The 4th Annual 2025 Accordion Fest in Powell River BC, directed by Walter Martella and Karina Inkster,  begins on Friday, May 2, 2025. On May 1st, 10 musicians from Powell River, Vancouver, Victoria, the Cowichan Valley, Roberts Creek, and Australia will meet and rehearse together for the first time. The very next day, they will perform their first concert of the Fest. All day Friday there will be accordion repairs and sales.

Festival events include:

Opening Night/Main Concert on May 2, 2025 at 7:30 PM will also be the release event for their  brand new studio album! Enjoy a 5-piece tango band, jazz quartet, classical pieces, Klezmer, and more. Opening act: accordionist Henry Slama.

Accordion Cabaret: May 3 at 7:30 PM. Dessert and savoury finger foods included in ticket price. Cabaret-style seating, dance floor, cash bar.

Featured performers include Anthony Schulz, Ronen Segall, Martin Hergt, Walter Martella, and Karina Inkster on accordions, Stephen Nikleva and Budge Schachte on guitar, Boyd Norman on bass, and Terry Martyniuk on percussion, enjoy an evening of many musical genres. Opening act: The Victoria Accordion Club Band.

Accordion Workshops on May 3:

Klezmer Music (11:00am): Rhythms, chord progressions, and two klezmer scales. Led by Ronen Segall who will explore these elements within the context of two classic klezmer songs.

Walter Martella, Karina Inkster, Anthony Schultz

Accordion 101 (2:PM):This workshop introduces accordion-curious folks of any (or no) musical background to the instrument. Bring your own accordion, or borrow one for the session (generously provided by Tempo Trend).

Improvisation and How To Practice It (3:15pm): Led by Anthony Schulz (President of the Accordion Society of Australia) offers practical tools and creative strategies to build confidence and skills in musical improvisation.

There will be an accordion petting zoo! All workshops are by donation. No need to register. Just show up!

For further information: karina@karinainkster.com