Wayne Knights

Emails to the Editor

FAMOUS FRENCH ACCORDIONIST TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN

Contributed By Claude Cavagnolo of Europe Musique Instruments

For the first time in the world an accordionist is going to climb a mountain with his accordion to play at 4,400m altitude. Jean-Louis Noton, consultant and demonstrator of Cavagnolo accordions will leave on July 20th for the White Tooth (Dent Blanche), a mountain of the Swiss Valley (Valais Suisse) to reach the top on July 22nd where at the altitude of 4,400m, he will celebrate his birthday in the atmosphere of the accordion.

Jean-Louis Noton's ascension includes 2 hours in a glacier, 4 hours of Escalade and two days of walking. He will be accompanied by one of the best Swiss guides, Andre Anzevui. Swiss television will make a report of this event, which will also be put in the Guiness Book of Records. This experience is sponsored by Boullard-Musique from Morgues (Switzerland), Cavagnolo Accordions (France) and patronised by Accordeon Magazine (France).

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (DC) MAYOR PROCLAIMS ACCORDION WEEK

Contributed by Faithe Deffner, President of the American Accordionists' Association

In a gala proclamation, Mayor Marion Barry Jr., sent the following welcoming message to the American Accordionists' Association just prior to their upcoming Festival:

"WHEREAS, on July 7th to 14th, Washington, D.C. will become the "accordion capital of the world" as enthusiasts from all over America squeeze into our Nation's capital to participate in the American Accordionists' Association 1997 Annual Festival and Competition; and

"WHEREAS, the 59-year-old American Accordionists' Association is the nation's oldest and largest accordion organisation, with a mission to promote public awareness and interest in accordion music and artistry; and

"WHEREAS, the accordion has reached new heights in popularity, as the instrument takes a prominent position in movies, TV, rock and pop music and literary best-sellers; and

"WHEREAS, no other musical instrument is so much a part of so many different cultures and, therefore, integral to the fabric of American life: NOW, THEREFORE, I, THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, do hereby proclaim July 7th to 14th, 1997, as "ACCORDION WEEK" in Washington, D.C., and call upon all residents of this great city to join me in enjoying the diverse performances of the multi-faceted and versatile accordion."

Marion Barry, Mayor, District of Columbia

UKRAINE ACCORDIONISTS SUCCESSFUL IN ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Contributed by Tatiana Lanchtchikova

The 3rd National Accordion Competition, took place from June 21st to 23rd in Italy. Accordionists from many countries came to Italy to participate. Among them were five accordionists from the Ukraine, who are the students at the Ukraine National Musical Academy and Musical Colleges. After their very successful performances, all of them gained placings in many of the categories.

• Vadim Khavrun, student of Professor Vladimir Besfamilnov, won category 1 and was 1st equal in category 3
• Vadim Skripchenko, student of Professor Victor Protopopov, won category 2 and was 1st equal in category 3
• Oksana Zhungietu won the Under 18 years category, Natasha Vershinina came third in the same category
• Natasha Vershinina also played in a duet with her teacher Gennady Dubinin and they came third in that category.

ACCORDION PERFORMANCE IN AN OPEN-AIR CONCERT - CHINA

Contributed by Wu Jie

On July 1st at 10.00am in Shaolin Park of Haerbin City, an open-air concert was held to celebrate Hong Kong's reverting back to China.

There were many varied music programs at the concert. Among them was an accordion orchestra consisting of 30 children. They played a Chinese song "The Pearl of Orient - Hong Kong". The conductor and teacher was Ms. Liu Yibo, an accordion teacher in Changchun City. More than 2,000 people watched their performance, which was well received by the audience.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SIWA '97 - YUGOSLAVIA

Contributed by: Milan Tomic and Tania Lukic-Marx

On the weekend of June 28th and 29th the International Competition SIWA '97 was held in Belgrade's Philharmonic Orchestra Hall, Yugoslavia. Competitors were divided into six categories, according to age (10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under,18 and under, and 18 and over) with more than 60 competitors.

Judges included famous Yugoslav accordion teachers R.Tomic, V.Vasovic, B.Bjelic, and Z.Rakic . The winners of each class received trophies, certificates and prize money ranging from DM100 to 500.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT AAA FESTIVAL - USA

Contributed by Faithe Deffner, President of the American Accordionists' Association

The American Accordionists' Association will feature writer Susan Strermpke Shea in readings of her book Hoopi Shoopi Donna, a novel which includes the accordion as a warm thread throughout the story. The author plays the accordion herself and once had an all-girl band of her own. She will play the accordion in the Endless Performance Ballroom and will also read from her book and autograph copies for those who have or buy the volume.

ROSE CITY ACCORDION BAND IN CONCERT - USA

Contributed by Geoff Levear, President of the Rose City Accordion Club

The Rose City Accordion Band performed for two hours on a stage at the Clackamas Town Center Mall on Sunday June 22nd to celebrate National Accordion Awareness Month. The band consisted of fourteen accordionists under the direction of LaVerne Morris. They played sets, which lasted about ten minutes with duets and solos between each set. The sets included Liechtenstiener Polka, Snow Waltz, Tavern in the Town, Shake, Rattle and Roll, St. Paul's Waltz, Silk Umbrella etc.

Three duets were also performed before the second set, which included Cocktail Waltz, Its a Small World, My Happiness, Tic Tock Polka, Accordion Man Waltz, Just Because. The Greg Meier Trio (with Greg on accordion) did a wonderful set with some different style tunes not normally associated with the accordion. The band brought the show to a close with a rousing set of polkas to end a two-hour show which everyone really enjoyed.

JOHN MCDONALD IN CONCERT – NEW ZEALAND

Contributed by Genny Hall

John McDonald played to a very appreciative audience as part of the "Triple Scotch" show held at the Tokoroa RSA Club on Sunday 29th June.

John played a bracket in each segment of the show and as always, proved to be a crowd pleaser. The first bracket included Bluebell, and Trish Trash Polka, interspersed with the quieter tempo of pieces such as Granny's Heiland Hame and was rounded off with a Medley of Scottish favourites.

The second bracket opened with another two polkas, and moved onto the haunting Highland Cathedral and Maggie. John finished this section with another Medley of singalong tunes including "The Northern Lights", "I Belong to Glasgow", "Scotland the Brave" and the ever popular "Black Bear".

STATEN ISLAND ACCORDION ORCHESTRA PLAYS AT RICHMOND FAIR

Contributed by Faithe Deffner, President of the American Accordionists' Association

The Richmond Town Historic Association has extended a special invitation to the Staten Island Accordion Orchestra which is conducted by Frank Busso, to perform an hour-long program at the Richmond County Fair. The Fair is scheduled from August 15th to 17th and will be attended by thousands who visit the many booths and displays in addition to attending the concerts which the association arranges for their listening pleasure.

DAY OF THE ACCORDION, USA

Contributed by Tom Collins

The annual "Day of the Accordion" which ended June 29th was a grand success. Accordionists from around the world gathered at the Seattle Center for a day of total involvement with reeds and bellows. The morning was devoted to competitive performances with awards presented by the distinguished jazz accordionist, Art Van Damme. The afternoon was an array of world class artists including Frank Marocco, Peter Soave, Ken Olendorf, Horace Lazzari and Murl Allen Sanders, almost all of whom received standing ovations for stellar performances. Among the visiting dignitaries were Eddie Chavez, renowned author of "The Golden Days of the Accordion", and Gus Merzi from Sydney, Australia.

FRENCH ACCORDIONIST TO PERFORM ON CRUISE SHIP

Contributed By Claude Cavagnolo of Europe Musique Instruments

Manu Maugin is a young accordionist with a promising future. Having graduated from Ecole Fallone de Dijon, he will participate in the first cruise "Romande" on board the "Le Melody" from September 7th to 14th, around the Mediterranean.

In 1991 and 1992 he competed and gained awards in many competitions, including being a Finalist at the World Cup (1992). He has also released four recordings.

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY UPCOMING CONCERTS - USA

Contributed by Tom Collins

On Monday July 14th, New York accordion virtuoso, Carmen Carrozza will perform in concert at 7.00pm. Jorgen Sundeqvist, one of Sweden's leading concert accordionists, will perform at 7:00pm on Monday August 11th.

Both of these concerts will be held at the European Connecktion, 717 SW 148th St., Burien, Washington 98166. Donation $10 at door includes a light snack.

SUMMER ACCORDION CAMP - CHINA

Contributed by Wu Jie

From July 5th to 12th, a Summer Accordion Camp will be held in Bohaiwan (one of the scenic spots of Beijing City). This camp is being sponsored by the Chinese Accordion Society, and many varied activities will be held, such as lessons, a campfire party, small concerts, etc.

The participants are all students of the accordion school of Beijing. Their age's range from 7 to 18 years old and they will practise for five hours every morning. Afterwards they will do other activities. It is estimated that about 200 accordionists will participate in this event.

"ELECTRIC KOZAK" ALBUM

Contributed by Alexander Chudolij

Electric Kozak is an upbeat instrumental album containing various rhythmic stylings designed to appeal to anyone with a love for Ukrainian or other Slavic music. This lively recording includes polkas, a high energy folk dance medley, waltz rumba and other styles, which made "Electric Kozak" one of the most popular Eastern European instrumental albums of the '90's.

"Electric Kozak" is the product of 100 studio hours of recording by AC Productions' founder, Alex Chudolij. This fully orchestrated album was virtually exclusively recorded using MIDI and acoustic accordions.

DOCUMENTARY USES ACCORDION SOUNDTRACK - USA

Contributed by Faithe Deffner, President of the American Accordionists' Association

Accordionist-Composer Pauline Oliveros will do the soundtrack for a forthcoming film, Paulina, with story written by Vicki Funari. The plot is about a child brought up by Paulina, her nursemaid, in Mexico, who returns to find the woman who cared for her. She finds Paulina and learns about hard life. The music underscores the dramatic elements of the 90-minute documentary.

EMAILS (ACCORDION TO THE EDITOR)

Subject: Web Site

Dear Wayne,

Nice job. Photos look great! Thanks for getting back to me so fast. I am leaving now! and will be back after the AAA convention in Washington D.C. where I'll be doing a klezmer accordion and performance workshop.

Yesterday I was browsing through a record bin at The Main Squeeze, an accordion store in NY city and came across an album with a New Zealand accordion orchestra and there was your name on the back! Small world. Thanks again.

Sy Kushner

I'm glad you like the site. I hope you have a great time at the AAA festival - I only wish I could be there also! I hope you manage to catch up with a good friend of mine, Lionel Reekie who will be performing on MIDI accordion with vocals.

The record you mention was 11 years ago! As well as the orchestra, there is an excellent solo performance of the 3rd movement of the Italian Concerto (Bach) by Marie Masefield (nee Efford), one of New Zealand's best known former concert artists.

Bye for now,

Wayne Knights
Editor