The 88th AAA Festival was held in West Conshohocken, PA for the 4th year in a row from August 13-16, 2026. The festival was very successful as indicated by many comments from the attendees. Artists from various countries attended and shared their amazing talents and the audiences responded enthusiastically.
The festival began Thursday evening with a Meet & Greet ‘Hour’ where attendees arrived at the hotel and congregated in the ballroom hall area as they registered and picked up their packets. They were entertained by Ray Oreggia and Don Gerundo. Then the Accordion Pops Orchestra, conducted by Al Terzo, presented a tribute to America with a program of patriotic songs.
On Friday afternoon, the Luncheon / Concert was performed by Joanna Darrow’s Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra. They were followed by the Melichenko Trio – a family from Belarus consisting of Serhii on accordion, Vlad on guitar and Anastasia on violin. They were somewhat a surprise since they are not well-known and ended up exceeding expectations with their unique talent and personality.
Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo
Joe Natoli once again did an outstanding job educating everyone at his workshop on Home Recording. It is difficult to figure out if Joe is better as a musician, a composer, a teacher or a technical wizard. Well, the answer he is amazing at all 4 roles!
Joe Natoli
Saturday’s Luncheon / Concert hosted Nathan Chapeton and Cody McSherry who dedicated their performances to their beloved teacher and renowned accordionist Mary Tokarski.
Cody McSherry
Three photos below courtesy of Dan Grauman.
The emotion and connection to Mary could be felt by the entire audience and there could be no better tribute to her than their performances.
Fred Schwinger and Nathan Chapeton
Friday’s Pasta Night was kicked off with Frank Busso Sr. and Frank Busso Jr. strolling and entertaining the audience with many Italian favorites. As usual, they were a big hit and the guests loved them. They were followed by Alex Chudolij, owner of Music Magic and an excellent musician!
On Friday evening, Joe Natoli kicked off the Gala Concert with a tribute to Marco Cignalia, a remarkable visionary for the electronic accordion.
Peter Stan dazzled the audience with his Balkan music followed by Emanuel’s Trio which included Ali Cook on Double Bass and Alejo Reyes on guitar. They showcased the Tango playing standards such as “La Cumparsita”, “I’ve Got Ideas” as well as music from the renowned Astor Piazzolla.
The members of the festival orchestra were delighted to follow the baton of Pete Peluso, an experienced and talented conductor, who also conducts the Connecticut Accordion Association’s Orchestra. Charles Fanghella sang “Sweet Caroline” and had the audience singing along with the orchestra.
Peter chose a mixture of American Standards, Classical, Rock n’ Roll and Jazz. This included “Bandstand Boogie” from the Dave Clark era, “Caravan”, “Moonlight Serenade”, “Palladio” and “Sweet Caroline”. Frank Busso Jr.’s Trio followed the festival orchestra and rounded out the evening with pleasing instrumentals showing how versatile the accordion can be in complementing a trio of bass and violin.
After the Saturday concert the Melichenko Trio once again played for the audience demonstrating their appreciation with a standing ovation.
The festival concluded with a Sunday breakfast meeting and many people made numerous positive comments about the festival.
Be sure to see the photos and videos of the event on Facebook, the AAA Website and the USA news, www.accordionusa.news. We hope that you will decide to attend next year’s festival which again will be held at the Marriott Hotel in West Conshohoken, PA. from July 8 to 11, 2027.
Stay tuned for future publicity on AAA events.
For more information: ameraccord1938@gmail.com
