The beautiful Arizona Golf Resort was the setting for the seventh annual four-day gathering, known as the Mesa Accordion Event (MAE), formerly the Frank Marocco Accordion Event, which brought together 50 accordionists and 30 family members from twelve states, three Canadian Provinces, and Italy.
Many of the participants have been to this event multiple times, and twelve have attended every year. This gathering has become more of a “family reunion” than an accordion camp.
An orchestra, led by MAE Music Director and renowned bayanist, Stas Venglevski, performed a wonderful concert to an enthusiastic audience of over 350. Solos, a duet, and ensembles were featured, in addition to the orchestral selections. The highlight of the weekend was an evening celebration of the life, music and legacy of the great Frank Marocco, founder of this annual event, which began in 2007. Several of the participants, including Stas Venglevski, former AAA US Virtuoso Champion, Joe Natoli, 2010 AAA US Virtuoso Champion, Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, and jazz accordionist, Amy Jo Sawyer, wrote original compositions or arrangements to honor Frank Marocco’s memory.
The 2014 MAE will feature Guest Artist, Joan Cochran Sommers, who will be honored on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
For further information about the 2014 MAE please contact event directors, Dan and Joan Grauman:
mesa.accordion@verizon.net
2013 MAE collage details:
Top left: Quinn & Liam Collins, youngest 2013 MAE orchestra members and 2012 AAA festival multiple trophy winners
Top right: (l to r) Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, Amy Jo Sawyer, Frank Petrilli, Joe Natoli, Wes Anderson (drums), Sean Brogan (bass) perform a composition by Amy Jo
Upper center: 2013 MAE orchestra
Lower center: MAE Music Director, Stas Venglevski, demonstrating bellows shake technique with assistance from Gail Campanella
Bottom left: Italian accordion virtuoso, Antonino De Luca, with Frank Petrilli
Bottom right: Bruce Lawrie receives award from MAE co-directors, Dan & Joan Grauman, for being staff photographer and sound director for all seven years of the event
