Accordionist Jerry Cigler will be Guest Artist at the 2016 76th ATG Festival in Illinois from July 20-23, 2016. From the ATG website:

Jerry Cigler is a life long full time musician. He is originally from Cleveland Ohio where started his professional music career at the age of 15. His musical education started with private accordion lessons, in both classical and jazz, from some notable local teachers, Later, he received more formal instruction in music theory and harmony while attending ‘The Cleveland Institute Of Music”. During that period he also found “The Schillinger System Composition” to be very helpful in his jazz studies. While in Cleveland he worked in numerous venues, including night clubs, shows, and free lance jobbing. He was also a TV favorite preforming occasionally as a member of the musical staff at the local TV station.

Jerry’s favorite kind of music is the genre of jazz. He describes himself as a “straight ahead jazz player ” with a Bebop and Blues influence. His specialty is block chord improvising, which he is able to do very fluently in all keys, and at most tempos. His favorite players and biggest influences are Leon Sash and Oscar Peterson. Jerry eventually moved to Chicago where he got the opportunity to work and record with “The Leon Sash Quintet”. He has also recorded on his own on the Delmark, Neophonic, and Jerriatric jazz labels.

Jerry has recently performed in several concerts with Paul Betkin in a Jazz Duet format at, the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention and, The National Accordion Association Convention in Dallas Texas. He has also appeared a number of times on programs for the Chicago, Arizona, Milwaukee and Polish Accordion Clubs. Jerry has no plans to ever retire from performing. He wishes to ever keep evolving as an accordionist, musician, and artist.

For further information: ccigler@att.net