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Highlights |
Breaking News: Peter Müller (1952-2014) Passed Away - Austriaby Harley Jones |
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Peter Müller, owner of Austrian harmonkia / diatonic accordion manufacturer and distributor Müller has died unexpectedly. Notice above. |
Carrefour Mondial de l’Accordéon, Montmagny, Quebec - Canadaby Harley Jones |
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![]() Download the full program at: 2014Carrefour Picture left is the Maulus Trio (David Maulus, Patrick Vassort and Lionel Maulus ) of France who open the Carrefour Festival. During the five days, musicians will feature accordion in nearly every genre with music from morning until late evening. The huge diversity of performers allows the audience to discover bellows instruments in so many unexpected styles and types of music. Artists performing (website order): Xabi Aburruzaga et Jose Urrejola, Anita et Bob Siarkowski, Alexandre B. Caron, Martin Beaulieu et Rachel Aucoin, Marie-Jeanne Brousseau et Emily Flack, Georges Camitsis, Chamamémusette!, Club Carrefour, Joaquin Diaz, Serge Duchesne et Luciano Testani, Duo Jetté-Simard, Duo Niam Ní Charra, Duo Shatra, Duo T'en Bal, Anatol Eremciuc, Erica et Pepón, Yann Goas et Dominique Jouve, Jonathan Goldman et Linda Lee Thomas, Grouyan Gombo, Sabin Jacques et Rachel Aucoin, Roman Jbanov, Philippe Krümm, Bernard Lafargue, Stéphane Landry, Susie Lemay et Denis Pépin, Les Benoit, John Lettieri, Petar Maric, Duo Anne Niepold - Gwen Cresens, Gaston Nolet et Martine Billette, Steve Normandin et Josianne Laberge, Orchestre Jacques Arnould, Swing manouche, Trad Core, Denis Pépin et Steve Normandin, Matteo Petronio, Antoine Pigeon Bourque, Valérie Plante, Petar Ralchev, Mary Tokarski, Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy et Christian Nolet, Trio Maulus et Au p'tit bonheur, Paolo Vani, Gerry Virone. Carrefour Mondial de l'accordeon organisers (picture below): Raynald Ouellet: Artistic Director, Christiane Bouillé: President, Bruno Gendron: Vice-President, Rémi Biron: Secretary/Treasurer. Council: Julie Rousseau, Pierre Walsh, Patrick Morency, Gilles Langevin, Stéphane Ouellet, Yann Texier. |
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Richard Galliano Master Class, Halle – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() Richard Galliano is one of the world's most famous accordionists, and the creator of the ‘New Musette’ style. In his master class he covers jazz and ‘New Musette’ but also other accordion-rooted styles such as Brazilian forró, Tango, Waltz, etc. The course looks at the peculiarities of different rhythms and harmonies as a basis for improvisation. The master class is aimed at active participation from accordion players, who should bring their instruments. The number of active participants is limited. In addition, passive participants (listeners) may be admitted in limited numbers. A certificate of attendance will be issued. Language: French and German. Price: 80 € for active participants / 20 € for passive participants. For further information email: info@akkordeon-akut-festival.de |
‘Revelation Award Sete Sois Sete Luas’ New Category, Castelfidardo – Italyby Rob Howard |
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![]() The ‘Revelation Award Sete Sois Sete Luas’ is a new special World Music competition category of PIF established in collaboration with the Festival Sete Sois Sete Luas. The winner will not only have a scholarship and medal but also will make an artistic residence in Portugal, Ponte de Sor, becoming part of one of the orchestras participating in the Festival Sete Sois Sete Luas, performing with this orchestra in 2015. Competitors may participate from countries where the Festival Sete Sois Sete Luas is established, including Brazil, Cape Verde, Croatia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Tunisia. Entrants will be soloists on the diatonic accordion, for instruments with a minimum of 21 buttons on the keyboard right (2 rows of buttons) and 8 basses in the lower left keyboard. The Sete Sois Sete Luas Festival was founded in 1993 by a group of young Italians active in the theater between Italy and Portugal and the great Portuguese writer José Saramago, who received, in 1998, the Nobel Prize for literature. The PIF of Castelfidardo is honored and proud to be partnering with the Festival SSSL and, to paraphrase the works of Saramago, is proposed as a “flying machine” for those accordionists operating in the traditional music and World Music who want to seize an important cultural and professional opportunities but, above all, an important opportunity to realize their dreams!! |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Yuri Shishkin Concert, Harbin - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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Video 1: Etude S.484 No. 16, Op 20 by Franz Listz. Please excuse the first few seconds of music missing. An amazing technical tour de force by Yuri Shishkin. Video 2: Suite "In Zoo", Organgutan mvt and Ostrich mvt, composed by Vladimir Shishkin. |
Joey Miskulin’s New CD ‘The Other Side of the Fence’, Nashville – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() On his new CD, ‘The Other Side of the Fence’, Joey returns to his Chicago roots with a jazz based recording of standards. Tracks: Avalon, Here's That Rainy Day, I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry, Basin Street Blues, Our Love Is Here to Stay, A Day in the Life of a Fool, Stardust, On Green Dolphin Street, It's Almost Like Being in Love, La Vie En Rose, Secret Love ‘The Other Side of the Fence’ is available on CD from various online sites. |
Video: Hohner Accordion Night, Tan Jia Liang, Harbin - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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The Hohner Accordion Night, part of the 2014 Harbin International Accordion Art Week, was a "take the accordion to the people" concert. Both this concert and a similar concert held the next night, were in major public venues where there would be lots of audience to popular accordion music. Above are two videos of Tan Jia Liang performing. These accordion events were part of the China 32nd Harbin Summer Music Festival. |
Rob Howard Playing for Friends’ Wedding, Paleyrac – Franceby Harley Jones |
![]() The wedding ceremony took place at the Mairie in Paleyrac, a village in the south of the Dordogne in France. Rob played a selection of Edith Piaf, popular French and Gershwin songs following the ceremony, then later in the evening some French waltzes and Irish music for dancing in the marquee at the reception venue, a large mansion that resembled a film set. During the afternoon reception, ‘Les cousins d'Aldo’, a superb local trio featuring Aldo on accordion, entertained with jazz, swing, blues and musettes. The wedding continued the next day with an afternoon picnic in the marquee followed by swimming in the outdoor pool. Rob played a variety of international music, and received a uniquely French round of applause, complete with lively hand and arm actions. 6 Books available online, by author: Rob Howard |
Video: Wang Jie Round 2 Competition Performance, Harbin - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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Video of Popular music category competitor Wang Jie (Sarah) performing two pieces from her Round 2 program at the Harbin 2014 China Summer International Accordion Art Week. Video 1: Medley de chansons Video 2: Little Musette |
Lou Jacklich Honored at ATG Festival, San Francisco - USAby Pamela Tom |
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![]() Lynn Ewing, San Francisco Accordion Club president paid tribute to Lou Jacklich and recounted his career and accomplishments during his 70 years of teaching and 78 years of performing. A dedicated teacher, he still has gigs and teaches in his studio in San Lorenzo, CA. “The Maestro,” as affectionately called by his students, was born in Hayward, California, in 1928. He started the accordion at 7 years old. At 11 years old he was a soloist at the 1939 San Francisco World’s Fair (Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay). At 16 years old he joined the union and played vaudeville on the west coast. He was underage and had a job in a night club. He was one of a select few students in high school with a car because he had teaching jobs and performances around the San Francisco Bay Area. He performed with the Trinidad Steel Drum Band and the Serendipity Singers in Honolulu. He opened the Jacklich School of Music in Castro Valley, CA during the 1950s with 7 teachers who studied under him. The school grew to 400 students and had 4 accordion bands, and 19 combos. He also represented the Melodiosa brand of accordions. He was a pioneer with MIDI equipment and sophisticated amplification on stage using the Lovell organ attachment for accordion. Lou was one of the first accordion artists to introduce the ‘electronically’ enhanced accordion playing it both on his recording ‘Lou Jacklich Plays’ and on engagements throughout the country. Lou Jacklich is very generous in sharing his knowledge and is a natural teacher. He left the hectic life of traveling on the road as a performer and returned to teaching. Over the span of his years of teaching, his number of students easily exceeds a thousand lives enriched by music. |
Video: Stinga Tudor Performs Mazurca Des Champions - Italyby Marco Cinaglia |
Mazurca Des Champions performed by Stinga Tudor. |
Video: Auckland Accordion Symphonietta Concert - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
Video 1: Auckland Accordion Symphonietta conducted by Lionel Reekie performing 4th mvt Symphony No. 40 in G minor, KV. 550 by Mozart. Video 2: 2014 South Pacific Junior Accordion Champion Alexandra Reekie performing Basso Ostinato by Viktor Vlasov On Saturday the 2nd August the Auckland Accordion Symphonietta performed at St Georges Church in Takapuna and presented "Music From the Concert Hall to the Ballet Stage". Works performed included Prokofiev March in B flat, Tchaikovsky Dance Trepak, the 4th mvt of Mozarts 40th Symphony (video above), and La Scala di Seta by Rossini conducted by Lionel Reekie. Soloists were Alexandra Reekie (video above), Patrick Liu (video below) and Eddie Giffney. The concert finished with a rousing rendition of Strauss's ever popular Radetsky March. |
Video: 2014 New Zealand Champion Patrick Liu Performing - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
2014 New Zealand Accordion Champion Patrick Liu (17 years) was filmed at the recent Auckland Accordion Symphonietta concert. Video 1: Chaccone in F Minor by Johann Pachelbel Video 2: Tico Tico by by Zequinha de Abreu |
Video: Hohner Accordion Night, Liu Zhao, Harbin - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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Above is a video of Liu Zhao performing at the Hohner Accordion Night. For his last piece, Liu Zhao walks off the stage into the audience to popular audience acclaim. |
Video: Alexander Veretennikov Entertainment Performance, Harbin - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Alexander Veretennikov (Russia) who placed 3rd in the 2012 Coupe Mondiale, was invited to perform, this time playing entertainment music, at the Harbin Prize Giving concert. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Las Vegas Accordion Convention of August 2000 praisedby Rob Howard |
![]() Las Vegas International Accordion Convention a Huge Success – USA Contributed by Paul Pasquali The Las Vegas International Accordion Convention was an "overwhelming success" according to both Art Van Damme and Peter Soave. Attendees gave the event an "outstanding" rating and are looking forward to next year's event, which is already in the planning stages. This year’s festival featured guest accordionist Art Van Damme who received the Honorary Conductors Award. Art also gave a master class to over 200 people and provided a rare performance which included bass and drums and drew a standing ovation from everyone in attendance. Peter Soave and Julien Labro received a standing ovation for their performance. Peter played both the bayan and the bandoneon and also presented informative workshops and a master class. Gina & Romany Rye (England) who were the Master of Ceremonies, gave workshops and offered a well-attended master class with some fun and laughs included. They also provided entertainment at the Sunday evening social and Gina took the microphone around the entire room to introduce everyone. Other performers included the Aman Family, Herbie, Gina Brannelli, Tony Lovello, Jane Christison, Steve Albini, Steve Balich, Gordon Kohl, Marian Kelly, Murl Allan Sanders and song writer Max Carl. |
Future events |
Alex Meixner: To Scotland and Back - Scotland, USAby Rob Howard |
![]() I've been anxiously awaiting my premier gigs at the German American Festival in Oregon, OH for quite a while! Friday night me and the boys will be hitting the stage - where we'll be all weekend. I'm told these folk know how to party and we're all ready to power up the polkas, schlagers and rock tunes for them!" Upcoming Performances: August 22nd to 24th - German-American Festival, Oregon, Ohio August 29th to September 1st - Cleveland Oktoberfest, Berea, Ohio September 12th to 14th – Oktoberfest, El Paso, Texas September 18th and 19th – Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth, Michigan September 20th - Edelweiss Haus, Northampton, Pennsylvania September 21st - PlattDuetsche Park, Franklin Square, New York September 26th to 28th – Oktoberfest, La Crosse, Wisconsin |
Declan Aungier plays for dancing – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Friday August 22nd – Ardattin Inn, County Carlow Saturday August 23rd - Douglas GAA Centre, Cork City Sunday August 24th, 8 to 10pm - open air dancing Laharan Cross, near Mallow County Cork Declan Aungier became All-Ireland Under 18 Piano Accordion Champion in 1987, later changing to the 5-row Continental button accordion. He works as a solo accordion entertainer, with many CDs to his credit, providing music ranging from Country and Irish, Irish traditional music, and music from the present day, including jazz. He also plays on keyboards, piano and guitar, and is also church organist in his home village of Rathangen, County Kildare. For further information email: declan@declanaungier.com |
Marco Lo Russo Concert, Tarquinia – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert will be a traditional musical journey for solo accordion repertoire from classical to Argentinean tango, jazz, and original compositions, with music by E. Satie, JS Bach, Paganini, Rossini, K. Weill, M. Lo Russo, A. Piazzolla, L. Bacalov and AA V.V. For further information email: dina@marcolorusso.com |
Klezmer Weekend, Derbyshire – UKby Rob Howard |
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A weekend of instrumental Klezmer music takes place from August 29th to 31st at Youlgrave Village Hall, Hollywell Lane, Youlgrave, Derbyshire DE45 1UT, with the London Klezmer Quartet. Group members are: Carol Isaacs (accordion), Ilana Cravitz (violin), Susi Evans (clarinet), Rupert Gillett (double bass). The London Klezmer Quartet has performed an many prominent festivals in the UK and made three tours to Australia. The group has also released two CD's that have been well reviewed. The weekend includes jam sessions, workshops and concerts, and is aimed at musicians of intermediate ability. For further information email: klezmer@hotmail.co.uk |
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Ken and Mary @ Polka Festival, Ohio – USAby Rob Howard |
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The `Ken and Mary Turbo Accordions Express` band perform on August 29th, 7-9pm, at the German restaurant `Wurst und Bier`, 110 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, Ohio. Great German food, imported bier, accordions, Chicken dance, even Polka! Ken plays the diatonic button accordion and also the tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, and mandola, and was once bestowed the title ‘Baron of the Banjo’ by Frankie Yankovic. Ken had his own rag/jazz band for many years, playing in and around Ohio as well as performing in the German Pavillon at Disney’s Epcot Center and at the Altstadt Fest in Goslar/Harz, Germany. Mary plays both the piano accordion and electronic organ. She has performed at numerous festivals, banquets, and for parties. For further information email: kenandmarymusik@yahoo.com |
Christine Schmid on TV show ‘Happy Day’ – Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
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Guildford Accordion Club Events, Surrey – UKby Rob Howard |
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Guildford Accordion Club’s forthcoming public events include: Sunday September 7th - RSPCA, Millbrook, Chobham hold their annual fund raising event. There are many stalls and entertainment plus a chance to see the rescued animals in need of new homes. Tillingbourne Accordion Orchestra will be playing. Sunday September 21st - Tillingbourne Accordion Orchestra will be playing on the bandstand in Canbury Park, Kingston. Do go along, with your picnic, and give them your support. Friday September 19th, 7.30pm - Club Night concert with guest artists Steve Roxton and Jean Dauvin, renowned accordionist from Normandy, France. Sunday October 26th - The 4th ‘Super Accordion Orchestra Day’ will take place at Ripley Village Hall. This event is always a great success and is very popular so book early to be assured of a place on the day. Guildford Accordion Club, founded in April 1990 by the Tillingbourne Accordion Orchestra, meets at Ripley Village Hall, Ripley, Surrey. For further information email: myrabee@btinternet.com |
Tango Ensemble Play for a Milonga, Western Cape – South Africaby Rob Howard |
![]() The band will have a special guest, Silvia Ines Malloca, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, singing Tango with them. For further information email: music@goodmusic.co.za |
World War One Music Concert, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
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The Stockport Accordion Band (MD Adrienne Sharpe) perform music from the 1914-18 war period on Saturday September 13th, 1.30-2.30pm, at St Mary’s Church, Stockport Market, Cheshire. This is part of a re-creation of Stockport during World War One and there will be interesting things happening every half hour from 10-4pm in and around the church. Free admission. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Zhang Jiahe Releases eTracks Album - Chinaby Zhang Jiahe |
![]() 'Winter Bilder', catalog: jiahe01 with sound samples. Music performed by Zhang Jiahe. |
Lorenzo Bosica Releases eTracks Album - USAby Lorenzo Bosica |
![]() 'Virtuosity', catalog: bosica01 with sound samples. Music performed by Lorenzo Bosica. |
Franco Cambareri Release New Compositionsby Franco Cambareri |
![]() 'Colombian Rose', catalog: cfranco189 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
CD Reviews |
“3 Couleurs” CD by Lydie Auvray e AUVRETTESby Alessandro Mugnoz |
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