It was 1998 when the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention was first conceived. Paul Pasquali who organized the first Las Vegas International Accordion Convention which took place in 2000 said: “What an amazing week at the 2013 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention! First it was great seeing our host hotel looking beautifully refreshed and clean. But the magic started on Monday with Gina Brannelli playing for our welcome registration and continued until the last note rang out Thursday night from the Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra.

There was a great array of performers and seminar presenters (in program order) Mario Pedone, Dick Contino and musical director Corky Bennett (keyboard), Pete Contino (Dick’s son – drums), Bob Sachs (bass), Gordon Kohl, Liz Finch, Jerry Cigler and Paul Betken accompanied by Ken Seifert (bass) and Rich De Labio (drums), Nancy Leonard, Tatiana Semichastnaya and Steve Albini, Joey Miskulin with Julian Tanaka (clarinet), Ken Seifert (bass) and Rich De Labio (drums). Pete Barbutti, Dick Contino, Joan Cochran Sommers, Peter Soave, Gina Brannelli, and Jeff Lisenby, Mary Tokarski and Stas Venglevski. Father and son duo of Bob and Beau Mansfield.

Awards (pictured) were presented to Dick Contino and to Joey Miskulin.

The grand finale was the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention orchestra of 32 accordion players taking the stage along with a full symphony percussion section, directed by Joan Cochran Sommers. A fitting grand finale!”

The Honorary Conductors over the past years have included:
2000 – Art Van Damme
2001 – Dick Contino
2002 – Myron Floren
2003 – Gina Brannelli
2004 – Joan Cochran Sommers
2005 – Peter Soave
2006 – Iona Reed Pukara
2007 – Walter Ostanek
2008 – Carl Fortina
2009 – Pete Barbutti
2010 – Frank Marocco
2011 – Angelo Di Pippo
2012 – Jeff Lisenby

Lifetime Achievement Awards have been presented to:
Anthony Galla-Rini, Pete Barbutti,Tony Lovello and Joan Cochran Sommers

Over the years, Youth Awards have been presented to: Ginny Mac, Mario Pietrodarchi, Spencer Wagner, Sammy Thomas, Gino Bagala, Michael Bridge and Emanuel Gasser

Be sure to mark your calendar with the special anniversary date of August 17-21, 2014, which will mark the 15th anniversary celebration of the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention. Room rates will only be $28 a night. Joey Miskulin will return in August 2014 to help celebrate. The event features four nights and three full days of captivating WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT, fabulous meals plus enjoyable and informative workshops.

The LVIAC includes three gala luncheons and four regal dinners including concerts and top entertainment at all 7 meals. The Grand Finale is a dress-up dinner and features the Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra! The convention will take place at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino locate at 4000 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada.

You can register now. Phone number: 1-800-472-1695 or outside the USA +01 801-486-1695