On January 30, Benjamin Ickies and AAA Artist in Residence, Dr. William Schimmel, presented a lively program about their experiences with the accordion at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City. Benjamin Ickies , in the first “ACCORDION NIGHT SCHOOL”, interviewed Dr.William Schimmel about his education and experiences with the accordion. A discussion between Bill and Benjamin revolved around the role, if any, that formal training plays in creating quality accordionists.

Dr. William Schimmel is well known for playing and touring with Tom Waits during his seminal Frank’s Wild Years trilogy and helping create Waits’ signature sound. But how did he get that gig? What did he learn that qualified him for the job? And more importantly, what did he have to unlearn? And what training proved entirely irrelevant? These questions were addressed in a detailed yet entertaining way.

Benjamin Ickies performs and produces music for a variety of cabarets, nightclubs and other events, yet had no training besides a series of private teachers including Dr. Schimmel. How can Ben compete with conservatory-trained musicians in the freelance workforce? Schimmel and Ickies discussed their very different educational histories and what contributed to making them the musicians they are today. A Q&A session with the audience was followed by a performance and a meet & greet.

Benjamin Ickies is founder and accordionist for This Ambitious Orchestra. His 20 piece orchestra will perform music ranging from classic French chanson to raunchy can can and other love ballads on February 14 in “La Vie Parisienne” at the Riverside Church, 91 Claremont Ave., NY Joining them will be the showgirls of Lady Circus. Door open at 8 PM. Showtime is 9 PM.

For further information: benjamin@ickies.com