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by Rob Howard
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![]() The three evening concerts offered a wide range of music, with the Classic Kyiv Duo (picture right) receiving standing ovations for each of their three performances. Roy Hendrie & Dave Morrice (midi accordion/fiddle duet) played a variety of music, including Scottish dance music. Amaryllis’ English folk dance tunes, Harry Hussey’s jazz, Nigel Pasby & Helen Newton’s duets of accordion arrangements, Helen Rich’s accordion classics, Rosemary Wright’s accordion specialities, Jovan Rnjak’s accordion classics and popular songs, and Malachy Cairns’ Irish traditional tunes and songs between them provided a very wide range of quality music. There were two accordion bands - Kennett Accordion Orchestra (MD Nigel Pasby, whose appearance as Freddie Mercury for their Queen medley was a sight and sound like no other!) and the lively Black Country Accordion Band (MD Barry Smith). Alan Young on keyboard played great late night party music, David & Angie Lukins with son Andrew on guitar played some amazing solos and group pieces, and Sue Bennett backed by Harry Hussey performed some hilarious pieces on both accordion and hand bells. The final concert ended with a rowdy performance from The Master Butchers Band, led by Barry Smith on accordion, bringing the festival to a crescendo finale. The workshops included Elementary Orchestra - Jean Hanger, Scottish Orchestra – Angie Lukins, Folk Orchestra – Tracey Middleton, Vintage Orchestra – Jean Hanger, Busking for Beginners – Alan Hess, and also some One to One Lessons - Sue Bennett with Harry Hussey. There was an entertaining performance from each of the festival orchestras on the Sunday afternoon. The trade show featured the Birmingham Accordion Centre, Rob Howard’s Publications, Alan Shute – accordions, accordinas, and extras, Harry Kipling’s Accordion Treasures, and Roy Hendrie – MIDI. Next year’s festival is set for November 1st to 3rd 2019. For further information email: accordions2010@hotmail.co.uk |