NORTHWEST ACCORDION NEWSnwasnews.com/news/15Summer-NWAS.pdf · 2015-05-27 · Northwest Accordion News 2 summer Quarter 2015 Letter from the Editors Greetings! Wow! Summer will soon

NORTHWEST ACCORDIONNEWS

Once in a Lifetime Evaluating Button Accordions News! - Patricia Bartell, Gary Blair, Accordion Clubs! Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration 2015!Pictures! Day of the Accordion, Forest Grove, Seattle & more!

VOL. 25 NO. 2Northwest Accordion Society Summer Quarter 2015

Northwest Accordion News

summer Quarter 2015 1

Is your membership renewal due? Check your mailing label. A membership application/renewal form is included on the last page. Send your renewals or change of address to:

Northwest Accordion Society 5102 NE 121st Ave. #12Vancouver, WA 98682

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY

The Northwest Accordion News is a quarterly newsletter published by the Northwest Accordion Society for and by its members. The purpose of the NWAS News is to unite the membership by providing news of its members, and articles that instruct, encourage, and promote the playing of the accordion.

NWAS PUBLICATION PRIORITIES♦ Advertising♦ Original Compositions♦ News from Our Members♦ Instructive/Technical Articles♦ Summaries from Regional Socials and Events♦ Coming Events

Articles will be printed if received prior to the publishing deadline. Should space be an issue, articles will be printed in the order in which they are submitted. All decisions regarding publication will be made by the editors of the NWAS News.

To submit articles for publication, mail them to the Vancouver, WA address listed. It is preferred that articles be submitted via e-mail as attached WORD documents or on a disc. Typed, paper copy needs to be dark and clear to allow scanning and to minimize errors.

Photographs sent for publication will be returned if they are accompanied with a SASE of correct size and adequate postage. Photographs may be sent electronically or on disc.

To reprint articles or photographs from magazines and newspapers, written permission from the publisher is required. Please submit the necessary “permission to print” with material sent.

Views in the articles and information printed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Northwest Accordion Society or its advertisers.

Inquiries, questions, suggestions, etc.Contact Doris Osgood, 3224 B St.,

Forest Grove, OR 97116. (503) 357-0417. E-mail: [email protected]

NWAS News DeadlinesFebruary 1, May 1, August 1, November 1

Northwest Accordion News StaffDoris Osgood................................... (503) 357-0417 [email protected] Ames .................................... (360) 904-1524 [email protected] Halverson (Advertising) ..... (503) 649-0724

NW Accordion Society Offi cers Bonnie Birch, President/Treasurer ................................. (206) 622-4786Doris Osgood, Vice President/Communications ............. (503) 357-0417Judith Ames, Secretary/Technology ............................... (360) 254-5245

Advisory BoardRick Hatley, ..................................................................... (253) 288-0442Dick Myking .................................................................... (253) 537-0136Birgit Ages ...................................................................... (206) 368-9720Cooksie (Kaserzon) Kramer ........................................... (425) 828-9104

Membership:Doris Osgood.................................................................. (503) 357-0417 [email protected] Ames ................................................................... (360) 904-1524 [email protected]

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Mail letters & articles to:Northwest Accordion Society

5102 NE 121st Ave. #12, Vancouver, WA 98682

Or e-mail to: [email protected]

ADVERTISINGFull page $120.00Half page $65.00Quarter $35.00Business card $15.00

Prices are PER ISSUE. US Funds

Photo-ready Advertising (with accompanying check) for this publication may be sent to:Northwest Accordion Society

PO Box 687, LaPine, OR 97739or e-mail [email protected]


summer Quarter 20152

Letter from the Editors

Greetings!Wow! Summer will soon be here and there are

LOTS of fantastic opportunities to enjoy the accordi-on! There are festivals from Canada to California and other events across the nation. Of course, our big-gest one is the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration coming up June 18 - 21. Are you going to any of the events? Please send us your pictures, notes, articles, drawings, etc.

This is YOUR publication and we love to fi ll it with news from our members. Don’t forget to dust off your accordion and participate in some of the events.

At the Forest Grove Celebration we have “new” players each time. What enjoyment that is!Judith Ames ([email protected])

Quarterly UpdateTable of Contents2 Letter from the Editors2 Quarterly Update3 Letters to the Editor3 LIAC Staff4 Once in a Lifetime6 Spokane Accordion Ensemble7 It’s Time!7 A Recent Visit with Ruth Burgess9 Sequim Accordion Social10 LIAC 2015 Sponsors 11 Remembering Joe Baccellieri11 Leavenworth Update from Bonnie Birch13 Building a Successful Accordion Club14 Congratulations to Patricia Bartell.15 Keeping Up With Gary Blair17 Mexican experience18 By the Way – 20 Genealogy Help Wanted20 Viking River Cruise Street Musicians in Prague21 Seattle Accordion Social24 5th Annual Historic Wallace Accordion Festival26 Masha Telesheva, Scholarship Recipient27 Charlotte Louise North28 Evaluating Button Accordions28 Final Ruling for Air Travel with Musical Instruments - USA28 Welcome New Members29 Accordionists and Teachers Guild 75th Anniversary Festival 29 Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini Honored30 Tacoma Accordion Socials31 Celebrating the Accordion in Forest Grove34 Photos from Day of the Accordion36 Accordion Events Calendar38 Entertainers in the Northwest

Dear Members,First, I must apologize to those who are not

acquainted with my manner of speech and sense of humor. I did NOT have a heart attack last winter! In my zeal to scream and help my team in the Super Bowl, I described the experience as near cardiac arrest at the last minute loss. My choice of words proved to be very distressing to several members. I received calls, email, and letters. Thank you all for your concern. My team didn’t make it, but I’m OK.

The Day of the Accordion was a fun time at the Crossroads Mall in Bellevue last February. There was an admiring, constant audience the whole day. I was there from 11 AM to 8:40 PM; I can testify to the appreciative audience! The Market Stage is a great venue and the mall management did an outstanding job of publicizing the event. I appreciated their having color programs/schedules on all of the tables throughout the mall, on the backs of all lavatory stall doors, and larger posters on their bulletin boards. We couldn’t have asked for better coverage.

There is so much going on in June. The Rose City Accordion Club will host accordion camp at Silver Falls early in the month. Leavenworth follows immediately and the accordion convention in Las Vegas is on the heels of LIAC. It’s going to be a busy month. Of course, June is National Accordion Awareness Month in the United States. In the Pacifi c Northwest, we do all we can to promote the accordion just as summer begins. The Victoria Accordion Festival follows in July.

The preparations for the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration are complete. Bonnie Birch is a master coordinator and we are thankful for her expertise. The free concerts are going to especially good. The concerts at the festhalle are going to wonderful; I believe that we have one of the best schedules ever for Leavenworth. As we go to press, there are only a few performance slots on Thursday, Friday and Sunday at the gazebo. The grange schedule is full. The schedule fi lled faster than ever; I’ve had a hard time keeping up. I hope that you are making plans to be with us in Leavenworth this year.



Letters to the Editor

Hi There!Here are my member dues for 2015. Keep the ac-

cordion playing and have a musical year.Tito Morales, Seattle, WA

Dear NWAS staff,I really enjoy the magazine.

Lavernne Spitler, Visalia, CA

Dear Judith,I don’t know how you work full time and still produce

this wonderful quarterly. Thank you for all of your good work.Best, Jim Shoemaker, Sacramento, CA(Note from Judith - I truly enjoy working on this publication and look forward to it each issue!)

Dear NWAS staff,Enclosed is a check & appreciation for membership. This last week I was in Seattle for some accordion

repairs at the Petosa shop and while there, I picked up the spring edition of NWAS. What a pleasant surprise and a great fi nd. Had no idea that this even existed.

Just a reminder, if you believe that you should have received an issue of the NWAS News but didn’t, please contact me. If your name is on the mailing disc, we assume that you received your copy and have no way of knowing that it wasn’t received. Remember, the publication comes out as the seasons change: about the 3rd week in March, June, September, and December. Generally the magazine is received by members in Washington and Oregon before the 3rd week. If your copy doesn’t come by the end of each of those months, let me know.

I cannot let an issue go by without thanking our faithful advertisers and contributors. My friend, Ron Ostromecki is on the hunt for music all the time. I don’t know what we’d do without him! Marjorie Rombauer, Eloise Adair, Cooksie Kramer, Colleen Halverson and Judith Ames are worth millions. Thank you all.

The summer accordion festival seasons begins! Take in all that you can and enjoy the fellowship and music; it’s a fun time.Doris [email protected]

Am looking forward to attend some of the upcom-ing events.

Thank you!Respectfully, Ella Gordon, Boise, ID

Dear NWAS,Just want to thank you for the great job you do on

the Newsletter. I hope you get this in time for me to receive the summer edition. I took accordion lessons from the time I was 12 until the age of 14. That was 53 years ago. I picked it up again 15 months ago and have been inspired by my very patient instructor AND the Northwest Accordion News!Kind regards, Nan Peterson, De Moines, WA

Thanks for all you do!Connie Weimer, Portland, OR

Thank you for a beautiful magazine!Nestle Williams, Leavenworth, WA

Thank you for your terrifi c publication! I also want to thank you for the listing of Yuma Accordion Band sched-ule. Greatly appreciated. Coreen Bergholm, Astoria, OR (& Yuma, AZ)

LIAC StaffBonnie Birch, Chairman

Rick Webber, Festhalle CommanderFrank Bruckner, Festhalle Wing Man/Volunteer

CoordinatorRod Miller, Parademeister/Competition Commander

Doris Osgood, Gazebo CommanderJim O’Brien, Gazebo Jammeister

It’s not too late to sign up for a volunteer job or to donate to LIAC. Donations may be sent to NWAS 5102 NE 121st Unit 12 Vancouver, WA 98682. You can also donate via Paypal through www.nwas-news.com

The committee for the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration 2015 is ready to go! See you June 18 – 21, 2015 in Leaven worth, Washing-ton for the love of the accordion.



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Spokane Accordion Ensemble The Spokane Accordion Ensemble will present their “Pops” concert Friday June 5th at 7 pm at St. Marks

Lutheran Church in Spokane. Conductor Beverley Fess came to Spokane for the 1st week of May to work with the ensemble in preparation for this concert. The program features music from Billy Joel, The Beatles, Elton John and Abba, plus others. Everybody is welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there.



It’s Time!

The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in Leavenworth, Washington is nearly here. By the time you receive this issue of the NWAS News, the deadlines for entering competition, bursary awards, and reduced rate tickets will have passed. You may still buy tickets at the door for workshops and concerts.

There are some new things and some old things to bring to your attention for LIAC. First the new:

The Gazebo “Jam” will be Friday and Satur-day afternoons at 4 PM. All players are welcome as before. There is new music this year. Ideally, players planning to perform with the group will acquire the music in advance. The music is found on line at www.accordioncelebration.org under the gazebo tab. You may print from that. If that’s not possible the music will be available at Das Copy Shoppe in Leavenworth. Jim O’Brien will hold a free workshop Thursday after-noon, June 18 at 3:30, to go over the music. This is not mandatory but would be helpful and fun besides.

Our grange performance slots are fi lled and only a few openings are available at the gazebo as we go to press. Review the schedule at www.nwasnews.com. Remember, performers need to be on time – arriving in advance of the scheduled performance. There is little transition time between performers so everyone must be ready to go. Make contact with the emcee of each venue so that he/she knows you are present. If you need special equipment – music stand, stool etc remember to bring them. Our free entertainment in the heart of town at the grange and gazebo is always well received. We want to provide audience friendly music. Of course, Bavarian apparel is always welcome.

Remember, if you need special equipment during the competition you must provide that also. There are folding chairs at the grange, gazebo and festhalle. So, a music stand or stool will not be provided.

The parade is always short and sweet! Every-one is welcome to join the group. As always, Rod Miller, our parademeister, will go over the marching plan, rehearse the group a bit, and lead the way from the festhalle to the gazebo. Be at the festhalle at 12:15ish to join the group. If the competition schedule goes a bit long, the parade time may be adjusted by a few minutes. Being early is better than being late! The parade marches to Happy Wanderer, as a rule. Be prepared to play the Beer Barrel and Edelweiss at the gazebo. Edelweiss is generally sung by those assembled to watch the parade.

The line up at the Festhalle this year is likely the best ever. There will be nightly concerts featuring master accordionists. Tickets will be available at the door. As we’ve come to expect, vendors will be in the foyer of the festhalle with new and used instruments, accessories, and music.

There is still time to commit to a volunteer shift during the accordion celebration. Contact Frank Bruckner: [email protected] to help. The more help we have the less work for EVERYBODY. There will be fantastic workshops and even more fantastic concerts during the accordion celebration. Don’t miss the fun. See you in Leavenworth June 18 – 21, for the love of the accordion.

A Recent Visit with Ruth Burgess

Ruth is a long time accordionist in Portland, OR. It is well known that she has likely forgotten more songs than any of us ever learned. She and her hus-band played together for many years on the vaude-ville circuit, as I recall. Ruth is now in an assisted living facility.

Thankfully, on the day the Patty and Dick Carl-son visited, she knew them both. After Dick started playing, Ruthie was in the groove. Dick writes that they had a wonderful visit with Ruth and her resident family. He said that about a dozen residents with a double number of assistants and other visitors heard the music and came to investigate.

Dick had his lyric song books that he regularly uses when he plays at Well-Spring and the Tillamook Assisted Living home. Sing-a longs are always a hit.

The people sang for over an hour. Dick played for about 45 minutes in the main lobby before the singing. The crowd grew and many followed the mu-sic to Ruth’s unit.

“We haven’t seen her since her big birthday party several years ago. Too long…She’s a great lady and has the same old Ruthie smile,” Dick commented.





Sequim Accordion Social March 8, 2015By Ilse Osier

This was a very special social because it was the “Good Bye” for Jeannie and Steve Berg, who started the bi-monthly musi-cal meetings about 6 years ago. It was a

bitter-sweet time for all and mostly for Jeannie and Steve as they will be leaving Sequim to move to North Carolina at the end of March.

Many special accordion friends came from the Seattle area, Tacoma, La Connor and even from Spo-kane. We had a record attendance of about 80 play-ers and audience with wonderful music.

Caryl Dowell likes to be fi rst in line to play and she started with “Skaters Waltz” followed by “Amboss Polka”.

Ralph Klein was next and he played “Let’s Have a Party” and 2 waltzes that I did not get the names of.

Einar Tapio picked a really odd piece “Friday the 13th”. It was very fast, complicated and totally strange to my ears. His next choice was the “Finnish Polka Swiss Style”.

Helen Bucher known to us as the sing-along lady had song sheets for “Now is the Hour”, “Till We Meet Again” and “Sentimental Journey”. Everyone joined in to sing.

Eileen Webber from Spokane mentioned that she and her husband have been playing with Jeannie and Steve as a group called “Happy Wanderers” for 10 years. They would meet in Leavenworth which is halfway between Sequim and Spokane. She guessed Kansas was about halfway between Sequim and N. Carolina. Eileen entertained us with “Oh, Danny Boy”, “My Wild Irish Rose” (everyone sang along) and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”.

Elsy Laresser and Ilse Osier played “Artist Life” by Joh. Strauss and Elsy soloed with a wonderful musette “Retour de Hirondelles”.

Toby Hanson brought his new PAN accordion and played “Nothing Could be Finer than to Be in Carolina”, the musette “Indifference” a gorgeous piece on his instrument. Makes you want to go to Paris. He ended his performance with “Lady Be Good” by Ger-shwin and the “Champaign Polka”, really fast and with great bellow shakes.

John Giuliani who is nearly in Sequim for every

social played “Up a Lazy river”, “What’s new” and when he started “Blue Skirt Waltz” Elsy Laresser got up and joined him on her chro-matic accordion.

It was time for refresh-ments and there even was a large going-away cake and many other goodies.

Bonnie Birch was our next player. She brought her Roland accordion and explained about it to the audience. She played “Espana”, “Waiting for the Robert E. Lee” with a banjo sound added. “Regina Campagniola” an Italian piece and “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” She picked that piece because her dad bought her fi rst accordion when she was a very young girl.

Jeannie Berg who was our featured player for the day mentioned that she started lessons at age 6 and gave it up quite soon because she thought she could not compete with her older sister. She has always regretted that decision and Steve purchased an accordion for her later when they lived in Italy. Now of course she has many, many more instruments. She played from memory some favorites. “Les Bicyclettes de Versailles” and an Italian medley of folk songs. She also sang along. That was really special.

Her husband Steve joined her and he loves to sing while Jeannie played 2 Irish pieces “Me Name is MacNamara” and “Harrigan”.

Another friend Ted Janossey brought his Eupho-nium and joined Jeannie on the accordion and Steve on his baritone horn. They played 2 lively polkas “Vil-lage Hey Polka” and “Fruehlings Einzug”.

The Happy Wanderers (Jeannie and Steve Berg and Eileen and Rick Webber (Rick on the dulcimer) started with a “Name That Tune” idea. Of course, no one in the audience could fi gure out the tune. It was “I’m Looking Over a 4 Leaf Clover”. They added “Red Raven”, “Just Because” and their theme song “Happy Wanderers”.

Our social was a bit longer than normally with all those many players. What a wonderful time we all had and I am sure Jeannie and Steve will miss Sequim. We sure will miss them and wish them happiness and hope that they can fi nd new accordion friends at their new home. The Sequim accordion socials will keep on with new people running the show. So, if you are ever on the Olympic Peninsula on the 2nd Sunday of the uneven months, please consider attending one of our musical afternoons.(More photos on page 39)



LIAC 2015 Sponsors Please thank our wonderful sponsors when you see them

Virtuoso Sponsors $2,000 or more

Northwest Accordion Society - www.nwasnews.com Projekt Bayern - www.projektbayern.com

Chelan County Lodging Tax Award - www.co.chelan.wa.us

Major Sponsors$500 or more

Andreas Keller/Heidi Forchemer - www.andreaskellerrestaurant.comBrad and Marty Summers

Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce - www.leavenworth.orgPetosa Accordions - www.petosa.com

Tempo Trend Music - www.tempotrend.caDrs. Jim and Shirley O’Brien *

Pat Stamets in memory of sister, Louise North *(with friends Marjorie Rombauer, Ellie Smith and Dick Myking)

Louise North Memorial Fund *Peggy and Gary Thompson *

Business SponsorsThe Taffy Shop - www.leavenworthtaffyshop.com/shop1.html

Das Copy Shoppe - http://dascopyshoppe.com Bavarian Village Business Association - http://bavarianvillagebusinessasso.org/index.html

Accordion Music of Tri-Cities - www.accordionmusictricieis.com

Accordion Players, Accordion Clubs, Friends of the Accordion(*These donations sponsor our bursary program for young accordion players)

Accordion Club of RoseburgBonnie Birch in memory of Esther Birch

Day of the AccordionJean Carroll in memory of Louise NorthJames and Elaine Dunbar in memory

of Louise NorthColleen Halverson

Hugo’s Accordion BandFrance J Lee in memory of Louise North

Ken and Sue McCauleyAndy Mirkovich

Northwest AccordionairesNorthwest Accordion Teachers

NWAS Socials - Forest Grove, ORNWAS Seattle Monday Socials

Beverly Raines in memory of Louise NorthRobynne Snow

Katherine SorensenRandall and Marlys TronVictoria Accordion Club

Dick Volin in memory of Fern Volin



Remembering Joe BaccellieriSubmitted by Marlene Meissner

The accordion world lost a wonderful ambas-sador with the death of Joe Baccellieri from cancer on March 9. He wowed us with his performances and inspired us as a teacher and mentor.

Joe was born in Portland in 1940 and began tak-ing accordion lessons at age six. He spent the next 12 years studying under Joe Parente and Frank Baldino. During that time he played and performed with the Young Oregonians, the Journal Juniors and with the Stars of Tomorrow on radio and television. He then traveled with troupes around Oregon. From 1956-58 he taught 30 students a week at Joe Parente’s studio and also played in a country western nightclub two nights a week and on a club circuit with Benny Farah.

Joe entered the seminary in 1958 and was or-dained a Catholic priest in 1966. He served in West-ern Oregon until his retirement in 2002.

Beginning in 1966, Joe taught concert band and stage band for Central Catholic High School and studied music at three universities in Portland for eight summers. The concert, marching and stage bands performed in Canada and Hawaii. Joe often used the accordion in teaching bands, as it is an orchestral instrument. He left teaching and began parish work in 1978, and formed a fi ve-piece band to play for parish dances and weddings.

Beginning in 1995, Joe became active in the Galla-Rini, Marocco and Rose City Accordion Club camps as a player, teacher, workshop presenter and conductor.

Joe continued to teach students in his home and over the Internet until just a few weeks before his death. Word has it that he played one fi nal “concert” for his family less than a week before he passed away.

Taking lessons from Joe was not for the faint of heart. Personally, I was threatened with death or

dismemberment on several occasions. Then again, he always told me I was a particularly challenging stu-dent.

Joe’s reputation for being a tough and demand-ing instructor was mostly well-earned – he practiced “tough love,” accordion style. He was direct and never failed to speak his mind when instructing his students or sharing any of his ideas about music or musicians. Joe believed that his role as an instructor was to tell his accordion students what they needed to hear, not what they wanted to hear, with the goal of becoming the best accordion players they could be.

Behind his sometimes-intimidating demeanor, Joe was a kind and generous man with a wicked sense of humor and a zest for life. He was always willing to do anything possible to encourage and assist his students. A lesson nearly always ended with a word of encouragement and praise for effort and hard work (if not for results) and a reminder of how proud he was of his students. Joe took the time to learn about each student’s unique talents and learning style, and would tailor his instructions to best fi t each student. He didn’t ask for the impossible – he simply expected each student to put for their best effort.

Joe set very high standards for himself as a musician, and he encouraged his students and fel-low musicians to do the same. He received much joy and satisfaction from his music, and what he wanted most for his students was for them to have the same experience.

Thanks, Joe, for showing us the way.

Leavenworth Update from Bonnie Birch

Unfortunately, Mike Zampiceni has had to cancel his performance and workshop at LIAC due to some very diffi cult health concerns. We wish him well because this is not something any musician wants to happen. The good news is that Jamie Maschler will play on Thursday night and teach a workshop on Friday in Mike’s time slots. She will be focusing on Brazilian music and if you read her bio, you will see she is going to provide LIAC with a great performance and a workshop focusing on music that will benefi t all of us accor-dionists.



IN CONCERT July 2, 2015, 7:00 PMBing Crosby Theater

Join us for a special once-in-a-life-time concert featuring World

Champion from New Zealand,

Spokane’s vibrant , and

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Presented By

Tickets $10 at the door



Building a Successful Accordion ClubPart 2 of a SeriesBy John Martin

Portland, Oregon

What Do You Do at Meetings?If your group is like most accordion clubs, you

follow a predictable meeting format: welcome and an-nouncements; open microphone; refreshments; and a featured performer. While there is nothing wrong with this format—it works well for many clubs—I invite you to add variety to the program. Here are several meet-ing themes and activities that my Texas club found fun and successful.

Academy Awards Program: Invite members to perform an academy award song. It could be an award winner, a nominee, or perhaps a song that was just written for a movie. This is a great program theme for a January meeting (when Oscar nominees are announced) or a February meeting (when the awards program is televised). A list of songs that have won or been nominated for an Oscar is easy to fi nd at Os-cars.org.

Love Songs: February 14th is Valentine’s Day. What a great time for a program of love songs! Ask everyone to perform a love song and give a little intro-duction about the song and why he or she chose it.

Saint Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, summer songs… just look at the calendar and you will fi nd many ideas for meeting themes. It is easy to do and a lot of fun.

Dance: Accordionists play polkas and many other kinds of dance music. In many communities there are polka and dance groups. Invite them to a meeting and have a dance party. The accordionists will learn how to be responsive to dancers and the dancers will enjoy twirling to live music.

Accordion Club On-the-Road: We have many fi ne accordionists playing in restaurants. Why not take your club meetings to their gig? Pick an off-peak time for the restaurant (like a Sunday evening) and reserve some tables near the bandstand. When my Texas club has done this, the restaurant is really pleased that their musician has brought in new customers. The performing musician is excited to have “accor-dion groupies,” and club members have a great time supporting one of their own. On occasion, the gigging musician can invite club members to the stage for a solo or duet number. This can be an exciting experi-ence for an accordionist who has never played in a restaurant.

Workshops: In every club there are experienced musicians and teachers who are capable of lead-

ing a workshop. It can be something as simple as a 10-minute demonstration of a specifi c technique, or a 45-minute in-depth presentation on a major topic. A learning event helps build musical knowledge and technique, bringing up the skill level of the entire club.

Picnics: Many public parks contain covered pa-vilions that can be rented for a reasonable fee. Take advantage of the Spring and Summer weather with a picnic and concert in the park. Not only is it a nice change of pace from stuffy old meeting rooms, it is a great opportunity for some public exposure. Picnics take a little organization, but it is worth the effort.

A Night Out: I’m currently part of a Portland club that has an annual meeting at an Elks Club. We pro-vide the entertainment for their Saturday night dinner and they provide a great venue, good food, and an enthusiastic audience. It makes a nice change from the normal meeting space.

Electronic Instruments Meeting: Face it folks, electronics have become an important part of the ac-cordion world. MIDI equipped instruments, Concertos, and Rolands have reshaped the accordion landscape. Does your club welcome and encourage these new instruments? How about having some meetings that feature this new generation of accordions?

Professional Photo Shoot: Plan a meeting so that members can have a professional photo taken with their accordion. “Professional” can be whatever your club can afford or has resources to do. Look around and you may fi nd an accordionist who is a good amateur photographer. Some clubs have a lot of resources and can pay a professional photographer. For other clubs a photo meeting might consist of a club member using an iPhone with a nice background. Whatever your level of resources, your members will come away with a picture of themselves and their ac-cordion—probably the best picture that they have.

Visit Another Club: If you are in or near a met-ropolitan area, there is probably another accordion club nearby. Why not take a road trip and visit another club? Load up a van or a couple of cars and take a road trip.

These are just a few ideas. I encourage you to use your creativity. Take a chance and try something a little different! Fun with Open Microphone Time

In addition to creating different themes for club meetings, you can also add some variety and fun to your personal performance time. If everyone in your club has an opportunity to play two songs during the open microphone time, why not use that time do something different? Here are a few ideas that I have tried.



Congratulations to Patricia Bartell

Congratulations to Patricia Bartell. The Spokes-man Review had headlines reading, “Accordionist Patricia Bartell Sweeps Symphony with her Solo”. Patricia performed with the Spokane Symphony over Mother’s Day weekend at the Martin Woldson The-ater at the Fox in Spokane. It’s a GORGEOUS the-ater! She played a Concerto for Bandoneon entitled, “Aconcagua”, composed by Astor Piazzolla . Piazzolla is credited for bringing the tango into the realms of both jazz and concert music. The piece is demand-ing for the soloist but the soloist and orchestra must be spot on. By all accounts, that happened. The adoring audience greeted Patricia with cheers and whistles – not ordinary for the classical concert stage. They continued with an ovation after the performance that demanded an encore. The Spokesman said, “It was an improvisation so brilliant that one felt that the whole orchestra was still playing.” Well done, Patricia. We’re all proud of you and proud that you represented the accordion so skillfully and so beautifully.

During the Academy Awards season I have se-lected 10 Oscar winning songs and played a musical quiz. It is not necessary to play the entire song, just the opening line or identifying theme. Pass out pencils and papers and ask everyone to write down the song or movie title. After announcing the musical answers award the winners with some appropriate prizes. Boxes of movie candy are inexpensive, but spring for a pair of movie tickets if you are feeing generous. Ten short musical phrases with answers and candy re-wards won’t take much longer than it takes to perform two full-length solos. So a musical quiz is something that can be done without disrupting the fl ow of partici-pants in the open microphone time.

I’ve done this musical quiz with Academy Award songs, summer songs, rainy day songs, and love songs. It is fun to gather song ideas from friends, the Internet, or simply by digging through your own music library. When you fi nish the project, place the collec-tion of songs in your playbook and you will have a nice set that is ready for your next performance

Want to try something really different for your open microphone time? Ask two friends to join you in improvising on a song. It can be a very simple song like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” The fi rst person plays it through using single notes. The second per-son plays it and adds something: perhaps harmony notes. The third person may play it in a minor key. The next person may add a jazz riff. Just go around the circle a few times until you run out of ideas. If this sounds a bit silly, listen to Stas Venglevski’s Adagio, Romance and Beyond album. One track on this al-bum is called “Twelve Variations On Ah’vous Dirai-Je Maman,” a French children’s song to the same tune as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Learning to improvise improves your performance skills… and it is just plain fun!

Sing while you play. Even if you only sing the fi rst phrase of the song, it will make your performance more interesting.

Tell a story about the song you are playing. The Internet makes it easy to fi nd interesting information—not only about the song, but songwriters, performing artists, and historical events that are connected with the song. For example, visit Wikipedia and look up the history of the song, “Blue Moon.” Did you know that it has had four sets of lyrics? It is an interesting and funny history that your audience will love. And, it will liven up the open microphone time!Wishing You Success

Healthy accordion clubs are important to the future of the accordion and our personal enjoyment. I hope that these ideas for club meeting and open microphone time will encourage you to try something

new. Best wishes for a growing and successful accor-dion club!



Keeping Up With Gary Blair

Gary says, “Greetings from sunny Scotland!” As we might expect, he’s had a busy sched-ule of performances since he last wrote. Feb. 5 Gary’s Band performed at an In-ternational Students Ceilidh at Caledonian University. The band is asked to perform there twice each year to welcome students

from all over the world.Feb. 6 Gary continued playing for a Burns supper

celebration at Prestwick Golf Club, one of the oldest in Scotland. He and his band returned to a favorite venue Feb. 7, Avant Garde in the heart of Glasgow.

Gary was one of the guest artists at the East-bourne International Accordion Festival in the south of England Feb. 13 – 16. The festival featured Gary along with Harry Hussey, Alan Young, Alexa Sage and others. He writes that it was a great weekend of ac-cordion fun.

Following the Eastbourne festival, Gary was back down in England performing as guest for the Guidford Accordion Club in Ripley. After the gig he and several others headed to Wimbledon for a jam session at the Irish Club there.

Feb. 26 Gary and his 2nd accordion player, Robin Hyland, performed at a fund raising Ceilidh in the seaside town of Largs. The money raised benefi ted a local adult care center. February fi nished with another gig at Avant Garde.

The fi rst 2 Saturdays in March brought Gary back to the Avant Garde. He says that the venue has an incredible atmosphere for dancing. He managed to fi t in a wedding in England for a friend along with a couple of local gigs. To fi nish March he was invited to be the head judge for Quest For Talent (seen here with his two fellow judges).

April started with a bang back at Avant Garde. That was followed by a wedding in Kenmore Perth-shire. April 18 – 19 he performed with Domino Gum-bo at the Chase followed by Blackfriars.

Gary is the very proud owner of a rare instru-ment. He recently purchased a Hohner Claviola!

Regrettably time will not allow his traveling west this summer. Gary will, however, be performing at the 75th Anniversary of the ATG in Chicago.



MondayMeet & GreetCasual Jamming2pm-5pm & 7pm-9pm

TuesdayIndividual Performances1pm-5pm & 7pm-9pm

WednesdayMusic 1pm-4pmMusic 7pm-9pm

Thursday Music 2pm-4pm

DANCE - Enderby Legion7pm-11pm - $ 10/person

Music 7pm-9pm

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For information contact 250-546-3192 or [email protected]



Mexican experience

Wil and Terry Knoop had the experience of a life time in a recent visit to Mexico City. Their daughter and her family moved there several months ago; the trip happened around Easter. Wil wrote that there were many elaborate processions and other activities during their visit. One really fun time happened in a town called Queretaro. A man was playing a VERY well worn accordion. Wil had an opportunity to play it. He said it was likely the worst he’s every tried! Lots of fun, though.

Musicians Wanted!Kirkland Oktoberfest

September 25 - 27, 2015

Contact Rob425-456-1111

email: [email protected]



By the Way – From Doris OsgoodCongratulations to Jelena and Aleks Milojevic. Jelena delivered a baby boy the 2nd weekend in May. He’s named Matia. He joins an older brother and sister. The next weekend the family moved to a new home. Hectic times.

Good news from Sequim! Tom and Caryl Dowell with Frank and Gayle Bruckner will continue the socials in Sequim. Steve and Jeannie Berg have left the region; they were the founders of the Sequim accordion socials. The socials will continue on the odd numbered numbers in Sequim, WA. (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, Nov)

See the calendar for contact information and location.

Colleen Halverson, our advertising editor, is retiring from her “day job” in June. She and her husband have planned for a long time to retire in LaPine, Oregon. Their home in Hillsboro has a buyer and everything is on track for her move. She is still going to work on the magazine; she just won’t be close. I’m feeling sorry for myself…but am glad that Colleen is doing what she’s wanted to do for a long time. Her new email address is: [email protected]

By all accounts, Patricia Bartell performed perfectly with the Spokane Symphony. Having an accomplished musician/accordionist working in the mainstream of the classical music world is especially wonderful. It gives me chills!

Did you know that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II had accordion lessons in the 1940’s? Prince William the elder son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, Princess of Wales,

had accordion lessons from Cyril Pasby in 1995 during his time at Eton.

Gary Blair will be performing and participating at the ATG anniversary celebration in Chicago this summer. Regrettably, his schedule will not allow traveling further west. We look forward to seeing him summer 2016.

News from Toby Hanson: I have been extremely busy lately. Madeleine is graduating from high school in June. Last month I was in New York City serving as musical director and accordionist for Terry Palasz’ one-woman musical, “The Polish Diva From Milwaukee.” She did an off-Broadway revival. I got to work with the pianist from Radio City Music Hall. Once I got home from New York I was busy as orchestra leader for two other events. The fi rst was Star Chefs at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma. I wrote all of the arrangements for the orchestra and played piano and conducted them. The week after that I did the same thing for “Recipe For Love II” in Redmond. It was a big, outdoor musical performance with dancers, actors, singers, and even Model T Fords! It was quite a spectacle. I wrote all of the arrangements for the orchestra and singers and played piano and accordion. I didn’t have any conducting duties for that show which was fortunate because I already had my hands full with what I was doing!

Accordionist, Charlie Sauss, will premier in the pit orchestra for Broadway’s newest production, The Visit. He was the touring orchestra accordionist for the original Broadway musical, Fiddler on the Roof with Zero Mostel as well as Zorba the Greek starring Anthony Quinn.

April 20, the Seattle Times had a feature story from the Yakima Herald-Republic on accordionist, Gary Malner. The piece was entitled, 65 Years on, Yakima Accordion Play Going Strong. Gary commented that his recipe for success is “commitment, a friendly attitude, fearlessness, and a dash of fate.” Gary says that his parents thought he was too energetic as a child and decided he should play a heavy musical instrument to burn the energy! Gary started playing and taking lessons in Chicago October 10, 1950. Soon just practice at home wasn’t



enough; he started playing out and joined a small band of older musicians at age 13. After a career of teaching and other work he moved to Yakima to be closer to his daughters in the early 2000’s. Now he plays an average of 7 – 9 times weekly. After coming to Yakima, he met and married LaRayne after playing and meeting at the West Valley Nazarene Church. They’ve been married for 10 years. (Editor’s note: the Seattle Times wanted a fee to reprint the article. Regrettably that wasn’t possible. I am still working on permission to reprint a feature on Gary that was published by the Yakima Herald-Republic. They produced a lovely, hard copy regional entertainment magazine featuring Gary with lots of photos. So far…. No luck!)

Thanks to John Martin for his articles about the makings of a good accordion club. He has some credentials for his comments. John served as the founding president of the Dallas/Fort Worth Mid-

is a non-profit organization with all proceeds donated to youth groups in our community. To date we have contributed over $380,000 to these volunteer groups. Visit www.cotatifest.com for more information on the groups we support.

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or visit website at www.cotatifest.com to order on line.707-664-0444 P.O. Box 809, Cotati, CA 94931

COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVALSaturday & Sunday - 2015

August 22 & 23Saturday & Sunday 9:30 am to 7:30 pm - La Plaza Park in Cotati, CA

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˜ ENA-GOVEA ★ the MAD MAGGIES ★ IL SOLE ★

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TANGO TRIO ★ FUTURE ACCORDION STARS ★ GOLDEN STATE ACCORDION CLUB BAND ★ JIM GILMAN ★ LADY OF SPAIN-A-RING ★ the ACCORDION APOCALYPSE

STAGE ★ Introducing the NEW STUDENT STAGE and SO MUCH MORE!

In honor of our 25th Anniversary we are planning a star-studded, never-before-seen GRAND FINALE! - a True ACCORDION EXTRAVAGANZA

Cities Accordion Association. We’re thankful that he left Texas to be with us in Oregon.

Spokane does a lot of cool things. The Spokane Accordion Ensemble, under the direction of Bev Fess, has concerts usually twice each year: June and December. Bev fl ies from her home in Canada to rehearse the group; Eileen Webber does the preparation before that. They will be having a concert of more contemporary music June 5. Take it in if you can.

June is National Accordion Awareness Month in the United States. Share the music and the instrument!Remember to submit your articles and other information to our magazine address: NWAS News 5102 NE 121st Ave Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682

Check the web site, www.nwasnews.com for current events and updates.



Genealogy Help Wanted

This 12 year old (circa 1950’s) inspired me to learn the accordion. Thank goodness I found teacher Doris later in life to help me learn how to play my favorite instrument.

This young girl with the accordion is my cousin, Dickey Lu. Our mothers were sisters (Elva and Maxine). Both our mothers died young in the 1950’s and 1960’s. I never got to know Dickey Lu personally because she grew up in Aberdeen, Wash-ington and I lived in

Portland, Oregon. I recently found a photo of an older Lu Ella (Dickey Lu) that appears to be a 1961 gradua-tion picture.

I am working on my fam-ily genealogy. Lu Ella (Dickey Lu) and her mother are miss-ing pieces. If you have any information regarding Lu Ella (Dickey Lu) please contact me via e-mail: [email protected]

Thank you,Shirley McClung

Viking River Cruise Street Musici ans in Prague

Observations by Shirley O’Brien

It is so much fun to listen to these street musi-cians. It is all American jazz. But the English words are almost unrecognizable. To German speakers, it must be much like when Jim and I sing in German.

There are no tip jars for the small change but they are all selling CDs. Going for the big money! Unfortunately for them, we never saw any sales.

Only one quartet had a tiny amp for the singer’s mic. The rest were acoustic. There were always four musicians in the groups but different combinations of instruments.

The other interesting aspect was the sex, all male, and the age, mid-40s to mid-50s and in the middle of the day one can assume it is their day job.

It was obvious that they all were having a great time entertaining so maybe they are all retired doctors and lawyers.

This graduation photo was stamped with the seal from

a studio in Centralia

Deadline for submitting articles, pictures, advertisements, etc.

February 1 (Spring)May 1 (Summer)

August 1(Fall)November 1 (Winter)



Seattle Accordion SocialBy Marjorie Rombauer

February 9, 2015A pro started

the evening – Lyle Schaefer, with his 1959 Hohner Ac-cordion, which he described as having 10 treble switches, 7 basses, and a three digit serial number. He also brought some nostalgic pic-tures of a young Lyle Schaefer playing a smaller accordion. Then he played a variety of numbers in his usual re-

laxed style, beginning with a fast Seerosen, Le Onde del mare waltz, a Scott Joplin number, Mame, and “Manhattan.” He played a Verne Meisner polka, “Sneaky Pete”, and then turned to French music – Midinette, “Un-der Paris Skies,” and La Petite. He conclud-ed with the Achtung Los, the polka that the

Schaefer brothers made famous. Most enjoyable!

Then, the Allspice Band with two musicians well known at our Socials – David Locke on ac-cordion and John Giuliani on bass -- plus violinists Jean Schweitzer, Linda Hodges, Debbie Doug-las and Sue Buttram, who also played a mandolin, and John Lawson on the guitar. They began with some international music – Tompany (Poland) and Misirlous (from Greece, made famous as a song by

the Beach Boys). Then, from Serbia, Makedouska, in extreme minor with thin harmony, gradually expand-ing, followed by a Latvian waltz. David explained that the waltz was a polite circle waltz, but rowdier ones were coming up. And they did. One more international song, At Va’ani (from Israel), with Sue playing a viola, and then they played American popular music – “I Found Lulu,” by a former bass player with the band, Bob Butter; “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” John singing with a powerful voice; and “The Lover’s Waltz,” a swing waltz. Violins playing melody and harmony with the accordion created a wonderful sound. This band’s performance was another fi rst for the Social, and I hope they will return.

A newcomer to the Social came next, performing before an audience for the fi rst time, Sue McCauley. She played “Mexi-can Siesta,” “Italian Belarina,” “Come Back to Sorrento,” and another Mexi-can number, El Ca-ballo. A creditable fi rst performance. May she return to play again.

David Locke followed with his always entertain-ing solos: Brasilierinho (the Little Brazilian); Carin-hoso, a serenade; and “Maggie’s Waltz,” one of his own compositions. That was one of the fi rst numbers I heard him play when he returned to Seattle. He con-cluded with Les Bicyclettes de Belsize.

Ted Lunka on his button box and John Giuliani on his bass then played ten num-bers while having a lot of fun. Ted said that he was responding to a last minute request, but as we learned, an un-planned performance can be very entertain-

ing. Ted gave us no names for the numbers they played, which seemed to spring spontaneously and si-multaneously from their instruments. I recognized two: “Just Because” and “In Heaven There Is No Beer.”



March 9, 2015(John Giuliani reporting)

Marjorie Rombauer, who has been reporting on Seattle Socials for eleven years, began the eve-ning with an Irish program dedicated to a long time, good friend, Louise North, who passed away on Feb-ruary 10. Louise regularly attended the Seattle Socials for many years and was a very, very nice lady, always so positive, and very proud of her Irish heritage. Marjorie began her program with “Soldiers’ March,” the national anthem of the Republic of Ireland. She explained that it was written by an Englishman in 1907 when Ireland was part of England and adopted as the anthem by the Irish Parliament in 1926, after Ireland separated from England. She followed with “Was Your Mother Born in Ireland?” She explained that her Mother was a pianist who would play this number for her Father on musical evenings. He would smile – because his Mother was born in Ireland – and then her Mother would play “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” That was the fi rst of three waltzes that she next played, followed by “Sweet Rosie O’Grady” and “Norah.” Then she played three dances of a different kind – “The Galway,” (a hornpipe), “Roxborough Cas-tle,” (a reel), and “The Millpond” (a jig). She concluded with marches -- the popular “McNamara’ Band” and, less well known, “The Ballymaquilty Band.” Marjorie’s performance was very well received by our audience. It’s always so nice when the performer announces and gives a little history about the music to be played, as Marjorie did!!!(Marjorie Rombauer reporting)

Lee Wright followed, promising another Irish program, but it wasn’t. For example, he said he would begin with “Viva La Ireland,” but in fact he played Eviva Espana, and so it went. He actually played “Hungarian Dance No. 5,” “Don’t Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes,” Frank Marocco’s arrangement of a Godfa-ther medley, and Tzena, Tzena, Tzena. He concluded with the polka that he said was the most popular number in Europe in 1990, a lively Trompeten Echoes. One of the fi rst times I heard Lee play he said he was just getting back to the accordion. He is defi nitely back and beyond..

Louis Traverso played next. Unfortunately, I was so intrigued with the Excelsior accordion he was playing that I forgot to take a picture of him. (I was wondering whether it was the Excelsior that he had earlier advertised for sale in our magazine.) He started with an Italian song that he learned in 1936, followed by an Italian waltz. Then he played two American popular songs, “Yes, Sir, She’s My Baby” and “Margie.” He concluded with the polka medley

that earned him a fi rst in a Kimberly competition. That tells you how well he played it.

Andy Mirkovich began his program with songs from four musicals and other ballads that showcased his passionate style of playing. First, however, he identifi ed “The Merry Widow,” a popular operetta from the beginning of the 20th century, as a forerun-ner of musicals. He enjoys playing songs from both “The Merry Widow” and songs from modern musicals, and that’s what he did. He began with Rodgers and Hammerstein music, “Some Enchanted Evening” and “There is Nothing like a Dame” from “South Pacifi c.” He noted that Hammerstein had written with others, in particular, with Jerome Kern for the 1927 “Showboat,” and then played “Make Believe” from that produc-tion, followed by Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “If I Loved You” and “Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel,” and “Surrey With the Fringe on Top” and “Oklahoma” from the musical of the same name, the fi rst musical on which Hammerstein collaborated with Rodgers. Then Andy played the lovely ballad, “Twilight Time,” followed by Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine,” com-menting that it was Porter who broke the mold of eight measure units for popular songs. Returning to the Merry Widow, he played his favorite song from that production, Vilia, followed by some lovely Gershwin ballads, “Our Love Is Here to Stay” and “Love Walked Right In” and Harold Arlen’s “Let’s Fall in Love.” He concluded with “On the Street Where You Live,” “I’m Getting Married in the Morning,” and “I Could Have Danced All Night,” from Loewe and Lerner’s “My Fair Lady.” A most enjoyable performance, as could be expected from Andy.

April 13, 2015This was an evening I was looking forward to

because it featured two favorite performers plus a 10-year old and other players whom I had not heard before. Alas, the birth of a great- grandson rattled me so much that I lost a day over the weekend. When I began planning my “Monday” schedule, I discovered that it was Tuesday, so I missed it all. Fortunately, Birgit Ages, John Giuliani and the performers cooper-



Seattle Monday Night Accordion Socials

Date/Time: 2nd Monday of the month music: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - - be there early

June 8thSmilin’ Scandinavians

No socials in July and AugustSocials resume September 14

All Socials are held at the Senior Center of West Seattle in 2015

Senior Center of West Seattle (SC-WS)

4217 S.W. Oregon Street Seattle, WA 98116

Phone: (206) 932-4044Cost: $5

Contact: John Giuliani (425) 255-2121 Contact: Birgit Ages (206) 368-9720

Backup: Bonnie Birch (206) 622-4786

ated to provide me with information about the pro-gram, as follows:

The 10-year old student, Lindsay MacGregor played “Skating,” “The Donkey” and a duet with Les-lie Wikoff – “Batter up/Kick Off.” Leslie then played a solo program: “Danube Waves” (The Anniversary Waltz), “Country Gardens,” “Norwegian Woods,” and “Minka.”

Then Laura Gardener, accompanied by John Giuliani on bass, played her newest, original com-positions, “The Mirror,” “Initiation” and “Seen.” Laura did play for us once before and I was intrigued by her compositions, so I am sorry I missed the opportunity to hear the newest.

Einar Tapio, no stranger to our stage, then played a program that must have been fun to hear: “Summer Song” (Wilhelm Peterson-Berger), “La Petite Valise” (Joe Heyne), “Swagger’s Waltz” (Arthur Högstedt), “Bluesette” (“Toots” Thielemans), “Friday 13th (Arnstein Johansen), Schön Rosmarin (Fritz Kreisler), and “A Gay Ranchero” (Juan Espinosa). I particularly regret not hearing the Kreisler number, which was one of my husband’s favorites.

Alex Bondor was next. He was a newcomer, but he provided information about himself. He came here from Missouri, but his parents came from Romania. He got started on accordion playing because he was jealous of a cousin after watching him play for many months. He asked the cousin to teach him something so he could practice, and the cousin did. Alex was in the 6th grade at that time and taught himself from then on. He mixed styles and even composed his own songs (but, unfortunately, did not keep them). He has been playing for 10 years now, and his interest in the accordion and music has never ceased. The music he played, sang and trans-lated was: Sti ce insemana golgota (Do you know what the cross means), Era o zi cand prima ora-n viata (There was once a time in my life), “Our God Is An Awesome God,” and “Glory Glory Hallelujah.”

Bonnie Birch concluded the evening’s perfor-mances. She began with some international num-bers Alte Kammeraden, (a German march), Domino (by an English songwriter), a medley from the opera “Carmen,” La Sorciere (a French musette), and an Irish medley. Then she played her fi nger warm-up piece, “Flick Flack,” “Vanessa,” and “My Heart Be-longs to Daddy,” concluding with “Russian Rag.” Another performance that renews my regret that I missed this Social.

We’re looking for accordionists

Oregon’s Alpenfest seeks accordion players for Accordi-ons at Alpenfest. Artists will perform at our opening ceremony, Terminal Gravity Brewery, the Joseph Visitor

Center and/or the La Grande Farmers Market. We’ll pay you and provide free admission to one of our shows. (Travel and lodging are on your own.)

Details: [email protected] or 541-426-ALPS

Oregon’s AlpenfestThe only Swiss-Bavarian festival in the West

Sept. 24-27 in Wallowa County, Oregon’s Little Switzerland

Info and tickets: oregonalpenfest.com



5th Annual Historic Wallace Accordion Festival

Wallace has always been known for its fun times, and the 5th Annual Historic Wallace Accordion Festival on August 7-9 will take that reputation a step further by offering “A Barrel of Fun!”

Idaho’s historic mining town, located along Interstate 90 just 50 miles east of Coeur d’alene and halfway between Spokane and Missoula, will welcome accordionists and fans to an action-packed weekend of terrifi c music, dancing, jammin’, food and fun. In the mix will also be some great workshops and, of course, a celebration parade.

Enjoy a delicious German Buffet on Friday evening and dance the night away to the music of Montana’s Dynamic Accordion Duo, Tom and Judy Dempsey. This year, the buffet has been moved to the Nite Rock Event Center to accommodate a larger crowd and provide more room for dancing. Music will include everything from country to Latin to rock n roll.

Saturday morning opens with the traditional Accordion Celebration Parade, followed by workshops and jammin’ in the gazebo. Sign up for a time to play, or just enjoy a seat under the big red and white tent.

That evening, visitors may enjoy one of Wallace’s unique restaurants and then return to the Nite Rock Event Center for another night of great music. Opening the evening will be the Ted Lunka Trio, featuring Ted Lunka on the button box accordion, John Giuliani on accordion and string bass, and Dave Hoskins on drums. Enjoy the variety of music by these three seasoned and versatile musicians who are well-known at Octoberfests, dance clubs, and other venues throughout western Washington.

The night tops off with a concert by everyone’s favorite Seattle accordionist, Andy Mirkovich. Wallace is proud to welcome back Andy who was among the popular performers at Wallace’s fi rst festival in 2011. Andy will also be conducting two workshops during the festival.

The Accordion Festival is sponsored by the Historic Wallace Chamber of Commerce. Check out its website at www.wallaceidahochamber.com for lodging options and visit the festival website at www.wallaceaccordionfestival.com for continued updates on festival plans. Those wishing to reserve a time to perform in the gazebo either Friday or Saturday afternoon may call 208 699 7554.



We are one of the principle people in selling the new “Virtual Roland

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Accordion Extravaganza 2015

September 25 - 27

Featuring: Gordon Kohl and Michael Bridge

St. John’s Cultural Centre10611 – 110 AvenueEdmonton, Alberta

www.edmontonaccordion.com

Drawing by Kory Tideman

Accordion RepairLance Curkendall

St. Helens, OR503-267-4580

[email protected]



The Chester Pietka Scholarships are available for young accordionists. Young people ages 18 and under, taking lessons from a recognized teacher, or wishing to do so, may submit a written request for scholarship funds for the purpose of taking lessons. Requests are to be submitted to Doris Osgood, 3224 B St., Forest Grove, OR 97116 or e-mail [email protected].

In addition to giving pe rsona l i n f o rma t i on , students are to share their age, interest and their goals for playing the accordion. These scholarships are open to the young people within the Pacific Northwest, not just the greater Portland area.

Masha Telesheva, Chester Pietka Scholarship Recipient

Since the fi rst scholarship was given to Nik Fehr, the gen-erous donors at the Accordion Socials in Forest Grove have donated over $9,000 to young student accordionists!



Charlotte Louise North1922 - 2015

Charlotte “Louise” NorthBorn 6/29/1922Died 2/13/2015 at 92 years old.

Louise graduated from Lafayette Grade School, Madison Junior High and West Seattle High School

class of 1941. In high school Louise was Vice President of the Girl’s Club and founding member the Accordion Band. She graduated from the Uni-versity of Washington and post graduated from Simmons College in Boston, Mass.

After graduation Louise worked at Frederick and Nelson Department Store in Seattle where she was an Assistant Buyer. In 1954 she started Louise North Apparel in West Seattle. She was in business for 30 years in a popular apparel store. After she retired she traveled extensively. During retirement Louise renewed her love of the ac-cordion. She played with the Northwest Accordio-naires band and the Happy Tones quartet until a stroke left physical limitations, but she continued to enjoy accordion music and events to the end.

Louise spent her summers at the Redondo Beach house. She loved the beach, swimming, diving, water skiing, clamming and the bonfi res playing the accordion. Redondo was a special place where 3 generations of nieces and neph-ews and family would get together with their special Aunt Louise.

Louise was one of six children. She had four brothers and one sister who loved to sing around the piano.

Her father Dr. Charles Q. North and mother Charlotte Davis North, Charles, Edward her twin brother, Charles and Richard preceded her in death. Currently her brother Albert and Lillian North and sister Patty North Stamets and sister in law Mary North and the many nieces and neph-ews are celebrating her “young heart life.”

A Memorial will be held at West Side Presby-terian Church on Saturday, February 21st at 11 am with reception following.

In lieu of fl owers, contributions may be sent in honor of Louise to the Northwest Accordion

Society at 1107 1st Avenue # 1003, Seattle, WA 98101 to benefi t young musicians with a love of the accordion.

Ask a TeacherBy Cooksie Kramer A.B. C. A – L. B.C. AMember of ATG, AAA, ABRSM (London).

I often see words – e.g. Dominant, Super Tonic – Please explain?

You can research these musical terms in all good Music Theory Books. They are universal – but simply every scale has 8 notes and every note has its own title

I Tonic (or Root)II Super Tonic (Note above Tonic)III MediantIV Sub Dominant (Below Dominant)V DominantVI Sub MediantVII Leading Note (which is going to the Upper Tonic)VIII Upper Tonic

Chords (two or more notes played together) are also similarly named. The most used Chords besides I and VIII are IV and V. A quick example is in Church Cho-rale Music. Or an ending (cadence) to almost every piece of music written from Baroque to Modern Jazz – will end IV I or V I. Play these chords and you will hear the fi nality. (In CMajor FAC – EGC I’ve inverted and GBD – EGC.

Look at the simple chords of Happy Birthday

I V7 I IV I V7 I

It is important to know the degrees of the scales when you are in a more technical discussion, especially composition.

This subject is so vast – call me or email me with more questions – As I have said many times before – The Theory of Music is so important.

I am always available for questions please feel free to phone me at 425 828 9104 or email [email protected].



Welcome New Members

J. Lynne Clark, Carlsborg, WADonna Douglas (Massey), Huntington Beach, CAWallace Franz, Kirkland, WAElla Gordon, Boise, ID Ken McCauley, Edmonds, WANan Peterson, Des Moines, WA

Remember, you are welcome to give gift mem-berships! The membership form is on the last page of this publication.

You may request hard copy, PDF (electronic), or both. You may also pay for more than one year at a time, if you like.

Evaluating Button AccordionsSubmitted by Jeannie Enabnit

Button Box America! 14181 County Rd, Glencoe, MN 55336

Many factors affect the value of an accordion: Age, keys, condition – internal and external – tuning, model, popularity, availability, manufacturer, number and quality of reeds, and more…

Make an informed decision before buying. Play (or have someone else play) all of the buttons, in both directions, using all of the tone switches (if any). Ask about the service history, previous, owners, usage, and guarantee. Then check.

EXTERNAL CONDITIONS: Case, fi nish, keyboard, buttons, bellows, grille, horns, straps, and labels. Problems – Inadequate or improper case, obvious war or damage; worn bellows tape, warped bellows folds, warped keyboard, warped wood parts, missing or cor-roded corners, misaligned buttons, sticking buttons, missing or damaged parts, dirt, odors, mold, or any other condition which compromises the accordion’s integrity.

INTERNAL CONDITIONS: Ask the owner to check or assist you to check the following conditions by remov-ing the pins which hold the keyboard to the bellows. Note the position of each pin as it is removed. Check for loose, bent, or missing pins; dust or mildew; bro-ken, rusted, or missing reeds; corroded rods or other metal parts; dried or curled leathers; warped reed blocks or other wooden parts. Carefully replace pins in their original holes.

ACCORDION CONDITION:Mint – Bellows stiff, not broken in. Absolutely perfect inside and out.Excellent – Has been played. Bellows are broken in. No signs of wear.Very Good – Has been used, but shows mini-mal wear.Good – Very playable. Shows some wear. No technical problems.Fair – Playable. Obvious wear. Needs profes-sional service.Poor – Unplayable. Repairable or salvageable for parts.Décor – Display only. Not salvageable.

Button boxes and accordions must be protected from dust, smoke, heat, moisture, freezing, salt air, chemi-cals, burns, spills, and impact. Keep your accordion under the same conditions which would be comfort-able for you – temperature, humidity, and air quality.

Do not assume that storing your button box in its case will keep it like new. To remain in good condi-tion, all accordions need to be played. To maintain tuning, play it at least once a week. Once a year have it inspected, cleaned, and serviced by a qualifi ed ac-cordion technician. Referrals available from Jeannie Enabnit editor – 320-864-7669

Final Ruling for Air Travel with Musical Instruments - USA

By Rita Barnea(Reprinted with permission from Squeezin and Pleasin)

For the many accordionists who have problems taking their accordion onto the plant, this is a wel-come ruling to protect your precious accordion when you travel.

As of March 6, 2015, it’s offi cial and no longer at the discretion of the various airlines. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, musicians who board planes must be allowed to carry on their instru-ments provided they fi t in the overhead bin.

If this space isn’t large enough, the musician is also permitted to purchase a second seat in which to stow their musical companion.

One caveat: the airlines don’t have to prioritize musical instruments ahead of any other carry-on lug-gage, so if the bins are full, you’ll still have to check your instrument at the gate.

To remedy this, the U.S. Department of Transport suggests that musicians may want to pay the airline’s fee for priority boarding to ensure that there will be room for their gear.



Accordionists and Teachers Guild 75th Anniversary Festival

I am writing to you regarding the upcoming Accordionists and Teachers Guild 75th Anniversary Festival to be held this July 22-25 in Lisle, IL (a sub-urb of Chicago and very close to O’Hare Intl. Airport). Please go to the ATG website at www.accordions.com/atg and click on 2015 Festival for all kinds of interesting and exciting information regarding this very special event.

I will be serving as the Conductor of the ATG Festival Orchestra and I wish to invite you and your accordion friends to join the orchestra in performing on the fi nal evening concert on Saturday night. The orchestra will perform 3 wonderful selections: Rondo-Fantasy (a new composition by Stas Venglevski which will feature the composer as soloist with the orchestra), An Evening At The Cinema (a medley of movie tunes by John Williams and arranged for the orchestra by Joan Sommers), and The Moldau (a truly spectacular arrangement by Anthony Galla-Rini of this popular symphony orchestra standard by Bedřich Smetana).

So many accordionists remember playing in the large accordion orchestras so prevalent a few years ago in the USA. These days, however, those oppor-tunities no longer exist…except at such an event as the ATG Festival where there will be the large Festival Orchestra.

Perhaps you belong to one of the many accordi-on clubs throughout the USA; if so, why not get some of your friends together and come join the orchestra? Or, if you do not wish to play, at least attend the many concerts, workshops, exhibits and fun events held during the Festival…renew some of your old friend-ships or make some new accordion friends. I know for sure that everyone will have a wonderful time!

ATG attendees are noted for their friendly, wel-coming nature and, every year, we receive comments from them that they have had such a good time being among so many other accordionists. You will feel the same way. You will feel at home at the ATG Festival.

Please know that I, especially, ask you to come join the Festival Orchestra. Send an e-mail to me at [email protected] or call me at 913-722-5625 if you feel like it or you haven’t gotten all the informa-tion you still need in order to register right now on the ATG website: www.accordions.com/atg

My very best wishes to you and I hope to see you in July, if not before at some other event.Most sincerely, Joan Cochran SommersProfessor Emerita, University of Missouri-Kansas City Executive Secretary, ATG

Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini HonoredMario Tacca and Mary Mancini were honored

by the American Accordion Musicological Society on March 28, 2015 at the AAMS 27th Annual Festival of Workshops in Whippany, N.J. Tacca and Mancini presented a program entitled “Music From The Heart,” featuring International, Broadway, Opera and the music of Gershwin.

International vocal artist Mary Mancini and award-winning accordionist Mario Tacca make beautiful music together. This unique husband and wife team has been featured in the New York Times, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and the Journal News, and has performed in a variety of venues throughout the U.S., Canada, Italy, France, and China.

Mary was born and raised in Peekskill, N.Y. She sings in eight languages and is adept at pop music, show tunes, operatic arias, and sacred music. Among her many awards, she was bestowed the highest honor by OSIA, NYS Grand Lodge Foundation for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. Le Republicain Lorrain, in Alsace-Lorraine, France, writes that the “purity of her voice, the ease with which she interpreted the most diffi cult pieces showed that she is a great artist.” The Spring City Evening News in Kunming, China, writes that “audiences were greatly impressed by Mary Mancini’s singing ability. Through her music, we see her heart is smiling.”

Mario was born in Italy and received his musical education in Italy, France and the U.S. He won fi rst place at the International Accordion Competition at



Carnegie Hall, NYC; the U.S. National Accordion Competition in Chicago, IL; the Grand Prix of Paris, France; and the Coupe Mondiale - World Cup Title of Italy.

The Journal News calls Mario “one of the pre-eminent accordion virtuosi in the world” and the New York Times writes that he makes the instrument “sound like a gift from heaven.”

Together, Mary and Mario have headlined numerous concert halls and festivals in North America, Europe, and China, and have performed at the Garden State Arts Center, Resorts International Casino Hotel and the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

Notably, Mary and Mario have completed two tours of China. As guests of the China Ministry of Culture, they toured fi ve cities and performed with three symphony orchestras. Joining them on tour was highly acclaimed Chinese tenor, Douglas Song. In addition to performing with the symphony orchestras, one of the most memorable moments included a performance held at the 1600 seat True Color Jazz Supper Club in the booming city of Shenzhen.

Mary’s list of accomplishments include: the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Order of the Sons of Italy in America for her ongoing outstanding musical contribution to the arts. She has also been inducted into Cambridge’s Who’s Who, and was most recently inducted into the Who’s Who prestigious roster of Top Female Executives in honor of her outstanding professional excellence and dedication.

Mary & Mario have been featured in a cover story in the Westchester Business Journal as an outstanding and unique husband-and-wife duo who have shared their musical gifts and molded their careers over a span of 35 years.

Mary & Mario are looking forward to many performances in 2015, including Ace in the Hole Productions in N.J., and many more exciting events, which will posted on their website. They can also be seen and heard regularly at the Magnanini Winery Restaurant in Wallkill, NY.

Endearing themselves to audiences around the world, Mary and Mario are performers whose Music truly comes From the Heart.

Tacoma Accordion SocialsBy Eloise Adair

Our March Social was on Thursday the 12th. We had 37 in attendance and seven accordionists played. Our fi rst performers were Linda Bishop on guitar and Richard Bishop on accordion. They played ”Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder”, “ O Danny Boy”, ‘’Springs, “The Wearing of the Green” and “Gallaway Piper”. Next up was Bob Westlund playing “Gallaway Bay”, “Moonlight Bay”, “I’ll Take You Home, Kathleen”, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”, “Irish Lullaby”, “Sweet Rosie O’Grady”, “My Wild Irish Rose” and “Danny Boy”.

Wilbur Wybenga was up next. He played “Four Leaf Clover”, “Under Italy’s Sun”, “Julida Polka”, “Bella Mia” and “My Father”. Michael Barbarossa was on college break so he came and played for us. He played “My Melody of tove”, “That’s Amore”, La Cucaracha”, “Helena Polka”, “Somewhere My Love” and “Liechtensteiner Polka”. Eloise Adair was up next. She played “When it’s Springtime in the Rockies”, “Springtime in Sweden” and “Janet’s Waltz”. Dick Myking was next playing “Did Your Mother Come from Ireland”, “How are Things in Glockarmora?” and “My Wild Irish Rose”. We aIl looked forward to hearing Tom Demski. He played “Dark Eyes”, “Lady of Spain” and “Clribiribin”. The last two pieces he did a bellow shake and I was amazed he could bellow shake will sitting on a chair. We were all happy to have such a good program.

April 2015Our social was on the 9th and we only had 26 in

attendance. Our MC started our music and played 12 songs since we had only one sign up to play. Randall Tron played “Brazilia”, “Red Red Robin”, “Country Roads”, “Guantamaneia”, “Scarlet Ribbons”, “Wolverton Mountain”, “Personality”, “Beautiful Ohio”, “Just Because”, “Tweedle Dee”, “Peg O’ My Heart” and “In the Garden.”

Dick Myking, who signed up, was next to play. He played “Down by the Old Mill Stream”, “Whispering”, “Rose Room”, “You are My Sunshine”, “ Beer Barrel Polka”, “Have I Told You Lately that I Love You”, “Anytime”, “Five Foot Two”, “America the Beautiful”, “Crystal Chandelier”, “Slovenian Waltz #2” and “Tinker Polka.” Dick let Eloise Adair play his ac cordion and she played “Lordegs Valsen”, “Livet I Finnskogarna” and “Johan Pa Snippen.” Our last performer was Tom Demski. He played “Creation Tradition” and “Granada.” We had enough music to fi ll up our time.



Celebrating the Accordion in Forest GroveBy Doris Osgood

In my mind, the accordion celebration in Forest Grove each spring is the beginning of the busy sum-mer accordion season. If it’s any indication of things to come, our celebration April 26 is the precursor to a fabulous time ahead.

In Forest Grove, I can never be certain of the program for the day or the attendance. This spring we were packed with players and with a full audience. Murl Sanders commented that he couldn’t get over

that people stayed ALL afternoon. A couple of photographers were taking pictures for the local paper; it was a real happening!

The music started with

Dick Carlson from Til-lamook playing Life in the Finnish Woods and the Black and White Rag. Dick made sure that he played the Life in the Finnish Woods for a long time supporter of the accordion celebra-tion, Glenn Hardy.

Doris Osgood followed with La Bourausque and Conti-nental Capers.

Dr. Steve Gordon was free and played two lovely tangos, one of which was Adios Nonino.

Kathy Grambsch promised to be in For-est Grove this spring. She and her husband travel a bit so this was especially wonderful. She played Galla Rini’s arrangement of Come Back to Sorrento and Gitanarias.

Valri Chiapetta has been absent for a long time. She claimed that Steve Gordon shamed her into coming… She played Louisiana

blues.Ninety year

old Hans Fred-ricks has received notoriety in local papers for perform-ing at the open mic sessions at a music venue in Hillsboro. He’s a celeb! He played Spring Time Polka and a waltz that he composed called Lizette.

Leonard Kosatka cut his Hawaiian vacation a couple of days short to be with us too. He played Un-der Paris Skies and the Pennsylvania Polka.

The Wheeler girls from Roseburg were able to join us this spring. Roseburg is a considerable distance from Forest Grove and we’re always so pleased when they can

come. Not only are they wonderful help, they are becoming fi ne accordion players. Eighth grade Emily Wheeler played the Entertainer and Joe Morelli’s arrangement of Don’t Fence Me In. Allison Wheeler, now a sophomore, played Accordion Novelette and Solla Sollew. Both girls played at the entry to encourage people as

Kathy Grambsch



they entered the room. I remember when Emily and Allison were little girls – not that long ago. Grandpar-ents Dick and Patty Carlson were both pleased and proud.

Our “snow birds” are returning, I’m glad to say. Paul Bria was up next playing Broken Heart Polka and At the Springs Waltz.

Joe Szabo and his young student, Anna Botocan, played Merry Widow Waltz and Because of All Those Endearing Young Charms together. Since her performance in the fall, Anna’s father purchased a new accordion for her. That made her playing even

more special.Jonathan

Dyk from Til-lamook as a vast repertoire of music in his head. He chose to play La Paloma and Paul Simon’s the Sound of Si-lence. Our next player hadn’t been free to

come to Forest Grove for some time. Last fall he and his wife were performing in the Czech Republic!

Mark Greathouse played a Pietro Diero orig-inal composition called Abundance. It was new to me; I loved it! Next up was Pamelajean Myers from Forest Grove. She plays daily for patients in her care through hospice. PJ played Gypsy Polka and Carousel Rag. First time player, Frank Dum-mer, was up next. He had us all singing This Land Is Your Land just before the break for refreshments.

Following the break, the Tualatin Valley Accor-dionists played Tulips of Amsterdam, Ostlandischer Walzer, and Harmonika Piraten. Ann Thompson and

her daughter, Sue Armentrout, picked up the music for the waltz on their river cruise trip down the Dan-ube last fall. The Pirate’s March came from my pen pal in Switzerland. It was great having new music to play. The participating TVA players were: Paul Bria, Colleen Halverson, Jon Dyk, Mickey Eaton, Dick Carlson, Helen Purkerson, Nancy Kaye, Connie Weimer, Ann Thompson, Pamelajean Myers, Jack Jones, Geoff Levear and Doris Osgood.

Next we had Gerson Rob-boy and Betty Booher. They played and sang Tonight You Be-long to Me and My Way… as only Gerson can render.

Ann Thomp-son and Connie Weimer were fi rst time duet partners. They played Whis-pering Hope.

Ed Makovsky traveled up from Pleasant Hill near Eugene. He will be celebrating his 91st birthday May 24 on Utah Beach! Ed played two hymns, beautifully I must add. Ed’s the best.

Forest Grove’s Don Donaldson played How Great Thou Art. Regrettably he felt he had to change his program because we were running out of time. He played very nicely and wanted others to have time.

Next up was Austin Hampshire. Austin has been tak-ing voice and dance lessons and recently returned to the accordi-on. He played Accordi-ana. First time player, Elsie Massey played Begin the Beguine and the program ended with Joan Coalman’s rendition of a fi ddle tune called Lover’s Waltz.

Murl Allen Sanders made his way to Forest Grove to play late in the afternoon as our featured performer. He’d thought that he was going to rest a



bit before coming in, but ended up being with us all afternoon. For those who know Allen, his style is one of a kind. He started his program from the back of the room playing his rendition of the Tennessee Waltz. He continued with tunes from around the world as well as some of his signature originals. His time in Brazil inspired his playing a tune called Flea Market (English translation) and Tune for Jobeem (also Anglicized) We can count on his playing a little Gershwin too; he con-cluded with a fun rendition of Sweet Home Chicago with harmonica. FUN STUFF.

I’m nearly out of breath just writing all of the names and selections that were played here. Before I completely poop out, I must thank Dick and Patty Carlson, the Wheelers, Geoff Levear, Gary Osgood, and Sue Armentrout for their WORK to make the day happen. Ginger Steele, owner of the New Leaf Nurs-ery, provided 4 huge hanging baskets as prizes for our 50/50 drawing which benefi ts the Chester Pietka Scholarship Fund for young players. Thanks to Kathy Grambsch, winner of the cash from the 50/50 draw-ing. She donated the winnings back to the scholarship fund. John Martin brought his midi set up to play during our refreshment break. It was an extra ordinary effort and wonderful playing. Special thanks to the visitors who traveled down from Sequim, Renton, and Ed-monds.

Someone said to me, “We should do this every

other month”… to which I groaned… “I don’t think so!” It was a packed, fun day. I’ve never been so exhaust-ed! Lots of great music and lots of cash generated for the scholarship fund. We couldn’t have asked for anything more – except TIME.

We look forward to everyone’s returning in the autumn for the celebration of the Accordion in Forest Grove. We will meet on the 4th Sunday in October, as has been the custom for over 20 years. There will be some adjustments for the autumn event. Nothing earth shattering… but adjustments to ease the burden of the production. Enjoy a great summer of accordion music; we’ll be here October 25 just for the fun of it.

Photos were provided by David Ewald and Judith Ames.

Valri Chiapetta

Tualatin Valley Accordionists



Photos from Day of the AccordionBy Ken & Sue McCauley

Northwest Accordionaires

Bonnie Birch Band with Fortissimo

Bonnie Birch Band

Break Group

David Locke

Lyle Schaefer

Folk Voice Band



Rod Miller and Einar Tapio

Smilin’ Scandinavians

Sue and Ken McCauley with Toby Hanson

Murl Allen Sanders on Stage

Ken Olendorf Tribute Band

Phil Ages and Kory Tideman



Accordion Events CalendarBy Doris Osgood

[email protected]

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS SEATTLE, WA2nd Monday monthly: West Seattle Senior Center June 8. (no meeting July and August) Sept. 8 Contact: John Giuliani 425-255-2121 or Birgit Ages 206-368-9720 Back up contact: Bonnie Birch 206-622-4786. Music 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALSTACOMA, WA2nd Thursday monthly: June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 , Sept11 Lutheran Church 121st & Park Ave. across from PLU Library 7:00 – 9:30 PMcontact: Dick Myking 253-537-0136

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALSFOREST GROVE, OR4th Sundays April and October. Forest Grove Community Center, 2037 Douglas St. Forest Grove, OR. 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM. Contact: Doris Osgood 503-357-0417.October 25, 2015

ACCORDION CLUB OF CENTRAL OREGONBEND, OR2ND Saturday Monthly, noon – 2 PM Aspen Ridge Retirement Home 1010 NW Purcell Blvd, Bend Members provide entertainment one Sunday monthly also. Contacts: Lillian Jones, 541-536-1531 [email protected] or Karl Kment, 541-548-0495 [email protected]

ACCORDION CLUB OF ROSEBURGROSEBURG, OR3rd Monday monthly 6:30, 553 Little Valley Rd. RoseburgPres. Karen Cordell 553 Little Valley Rd. Roseburg, OR 97471 541-784-1911 [email protected]

ACCORDION CLUB OF VANCOUVERVANCOUVER, B.C.www.meetup.com/Accordion-Club-of-Vancouvercontact: Haike Kingma, [email protected]

ACCORDION INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SOCIETYSANTA BARBARA, CA2nd Sunday monthly 1 – 3 PM Vale Verde Retirement Theatre 900 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CAAIMS P.O. Box 4511 Santa Barbara, CA 93140Info: Heinz Trick 805-685-2260www.santabarbaraaccordions.com

EASTSIDE JAZZBellevue, WA

3rd Tuesday monthly, Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 7:30 PM beginning January 2012. Contact: Cooksie Kramer 425-828-9104

EMERALD VALLEY ACCORDION CLUBEUGENE, OR1st Monday monthly: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Veterans’ Memorial Bldg. 1626 Willamette St. Secretary Linda Gunn 541-726-6330 [email protected] V.P. Lou Marzano Social time 6 PM, business 6:45 PM

FAIRBANKS ACCORDION CLUBFAIRBANKS, AKMondays weekly 6 – 8 PM Pioneers Home, open to all free reed instruments. Contact: Christine Upton 907-457-3392

FIVE VALLEY ACCORDION ASSOCIATION MONTANA

5VAA Jams are 1- 5 PmMay 29, 30, 31 NW Lone PineJune 14 American LegionJune 28 no jamJuly 11 Lolo Community Center/ annual picnicAugust Missoula/Hamilton FairSept 11-13 Lone PinePres. Helen Brady [email protected]

Montana – NW Accordion AssociationMay 29,30,31 Lone Pine Camp OutJune 7 VFW PolsonJune 21 Eagles KalispellJuly 5 Linda Vista-SomersJuly 19 Eagles KalispellAug. 2 VFW PolsonAug. 16 Linda Vista-SomersSept. 6 VFW PolsonSept. 11 – 13 Lone Pine Contact: Ken Kenmille 406-407-3514 all NWAA Jams 2 – 5:30 PM

Montana – Great Falls Accordion PlayersJune 14 EaglesJuly 12 ElksAug. 16 MooseSept. 13 Black Eagle Community CenterOct. 18 EaglesNov. 15 ElksDec. 13 MooseJams are 1 PM – 5 PMContact Pat Sharp for info: 406-452-4546

GEM STATE ACCORDION CLUBIDAHOCaldwell Library Community Rm Caldwell, ID



3rd Saturday monthly 1 – 4 PMfor information contact: Dianne Lansing [email protected]

HUGO’S ACCORDION BANDMT. VERNON, WA2nd and 4th Monday monthly 2:00 - 4:00 PM Director,Leif Holmes. President: Ron Zentner, 4100 S. Wilkes Gary Hts., Camano Island, WA 98282 (360)387-8143 [email protected]

HOUSTON BAY AREA ACCORDION CLUBHOUSTON, TX2ND Wednesday monthly 5 – 9 PM Joe Brikha, Pres [email protected] www.bayareaaccordionclub.com

MEDFORD ACCORDION CLUBMEDFORD, OR4th Monday monthly 7 - 9 PM: Central Point Senior Center 123 N. 2nd St, Central Point, OR Jeannette Dewey, Pres. 1029 SE Rogue Dr. Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-471-7455

OKANAGAN ACCORDION CLUBKELOWNA, BCTuesdays weekly Sept. – May, Senior Center on RichterInfo contact: Rod Miller 250-317-9088, Lela Bourne [email protected]

ROGUE RIVER ACCORDION CLUBROGUE RIVER, OR2nd Friday monthly. 4 – 6 PM Council Chambers Rogue River City Hall, 133 Broadway St. Rogue River, OR. Pres. Margot Turrell 206 Creekside Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-479-9409 [email protected]

ROSE CITY ACCORDION CLUBPORTLAND, OR3rd Saturday monthly. 1 – 5 PM Milwaukie Public Safety Bldg, SE 32nd & Harrison, Milwaukie, OR. Pres. Wayne Tiusanen [email protected]

SEQUIM ACCORDION SOCIALSEQUIM, WA2nd Sunday, Odd numbered months, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Sequim Senior Center 921 E. Hammond StContact: Frank Bruckner: sqzbox144@gmail 208-290-4037 or Caryl Dowell: [email protected] 520-369-2550

SIERRA NEVADA ACCORDIONSRENO, NVJohn Covarelli, Pres. 775-848-3777, [email protected]

SPOKANE ACCORDION ENSEMBLESPOKANE, WA weekly rehearsals 6- 9 PM Eileen Webber, Pres. 509-290-6858 [email protected]

TUALATIN VALLEY ACCORDIONISTS FOREST GROVE, OR1st Sat. monthly 10 AM – 1 PM Forest Grove Library Pacifi c Ave. Contact: Paul and Judy Bria 503-591-0504 [email protected] (*July 11, picnic Aug.1)

YUMA ACCORDION CLUBYuma, AZevery Tuesday, November - March at the Yuma Food Bank at 2404 E 24th Street, Yuma, AZPresident, Coreen Bergholm @ [email protected] or Ginger Purdy @ [email protected]

VICTORIA ACCORDION CLUBVICTORIA, B.C. CANADA1st Sunday Monthly 2:30 PM, Victoria Edelweiss Club108 Niagra St., James Bay District Victoria, BCContact: John 250-386-7282 or 250-477-3098

BUTTON BOX CAMPS JULY AND SEPTfor information contact: Joseph Smiell Jr. 812 Bantry Way Benica, CA 94510 - camps held at Heildman Lodge, Norden, CA near Donner Pass RCAC ACCORDION CAMP- SILVER FALLS CONFERENCE CENTER June 7 - 12, 2015 near Sublimity, OR. Camp treasurer: Marlene Meissner 503-463-9909 [email protected]

LEAVENWORTH INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CELEBRATION June 18- 21, 2015 Leavenworth, WA. www.accordioncelebration.org www.nwasnews.comINTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CONVENTIONLas Vegas, NV, June 22 - 25, 2015 at the Gold Coast Hotel, Las VegasUSA: 1-800-472-1695 outside USA: [email protected]

AAA ACCORDION FESTIVALJuly 8 – 12 Alexandria, VA

VICTORIA ACCORDION FESTIVALVictoria, British Columbia July 15 – 19, 2015www.bcaccordion.ca 1-778-433-8700

ATG 75TH ANNIVERSARYJuly 22 – 25 Chicago, IL

ACCORDION CELEBRATION – Historic Wallace Wallace, ID August 6 - 8 ,2015 www.wallaceIdahoChamber.com

Continued on page 39



Entertainers in the NorthwestSubmit your public performance schedules to Doris Osgood 3224 B St

Forest Grove, OR 97116 [email protected]

Alpiners USA www.alpinerusa.com with Joe Domitrowich

Juan Barco – BandContact: 23091 23rd Ave. W. Brier, WA 98036425-775-8150; cell 206-356-1878

Corky BennettWednesdays at Polo Lounge, Fridays w/ 9th St. Band Reno Senior Center, Saturdays at Bavarian Worldwebsite: www.corkybennett.comemail: [email protected]: 775-351-6750 cell: 775-287-2050

Bonnie Birchwebsite: bonniebirch.com For scheduling information: write 1107 1st Ave. #1003 Seattle, WA 98101. 206-622-4786, email: [email protected]

Chuck BergerAccordion Repair and Public PerformanceFor information call: [email protected]

Michael BridgeJune 18 – 21 Leavenworth, WAwww.michaelbridgemusic.com/[email protected]

Charlie BrownCharlie’s schedule is much too long to print. This is only an excerpt. Check with him for the complete scheduleJune 15 Brookdale, Gig HarborJune 18 Canterbury Manor, BremertonJune 19 – 21 Leavenworth, WAJune 24 Cascade Park Gardens Tacoma, WAJune 29 Narrows Glen, TacomaJuly 3 Sound Vista Village, Gig HarborJuly 24 Retsil Vets Home, Port OrchardAug. 11 Macadam Ct, TukwillaAug. 22 Rock Creek, Hillsboro, ORAug. 23 80th Anniversary Sons of NorwayKitsap GCCContact: [email protected] hm 253-857-6557 cell 253-376-5487

Frank CalapristiWinter schedule at King Ludwig’s, Wed, Thurs. Sun. nights; tour groups as needed For scheduling information write PO Box 1057 Leavenworth, WA 98826 [email protected]

Gary DahlFor scheduling information write 509 Valley Ave. NE #5 Puyallup, WA 98372

Phone/fax [email protected]; www.accordions.com/garydahl; www.beltuna.com

Tom Demski (Mr. Flash)For scheduling information write: 518 9th St. SW Puyallup, WA 98371 [email protected]

Folk Voice BandFor scheduling: Birgit Ages 206-368-9720 [email protected]; http://folkvoiceband.com

Laura Gardner/Phoenix Undergroundcontact: [email protected]

Happy Hans’ Music Hans Rainer, Jr. May 30 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 6 – 10 PMJune 13 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 6 – 10 PMJuly 11 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 6 – 10 PMAug. 15 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 6 – 10 PMSept. 25 – 26 Renton OktoberfestSept 26 – 27 Kirkland OktoberfestOct. 2,3,9,10,16,17 Leavenworth OktoberfestFor scheduling information write Hans Rainer,Jr 24613 231st Ave. SE Maple Valley, WA 98038 425-413-6562 [email protected] WWW.HAPPYHANSMUSIC.COM

Lynn HaldemanLeader of Haldeman’s OOM-PAH BoysDer Rheinlander Restaurant Portland, ORWed, Thurs, Sat, Sun. 5 PM – 9 PMContact: Lynn Haldeman 1200 NE 199th Ave. Portland, OR 97230 503-328-6099 [email protected]

Greg MeierFor scheduling information write: 38572 Park Ave. Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-7002. Fax 503-668-1058 [email protected]

Andy MirkovichJune 20 Jazz Trio Bellevue SquareJuly 11 Polish Festival at Seattle CenterJuly 18 Jazz Trio Bellevue SquareAug. 6 – 8 Wallace, Idaho workshops/concert Aug.8Aug. 22 Jazz Trio Bellevue SquareSept. 19 Jazz Trio Bellevue SquareFull schedule private engagementsMaster Classes by appointment: 425-451-1256

Murl Allen SandersJune 7 – 12 RCAC Camp, Silver Falls, ORFull schedule private engagements, regular performances in synagogue and church, composing, and teaching.www.murlallensanders.com For scheduling information write: [email protected] PO Box 30553 Seattle, WA 98113, 206-781-8196

Lyle Schaefer For scheduling information write: 9028-60th Ave East, Puyallup, WA 98371-6299 [email protected].



Accordion events, Continued from page 37

COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVALCotati, CA August, 22 – 23, 2015 www.cotatifest.com 707-664-04444ACCORDION NOIR FESTIVALSeptember 11 – 13 Vancouver, BC

SAN ANTONIO ACCORDION FESTIVALSept 12, San Antonio, TXACCORDION EXTRAVAGANZA EDMONTON, ALBERTA September 25 - 27, 2015www.edmontonaccordion.com

ALPENFESTSept. 24 – 27, 2015 Wallowa County, OR, Oregon’s Little Switzerland Enterprise, P.O. Box 301 Joseph, OR 97846 Details: oregonalpenfest.com or 541-432-0209. Cell 541-398-1096

COUPE MONDIALEOctober 6 – 11 Turku, Finland

Sam’s Variety GemsSam Pecorilla: home 541-847-2282, cell 541-321-9088

Smilin’ ScandinaviansJune 6 20th Anniversary Concert Third Place Books Lake Forest Par 7:30 – 9:30 PMJune 7 Swedish Club Seattle Pancake breakfast 11:45 AM – 1:15 PMJune 18 Concert Leavenworth (LIAC)For scheduling information contact: Toby Hanson11123 216th St. E Graham, WA 98338 253-875-8580 [email protected]://smilinscandivanians.com

Joe SzaboFri – Sat. 6:30 – 9:30 PM Nonna Emilia’s RistoranteAloha, ORFor scheduling information: 13484 SW Devonshire Dr. Beaverton, OR 97005 [email protected]

Syl’s Ya Sure Ya Betcha Band (WA)Syl’s Arizona Dance Band and Polka BandMay 16 Tacoma Sons of Norway 8 – 11 PMJuly 11 Renton Dakota Club 7 – 11 PMAug. 8 Renton Dakota Club 7 – 11 PMFull schedule in Mesa and Apache Junction, AZNovember - April(Jan. - April, Nov. Arizona Schedule, 480-357-2585)For scheduling: Sylvia Jorgensen, WA contact: 253-845-9321, cell [email protected], www.fjordsong.com

SVEA TrioSvea Trio- Richard Svensson and Bjarne Jacobsen206-523-3245, [email protected] www.winwins.com/sveatrio/

Sergei TeleshevMay 20 Boston, MA with Valinor QuartetJune 18 solo Leavenworth Accordion CelebrationJune 19 Leavenworth, WA with Valinor QuartetJune 27 Eugene, OR with Valinor QuartetSept. 15 Camden, AR with Valinor QuartetSept 17 Livingston, TX with Valinor QuartetContact: [email protected]://triovoronezh.com/TrioVoronezh/Concerts.html

Diane Youngwww.accordionmusictricities.com For scheduling information: [email protected]

NW AccordionairesJune 19 concert at the grange LIACContact: Cooksie Kramer 425-828-9104

At the time of publication, the professional musicians were fi lling out their program schedule for the summer. Some had confi rmation; so only the confi rmed dates are printed. Their schedules change. Most have web sites, so consult them for the most current information. Contact the accordionists directly if you are planning a special trip to ensure their schedules. Support them when you can.

More photos from Sequim Accordion Social

Toby Hanson

Bonnie Birch

Performers at the Sequim Social



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NORTHWEST ACCORDION NEWSnwasnews.com/news/15Summer-NWAS.pdf · 2015-05-27 · Northwest Accordion News 2 summer Quarter 2015 Letter from the Editors Greetings! Wow! Summer will soon