Spring 2013 LVAC TIMES

14th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013 LVAC TIMES

Seeking Joey Miskulin Gee Rabe Hall of fame accordionist & Grammy Ethnomusicologist Gigi "Gee" Rabe, Accordion Stars! also known as “The Accordion Diva,” You could be the new Accordion Star! Award-winning Producer. Joey is a true legend whose Gee is probably the world’s STOP THE PRESSES - $1000 foremost expert on accordion music of CASH TO BE AWARDED! Be the career has spanned more than four decades. Joey has collaborated and various cultures. She holds an M.A. accordion star that shines the brightest degree in Ethnomusicology and has in Las Vegas and win a cash prize! performed with Paul McCartney, Ricky Skaggs, Andy Williams, John Denver, completed coursework for her PhD Yes, new for 2013, cash awards Ricky Van Shelton, Emmylou Harris, and from UCLA. She has a Bachelor in contest for the best accordion star! many others. He is a performer, studio Music Performance from California Come join the FUN and be a part of our musician, producer and pedagogue. State University. Her graduate research very own Accordion STAR Search. has focused on accordion performance Entering is as simple as one, two, three: Joey’s legendary music history around the world. She has lectured, starts at age four when he picked up a written and published articles on the 1. Register as a full time attendee. 12-bass accordion and began playing 2. Fill out and submit the accordion in world music as well as her simple melodies. At five, he began other love, steel drums! Accordion Stars Entry Form*. formal music training, and at ten, Joey 3. You will be allotted a 5-minute was performing publicly. At eleven he As a youngster, she began performance slot at Club joined the Ronnie Lee Band, and at age playing the accordion in 1975 and went Concerto to perform before a twelve he made his first record album on to win many national performance panel of judges. with Chicago’s Roman Possedi. awards. Reading her list of teachers is The selected finalists will perform an amazing list of accordion world At thirteen, Joey met and genres, from classical, jazz, Argentinian at Thursday’s lunch concert involving began performing with “America's Polka the audience voting for the winner! tango, international music, Balkan, and King," Frank Yankovic, thus beginning Caribbean to highlight just a few. All participants will be awarded a an association lasting over (see page 7) (see page 6) personalized participation certificate. The top winners will perform and will be awarded trophies and cash prizes at Carnival of Venice in Vegas! the Thursday Gala Concert. Cash Four FUN filled nights with two Themed nights with prizes will be prizes will be third place $200, second featured at this year’s event! Wednesday evening, October 30, will be our Venetian place $300, and first place $500. Costume Party in the Italian Venetian tradition! Plan your attire. Prizes will be So register today – enter to win – awarded for the best costume! practice – and we will see YOU, the winner, in Las Vegas! Thursday, to continue our celebration, will be our fancy GALA dress night. We will announce the winners of the Accordion Star Search and hear from the top *Form online www.accordionstars.com winners. The evening will come to a crescendo with the performance of the or call 801-486-1695 and request a form. International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Joan Sommers! See Page 6 for more info and eligibility.

Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013

Dear Friends, Compare – Why Las Vegas? Spring is Compare & see why Las Vegas, at $34 a in full bloom and the best costs the least! night for four nights, plus life is wonderful. I Compare the cost for four breakfasts at $6 am doing very true cost of attending each, and the answer is clear well and hope this any other accordion – LVAC is a BARGAIN no finds each of you hotel event in North matter how you add! enjoying health America! Add up All this plus the largest and happiness! the costs; event fee, lineup of entertainment and After a cold hotel & food costs, workshops to attend and winter, spring is travel plus event fee- you will see why the LVAC beautiful! If you yes, our event fee is is by far the least expensive are like me it puts a smile on your face to see about double theirs event with the most to offer! Mother Nature celebrating life once again! but remember we include 7 meals! Our promise, attend just Speaking of celebrating life, we have once, and you’ll discover lots to celebrate this year in Las Vegas - new But now add the why people come back year artists and a new contest, “Accordion Stars costs of rooms and meals in a after year saying, “Paul, I don’t know Search!” You will undoubtedly find this Marriott, Hyatt, Ramada or other how you do it – the event is both first event hotel (average $179 plus tax) year’s event filled with excitement. I strongly class and truly a bargain!” plus average meal costs in these encourage you to register early. Because of hotels and for two people for four So come join the best kept secret the news in this issue, we are extending the nights you can be well over $1200 in the accordion world! Book early Early Bird savings until June 10. After that before event fees and travel costs. (rooms and airfare) and save on the date the savings go away! accordion event of a lifetime! Come join us as we celebrate Carnival of Venice in Vegas for FUN, Mario Pedone Entertainment and inspiration! Personally, I Mario is a perennial favorite of convention attendees. am totally excited about this year’s lineup In response to numerous requests, Mario has agreed to return! and the fact we have Joey Miskulin! I am Mario was Laude, and finally sure 2013 will be our most exciting year yet! born in a small town with a degree of Check out our new website at near Bari, in Southern Professor of www.AccordionStars.com where you may Italy. In an effort to Accordion. After even register online! improve the family's graduation Mario If you have not looked at airfares – financial situation, the founded his own do so today – they are lower to Las Vegas Pedones immigrated accordion school than I have seen them in several years – and to Valencia, where he had over the hotel rate is now at $34 ($42 premium Venezuela in 1959. 125 students. Many of room) a night. This really is the year to come Mario's older brother, his students now play to Las Vegas. Please accept my personal Ludovico, had begun professionally. Mario has won numerous invitation to join us in what surely will be our to study the accordion accordion and organ best year yet – come celebrate life at our and Mario was championships. Carnival or Venice in Vegas Party! always watching him, hoping one day he Back by Popular In 1981, in If you have any questions or also could play this Demand! search of a better concerns – or just need some help finding an wonderful future, Mario moved airfare to Las Vegas, give me a call toll free at instrument. He persistently begged to Sugar Land, Texas, with his wife 1-800-472-1695. I would love to hear from his father to let him start accordion and children. He continues to teach you. Oh and by the way, I am planning a lessons, too, and eventually and perform professionally and has surprise for you this year – so register, make succeeded. As a young man he his own recording studio in Sugar your reservations, mark your calendar, and devoted at least 4 to 5 hours per day Land. come celebrate! practicing until his father screamed Many of Mario's students feel GIVE US A BREAK but that didn't that Mario is too modest and that with stop Mario from playing his beloved more exposure he would quickly be instrument. recognized as a musical genius who Paul Pasquali While in Venezuela, Mario has devoted his life to the pursuit of Las Vegas International Accordion Convention graduated as a Concertista, Cum accordion musical perfection.

Pag e 2 Website: www.AccordionStars.com REGISTRATION FORM Join Us! OCTOBER 28-31,2013 Registering is simple - ﬁll out the form below and mail it with your check (payable to “LVAC”) to 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. at the Gold Coast Hotel You will receive a conﬁrmation. Your balance is due by Sept. 28, 2013.

in Las Vegas! Name ______EARLY BIRD ENDS June 10 Address______

City ______State ______

Zip ______Phone______

Email______Check only one. Balance due by Sept. 28. Registrations after Sept. 28 must include full attendee fee. After Oct. 21 you must register at the convention. ATTENDEE DEPOSIT BALANCE Early Bird Pricing Ends April 30! FEE (Due Now) (Due by Sept. 30)

Single Attendee Package: $510 $70 $440 all events, all 7 concerts with $490 $420 7 meals. EarlyBird

Single Attendee & Evening $780 $85 $695 Partner – same as Single Attendee $750 $665 PLUS one guest admission to EarlyBird each of the four evening Call toll-free 1-800-472-1695 dinners/concerts. for additional evening partner options. Come join the FUN with your accordion family! Additional Attendee’s Name: The theme for our grand ﬁnale evening is

Carnival of Venice! Double Attendee Package: $910 $95 $815 Register today and come enjoy four nights and three all events, all 7 concerts with $870 $775 EarlyBird full days of unforgettable entertainment, inspiring 7 meals for two people. workshops, special events and much more! Additional Attendee’s Name: Enjoy our sumptuous Las Vegas-style banquets, with two meals offered each day. Evenings-Only Package: $340 $60 $280 4 concerts with dinner. $320 $260 Join friends, new and old, and learn why we are called EarlyBird FEATURING “The Best Accordion Event to Attend!” STARRING Pete Barbutti The LARGEST Lineup ofAccordion Stars including Mary Tokarski AccordionStars.com TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF The Legendary Dick Contino! Gordon Kohl For Assistance Call 1-800-472-1695 Joey Miskulin Gina Brannelli or 1-801- 486-1695 • Do you play the accordion? YES NO Gee Rabe Liz Finch & MANY MORE [email protected] Peter & Mady Soave • Interested in playing in the YES NO PLUS Accordion Orchestra? Stas Venglevski The Sixth Annual Jeff Lisenby Las Vegas International Don’t Miss The Premier Accordion Orchestra Signature Date Directed by Professor Joan Cochran Sommers I have enclosed a check and await a confirmation letter. I agree to pay the balance (if ACCORDION EVENT OF THE YEAR! any) by Sept. 28, 2013. I understand I may cancel my reservation up to 21 days prior to the event for a full refund minus $50 processing fee. Mail this form with your check to: Las Vegas Accordion Convention, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms for only $34 Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms as low as $34 (Sun-Thur) per night! per night (Sun-Thur) at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino Gold Coast Hotel Reservations (outside U.S. +1 702-367-7111) or 1-888-402-6278. REGISTRATION FORM Join Us! OCTOBER 28-31,2013 Registering is simple - fill out the form below and mail it with your check (payable to “LVAC”) to 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. at the Gold Coast Hotel You will receive a confirmation. Your balance is due by Sept. 28, 2013.

in Las Vegas! Name ______EARLY BIRD ENDS June 10 Address______

City ______State ______

Zip ______Phone______

Single Attendee Package: $510 $70 $440 all events, all 7 concerts with $490 $420 7 meals. EarlyBird

Carnival of Venice! Double Attendee Package: $910 $95 $815 Register today and come enjoy four nights and three all events, all 7 concerts with $870 $775 EarlyBird full days of unforgettable entertainment, inspiring 7 meals for two people. workshops, special events and much more! Additional Attendee’s Name: Enjoy our sumptuous Las Vegas-style banquets, with two meals offered each day. Evenings-Only Package: $340 $60 $280 4 concerts with dinner. $320 $260 Join friends, new and old, and learn why we are called EarlyBird FEATURING “The Best Accordion Event to Attend!” STARRING Pete Barbutti The LARGEST Lineup ofAccordion Stars including Mary Tokarski AccordionStars.com TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF The Legendary Dick Contino! Gordon Kohl For Assistance Call 1-800-472-1695 Joey Miskulin Gina Brannelli or 1-801- 486-1695 • Do you play the accordion? YES NO Gee Rabe Liz Finch & MANY MORE [email protected] Peter & Mady Soave • Interested in playing in the YES NO PLUS Accordion Orchestra? Stas Venglevski The Sixth Annual Jeff Lisenby Las Vegas International Don’t Miss The Premier Accordion Orchestra Signature Date Directed by Professor Joan Cochran Sommers I have enclosed a check and await a conﬁrmation letter. I agree to pay the balance (if ACCORDION EVENT OF THE YEAR! any) by Sept. 28, 2013. I understand I may cancel my reservation up to 21 days prior to the event for a full refund minus $50 processing fee. Mail this form with your check to: Las Vegas Accordion Convention, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms for only $34 Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms as low as $34 (Sun-Thur) per night! per night (Sun-Thur) at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino Gold Coast Hotel Reservations (outside U.S. +1 702-367-7111) or 1-888-402-6278. Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter

Professor Jeff Sommers has The Lisenby is a become an annual legend and his Nashville favorite. What the Las Vegas musician, Professor can do Combo set to Broadway with just three short return for 2013! musical director, days of rehearsals is and producer to as miraculous as the Dick top cruise ship sound she obtains Contino, a true musical acts. from the accordion When legend, is Joan orchestra - truly Dick Jeff he’s not on the inspiring! excited to bring road Sommers Joan is a you an opening performing Contino Lisenby talented arranger night to around the for the accordion remember. During his career, he has country, orchestra and says it is constantly in her played virtually every major stage and Lisenby teaches for Belmont mind, making it difficult for her to just TV show. University’s School of Music and is listen to music as background. When she active in the Nashville recording His accomplishments include listens, she hears and analyzes the scene. twelve albums on major record labels, specific sounds, the techniques used, & and sales of over 6 million records. It is said Jeff is the busiest the form of the composition. In her commercial accordionist in the USA words this is both a curse and a Dick, the master showman, today. We are honored Jeff has taken blessing. Joan will be featured at the says of his passion, “I treat my the time to be with us and we know Thursday Gala Concert conducting the audience like a living love you will find his performance and Las Vegas International Accordion relationship; I feed it and it feeds me.” instruction a rare treat! Orchestra.

Camp Concerto 2013

Three Full Days June 17 – 20, 2013 Commanders House at Historic Fort Douglas

Overlooking Salt Lake City For more details visit www.CampConcerto.com

Email: [email protected] Page - 5 2

Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013 Youth Stas & Joan Duet! Stas, with his incredible smile Scholarship and infectious joy, brought the house down last year – especially when he Award brought Joan Sommers to the stage to perform together. What a rare and Each year we offer youth wonderful treat. Needless to say we Gold Coast NEW ROOMS! scholarship awards to young had numerous requests for Stas to accordion players. The scholarship The Gold Coast has 405 return! pays for the youth to attend full time brand new premium rooms! Last including all seven meals, concerts and year’s standard rooms were totally workshops. gutted and remodeled with all new All accordion players under furnishings, baths, new décor, and the age of 18, who are accompanied by become the new Premium rooms. a full time parent or guardian Last year’s premium rooms with attendee, are eligible. For a rain forest showers become deluxe scholarship application visit our rooms. Deluxe rooms $34 and website AccordionStars.com or call premium rooms $42 a night. our hotline and request a form. What a deal! Spread the word! Make your reservations with the Gold Coast early and tell Maestro Sommers is set to them you are with the Accordion return for 2013 to conduct the famous Convention. If you book with the International Accordion Orchestra as convention rate we’ll guarantee you well as teach. And maybe with some the best rate! If rates lower then luck, we can coax them to again return your rate also lowers, something to the stage as a duo! Expedia and others cannot Both Joan and Stas will be guarantee! For reservations call the adjudicators for our first annual Vegas Gold Coast today 1-888-402-6278 Accordion Stars Search! (outside the U.S. +1 702-367-1111). Gee - Continued from page 1 Peter Soave Gee is a busy LA musician $1000 in Prizes! Chicago Tribune Review and studio recording artist. In fact, you have probably already heard This is an open category to all ages Peter Soave just finished performing on bandoneon, a two- Gee play. If you have watched any and styles of accordion playing. week run of recent animated films such as “Puss Below are some simple rules of Piazzola’s in Boots,” “Ice Age 4,” and “Hotel eligibility. “Maria de Transylvania,” then you have heard 1. Must be a full time registered Buenos Aires” Gee playing her accordion. Gee was featured in an episode of Craigslist attendee of the event. with the TV called “Accordion Idol.” Other 2. Must register for competition in Chicago Opera television appearances include the advance. Theater ending Jimmy Kimmel Show, the Young 3. Artists & staff are not eligible. April 28, 2013. The exceptional and the Restless, and KMEX- 4. Must perform on an accordion Univision Primera Edición. with reeds. review in the Chicago Ms. Rabe is an 5. 5 minute limit – strict rules Tribune read: exceptionally talented world enforced. “Peter Soave deserves a special shout- accordion artist. She has performed 6. Finalists to play for final judging out for the marvelous way in which he in bands of almost every musical at Thursday lunch concert makes his expressive bandoneon genre you can imagine. This will 7. Winner(s) be prepared to play a virtually a full-fledged character in the certainly be an exciting experience solo at Thursday Gala Concert drama.” to have Gee join us in Las Vegas to The audience will vote on the finalists! Congratulations Peter! We learn what directions the accordion So come to Las Vegas because whether look forward to seeing you and Mady is moving and how Gee is keeping you are in the audience or on the stage at the Las Vegas International the accordion alive! Her classes and this will be an exciting event! Accordion Convention. performance will certainly inspire!

Pag e 6 Website: www.AccordionStars.com 4123

Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter Joey - Continued from page 1 bands throughout the U.S., Canada & "Grand Ole Opry." In addition, he 35 years. Yankovic, who had a Europe. In 1985 Joey produced the oversees other studio and production contract with Columbia Records, first record to win a polka Grammy: projects as a respected and sought- took a chance insisting that Joey be "70 Years Of Hits" with Frank Yankovic. after member of the music industry community. allowed to record with the band. "It Since moving to Nashville in was that first recording session with 1987, his recording projects included Some of Joey's movie projects Frank that made up my mind. I wanted U2, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Shania include writing, producing, and/or to make music my career." During this Twain, Alison Krause, Hank Williams Jr., performing songs appearing in period he met many of the biggest John Prine, Alabama, Garth Brooks, and Disney's "The Wild", Disney/Pixar's names in the music world, all of Emmylou Harris, to name a few. "Cars", "Rattle and Hum" with U2, whom encouraged the young lad to and Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 2". After recording and becoming pursue his musical dream. a regular on NPR’s "Rider’s Radio We’re thrilled to have Joey At nineteen, Joey left Theater," he became a member of with us performing, teaching, and as Yankovic to tour with the Hawaii Riders In The Sky. He produced their the recipient of the 2013 Honorary Internationale Revue, entertaining multiple Grammy-award winning Directors Award! Come join this once throughout Hong Kong, Japan, recordings and performed an average in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate Thailand, Vietnam, and Okinawa. of 185 shows each year, including the and be a part of hearing and learning A call from Yankovic brought Joey from the legendary Joey Miskulin! back to the band where he recorded five albums for RCA Records. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, Joey’s reputation as a studio musician and producer grew. He recorded with celebrities such as Andy Williams, Doc Severenson and Charlie Daniels, as well as with many

Lots of Great Seats Register Today! If you are considering coming to the Las Vegas International Las Vegas International Accordion Accordion Orchestra Needs YOU! Convention, 1. Register today, or if you are already please Professor Sommers, our very own registered then tell us you want to be register Maestro Extraordinaire, is now in the orchestra. TODAY! We preparing the 2013 program. If you want 2. Fill out the orchestra questionnaire strongly to be a part of this exciting orchestra, form online at AccordionStars.com recommend you NOW is the time to register. About 6-8 (or call us for a form)! make your hotel reservations and travel weeks prior to the event you will be 3. Practice your assigned parts and reservations immediately. If you wait mailed your parts to rehearse. learn them before coming to Las until the last minute you might be The Orchestra’s past performances have Vegas. caught paying much higher airfare and been very exciting. Anyone who’s heard 4. Bring your music, your accordion, hotel room rates. The $34 rate goes this magnificent orchestra under Maestro away September 28. and a music stand to Las Vegas Sommers’ baton would agree the sound (portable music stands will be Enclosed please find a color is nothing less than glorious! available for purchase at the flyer with registration form. Simply fill Professor Sommers is excited to work Convention store). it out and return it to convention with those dedicated to making this a 5. Attend rehearsals, 3-5 PM each day headquarters at LVAC, 1760 South 450 great event. If you are interested in at the event with our illustrious West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. joining this esteemed group and making conductor, Joan Cochran-Sommers. Or go online to AccordionStars.com accordion musical history, then the steps 6. Wear black and white to the where you may register & pay online. are simple. Thursday GRAND FINALE If you need additional flyers just ask us! performance! Email: [email protected] Page - 7 14th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013

What’s Inside!

Accordion Star • Mario Pedone – Page 2 Search Contest • Why Las Vegas – Page 2 Come to the YOU could WIN! Dick Contino – Page 5 Page 1 • Carnival of Venice • Jeff Lisenby – Page 5 October 28 – 31, 2013! Joey Miskulin • Joan Sommers – Page 5 STARRING Page 1 Joey Miskulin Youth Scholarships – Page 6 • The Legendary Dick Contino! • Stas & Joan Duet – Page 6 Gee Rabe Peter & Mady Soave • Peter Soave – Page 6 Gee Rabe Jeff Lisenby - Stas Venglevski • Gold Coast New Rooms – Page 6 Page 1 Featuring • Register Today – Page 7 Pete Barbutti, Mary Tokarski Gordon Kohl, Gina Brannelli • Accordion Orchestra – Page 7 Liz Finch & MANY MORE! PLUS Page 7 Accordion Stars Contest Winners!!! Registration Form Joan Sommers & Orchestra The Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra & MORE – See flyer insert!

www.AccordionStars.com toll free hotline – 1-800-472-1695 – outside the USA +1 801-486-1694

LVAC TIMES

1760 South 450 West Salt Lake City, UT 84115