ACCORDIONS NOW! Music Festival is proud and delighted to announce that Paul Ramunni and the New England Accordion Museum, which opened October 2011 in Canaan, CT, have been added to the roster and will be a special part of the festival’s fifth annual celebration August 17-18 at the beautiful Courtyard Nashua [NH]. A remarkable exhibit of instruments and accordion-related memorabilia from the new museum’s large and ever-growing collection will be on display for festival attendees to appreciate.
“Boxes Full of Stories” – During Saturday’s festive luncheon, Paul Ramunni, the museum’s founder and director, will share anecdotes – some amusing, others poignant and touching – about his experiences while building the unusual collection. You will not want to miss this exhibit or Paul’s presentation – both fascinating!
ACCORDIONS NOW! 2012’s roster is outstanding: Tony Lovello [concert], Christopher Gorton [concert and master class], Brent Buswell[concert], Jeremiah McLane & pianist Annemieke Spoelstra [concert and lecture-demonstration], the fortieth-anniversary [40th !!] Lowell Accordion Orchestra conducted by Donna Michael in a program featuring the premiere of an original rock ‘n roll arrangement by 16-year-old orchestra member Rachel Quirbach, Dan Mackowiak co-ordinating the first ACCORDIONS NOW! Just-for-Fun Play-Along (No Rehearsal) Ensemble, Nancy Leonard [musical welcome to lunch], Sam Falcetti [workshop], Donna Maria Regis [solo concert and conducting] the ACCORDIONS NOW! Festival Orchestra [ANFO] in the world premiere of Tony Lovello’s musical tribute to Frank Sinatra, Carmen Vitanza [strolling at the cocktail reception], Paul Ramunni [special lunch-time presentation], the New England Accordion Museum [exhibit]. Vendors will also be on hand offering professional advice and displaying the latest instruments to try/buy.
SPECIAL OFFER: To encourage broader public interest in the accordion, ACCORDIONS NOW! is offering a special 2-for-1 Friday Night Only admission called “Twenty for Two,” inspired by the classic Vincent Youmans song. For $20, two people can attend all of Friday evening’s events: the always-popular Open Mike Cabaret, the Brent Buswell Concert, and the Night Owls Jam. Refreshments purchased in the Courtyard Café may be brought into the cabaret to enjoy while listening to the performers.
FREE GIFT of MUSIC: Every paid registrant for ACCORDIONS NOW! 2012 will receive all of the music for the festival’s first ever – first annual? – Just-for-Fun Play-Along [no rehearsal] Session. Participation is optional, of course, but why not join the fun?!?
Play-Along Coordinator Dan Mackowiak has skillfully arranged the music on two levels. “Less experienced players may be more comfortable with the Level One version. More experienced players will find the Level Two version more interesting, since it includes a harmony line and a few more complicated passages.” Players are free to choose whatever level fits them best, and to switch between levels. Level Two players similarly may choose between the melody and harmony lines.
“The objective,” says Dan, “is to get players of all skill levels to make music together — and to share in the thrill of doing so. It’s guaranteed to be a fun event, so please consider participating.” With such an inviting opportunity, why not bring your accordion to “BE PART of IT from the START of IT!”? Another classic song comes to mind: “This could be the start of something big!”
DEADLINE: Register no later than 11:59 PM EDT Monday, August 13. The hotel caterer must have an accurate, final headcount for the Festive Luncheon and Gala Banquet. Don’t be left out – Sign Up Today!
More information: ACCORDIONS NOW! Telephone (603) 216-9582 or Email AccordionsNow@yahoo.com
