14th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013

Gee Rabe

LVAC TIMES

Four FUN filled nights with two Themed nights with prizes will be featured at this year’s event! Wednesday evening, October 30, will be our Venetian Costume Party in the Italian Venetian tradition! Plan your attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume!

Thursday, to continue our celebration, will be our fancy GALA dress night. We will announce the winners of the Accordion Star Search and hear from the top winners. The evening will come to a crescendo with the performance of the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Joan Sommers!

Carnival of Venice in Vegas!

Joey Miskulin

You could be the new Accordion Star! STOP THE PRESSES - $1000

CASH TO BE AWARDED! Be the accordion star that shines the brightest in Las Vegas and win a cash prize!

Yes, new for 2013, cash awards contest for the best accordion star! Come join the FUN and be a part of our very own Accordion STAR Search. Entering is as simple as one, two, three:

1. Register as a full time attendee. 2. Fill out and submit the

Accordion Stars Entry Form*. 3. You will be allotted a 5-minute

performance slot at Club Concerto to perform before a panel of judges.

The selected finalists will perform at Thursday’s lunch concert involving the audience voting for the winner!

All participants will be awarded a personalized participation certificate. The top winners will perform and will be awarded trophies and cash prizes at the Thursday Gala Concert. Cash prizes will be third place $200, second place $300, and first place $500.

So register today – enter to win – practice – and we will see YOU, the winner, in Las Vegas! *Form online www.accordionstars.com or call 801-486-1695 and request a form. See Page 6 for more info and eligibility.

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Ethnomusicologist Gigi "Gee" Rabe, also known as “The Accordion Diva,”

Gee is probably the world’s foremost expert on accordion music of various cultures. She holds an M.A. degree in Ethnomusicology and has completed coursework for her PhD from UCLA. She has a Bachelor in Music Performance from California State University. Her graduate research has focused on accordion performance around the world. She has lectured, written and published articles on the accordion in world music as well as her other love, steel drums!

As a youngster, she began playing the accordion in 1975 and went on to win many national performance awards. Reading her list of teachers is an amazing list of accordion world genres, from classical, jazz, Argentinian tango, international music, Balkan, and Caribbean to highlight just a few. (see page 6)

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Hall of fame accordionist & Grammy Award-winning Producer.

Joey is a true legend whose career has spanned more than four decades. Joey has collaborated and performed with Paul McCartney, Ricky Skaggs, Andy Williams, John Denver, Ricky Van Shelton, Emmylou Harris, and many others. He is a performer, studio musician, producer and pedagogue.

Joey’s legendary music history starts at age four when he picked up a 12-bass accordion and began playing simple melodies. At five, he began formal music training, and at ten, Joey was performing publicly. At eleven he joined the Ronnie Lee Band, and at age twelve he made his first record album with Chicago’s Roman Possedi.

At thirteen, Joey met and began performing with “America's Polka King," Frank Yankovic, thus beginning an association lasting over (see page 7)

Seeking Accordion Stars!

Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013

Page 2 Website: www.AccordionStars.com

Dear Friends,

Spring is in full bloom and life is wonderful. I am doing very well and hope this finds each of you enjoying health and happiness! After a cold winter, spring is beautiful! If you are like me it puts a smile on your face to see Mother Nature celebrating life once again!

Speaking of celebrating life, we have lots to celebrate this year in Las Vegas - new artists and a new contest, “Accordion Stars Search!” You will undoubtedly find this year’s event filled with excitement. I strongly encourage you to register early. Because of the news in this issue, we are extending the Early Bird savings until June 10. After that date the savings go away!

Come join us as we celebrate Carnival of Venice in Vegas for FUN, Entertainment and inspiration! Personally, I am totally excited about this year’s lineup and the fact we have Joey Miskulin! I am sure 2013 will be our most exciting year yet! Check out our new website at www.AccordionStars.com where you may even register online!

If you have not looked at airfares – do so today – they are lower to Las Vegas than I have seen them in several years – and the hotel rate is now at $34 ($42 premium room) a night. This really is the year to come to Las Vegas. Please accept my personal invitation to join us in what surely will be our best year yet – come celebrate life at our Carnival or Venice in Vegas Party!

If you have any questions or concerns – or just need some help finding an airfare to Las Vegas, give me a call toll free at 1-800-472-1695. I would love to hear from you. Oh and by the way, I am planning a surprise for you this year – so register, make your reservations, mark your calendar, and come celebrate!

Compare – Why Las Vegas?

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Mario was born in a small town near Bari, in Southern Italy. In an effort to improve the family's financial situation, the Pedones immigrated to Valencia, Venezuela in 1959. Mario's older brother, Ludovico, had begun to study the accordion and Mario was always watching him, hoping one day he also could play this wonderful instrument. He persistently begged his father to let him start accordion lessons, too, and eventually succeeded. As a young man he devoted at least 4 to 5 hours per day practicing until his father screamed GIVE US A BREAK but that didn't stop Mario from playing his beloved instrument.

While in Venezuela, Mario graduated as a Concertista, Cum

Mario Pedone Mario is a perennial favorite of convention attendees.

In response to numerous requests, Mario has agreed to return!

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Laude, and finally with a degree of Professor of Accordion. After graduation Mario founded his own accordion school where he had over 125 students. Many of his students now play professionally. Mario has won numerous accordion and organ championships.

In 1981, in search of a better future, Mario moved

to Sugar Land, Texas, with his wife and children. He continues to teach and perform professionally and has his own recording studio in Sugar Land.

Many of Mario's students feel that Mario is too modest and that with more exposure he would quickly be recognized as a musical genius who has devoted his life to the pursuit of accordion musical perfection.

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Compare & see why the best costs the least!

Compare the true cost of attending any other accordion hotel event in North America! Add up the costs; event fee, hotel & food costs, travel plus event fee-yes, our event fee is about double theirs but remember we include 7 meals!

But now add the costs of rooms and meals in a Marriott, Hyatt, Ramada or other event hotel (average $179 plus tax) plus average meal costs in these hotels and for two people for four nights you can be well over $1200 before event fees and travel costs.

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Las Vegas, at $34 a night for four nights, plus cost for four breakfasts at $6 each, and the answer is clear – LVAC is a BARGAIN no matter how you add!

All this plus the largest lineup of entertainment and workshops to attend and you will see why the LVAC is by far the least expensive event with the most to offer!

Our promise, attend just once, and you’ll discover why people come back year

after year saying, “Paul, I don’t know how you do it – the event is both first class and truly a bargain!”

So come join the best kept secret in the accordion world! Book early (rooms and airfare) and save on the accordion event of a lifetime!

Back by Popular Demand!

Paul Pasquali Las Vegas International Accordion Convention

Come join the FUN with your accordion family!

The theme for our grand finale evening is

Carnival of Venice!

Register today and come enjoy four nights and three

full days of unforgettable entertainment, inspiring

workshops, special events and much more!

Enjoy our sumptuous Las Vegas-style banquets, with

two meals offered each day.

Join friends, new and old, and learn why we are called

“The Best Accordion Event to Attend!”

AccordionStars.comFor Assistance Call

1-800-472-1695or 1-801- 486-1695vegas@AccordionInfo.com

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

• Do you play the accordion?

I have enclosed a check and await a confirmation letter. I agree to pay the balance (if any) by Sept. 28, 2013. I understand I may cancel my reservation up to 21 days prior to the event for a full refund minus $50 processing fee. Mail this form with your check to:

Las Vegas Accordion Convention, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115

YES NO

• Interested in playing in the Accordion Orchestra? YES NO

Signature Date

Name _____________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________

City _______________________________ State _________________________

Zip ___________________ Phone______________________________________

Email______________________________________________________________

ATTENDEEFEE

DEPOSIT(Due Now)

BALANCE(Due by Sept. 30)

$510 $70 $440

$910 $95 $815

Single Attendee Package:

all events, all 7 concerts with

7 meals.

Double Attendee Package:

all events, all 7 concerts with

7 meals for two people.

Evenings-Only Package:

4 concerts with dinner.$340 $60 $280

$780 $85 $695Single Attendee & Evening

Partner – same as Single Attendee

PLUS one guest admission to

each of the four evening

dinners/concerts.Call toll-free 1-800-472-1695

for additional evening partner options.

REGISTRATION FORM

Additional Attendee’s Name:

Additional Attendee’s Name:

Registering is simple - fill out the form below and mail it with your check (payable to “LVAC”) to 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. You will receive a confirmation. Your balance is due by Sept. 28, 2013.

Check only one. Balance due by Sept. 28. Registrations after Sept. 28 mustinclude full attendee fee. After Oct. 21 you must register at the convention.

Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms as low as $34 (Sun-Thur) per night!Gold Coast Hotel Reservations (outside U.S. +1 702-367-7111) or 1-888-402-6278.

Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms for only $34per night (Sun-Thur) at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino

Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms for only $34per night (Sun-Thur) at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino

EARLY BIRDENDSJune 10

OCTOBER 28-31,2013at the Gold Coast Hotel

in Las Vegas!

OCTOBER 28-31,2013at the Gold Coast Hotel

in Las Vegas!

Join Us!

$490 $420EarlyBird

$750EarlyBird

$665

$775$870

$320 $260

EarlyBird

EarlyBird

Early Bird Pricing Ends April 30!

FEATURINGPete Barbutti

Mary TokarskiGordon Kohl

Gina BrannelliLiz Finch & MANY MORE

PLUSThe Sixth Annual

Las Vegas InternationalAccordion Orchestra

Directed byProfessor Joan Cochran Sommers

STARRINGThe LARGEST Lineup ofAccordion Stars including

The Legendary Dick Contino!Joey Miskulin

Gee RabePeter & Mady Soave

Stas VenglevskiJeff Lisenby

Don’t Miss The Premier ACCORDION EVENT OF THE YEAR!

Come join the FUN with your accordion family!

The theme for our grand finale evening is

Carnival of Venice!

Register today and come enjoy four nights and three

full days of unforgettable entertainment, inspiring

workshops, special events and much more!

Enjoy our sumptuous Las Vegas-style banquets, with

two meals offered each day.

Join friends, new and old, and learn why we are called

“The Best Accordion Event to Attend!”

AccordionStars.comFor Assistance Call

1-800-472-1695or 1-801- 486-1695vegas@AccordionInfo.com

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

• Do you play the accordion?

I have enclosed a check and await a confirmation letter. I agree to pay the balance (if any) by Sept. 28, 2013. I understand I may cancel my reservation up to 21 days prior to the event for a full refund minus $50 processing fee. Mail this form with your check to:

Las Vegas Accordion Convention, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115

YES NO

• Interested in playing in the Accordion Orchestra? YES NO

Signature Date

Name _____________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________

City _______________________________ State _________________________

Zip ___________________ Phone______________________________________

Email______________________________________________________________

ATTENDEEFEE

DEPOSIT(Due Now)

BALANCE(Due by Sept. 28)

$510 $70 $440

$910 $95 $815

Single Attendee Package:

all events, all 7 concerts with

7 meals.

Double Attendee Package:

all events, all 7 concerts with

7 meals for two people.

Evenings-Only Package:

4 concerts with dinner.$340 $60 $280

$780 $85 $695Single Attendee & Evening

Partner – same as Single Attendee

PLUS one guest admission to

each of the four evening

dinners/concerts.Call toll-free 1-800-472-1695

for additional evening partner options.

REGISTRATION FORM

Additional Attendee’s Name:

Additional Attendee’s Name:

Registering is simple - fill out the form below and mail it with your check (payable to “LVAC”) to 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. You will receive a confirmation. Your balance is due by Sept. 28, 2013.

Check only one. Balance due by Sept. 28. Registrations after Sept. 28 mustinclude full attendee fee. After Oct. 21 you must register at the convention.

Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms as low as $34 (Sun-Thur) per night!Gold Coast Hotel Reservations (outside U.S. +1 702-367-7111) or 1-888-402-6278.

Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms for only $34per night (Sun-Thur) at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino

Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms for only $34per night (Sun-Thur) at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino

EARLY BIRDENDSJune 10

OCTOBER 28-31,2013at the Gold Coast Hotel

in Las Vegas!

OCTOBER 28-31,2013at the Gold Coast Hotel

in Las Vegas!

Join Us!

$490 $420EarlyBird

$750EarlyBird

$665

$775$870

$320 $260

EarlyBird

EarlyBird

Early Bird Pricing Ends June 10!

FEATURINGPete Barbutti

Mary TokarskiGordon Kohl

Gina BrannelliLiz Finch & MANY MORE

PLUSThe Sixth Annual

Las Vegas InternationalAccordion Orchestra

Directed byProfessor Joan Cochran Sommers

STARRINGThe LARGEST Lineup ofAccordion Stars including

The Legendary Dick Contino!Joey Miskulin

Gee RabePeter & Mady Soave

Stas VenglevskiJeff Lisenby

Don’t Miss The Premier ACCORDION EVENT OF THE YEAR!

Page - 5

Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter

Email: vegas@AccordionInfo.com

Jeff Lisenby is a Nashville musician, Broadway musical director, and producer to top cruise ship musical acts.

When he’s not on the road performing around the country,

Lisenby teaches for Belmont University’s School of Music and is active in the Nashville recording scene.

It is said Jeff is the busiest commercial accordionist in the USA today. We are honored Jeff has taken the time to be with us and we know you will find his performance and instruction a rare treat!

The legend and his Las Vegas Combo set to return for 2013!

Dick Contino, a true accordion legend, is excited to bring you an opening night to

remember. During his career, he has played virtually every major stage and TV show.

His accomplishments include twelve albums on major record labels, and sales of over 6 million records.

Dick, the master showman, says of his passion, “I treat my audience like a living love relationship; I feed it and it feeds me.”

Dick Contino

Jeff Lisenby

Camp Concerto 2013

Three Full Days June 17 – 20, 2013

Commanders House at Historic Fort Douglas

Overlooking Salt Lake City

For more details visit www.CampConcerto.com

Professor Sommers has become an annual favorite. What the Professor can do with just three short days of rehearsals is as miraculous as the

sound she obtains from the orchestra - truly inspiring!

Joan is a talented arranger for the accordion

orchestra and says it is constantly in her mind, making it difficult for her to just listen to music as background. When she listens, she hears and analyzes the specific sounds, the techniques used, & the form of the composition. In her words this is both a curse and a blessing. Joan will be featured at the Thursday Gala Concert conducting the Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra.

Joan Sommers

Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013

Page 6 Website: www.AccordionStars.com

This is an open category to all ages and styles of accordion playing. Below are some simple rules of eligibility.

1. Must be a full time registered attendee of the event.

2. Must register for competition in advance.

3. Artists & staff are not eligible. 4. Must perform on an accordion

with reeds. 5. 5 minute limit – strict rules

enforced. 6. Finalists to play for final judging

at Thursday lunch concert 7. Winner(s) be prepared to play a

solo at Thursday Gala Concert The audience will vote on the finalists! So come to Las Vegas because whether you are in the audience or on the stage this will be an exciting event!

Stas, with his incredible smile and infectious joy, brought the house down last year – especially when he brought Joan Sommers to the stage to perform together. What a rare and wonderful treat. Needless to say we had numerous requests for Stas to return!

Maestro Sommers is set to return for 2013 to conduct the famous International Accordion Orchestra as well as teach. And maybe with some luck, we can coax them to again return to the stage as a duo!

Both Joan and Stas will be adjudicators for our first annual Vegas Accordion Stars Search!

Gee - Continued from page 1

The Gold Coast has 405 brand new premium rooms! Last year’s standard rooms were totally gutted and remodeled with all new furnishings, baths, new décor, and become the new Premium rooms. Last year’s premium rooms with rain forest showers become deluxe rooms. Deluxe rooms $34 and premium rooms $42 a night. What a deal!

Make your reservations with the Gold Coast early and tell them you are with the Accordion Convention. If you book with the convention rate we’ll guarantee you the best rate! If rates lower then your rate also lowers, something Expedia and others cannot guarantee! For reservations call the Gold Coast today 1-888-402-6278 (outside the U.S. +1 702-367-1111).

Gold Coast NEW ROOMS!

Peter Soave just finished performing on bandoneon, a two-

week run of Piazzola’s “Maria de Buenos Aires” with the Chicago Opera Theater ending April 28, 2013. The exceptional review in the Chicago Tribune read:

“Peter Soave deserves a special shout-out for the marvelous way in which he makes his expressive bandoneon virtually a full-fledged character in the drama.”

Congratulations Peter! We look forward to seeing you and Mady at the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention.

Stas & Joan Duet!

$1000 in Prizes!

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Gee is a busy LA musician and studio recording artist. In fact, you have probably already heard Gee play. If you have watched any recent animated films such as “Puss in Boots,” “Ice Age 4,” and “Hotel Transylvania,” then you have heard Gee playing her accordion. Gee was featured in an episode of Craigslist TV called “Accordion Idol.” Other television appearances include the Jimmy Kimmel Show, the Young and the Restless, and KMEX-Univision Primera Edición.

Ms. Rabe is an exceptionally talented world accordion artist. She has performed in bands of almost every musical genre you can imagine. This will certainly be an exciting experience to have Gee join us in Las Vegas to learn what directions the accordion is moving and how Gee is keeping the accordion alive! Her classes and performance will certainly inspire!

Youth Scholarship

Award

Peter Soave Chicago Tribune Review

Each year we offer youth scholarship awards to young accordion players. The scholarship pays for the youth to attend full time including all seven meals, concerts and workshops.

All accordion players under the age of 18, who are accompanied by a full time parent or guardian attendee, are eligible. For a scholarship application visit our website AccordionStars.com or call our hotline and request a form.

Spread the word!

Page - 7

Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter

Email: vegas@AccordionInfo.com

Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra Needs YOU!

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Professor Sommers, our very own Maestro Extraordinaire, is now preparing the 2013 program. If you want to be a part of this exciting orchestra, NOW is the time to register. About 6-8 weeks prior to the event you will be mailed your parts to rehearse.

The Orchestra’s past performances have been very exciting. Anyone who’s heard this magnificent orchestra under Maestro Sommers’ baton would agree the sound is nothing less than glorious! Professor Sommers is excited to work with those dedicated to making this a great event. If you are interested in joining this esteemed group and making accordion musical history, then the steps are simple.

Lots of Great Seats Register Today!

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1. Register today, or if you are already registered then tell us you want to be in the orchestra.

2. Fill out the orchestra questionnaire form online at AccordionStars.com (or call us for a form)!

3. Practice your assigned parts and learn them before coming to Las Vegas.

4. Bring your music, your accordion, and a music stand to Las Vegas (portable music stands will be available for purchase at the Convention store).

5. Attend rehearsals, 3-5 PM each day at the event with our illustrious conductor, Joan Cochran-Sommers.

6. Wear black and white to the Thursday GRAND FINALE performance!

Joey - Continued from page 1

If you are considering coming to the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, please register

TODAY! We strongly

recommend you make your hotel reservations and travel reservations immediately. If you wait until the last minute you might be caught paying much higher airfare and hotel room rates. The $34 rate goes away September 28.

Enclosed please find a color flyer with registration form. Simply fill it out and return it to convention headquarters at LVAC, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. Or go online to AccordionStars.com where you may register & pay online.

If you need additional flyers just ask us!

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35 years. Yankovic, who had a contract with Columbia Records, took a chance insisting that Joey be allowed to record with the band. "It was that first recording session with Frank that made up my mind. I wanted to make music my career." During this period he met many of the biggest names in the music world, all of whom encouraged the young lad to pursue his musical dream.

At nineteen, Joey left Yankovic to tour with the Hawaii Internationale Revue, entertaining throughout Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Okinawa. A call from Yankovic brought Joey back to the band where he recorded five albums for RCA Records.

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, Joey’s reputation as a studio musician and producer grew. He recorded with celebrities such as Andy Williams, Doc Severenson and Charlie Daniels, as well as with many

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bands throughout the U.S., Canada & Europe. In 1985 Joey produced the first record to win a polka Grammy: "70 Years Of Hits" with Frank Yankovic. Since moving to Nashville in 1987, his recording projects included U2, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Alison Krause, Hank Williams Jr., John Prine, Alabama, Garth Brooks, and Emmylou Harris, to name a few.

After recording and becoming a regular on NPR’s "Rider’s Radio Theater," he became a member of Riders In The Sky. He produced their multiple Grammy-award winning recordings and performed an average of 185 shows each year, including the

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"Grand Ole Opry." In addition, he oversees other studio and production projects as a respected and sought-after member of the music industry community.

Some of Joey's movie projects include writing, producing, and/or performing songs appearing in Disney's "The Wild", Disney/Pixar's "Cars", "Rattle and Hum" with U2, and Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 2".

We’re thrilled to have Joey with us performing, teaching, and as the recipient of the 2013 Honorary Directors Award! Come join this once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate and be a part of hearing and learning from the legendary Joey Miskulin!

14th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013

Come to the Carnival of Venice October 28 – 31, 2013!

STARRING Joey Miskulin

The Legendary Dick Contino! Gee Rabe

Peter & Mady Soave Jeff Lisenby - Stas Venglevski

Featuring Pete Barbutti, Mary Tokarski Gordon Kohl, Gina Brannelli Liz Finch & MANY MORE!

PLUS Accordion Stars Contest Winners!!!

The Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra

& MORE – See flyer insert!

LVAC TIMES

1760 South 450 West Salt Lake City, UT 84115

www.AccordionStars.com

toll free hotline – 1-800-472-1695 – outside the USA +1 801-486-1694

What’s Inside!

Accordion Star Search Contest YOU could WIN! Page 1

Registration Form

Joey Miskulin Page 1

Gee Rabe Page 1

• Mario Pedone – Page 2 • Why Las Vegas – Page 2 • Dick Contino – Page 5 • Jeff Lisenby – Page 5 • Joan Sommers – Page 5 • Youth Scholarships – Page 6 • Stas & Joan Duet – Page 6 • Peter Soave – Page 6 • Gold Coast New Rooms – Page 6 • Register Today – Page 7 • Accordion Orchestra – Page 7

Joan Sommers & Orchestra Page 7