AAA President Linda Soley Reed invites all to join the AAA in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the AAA at the Hotel New Yorker in New York City August 14-18th, 2013. You will want to be there at this historic event featuring former accordion champions, new and future ones. Many special guest artists will perform during this special celebration.
The list of performing artists and activities is continually growing and there is a wonderful, diversified array of talent planned for your enjoyment. Performers include everyone from classical artists to jazz giants to entertainment to the avant garde – all the very best in their genre.
Guest Artist, Alexander Poeluev, winner of the 2002 Coupe Mondiale, has been a frequent guest at the AAA events, most recently at the Lifetime Achievement Banquet honoring President Emerita, Faithe Deffner. Alexander is also a delegate to the CIA representing his homeland of Russia. Alex’s program will include not only a classical repertoire, but some surprising twists utilizing video effects. You will delight in some of Alex’s jazz stylings.
Past AAA Champions, Lou Coppola (1955), Mario Tacca (1961), Beverly Roberts Curnow (1965), Joe Natoli (1972), The “K” Duo –Julie Kasprzyk Cardona (1967-1969) and Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski (1971) – and Sam Thomas (2006 and 2007) are just a few of the guest artists scheduled. Workshops featuring the history of our founding fathers, a panel of past AAA Champions spearheaded by Monica Slomski (1975) will share their experiences in music and discuss careers in music and alternative music-related careers.
On Thursday, August 15th, New York City will virtually explode with accordionists…key subway stops and train stations will have accordionists entertaining the commuters. An International Concert at 2:00 pm in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hotel New Yorker will feature The Old Aker Band Players from Norway, the Musikforum Olching from Germany, as well as Australia’s Cathie Travers and New Zealander, Lionel Reekie. At 5:00 p.m., Bryant Park will be the focal point with individual and group entertainment scheduled until 9:00 pm followed by an all-accordion group JAM until 10.
The vendor exhibits are filling up with all kinds of new instruments, music and accessories. A list of vendors will be available shortly – opening ceremonies are Wednesday, August 14 at 5:00 p.m. in the Sutton Place Suite at the New Yorker Hotel.
Workshops highlighting the lives of the founding fathers of the AAA will be presented by former students and colleagues. Daily presentations will be made in the exhibit room featuring the display of the AAA Archives. Back by popular demand will be the Finale workshop – Part I for beginners; Part II for the more advanced. Don’t miss the presentation by the New England Accordion Museum complete with unique “stories” and histories of the instruments on display.
The 75th Anniversary Festival Orchestra will be conducted by none other than the diva of the accordion world, Joan Sommers. Highlight of this performance will be Paul Creston’s “Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra, Op. 85”, Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski, soloist. The accordion orchestra portion was arranged by Joan Sommers.
Past AAA Champions, Lou Coppola (1955), Mario Tacca (1961), Beverly Roberts Curnow (1965), Joe Natoli (1972), The “K” Duo –Julie Kasprzyk Cardona (1967-1969) and Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski (1971) – and Sam Thomas (2006 and 2007) are just a few of the guest artists scheduled. Workshops featuring the history of our founding fathers, a panel of past AAA Champions spearheaded by Monica Slomski (1975) will share their experiences in music and discuss careers in music and alternative music-related careers.
For further information about the 2013 festival, performers, with frequent updates please visit: www.ameraccord.com. Future issues of the USA News will contain additional information, bios, etc. related to the festival.
