WMAS NEWS
(Visit the news archive for past announcements)

(To post a news item,
e-mail mcherkasky@verizon.net)

WMAS NEWS UPDATE
September 28, 2011

Meeting Notes

Ein prosit! The WMAS Oktoberfest on September 18 was a great success, with close to 100 people enjoying the abundant music, dance, and food.

Special thanks go to dance instructor Herb Fredricksen for making this event extraordinary. Herb is the standard-setter for our area, and he and his dance group, Bairisch and Steierisch – in their beautiful, authentic costumes -- treated us to a set of captivating Bavarian dances. Then Herb taught a few dances that had everyone on their feet.

After a break for bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, and other delicious German-style treats, Joan led the accordionists in a jam session of Austrian laendlers, waltzes, Bavarian schuplattlers, and other Oktoberfest favorites. Again the dancers took to the floor.

During another break, Herb and Joan described the music, dance, and costume traditions on display at the meeting. The large turnout is evidence that these beloved traditions will endure for many years to come.

We have many other people to thank for the successful event: Joan Grauman for organizing, Lee and Ron Paulson for providing decorations, and those who danced and shared music. The members of Bairisch and Steierisch not only performed for us, they also brought food to share, as did many of our members. Thanks, too, to all who offered their help in the kitchen and with setting up and taking down the decorations.

Next Meeting

The October WMAS meeting will take place at 4 pm on October 16 at the usual place: Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church. This will be our guest artist concert and will feature the young and very talented Bulgarian accordionist Vladimir Mollov. Don’t miss this special event!

In addition, Joan will be distributing music for the WMAS Holiday Concert scheduled for December 11. The first rehearsal will be three weeks later: Sunday, November 6, at 4 pm at the church. Please note that date on your calendar, along with the November 20 meeting (which includes a rehearsal in addition to Jim Vandelly's mini-concert) and the December 4 rehearsal, both also at 4 pm.

Nancy Leonard CD

Nancy Leonard has a new CD out: Nancy’s Romantic Mood Music. Please contact her at accordionstar@verizon.net.

AAA Festival Coverage

Don’t miss Rita Davidson’s lovely article on the AAA Charleston festival, at http://www.accordionusa.com/default.aspx#art827,

and be sure to click on “link to 2011 photos” to see many more photos of the event.

Young Rhode Island Accordionist on NPR

Seventeen-year-old Danielle Renzi, who won several competitions in Hershey last summer, was featured recently on National Public Radio’s show From the Top. The show, including a video of her amazing performance, is archived at http://www.fromthetop.org/content/show-229-cedar-falls-iowa.

Guest Artists

If you have an idea for a guest artist concert, please contact Joan Grauman at joangrauman@verizon.net before mentioning it to the potential guest artist. We’d like to avoid getting people’s hopes up or wasting their time unnecessarily, as we are often booked more than a year in advance. Meanwhile, please check out our guest artist policy.