quinn Collins and Dan Grauman), The New England Accor- 2nd - Ollie Luey FESTIVAL BAND dion Museum (Paul Ramunni), Petosa Accor- 3rd - Cynthia Davey Alamo Angels Accordion Orchestra dions (Tony Lovello), Giulietti, Brandoni and Busso Festival Orchestra Paolo Soprani (Music Magic USA). OPEN POP SOLO Judges of the competitions included: Bev- Juniorette 1st - Cody McSherry erly Roberts Curnow, Dr. Robert Young Senior 1st - Cynthia Davey McMahan, Al Terzo, Manny Bobenrieth, Don Gerundo, Frank Busso, Jr., Frank Busso, Sam Falcetti, and Rita Davidson. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie among accordionists of all ages, especially the connections made by the young accordionists with the young Baltimore musicians. Many of them said that, as a result of being involved in the AAA festivals, they intend to learn the ac- cordion! For further details on the 2012 AAA Festival and the 2013 AAA Festival in NYC, August 14-18th, 2013, contact us by email: Some of our young “stars” included: Cody McSherry, Liam Collins, [email protected] ■ Ryan Victoria Segall, Tor Stumo (interviewed at Press & Squeeze) and Cole Canfield. A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 10 SEPTEMBER 2012 B a

l Registration – Always busy! Exhibit Room Always attracting a t crowd! i m o EXHIBITORS INCLUDED:

AAA Through the Years r Ernest Deffner Publications Music Magic Accordions USA Alessandrini • Brandoni • Ottavianelli Pietro • Roland • Scandalli New England Accordion Museum e PANcordion, Inc. Petosa Accordions Pigini Accordion Co. Roland Corporation U.S. SqueezinArt Titano Accordion Co. 2 Victoria Accordions 0 1 2 Above: The United States Army Strolling Strings. Manny Bobenrieth Accor- dionist, The 2012 Youth Jazz Ensemble, Don Gerundo, conductor, Busso Music Festival Orchestra, Frank Busso, Jr., conductor, The 2012 Junior Festival Orchestra, Mary Tokarski, conductor and the Alamo Angels Festival Orchestra, Mary Archuleta, conductor A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 11 SEPTEMBER 2012 Coast to Coast …a sampling of accordion events across the USA! val, at the Alice Busch Opera workshops, the festival also in- WALLKILL, NY Theater, Otesgo Lake, New troduced the first-ever AC- The AAA presented a musi- York State in July and August. CORDIONS NOW! cal celebration to honor the Presented by Cape Town Just-for-Fun Play-Along En- Magnanini Family for their Opera, "Lost in the Stars’" is semble. A highlight of the continued support of "live" ac- the story of a South African event was a tribute to Tony cordion music. The event was priest's spiritual crisis, based Lovello in celebration of his Held at the Holiday Inn, Or- held on September 8, 2012 on ‘Cry, the Beloved Country’, 80th Birthday. lando Airport, the special event from 12 noon until 5:00 PM at the classic novel by Alan For more information on up- will be honoring the 80th birth- the Magnanini Farm Winery, Paton, and starring 2012 Glim- coming activities, please con- day of Tony Lovello. Also fea- 172 Strawridge Road, Wallkill, merglass Artist in Residence, tact: (603) 216-9582 or e-mail: tured will be well known New York. Eric Owens. [email protected] accordionists The afternoon featured tradi- Joe Cerrito, tional "Valtaro Musette Music" LONG ISLAND, NY Vladimir with guest artists Mario Tacca, The Long Island Accordion Mollov, John Mary Mancini, Frank Toscano, Alliance (LIAA) presened their Lobosco, Manny Corallo, Frank October guest artist Charlie Donna Regis Carozza, Emilio Magnotta, Fontana during an evening of and Michael Dominic Karcic, Ray Oreggia, accordion music on Tuesday, Jude Ward- Anita and Bob Siarkowski, and October 2, 2012 at 7 PM at La Bergeman. the Connecticut Accordion Or- Villini Restaurant, 288 Lark- MAGGIE VALLEY, NC There chestra. field Road, East Northport, will be NY, 11731. The Carolina Accordion As- dealer Charlie Fontana was born sociation presented the Smoky dis- and raised in the Kings Park Mountain Accordion Fest fea- plays, and Commack area of Smith- turing Tony Lovello and Walter Friday town, New York. Charlie Kasprzyk. The second annual night began taking weekly accordion Smoky Mountain Accordion Cafe lessons at the age of nine Fest was held Saturday, Sep- Ac- (1951) from Elver Olson, a tember 15, 2012 at the Maggie cordeon, 2012 Accordion Or- teacher in the local Commack Valley Club, 1819 Country chestra and much more. Paul UTICA, NY Elementary School, when ac- Club Drive , Maggie Valley, Betken, of Tempe, AZ, will Oktoberfest at the Balkan- cordion lessons were $2.00. NC., featuring well known ac- present a tribute to Leon Sash. Hadley Restaurant in Utica, His later accordion teacher was cordionists Tony Lovello, and Founded in September 2000, NY on October 19 & 20. Step- Larry Cennamo of Commack, Walter Kasprzyk of the “K the Florida Accordion Associa- ping into the Balkan is like New York who immersed Trio” fame. tion is dedicated to the promo- breezing into an old world Charlie in studies of classical Maggie Valley is cradled be- tion of the accordion through café. music, harmony and theory. tween the majestic Blue Ridge all music genres and all varia- First you’ll notice the authen- The November 6th event will and Great Smoky Mountain tions of accordion instruments. tic German beer stein collec- feature guest artist John Custie. ranges at 3,020 feet above sea The FAA also encompasses all tion and playful gnomes. Then For further information please level. Surrounded by thou- types of musical genres such as relax like European aristocracy e-mail Dominic at: dkar- sands of acres of old-growth ethnic, jazz and classical to as you savor a delicious meal [email protected] forests, this unique corner of name a few, on all playing lev- surrounded by lively German North Carolina is an outdoor els. Please visit www.accor- folk art. The Balkan-Hadley is enthusiast's wonderland. dions.com/florida for more located at 2006 Genesee St., For more information on up- information, or phone Karen Utica, NY. For reservatons, coming events, contact Joe Za- Adam at: (850) 936-8722. contact Boyd Bissell at 315- lewski at 507-4264. (828) 734- ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 2975 or e- The Michigan Accordion So- mail OTSEGO LAKE, NY ciety proudly announces the Accordionist Henry Dok- accordion- Tony Dannon Tribute and torski per- NASHUA, NH music@bell- Scholarship Festival recogniz- formed in the Accordions Now! Celebrated south.net. ing Tony Dannon's important orchestra for its fifth anniversary Music Fes- contributions to nine perform- tival from August 17-18, 2012. the music ances of Kurt Co-sponsored by New Hamp- world. His Weill's opera shire Accordion Association TheORLANDO, FL compositions, ‘Lost in the and Accordion Connection Florida Accordion Association and arrange- Stars’ at the LLC, the event is held in will celebrate its 12th Annual ments to be per- Glimmerglass Nashua, New Hampshire. Fea- Florida SMASH from Novem- formed by his Music Festi- turing a variety of concerts and ber 9-11th in Orlando, Florida. A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 12 SEPTEMBER 2012 great friends in the music busi- Accordion Orchestra directed Canada on the International The Accordion Babes Show- ness. Event proceeds will bene- by Joan Cochran Sommers. stage where he placed fourth in case, The Mad Maggies, Ta- fit the Tony Dannon a field of 14 national champi- tiana Semichastnaya (Roland), Scholarship Fund. WALLACE, ID ons. He also competed last fall Santiago Jimenz & Chris The event takes place on Canadian accordionist in Shanghai, China in the CIA Rybak (Roland), Circus Finelli, Sunday, November 4th, 2012, Michael Bridge was featured in Junior World Championships, The Sansa and Shiri Show, at the Forestre Banquet Center, concert at the 2nd Annual His- where he came in fourth out of Gator Beat, MotorDude Zy- 1919 Starr Batt Drive, toric Wallace Accordion Festi- champions from 21 countries. deco, Chuck Berger, Steve Rochester Hills, Michigan. val held in the this old North For more information please Balich Sr. Polka Band and The Doors open at 3:30 PM. Trib- Idaho mining town. The con- e-mail: director@wallaceida- Wild Catahoulas. ute starts at 4:30 PM. Dinner at cert also featured Patricia hochamber.com 5:30 PM featuring the music of Bartell’s Tango Volcado, an en- COSTA MESA, CA Joe Cerrito, Aaron Caruso, Eva semble of accordion, bass, COTATI, CA This year’s Big Squeeze: also Evola, Ralphe Armstrong, piano and violin. Opening the The 22nd Annual Cotati Ac- known as the Orange County Michele Ramo, Billy Cairo, program was the Portatos, a cordion Festival featured the Accordion Festival scheduled Made in Italy, Gene Van Ac- youth accordion band from legendary Dick Contino. "The for Sunday, October 14 from cordion Orchestra, Joe Natoli, Spokane. Accordion Man" performed on 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orange Johnny Trudell and many other Michael Bridge, a versatile the main stage both Saturday County Market Place in Costa accomplished artists. For in- performer, manages to expertly and Sunday, August 18th and Mesa will pair up its various formation, please contact Joe 19th, 2012 in La Plaza Park in accordion-based bands with Recchia: (248) 824-3856 or by Cotati, California. dance experts, teachers and e-mail: [email protected] Established in 1991 to pro- champions. mote the love of the accordion The Big Squeeze is held in LAS VEGAS, NV and to support local youth conjunction with the weekend The 13th Annual Las Vegas service organizations, this swap meet, the Orange County International Accordion Con- year’s festival featured: The Market Place, and is included vention was held from Septem- Golden State Accordion Club in admission which is $2 or ber 24-27, 2012 at the Gold Band, Steve Albini (Sponsored FREE with a canned food item Coast Hotel in Las Vegas, Ne- by Roland}, THAT Damned donation for the Second Har- vada. blend the works of great com- Band, The Sansa and Shiri vest Food Bank of Orange Many prominent accordion- posers like Bach and Haydn Show, Big Lou's Dance Party, County. Children 12 and under ists were featured during the with old time polkas and The Great Morgani, Chervona, are always free. The Market event including: Dick Contino, waltzes, French musette, jazz Alicia Baker (Sponsored by Place is held at the O.C. Fair & Jeff Lisenby, Stas Venglevski, standards, and pop hits from Roland), Dick Contino, Copper Event Center in Costa Mesa, Mary Tokarski, The Accordion the Beetles to present day. Al- Box, Amber Lee Baker, Black- 88 Fair Drive. Kings, Amy Jo Sawyer, Peter though only 18 years old, he Eyed Dempseys, Polkacide, For more information on the and Mady Soave, Mario Pe- has performed throughout the Jim Gilman, Chuck Berger, Orange County Accordion Fes- done, Gordon Kohl, Gina world. As the 2011 National Steve Balich Sr. Polka Band, tival: call (949) 723-6660 or e- Brannelli, Liz Finch, Pete Bar- Roland Digital Accordion The Wild Catahoulas, Future mail: [email protected] butti as well as the Fifth An- Champion, he traveled to Italy Accordion Stars, nual Las Vegas International last October to represent KAZAMOZe, Peter Robuffo,

We sincerely apologize for the delay in completing the September Newsletter.

Unfortunately the photoshop pro- gram crashed and all the scanned photos prepared for the newslet- ter from the Baltimore Festival as well as the September 8th Valtaro Celebration were lost.

The originals, happily, are still in tact and they will be re-worked for a complete photo presenta- The Neww Yorkkeeer Hotell tion as a separate publication.

Thanks especially to the camera 481 Eighthh AvAvenue at 34th3 Stree specialists who generously pro- vided so many pictures to choose Neww York, NY 100001 from including: Lou Coppola Auggust 14-18, 2201 (DC), Peter Sbuttoni (NY) and Sandy Zera (CT). wwww.ameraccord.com