Video: This is a large video so allow a few seconds to load. A Virtual House Concert 8/12/21

A Virtual House Concert sponsored by Petosa Accordions was presented by NAAC Board Members Alicia Straka and Frank Petrilli with guitarist Patrick Brooks on Thursday, August 12, 2021.

Alicia Jo Straka, previously Alicia Baker, is a professional accordionist, pianist, and vocalist from Portland, OR, currently residing in Denver, CO. Alicia received 3 bachelor of arts degrees from Oregon State University and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from University of Colorado, Boulder.

Throughout her years as a student, Alicia had the honor of being a sponsored accordion and piano artist for the prestigious company, Roland, and has won many International accordion competitions. Most recently, Alicia had the honor of premiering a work featuring accordion and soprano voice at both the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, and Carnegie Weill Hall in New York.

Alicia’s repertoire spans a wide variety of musical genres, including; jazz, pop, french musettes, opera, folk songs, polkas, contemporary, classical, romantic, and techno. She is also a composer and often features her own arrangements in concert.

Alicia has created a unique show for her audiences by combining accordion with her accomplished voice. Known for accompanying herself on operatic arias, and playing modern styles like techno, pop, and jazz; she is passionate about reinventing the face of accordion in today’s world. Alicia currently spends her time teaching private students, performing, composing, and arranging.

Excerpts from article on the Cotati Festival: Frank Petrilli was born and still lives in Los Angeles California. Much of his energy has gone into the successful business he owns and operates, Petrilli Concrete Contractors, but his creative musical side has always been a strong drive as well. 

He started playing the accordion at age 7, and by age 16  was playing professionally. As the popularity of the accordion declined in the U.S., Frank switched to playing Hammond B3 Organ and saxophone for about 15 years. In 2006, he returned to the accordion and started playing with the César Mateus Latin Jazz Band at many jazz venues throughout the Los Angeles area.

In late 2006, Frank began intensive study with the great jazz accordionist, Frank Marocco which quickly evolved into a very close friendship.  By virtue of their close relationship and mutual love of jazz, Frank Petrilli became Frank Marocco’s protégé, and Frank Marocco often commented that Frank Petrilli was like the son he never had.  Unfortunately, this relationship ended far too soon with Frank Marocco’s untimely passing on March 3rd, 2012.

As Frank Petrilli became known as an excellent player in the jazz community, he began performing frequently in the Los Angeles area with artists such as guitarists’ Patrick Barrogain and John Chiodini at top venues such as the Vibrato Jazz Club. Frank has also performed at many of the major accordion festivals and clubs in the U.S. including the AAA Festival in Charleston 2011, and at the San Francisco Accordion Club on numerous occasions.

In October of 2011, Frank appeared on the TV series “Mad Men”. In May of 2012, he was invited to play in the spot that Frank Marocco had been scheduled for as a featured  performer at the Accordion competition in Kiev, “Accofestival 2012.” He also was one of the judges for the jazz portion of the competition.  Immediately following that, he performed at the Frank Marocco  Memorial Concert in Castelfidardo, with many other stars of the accordion world.  His debut CD,  ”Totally Frank,”  was recorded in Italy during this trip. It was produced by Elke Ahrenholz of “Artist Signed Records, ” and includes the playing of three fine Italian musicians; Felice Del Gaudio, Max Ferri, and Fabio Zeppetella. Frank has performed with renowned artists such as guitarist John Chiding at top venues such as “Herb Alpert’s”Vibrato Grill and Jazz.

Frank’s interest and experience with jazz is long and deep. But his study of the Gypsy jazz niche is more recent, starting more or less with his attendance at Django in June in 2017. To hear him tell it, he attended at the encouragement of friends, and especially Dallas Vietty, who has taught there many times. As you will hear, Frank is a versatile and talented musician.

Donations and proceeds will go directly towards NAAC community programs. (naac.org)