Calendar Accordion Concerts & Other Events Upcoming WMAS Meetings & Events Sunday, July 20, 4 pm meeting: Richard Dangel plays and sings the standards (songs that have a melody, an interesting chord progression, familiar and pleasing lyrics, and hopefully a rhythm). He prefers jazz dissonant chords and couples those harmonic explorations with strong bass leading. He considers playing while singing a lifetime challenge, and still a work in progress for him. August: no meeting (AAA festival wraps up August 17) Sunday, September 21, 4 pm meeting: Special concert with Mexican accordionist Antonio Barberena in celebration of Mexican Independence Day (September 16)
Sunday, October 19, 4 pm meeting: Rik Kaplan presents a workshop on how to "Cajunize" your music. We'll try this out on some holiday music. In addition, we'll be distributing the music for the December 14 annual holiday concert. Rik was the honoree at the 2008 American Accordion Musicological Society's Annual Festival and Symposium. Sunday, November 2: rehearsal at 7 pm Sunday, November 16, 4 pm meeting: rehearsal for holiday concert Sunday, December 14: 4 pm Holiday Concert (rehearsal at 2 pm). Potluck following the concert. As of March 2007, meetings are at 4:00 pm on the second or third Sunday each month (usually the third) at Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church, 3435 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, Va. Click here for directions.
Accordion Concerts & Other Events
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Click here for accordion festivals -- the list keeps growing!!.
Accordions at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival This year's festival features Texas, the state that has contributed more to American music than any other. This is also the state of which it has been said: For every 12 families there are 13 accordions. The festival, held on the National Mall, runs June 25-29 and July 2-6. You can look forward to concerts featuring a wide variety of music styles -- and an amazing lineup of musicians -- every day and most evenings, as well as workshops. For example, a workshop on building accordions is scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 4:30 pm. All events are free. Schedules and more information are at http://www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2008/index.html. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is one of the best reasons to live in Washington. Don't miss it!
Weird Al Yankovic Saturday, July 12, 8 pm Warner Theater Washington, DC Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1500405BAB9293E4?artistid=772893&majorcatid=10002&minorcatid=51
Roy Carrier at Millennium Stage Thursday, July 17, 6 pm Kennedy Center Washington, DC http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule.html A living legend from Southwest Louisiana, Carrier entertains with Cajun, Creole, and zydeco tunes.
Polka Party with Mike Surratt and the Continentals Thursday, July 17 Dinner 6:30-7:30 pm and Dancing 7:30-10:00 pm Fairfax, VA American Legion More information: Dean Strong (703) 272-3434 or dstrong@post177.org http://www.post177.org/
Concert with Mike Surratt and the Continentals Friday, July 18, 6:30-7:30 pm Town Green Vienna, VA Call Amy (703) 255-6357
Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys Saturday, July 19, 7:30 pm Hayfield Elementary School 7633 Telegraph Road Alexandria., Va. Free, part of the Kingstowne Nights series
Duo Semyonov (Bayan and Domra) in a Private House Concert Friday, July 25, 2008, 7 pm Potomac, Maryland Meet the artists after the concert at a reception with light buffet. Tickets $45. For reservations call (703) 525-2696. Directions will be provided.
Polka Concert with Mike Surratt and the Continentals Saturday, August 9, 7:30-8:30 pm Hayfield Elementary School Alexandria, Virginia Call (703) 324-SHOW
70th American Accordionists' Association Festival August 13-17, 2008 Holiday Inn/Rosslyn 1900 Fort Myer Drive Arlington, VA 22209 Room Reservations: 703-807-2000 - please refer to Code ACC Frank Busso, Contest Chairman 3770 Hyland Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10308 718-356-8323 www.ameraccord.com AAA1938@aol.com
Maryland Accordion Club Next meeting: Saturday, September 20, 2-5 pm Bloomsbury Community Center - 2nd floor auditorium 106 Bloomsbury Avenue Catonsville, MD 21228 If you enter through the rear door, take the elevator to 2R. Bring your accordion, music stand, and band music if you wish to play. For more information or directions, see http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MarylandAccordionClub/, email mdaccordion@cavtel.net or call Joe Fertitta at (410) 744-3352. Directions: Take beltway 495 to I-95N. Take exit for I-195/Rt. 166, Catonsville. Follow Rt. 166 (Rolling Rd) to the light at Rolling Rd/Bloomsbury. Turn R on Bloomsbury and the Catonsville Rec. Center will be about a 1/2 mile on your left (looks like a big old brick school bldg).
Accordion Festivals
International Accordion Festival Feb. 23 - March 24, 2008 Vienna, Austria http://www.akkordeonfestival.at/
19th Annual AAMS Festival and Symposium American Accordion Musicological Society March 7-9, 2008 Dolce Valley Forge Hotel King of Prussia, PA www.aamsaccordionfestival.com
Tejano Conjunto Festival May 6-10, 2008 Rosedale Park 340 Dartmouth San Antonio, Texas For more information, see www.guadalupeculturalarts.org
Polka Tours with Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones For more information, see www.versatones.com.
National Polka Festival Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-24, 2008) Ennis, Texas For more information, see www.nationalpolkafestival.com.
National Button Accordion Festival Memorial Day Weekend Yukon Czech Hall 205 North Czech Hall Road Yukon, Oklahoma 73099
Los Angeles Accordion Festival May 30-June 1, 2008 Eagle’s Hall Aerie 2188 Eagle Rock, CA http://www.myspace.com/losangelesaccordionfest
Django in June June 10-15, 2008 Smith College Northampton, Massachusetts Django in June is New England's premiere occasion to celebrate, study and just plain enjoy the musical tradition unwittingly launched en France some 75 years ago by Django Reinhardt, now known by many as "Gypsy jazz." Musicians from all over North America attend: last year, there were a handful of accordions, as well as scads of guitars, violins, mandolins and basses. The instruction is top-notch and the evening concerts and jam sessions are fantastic. The accordion has a long and interesting association with Gypsy jazz. Django's first gigs as a child-professional were as an accompanist for accordionists playing musette in rough and tumble dance clubs of working-class Paris. Vladimir Mollov rejoins the Django in June staff to work specifically with accordionists. A native of Bulgaria, "Vlado" was born into a family of wedding musicians and began studying the accordion at age seven. At age 13 he placed 4th in an international accordion competition held in Vladivistok, Russia. Throughout his teens he was to either win or rank among the top contestants at a series of such competitions in Europe, winning accolades and awards for his playing of both folk music and jazz.. For more on Vlado, visit his myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/vladimirmollov The Django in June website, www.djangoinjune.com provides leadsheets and MP3's of the tunes that form a basis of the curriculum for the course. Craig Hollingsworth l'accordioneste Gypsy Wranglers www.gypsywranglers.com www.sonicbids.com/GypsyWranglers 413-367-2651 craig@gypsywranglers.com
BALTIMORE TO BERMUDA “Polka Cruise” With The Continentals & another band to be determined Aboard the Norwegian Majesty - June 7-14, 2009 Jay & Janice Lochner from Polka Jammer's "Family Polka Program" are the hosts. More info at http://www.familypolka.com/PolkaCruise.html or jrlpolkanut@familypolka
Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International 68th Annual Competition and Festival June 12-15, 2008 Hotel Preston 733 Briley Parkway Nashville, Tennessee 37217 877-361-5900 Featuring Alexander Shirunov, winner of the Coupe Mondiale International Competition for Piano Accordion More info from ATG: 2312 West 71 Terrace Prairie Village, KS 66208-3322 913-722-5625 Sommers@umkc.edu www.accordions.com/atg
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 19-22, 2008 Leavenworth, Wash. For more information, see http://www.accordioncelebration.com/
34th Annual Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships July 7-12, 2008 $20,000 in Cash Prizes and Bursaries in 18 various Categories Competitions, Workshops, Concerts, Dances, Jam Sessions, Open Mic Stage for 6 consecutive days http://www.kiotac.ca
American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concert Series 2008 July 25-27, 2008 The Tenri Cultural Institute of New York 43A West 13th Street (between 5th and 6th avenues) New York, NY Master classes at 3 pm; concerts at 7 pm Fees: $20 per master class; $25 per concert; $40 per day for master class and concert; $110 for entire weekend (ask about AAA member discounts) Information and reservations: 212-876-0827 www.billschimmel.com
First Annual Festival Co-sponsored by New Hampshire Accordion Association and Accordion Connection LLC August 2, 9 am - 6 pm Radisson Hotel 600 Elm Street Manchester, New Hampshire Jam sessions, workshops, concerts, vendor displays, accordion sales, door prizes FESTIVAL RESERVATIONS: Contact Sue Welch 1-800-328-5227 or by Email at: accman@accordionconnection.com $25 with advance registration by July 2, 2008, $30 after July 2, 2008. Reduced-rate adjacent parking. HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Contact hotel directly 1-888-201-1718. Deadline for discounted room rate is July 11, 2008. Mention “accordion festival” when reserving. Radisson Hotel provides complimentary shuttle service between the hotel http://www.radisson.com/manchesternh and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport [MHT] http://www.flymanchester.com/ PROGRAM: Special Guest Accordionist TONY LOVELLO "Liberace of the Accordion" Tony Lovello will thrill you with his phenomenal bellows shake, masterful vibrato, dazzling glissandos,"six-finger" right-hand chords, three-finger basses and his inimitable attention-getting style. He is a captivating accordionist, a real showman with a great sense of humor. Called the "Entertainer's Entertainer" the National Accordion Association has hailed him as the "Living Legend of the Accordion World!" You will not want to miss this exciting performer LIVE and IN PERSON. Nils Lundin Swedish born Nils Lundin, known by Scandinavian groups throughout New England for his magically lilting fingers on the melodious accordion will delight you with his mastery of the chromatic accordion. He will perform Scandinavian music of today and feature a group of Scandi-Dancers for your pleasure. Gary Morin Accordionist Gary Morin has been specializing in Italian, French, Irish, German, Polish, Big Band, Jazz, Tangos and Eastern European music since 1976. Recording artist and strolling entertainer, Gary is in demand at both public and private functions. Mary Tokarski Professional accordionist, teacher, and recording artist Mary will be in concert and presenting a workshop on "The Adult Performer" -- a whole different breed. Performing as an adult is a challenge "bar none." Learn mental techniques to control your anxiety and what to do to PREVENT the anxiety right from the start! Make performing FUN! Chad Huval Whenever you ask about the best accordion players in Louisiana, Chad's name keeps coming up, and they all wonder -- where is he???? Chad Huval lives in Boston these days, and we're lucky enough to have him join us on August 2nd. He is a WILD man on the accordion! John Leeman What is a MIDI accordion? Can my accordion be made to sound like that? All your questions will be answered by professional MIDI installer and expert, John Leeman. This is one workshop you won't want to miss!! Donna Maria Regis Artistic Director of the festival, Music Director of the New Hampshire Accordion Association and Conductor of the ACCORDIONS NOW ! Festival Orchestra, Donna Maria Regis will inspire you to great performance heights as you take part in the orchestra concert. Advance sign-up is required. Music will be sent to you by Email or hardcopy. A one-hour rehearsal just before the concert will be held that day. Come and have some real fun with us!
70th American Accordionists' Association Festival August 13-17, 2008 Holiday Inn/Rosslyn 1900 Fort Myer Drive Arlington, VA 22209 Room Reservations: 703-807-2000 - please refer to Code ACC Frank Busso, Contest Chairman 3770 Hyland Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10308 718-356-8323 www.ameraccord.com AAA1938@aol.com
2008 Iroquois Springs Balkan Music & Dance Workshop August 2008 Rock Hill, NY http://www.eefc.org/site/?EastWorkshop Folk music & dance of Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia & Turkey
18th Annual Cotati Accordion Festival August 23-24, 2008 (Sat. and Sunday), 9:45 am to 7:00 pm both days La Plaza Park, downtown Cotati, Calif. Festival includes a wide variety of accordionists and bands. Visit the Web site at www.cotatifest.com.
The 2008 Northeast Squeeze-In Sept. 19-21, 2008 Western Massachusetts http://www.buttonbox.com/s-i.html
Carrefour Mondial de l'Accordéon Accordion Festival in Montmagny, Quebec August 28 - September 1, 2008 Musée de l'Accordéon 301, boulevard Taché est Montmagny, Québec G5V 1C5 Phone: (418) 248-7927 Fax: (418) 248-1596 accordeon@montmagny.com http://accordeon.montmagny.com
5th Lasarte-Oria Accordion Festival September 26-28, 2008 Lasarte-Oria (Gipuzkoa), Spain http://www.zerosette.es/english.html
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention September 29 - October 2, 2008 Gold Coast Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada Info from: Paul Pasquali 2330 South Main Street #15 Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 Hotline: (801) 486-1695 Toll Free: (800) 472-1695 Fax: (801) 596-7315 vegas@accordioninfo.com www.AccordionStars.com
International Accordion Festival in San Antonio October 10-12, 2008 La Villita South Alamo Street San Antonio, Texas Hear a radio clip. For more information, see www.internationalaccordionfestival.org
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Area Restaurants Featuring Accordionists
Jim Vassar at Esposito's Pizza and Pasta Italian Restaurant Every Tuesday evening 9917 Lee Highway (Route 50, several blocks west of Fairfax Circle) Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 385-5912
Joe Blumka at Tutto Bene Every Friday evening from 7 until 10:30 pm, with Russian violinist Vladimir Rozenblat Tutto Bene Italian Restaurant 501 N. Randolph St. in Arlington, Va. (just off Glebe Road, across from the Ballston Mall) http://community-2.webtv.net/JoeBlumka/JoeBlumka
Silvia Eberly at Old Stein Inn 1143 Central Ave. (Route 214) Edgewater, Md. Call for reservations: (410) 798-6804 June, July August and September - every second and fourth Saturday October - every Friday from 5 to 9 pm and Saturday, 5 to 10 pm. More information at http://www.oldstein-inn.com
Paul Aebersold & Silvia Eberly at Cafe Mozart 1331 H Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. (202) 347-5732 Paul Aebersold plays Saturdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Silvia Eberly plays Tuesday evenings 6-9 pm and Sundays, 5-9 p.m. More information at www.cafemozartgermandeli.com.
Blob's - RIP
Annual Oktoberfest at Clyde's of Reston Under the pavilion at Reston Town Center 11905 Market Street More info at (703) 787-6601 or http://www.clydes.com/events/oktoberfest2004.html.
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