French accordionist Jean-Louis Noton is to appear in concert and to give a master class at the Blackpool Accordion Festival, April 28th to May 1st. Jean-Louis Noton has travelled extensively around Europe, China, America and Africa, and is particularly well known as a fine exponent of the Cavagnolo reedless accordion.
The Blackpool Accordion Festival takes place at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. The other guest accordionists appearing include Ivar Dagenborg, Geir Aage and Ottar Johansen (Norway), Rosemary Wright (England), Lindsay Garvin (England) and Auriol Evans (cello, Wales), and Ian Cruikshanks (Scotland). Activities include a trade show, an auction, orchestras, workshops, concerts and dancing.
Frankfurt Musikmesse 2006 - Germany Contributed by Harley Jones
Many of the world's accordion manufacturers present their products at the Frankfurt Musik Messe and our Europe Manager Holda Paoletti-Kampl has made a lovely Frankfurt Musik Messe picture report, showing many of the accordion industry identities attending.
Francesa Pigini "Tradition in Style"pictured in traditional dress from the italian region "Marche" with the Pigini-Germany Reprentative Heinz Aumueller in "Lederhosen".
Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound celebrate a double record: five percent more exhibitors, ten percent more visitors
"Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound have cleared the 100,000 visitor hurdle for the first time. This record participation on the visitor side reflects the record on the exhibitor side. Thus, both events have been able to increase their leads as the world's biggest inter-national trade fairs for their sectors", says Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt GmbH
101,166 visitors attended the Musikmesse, International Trade Fair for Musical Instruments, Music Software & Computer Hardware, Sheet Music and Accessories, and Prolight + Sound, International Trade Fair for Event and Communication Technology, Audiovisual Production and Entertainment. In comparison to last year, this represents an increase of ten percent in the number of visitors attending the two trade fairs.
Besides a further increase in the number of visitors from outside Germany compared to 2005, there were also more German visitors to the fairs. The bulk of the 35,790 foreign guests (+16.1 %) from 120 countries came from Europe, e.g., the Benelux countries, Switzerland, Italy, Great Britain, Sweden, Austria, Czech Republic, Greece and France. 65,376 visitors (+ 6,8 %) came from Germany
As well as displays, there was an official début at the Frankfurt Musikmesse 2006 of the: 'Certificate of Origin and Quality' for the accordions 'Made in Castelfidardo'.
The Music Marche Accordions consortium - an association for the protection, promotion and development of musical instruments produced in the Marche region (in Italy) - has established a certification for musical instruments, the purpose of which, is to guarantee both to customers and to manufacturers a tradition of over 150 years old craftsmanship. Picture left of Paolo Picchio, Music Marche President showing the certificate.
This consortium represents the major accordion producers of the Castelfidardo area, who decide to attach the indelible seal on the instrument and to enclose the 'Certificate of Origin and Quality'. Manufacturers requesting seals and certificates to the consortium must agree to abide by regulations and construction norms, handed on from generation to generation, and to use select materials and components exclusively produced by Castelfidardo craftsmen.
Following the tremendous success of her 2005 tour, visually impaired Australian accordionist Bernadette Conlon has announced her return to the International accordion Conventions in America and Canada in 2006. She will appear at:-
Leavenworth International Accordion Convention - June 21st - 24th Las Vegas International Accordion Convention - June 25th to 28th Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Conventio (Kiotac) - July 10th to 15th.
Bernadette, who performs virtually all types of music on her accordion, from memory, upon request, was a highlight at her inaugural 2005 tour where she won the hearts of accordionists, young and old.
Arthur Metzler Passes Away, Florida - USA Contributed by Kevin Friedrich
The accordion world is saddened to learn that Arthur (Art) Metzler, aged 90, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on March 18th 2006.
Born in 1915, Arthur moved to Florida in 1982 from his native Chicago, and became proficient on several instruments. In the 1930s, he played the accordion as a solo performer and in ensembles to a high standard, and in the years following World War Two became a highly successful teacher with his own accordion school.
Arthur Metzler was also a prolific composer and arranger. Arthur studied and majored in composition at Roosevelt University. He was first oboist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and held first chair in the Rizzo Accordion Ensemble. Art Mezler is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jane; a son, Robert, and a brother Martin.
American Accordionists Association Fundraising Day, New York - USA Contributed by Kevin Friedrich
The American Accordionists' Association held an extremely successful fundraising event at the Magnanini Winery in Wallkill, New York, where hundreds of attendees enjoyed an outstanding afternoon of accordion music, set to wine tasting and dinner.
The 4th Annual event of its kind at the Winery, money raised is put in the AAA Carmen Carrozza Scholarship fund, which will be used for the advancement of promising young accordionists and commissioning new works for the accordion.
A past president of the AAA, Carmen Carrozza (picture left with current AAA President Linda Solely Reed) is well known as one of the greatest exponents of the accordion in the classical field. He studied under Pietro Deiro, who was one of the pioneers of the accordion in the United States. He has appeared as soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, the Cincinnati Orchestra, Buffalo Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony at Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.). He has also appeared with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Andre Kostelanetz, premiering the 'Rubaiyat', written by Alan Hovhaness and narrated by Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in Washington DC, and for former NYC Mayor John Lindsay in New York. (Picture right of famous accordon identities Maddelena Belfiore and Tony Dannon.)
He has performed concerts throughout Europe and was presented with a gold medal in Italy after an outstanding performance at the Teatro di Pavia. One of the high points in Carmen Carrozza's distinguished career was a concert in Town Hall in New York City where he performed all original accordion works by many outstanding American composers including Robert Russell Bennett, Paul Creston, Virgil Thompson, and many others.
Artistes included well known accordionist Mario Tacca and International vocalist Mary Mancini (pictured left), Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia playing traditional Italian Valtaro Music, as well as jazz artiste Tony Dannon from Detroit, Frank Carozza, Frank Toscano, Anita and Bob Siarkowski, Linda Soley Reed and CIA President Kevin Friedrich.
Musselburgh Festival, Scotland - UK Contributed by Rob Howard
The National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs annual festival at Musselburgh in the borders region of Scotland om March 4th attracted an entry of over 250 competitors, including 14 entries in the bands sections. The event had been under threat due to heavy snowfalls across much of Scotland in the days before, but by the day itself the weather had relented and the NAAFC Festival proceeded as scheduled.
The adjudicators commented on the high standard of playing throughout the day, and many of the winners took part in the evening concert. Two particular highlights of the concert were 8-year-old Emma Dickson (Under 10 Accordion Champion) and her 10-year-old sister Hannah (Under 12 Fiddle Champion) who played to a standard well beyond their years. After the concert, the festival concluded with a dance to the music of Iain Cathcart and his Scottish Dance Band.
Next year's Musselburgh Festival is set for March 3rd 2007.
Blues Accordion Tuition DVD, Texas - USA Contributed by Rob Howard
A DVD by Debra Peters, titled 'The ABCs of Accordion Basics Blues, Chords, & Chops (for Piano Accordion)' has recently become available. This DVD focuses on teaching and learning the blues on the piano accordion in a step-by-step play along tutorial.
Texas accordion teacher and performer Debra Peters includes such lessons as arpeggios, trills and chord patterns for the treble keyboard, and the 5 most common bass patterns for left hand playing. The viewer can play along 'by ear' while watching close-ups of the keys and buttons.
Mediterranean Sundance Concert, Hengelo - The Netherlands Mediterranean Sundance, renowned as the most remarkable 'Hot Club de France' jazz sextet in the Netherlands, featuring accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegovic and guitarist Mozes Rosenberg, are in concert on April 7th at the Rabotheatre in Hengelo. The concert begins at 8.30pm.
The ensemble Mediterranean Sundance plays not only the music of Django Reinhardt, but also include the influence of flamenco, tango, Oriental and world music to create a real musical mosaic.
The musicians of Mediterranean Sundance are: accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegovic - accordion, Mozes Rosenberg - lead guitar, Harry Klunder - rhythm guitar, Faifie Reinhardt - rhythm guitar, Watti Rosenberg - violin and Fremdo Rosenberg - bass.
A musical show titled 'Paris Est Un Escargot' takes place at the Theatre Michel Galabru, 2 rue de l'Armée, 75018 Paris, from April 19th to 23rd, at 2.30pm. The performers are Béatrice Fontaine - vocals, Daniel Denecheau - guitar, and Alexandre Leitao - accordion.
Accordion Festival, Durango - Mexico Contributed by Rob Howard
The first Durango Accordion Festival takes place from July 14th to 29th, at various venues in the city. The festival sponsors are the Culture and Art Municipal Institute, and the organiser is Corin Martinez. The organiser hopes to present leading accordionists from France, Russia and Italy.
James O' Brien - composer, arranger and performer, releases another 7 new works for accordion available for purchase online. 'I Maccheroni'(traditional), 'Kalinka' (traditional), 'La Bamba' (traditional), 'La Tumba' (traditional), 'Las Mañanitas' (traditional), 'Laughing Polka' (traditional), 'O Du Lieber Augustine' (traditional). Samples of this music are available on the site. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card.
A new site selling a CD titled 'Dialoghi' with sound samples. Music performed by Daniele Donadelli and his master Paolo Gandolfi. Purchase online with credit card.
A new site selling a book titled 'L'Accordéon & SA Diversité Sonore'. Book in French language about the accordion reeds and the sound and how to tune and repair the reeds of the accordions. Author is Thierry Benetoux of France.
The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) site has been updated to show current competition information for 2006 including the national festival comeptitions and the $10,000 first prize 'Vivian Vivio Stolaruk International Entertainment Competition for Accordionists' which will be held from July 12-14, 2006 at the Adams Mark Hotel, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, NY.
Vassily Glubochenko releases a new composition of 'Walk With the “Mops”'. Sample of the music is available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card.
James O' Brien - composer, arranger and performer, releases another 5 new works for accordion available for purchase online. 'As I Went Out' (traditional), 'Bagpiper's Carol' (traditional), 'Carnival of Venice' (traditional), 'Cicirinella' (traditional), 'Hopak' (traditional). Samples of this music are available on the site. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card.
French accordionist 
The 
Following the tremendous success of her 2005 tour, visually impaired Australian accordionist 
The American Accordionists' Association held an extremely successful fundraising event at the Magnanini Winery in Wallkill, New York, where hundreds of attendees enjoyed an outstanding afternoon of accordion music, set to wine tasting and dinner.
A past president of the AAA, Carmen Carrozza (picture left with current AAA President Linda Solely Reed) is well known as one of the greatest exponents of the accordion in the classical field. He studied under Pietro Deiro, who was one of the pioneers of the accordion in the United States. He has appeared as soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, the Cincinnati Orchestra, Buffalo Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony at Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.). 
He has also appeared with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Andre Kostelanetz, premiering the 'Rubaiyat', written by Alan Hovhaness and narrated by Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in Washington DC, and for former NYC Mayor John Lindsay in New York. (Picture right of famous accordon identities Maddelena Belfiore and 
He has performed concerts throughout Europe and was presented with a gold medal in Italy after an outstanding performance at the Teatro di Pavia. One of the high points in Carmen Carrozza's distinguished career was a concert in Town Hall in New York City where he performed all original accordion works by many outstanding American composers including Robert Russell Bennett, Paul Creston, Virgil Thompson, and many others.
Artistes included well known accordionist Mario Tacca and International vocalist Mary Mancini (pictured left), Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia playing traditional Italian Valtaro Music, as well as jazz artiste 
A DVD by Debra Peters, titled 'The ABCs of Accordion Basics Blues, Chords, & Chops (for Piano Accordion)' has recently become available. This DVD focuses on teaching and learning the blues on the piano accordion in a step-by-step play along tutorial. 
Mediterranean Sundance, renowned as the most remarkable 'Hot Club de France' jazz sextet in the Netherlands, featuring accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegovic and guitarist Mozes Rosenberg, are in concert on April 7th at the Rabotheatre in Hengelo. The concert begins at 8.30pm.
Jack Emblow and Tony Compton Concert, Leicester - UK
A musical show titled 'Paris Est Un Escargot' takes place at the Theatre Michel Galabru, 2 rue de l'Armée, 75018 Paris, from April 19th to 23rd, at 2.30pm. The performers are Béatrice Fontaine - vocals, Daniel Denecheau - guitar, and Alexandre Leitao - accordion.
