15th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Volume 15, Number 1 / Spring 2014 LVAC TIMES

Michael Bridge! Stas Venglevski! Alicia Baker! Canadian Accordion Champion Honorary Conductor 2014 Multi-Faceted Musician For our 15th annual event we Come celebrate with Stas! It is a Alicia Baker has been a are excited to have Canadian Accordion great honor to have Stas join us for our passionate musician since early Champion Michael Bridge, one of the 15th Annual Las Vegas International childhood. She began studying the piano most versatile accordionists on the scene. Accordion Convention. Stas not only has at age 4, the accordion at age 6, and voice He expertly blends contemporary works a warm positive personality but is a at age 14. Alicia recently graduated from with great composers like Bach and popular performer, composer, arranger Oregon State University, and now holds a Haydn, French musettes, jazz standards, and clinician who has made an indelible Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Piazzolla tangos and pop hits from the mark on the accordion scene in the USA Education, Piano Performance, and Beatles to present day. Michael made his since his arrival. Vocal Performance. solo orchestral debut at age 16 with the An acclaimed accordion virtuoso Alicia has found her most Boston Pops for the hit NPR radio show and a native of the Republic of Moldova tangible success with the accordion "From the Top". While studying music at (part of the former Soviet Union), Stas having won several international the University of Toronto, he performed resides in Milwaukee, WI. Although he competitions. In 2009, she represented in China, Croatia, Italy, France, the has lived only a short time in America, he the USA at the Roland International V- U.K., and all across Canada and the has become a highly respected American Accordion Competition in Rome. This USA. accordionist. was the beginning of her current Among his talents, Stas is a gifted relationship with Roland; one that In high demand, Michael gives continues to provide opportunities to over 100 performances a year, touching composer. He composes and publishes his own compositions! And it is no share her love for the instrument. Aside on an amazing number of genres and from competitive events, Alicia has settings. Unique highlights of 2013 exaggeration to say Stas is literally an American accordion cheerleader, performed solo accordion concerts at included filming his live improvised promoting musical excellence on the many notable festivals. In 2011, she was accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s privileged to join the ( bayan/accordion to (Continue on Page 7) Continue on Page 6) “The Kid” in Idaho, (Continued on page 6)

Early Bird - Spring Savings – Register NOW! are already registered and have In celebration of registered – simply fill out this already received the maximum spring and the early birds we registration form and mail it in savings! are making one last special and we will credit your But wait, the savings don’t Spring Savings offer with this registration with the Early Bird end there – you can save even more newsletter. SAVE up to $40 savings! with our Bring-A-Friend special. See off your registration if you act Already registered? the BAF article on Page 5 and not now. You will find the Early Look at your mailing label – if only help your friends save with the Bird registration form with above your name it says 2014 Early Bird special, save a few dollars the special savings offer on REGISTRANT #N (N = your yourself for simply spreading the good page 4! If you have not registration number) then you news!

Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter Volume 15, Number 1 / Spring 2014

Dear Friends, Summer Sunshine Spring is New CD Release by Joan Cochran Sommers & Stas Venglevski here and life is wonderful! I am Summer Sunshine is a with the wonderful varied artistic doing very well and refreshing and exciting new release sounds that only real accordion reeds looking back I can from accordionists Joan Cochran can bring to the music world. Other hardly believe that Sommers and Stas Venglevski (bayan) songs like In The Mood are delightful the first Las Vegas that will keep your head bobbing and accordion sounds, and the beautiful International toes tapping to wonderfully performed final track, Summer Sunshine, will leave Accordion and executed you feeling inspired Convention was 15 original and relaxed. compositions. years ago this The entire August!! This year The album is wonderful we are offering an incredible lineup of talent album features listening! The CD and I do hope you will join us for this magical 14 original will be on sale at the celebration of life! compositions Convention store for two where you may get Speaking of celebrating life, we have accordions by your copy lots to celebrate this year in Las Vegas – and Stas. The autographed by Joan lots of old and new memories to share! You performances and Stas. If you just will undoubtedly find this year’s event filled are fresh and cannot wait then with excitement. I strongly encourage you to exciting and contact Accordions register early. Because of the news in this issue, will leave you International at 1- we are extending the Early Bird savings until feeling the cheerful summer sunshine. 800-935-0013 and we take your order June 10. After that date the savings go away! One of the more melodic and pensive and ship this new release. Come join us as we celebrate our 15th songs, Sommers Fantasy, puts you in a Remember there is nothing like Anniversary with a return to August for a very relaxed mood, like the end of a live music – so for the ultimate beautiful summer day, full of pleasure SUMMER CELEBRATION of fun, experience come to Las Vegas and hear with its dreamy romantic classical entertainment and inspiration! Personally, I am Joan and Stas perform! Another great style. Other songs like Bravo have an totally excited about this year’s lineup and the reason why the Las Vegas International upbeat jazz classical fusion, while fact that we have Joey, Michael, Alicia, Stas, Accordion Convention is said to be Forest, with its beauty, engulfs you Joan Sommers & the orchestra, our returning simply THE BEST! legend Dick Contino, plus all the other great Stars. How can you not be with us! Come celebrate our 15th Anniversary in style! Visit Compare – Why Las Vegas? our website at www.AccordionStars.com where you may even register online! Compare & see why the Las Vegas, at $28 a best costs the least! night for four nights, plus If you have not looked at airfares – do Compare the true cost for four breakfasts at $6 so today – they are lower to Las Vegas than I cost of attending any each, and the answer is clear have seen in some time – and the hotel rate is other accordion hotel – LVAC is a BARGAIN no now at $28 ($38 premium room) a night. This event in North matter how you add! really is the year to come to Las Vegas. Please America! Add up the All this plus the largest accept my personal invitation to join us in what costs, event fee, hotel lineup of entertainment and surely will be our best year yet – come celebrate & food costs, travel workshops to attend and you life at our Summer Celebration in Vegas! plus event fee-yes, our will see why the LVAC is by If you have any questions or concerns event fee is about far the least expensive event – or just need some help finding an airfare to double theirs but with the most to offer! Las Vegas, give me a call toll free at 1-800-472- remember we include 7 meals! Our promise, attend just 1695. I would love to hear from you. Oh and once, and you’ll discover why by the way, I am planning a surprise for you But now add the people come back year after this year – so register, make your reservations, costs of rooms and year saying, “Paul, I don’t mark your calendar, and come celebrate! meals in a Marriott, Hyatt, Ramada or know how you do it – the event is really other event hotel (average $179 plus first class and what a true bargain!” tax) plus average meal costs in these hotels and for two people for four So come join the best kept secret in nights you can be well over $1200 the accordion world! Book early Paul Pasquali before event fees and travel costs. (registration, rooms, airfare) and save Las Vegas International Accordion Convention on the accordion event of a lifetime!

Page 2 Website: www.AccordionStars.com Mention ACCORDN! and get hotel rooms as low as $28 a night (Sun-Thurs) At the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino

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Dick Contino Peter & Mady Soave Joey Miskulin – Stas Venglevski Ron Borelli Michael Bridge – Alicia Baker Pete Barbutti Bruce Gassman Gordon Kohl Gina Brannelli Register with Liz Finch & MANY MORE! EARLY BIRD Pricing on backside and SAVE! PLUS Or visit our website! The Seventh Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra Directed by Professor Joan Cochran Sommers

Sponsored By ! AccordionStars.com AccordionInfo.com REGISTRATION FORM ! Registration 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. You will receive a confirmation. Your balance is due by July 18, 2014

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Check only one. Balance due by July 18. Registrations after July 18 must include full attendee fee. After Aug. 12 you must register at the convention.

Early Bird Pricing ATTENDEE DEPOSIT EB Pricing Ends 6//14 FEE (Due Now) $525.00 $70.00 ☐ Single attendee Package: !"#$%&"'(%)*$%+,(%-')*%.",/%011"/2'"(%+0#'3.4% $505.00 One full time. All events, all 7 concerts, all 7 meals. Special 5*'6%.$0/%-$%1$3$7/0)$%",/%89)*%:((';$/60/.<% ☐ $795.00 $85.00 =>$6%')%033%7$?0(%:,?,6)%"+%@AAA4B% Single Attendee with Evening Guest: $770.00 One full time. All events, all 7 concerts, all 7 meals. Special !"#$%&"'(%)*$%CDE%06%-$%1$3$7/0)$%89%>$0/6% PLUS one evenings only guest with all 4 dinner concerts included. -')*%0%6F$1)01,30/% Evening Guest’s Name:

G,##$/%:11"/2'"(%!$3$7/0)'"(4% $925.00 95.00 ☐ Double Attendee Package: % $885.00 Two full time. All events, all 7 concerts, all 7 meals Special H$?'6)$/%)"20.%I%J(&".%+",/%('?*)6%K%)*/$$%+,33% for both attendees. Second Attendee’s Name: 20.6%"+%,(+"/?$))073$%$()$/)0'(#$()L%'(6F'/'(?% ☐ $350.00 $60.00 -"/M6*"F6L%6F$1'03%$;$()6%K%#,1*%#"/$4% Evenings – Only Package: $330.00 All 4 evening concerts with dinner each night. J(&".%6,#F),",6%N06%O$?06I6).3$%70(P,$)6L% Special -')*%)-"%#$036%"++$/$2%$01*%20.<% AccordionStars.com % ! For Assistance Call Q"'(%+/'$(26L%($-%0(2%"32% 1-800-472-1695 or 1-801-486-1695 0(2%3$0/(%-*.%-$%0/$%1033$2% [email protected] =5*$%RJG5%:11"/2'"(%J;$()4B% TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

• Do you play the accordion? ☐YES ☐NO

• Interested in playing in the ☐YES ☐NO Accordion Orchestra?

Signature Date

I have enclosed a check and await a confirmation letter. I agree to pay the balance (if any) by July 18, 2014. I understand I may cancel my reservation up to 21 days prior to the event for a full refund minus $50 processing fee (no cancellations or refunds allowed after 1 PM August 15, 2014). !"#$%&#'$("')&*"'+,,-./0'$&'1"$'$("'12343#$""*'5&6"7$'(&$"5'43$"'' Mail this form with your check to: /"528"'9:;'-.'<4"=%2='9>;'?@2#AB(247C' LVAC, 1760 South 450 West Salt Lake City, UT 84115 D&5*',&37$'E! A;;;AFG:AH:I;'?JE'IG:A>HIAIEEEC' Volume 15, Number 1 / Spring 2014 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter BAF Special Joey Miskulin Returns! Bring A Friend Special Savings! Honorary Director 2013 Returns to Celebrate our 15th Year! For each new household that registers for the event you will receive Joey is a true legend Alabama, Garth Brooks, and a $35 credit. For example, if three of whose career has spanned , to name a few. your friends register we will deduct more than four decades. Joey After recording and $105 from your invoice. Yes, it does has collaborated and pay to spread the news! becoming a regular on NPR’s performed with Paul "Rider’s Radio Theater," he If you are already registered McCartney, , Andy became a member of Riders In simply write REFERRED BY # (your Williams, , Ricky The Sky. He produced their registration number) clearly on the Van Shelton, Emmylou Harris, multiple Grammy-award winning registration form and pass copies along and many others. He is a recordings and performed an to your friends. Your registration performer, studio musician, average of 185 shows each year, number is on this newsletters mailing producer, pedagogue and our including the "." label (90 is the registration in the 2013 Honorary Director who In addition, he oversees other sample below). stunned the audience with his talent and studio and production projects as a charisma. respected and sought-after member of the During the 70’s and 80’s, Joey’s music industry community. Some of Joey's reputation as a studio musician and movie projects include writing, producing, producer grew. He recorded with celebrities and/or performing songs appearing in such as Andy Williams, Doc Severenson and Disney's "The Wild", Disney/Pixar's Charlie Daniels, as well as with many bands "Cars", Rattle and Hum" with U2, and If you need more copies, throughout the U.S., Canada & Europe. In Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 2". download at AccordionStars.com or 1985 Joey produced the first record to win a We are thrilled to have Joey simply call our hotline 1-800-472-1695 polka Grammy: "70 Years Of Hits" with Frank returning to help us celebrate in style our and we will mail you more forms. Yankovic. 15th year! Several people commented at last th Help make our 15 Annual Since moving to Nashville in 1987, year’s event that seeing and hearing Joey Convention the BEST ONE YET! his recording projects included U2, Johnny was worth the entire admission price alone! Bring your friends – have more fun – Cash, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Alison Come join the great entertainment in and save money too! Krause, Hank Williams Jr., John Prine, Las Vegas!

Camp Concerto 2014

Three Full Days May 12-15, 2014 Commanders House at Historic Fort Douglas

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

Email: [email protected] Page - 5 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter Volume 15, Number 1 / Spring 2014 Youth Bruce Gassman! Scholarship Jersey Boy Returns Bruce is a Jersey Boy who Awards Available! started playing accordion at age 9. We Each year we offer youth initially heard scholarship awards to young accordion Bruce make Gold Coast $28 a Night! players. The scholarship pays for the his return th youth to attend full time including all debut back in In honor of our 15 Anniversary seven meals, concerts and workshops. 2007 and recall the Gold Coast agreed to lower their rates All accordion players under the him saying he to one dollar below the rate we offered 15 age of 18, who are was uncertain years ago ($29). What a great way to accompanied by a full how the music celebrate and with all newly renovated time parent or he grew up rooms you will find the Gold Coast guardian attendee, are with would be comfortable and THE place to stay. It’s eligible. For a accepted on only an elevator ride away from the scholarship the accordion. convention! application visit our Well Bruce, now in his 60’s performing The $28 deluxe rooms feature a website music from the 60’s, has made quite a rain forest shower. The $38 premium AccordionStars.com or call our hotline comeback in the past few years and rooms feature a bright décor with a tub and request a form. recently has become favorite-featured bath combo. All rooms feature a new If your accordion club or artist at many accordion festivals! high-end bed for your sleeping comfort. someone you know has a youth Bruce released his second solo Please note that all Las Vegas properties accordion player, then please spread the CD album, ‘Classic Rock Accordion 2 do charge a resort fee – but the good word! What a great opportunity for news! The Gold Coast now includes your young accordion players to hear Bruce – Volume 2’, and has a surprise or FREE high-speed Internet – what a deal! and learn from the greats! two up his sleeve to unveil in Las Vegas! Bruce says there is nothing like the feel Make your reservations with the and emotion of a live performance and Gold Coast early and tell them you are Alicia - Continued from page 1 he does try to capture some of that feel with the Accordion Convention, our on his recordings. He says “there are no group code is ACCORDN. If you book Corvallis symphony as the soloist for overdubs or studio tricks – it is just me with the convention rate we’ll guarantee Nikolai Chaikin’s Accordion Concerto with two hands on my accordion!” you the best rate! If rates lower, your in B-flat Major. Come us join as we welcome Bruce back rate will lower, something Expedia and Vocally, Alicia thrived as an opera to our 15th Anniversary Celebration – others cannot guarantee! For reservations student all throughout college, as she you will be amazed and entertained by call the Gold Coast today 1-888-402-6278 discovered a new passion. On the this Jersey Boy Accordion Star! (outside the U.S. +1 702-367-1111). piano, Alicia loves the art of collaborative piano, and will always Michael - Continued from page 1 and improvised fugues all in the same enjoy working as an accompanist. performance. In spring 2014, Michael In addition to her three instruments, the Roland V-Accordion international will be releasing his 6th solo album, Alicia also discovered a passion for festival in Rome, Miami’s Renaissance encompassing baroque gems, folk musical composition. She has Ballroom, a tour of Virginia and West melodies, and his acclaimed 1812 composed many solo accordion pieces, Virginia, Toronto’s Glenn Gould Studio, Overture on solo digital accordion. a few piano solo pieces, and two works a TEDx Talks Youth presentation in A former student of Beverley for choir. She plans to continue Toronto, The Calgary Blues Fest, “rolling Fess (accordion), Donna Holloboff composing, and hopes to become a concerts” on Via Rail’s cross-Canada (piano), Robert Rosen (harmony and published composer someday. train, Wurstfest (Texas’ “salute to composition) and Tim Janz (harmony As a recent college graduate, Alicia can sausage”), and winning the Calgary and composition), Michael is now in now begin fulfilling her dreams, which Stampede Talent Search. In 2012, he had his third year at the University of include promoting and sharing her love the honour to perform with Toronto’s Toronto, where he studies with world- of accordion with younger generations, Quartetto Gelato in Santa Barbara, renowned accordionist Joseph as well as performing on all of her California. Macerollo. He is a captivating young instruments. We’re fortunate to have musician, determined to raise the Both live and recorded, Alicia join us, especially in conjunction profile of the accordion for the next Michael’s playing is bold and passionate. with Michael Bridge. The two will generation. This is a unique Live, you may encounter contemporary astound you! opportunity to hear a new legend in classical, tango, jazz, polkas, rock covers, the making!

Page 6 Website: www.AccordionStars.com Volume 15, Number 1 / Spring 2014 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter Accordion Straps! Dick Contino! Stas - Continued from page 1 Is your accordion looking a little Accordion Legend Returns! varied American audiences. tired, showing some wrinkles, maybe Stas has toured extensively as showing some cracks because your straps The legend a soloist, including performances with look a little like these? and his Las Vegas Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Combo are set to We have the Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home return for 2014! solution! Call Companion radio show. Additionally, Accordions Dick Contino, a he has performed numerous times true accordion International with various symphony orchestras. legend, is excited for their Stas is the past President of special spring to bring you an opening night to the prestigious Accordionists and strap sale. remember. During Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Simply call 1- and has been very busy the past few 800-935-0013 his career, he has played virtually every major stage and TV show. years. We welcome our friend, and (or 1-801-485- 2014 Honorary Director, Stas! Come 5840) and tell His accomplishments include be a part of this wonderful celebration them you twelve albums on major record labels, and help Stas celebrate this great want the “spring strap sale” and you will and sales of over 6 million records. honor! save $15% off your order and Paul will even throw in free shipping within the USA. Visit AccordionFactory.com for various styles and prices available. Or simply call and we will assist you with the correct straps to make your accordion smile again. If you tell us you want the Spring Special we will deduct 15% from your strap order!! 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, please register Professor Sommers, our very own Maestro the orchestra. TODAY and Extraordinaire, is now preparing the 2014 SAVE! We 2. Fill out the orchestra questionnaire program. If you want to be a part of this strongly exciting orchestra, NOW is the time to form online at AccordionStars.com (or call us for a form)! recommend register. About 6-8 weeks prior to the you make your hotel reservations and event you will be mailed your parts to 3. Practice your assigned parts and travel reservations immediately. If you rehearse. learn them before coming to Las wait until the last minute, you might be Vegas. caught paying much higher airfare and The Orchestra’s past performances have been very exciting. Anyone who’s heard 4. Bring your music, your accordion, hotel room rates. The $28 rate goes away and a music stand to Las Vegas July 18. this magnificent orchestra under Maestro Sommers’ baton would agree the sound is (portable music stands will be Enclosed please find a color nothing less than glorious! available for purchase at the flyer with Early Bird registration form. Convention store). Professor Sommers is excited to work with Simply fill it out and return it to 5. Attend rehearsals, 3-5 PM each day those dedicated to making this a great convention headquarters at LVAC, 1760 at the event with our illustrious event. If you are interested in joining this South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT conductor, Joan Cochran-Sommers. esteemed group and making accordion 84115. 6. Wear black and white to the Or go online to AccordionStars.com musical history, then the steps are simple. Thursday GRAND FINALE where you may register & pay online. 1. Register today, or if you are already performance! If you need additional flyers just ask us! registered, then tell us you want to be in

Email: [email protected] Page - 7 15th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Volume 15, Number 1 / Spring 2014

What’s Inside!

Michael Bridge • Early Bird Savings – Page 1 Page 1 • Summer Sunshine CD Review Come to our • Why Las Vegas – Page 2 15th Anniversary Celebration • Joey Miskulin Returns – Page 5 August 18 – 21, 2014! Stas Venglevski • Bring-A-Friend Special – Pate 5 STARRING Page 1 • Bruce Gassman – Page 6 Dick Contino Joey Miskulin – Stas Venglevski • Youth Scholarships – Page 6 Michael Bridge – Alicia Baker • Gold Coast $28 a night – Page 6 Ron Borelli – Bruce Gassman Alicia Baker • Dick Contino – Page 7 Featuring Peter & Mady Soave Page 1 • Accordion Straps – Page 7 Pete Barbutti, Mary Tokarski • Register Today – Page 7 Gordon Kohl, Gina Brannelli Liz Finch & MANY MORE!

PLUS Early Bird Registration Page 4 | International Accordion Orchestra Page 7 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