Video: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

Accordionist, vocalist, pianist and composer Alicia Jo Straka shares, “I’ve been animated!! Actual dream come true. Please enjoy this cheerful cover of my favorite tune, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Major shout out and thanks to Chardon Polka Band for the fantastic animation and video editing!”

Excerpts from her website: Alicia Jo Straka, previously Alicia Baker, is a professional accordionist, pianist, and vocalist from Portland, OR, currently residing in Denver, CO.  She has explored her many avenues of musical ability in both performance and educational venues.  Alicia received 3 bachelor of arts degrees from Oregon State University, including piano performance, vocal performance, and choral education, in addition to a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from University of Colorado Boulder in 2017 – all of which were funded by full-ride scholarships.  Throughout her years as a student, Alicia had the honor of being a sponsored accordion and piano artist for the prestigious company, Roland. 

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 often features her own arrangements in concert. Alicia has also composed a variety of musical works for accordion, piano, and choral settings.  She has both won awards and been commissioned to write new works for the choral music world.

Alicia has competed and won multiple International accordion competitions, in addition to headlining major accordion festivals all around North America.  These include the American Accordionists’ Association, The Vegas International Accordion Festival, the Cotati Accordion Festival,  the Accordionists and Teachers Guild International Festival, KIOTAC, Leavenworth Old-Time Accordion Festival, and the NAMM show.  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.  

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.

Alicia is working on her first professionally recorded album of her original music. Alicia shares, “I’ve been making music and performing my entire life, from singing in my parents’ kids choir at age 2, to piano lessons at age 4, to competing in accordion competitions from age 7. I’m a classically trained musician, but I’ve been exploring other musical genres in my adulthood. I’ve always loved French jazz, and have been diving deeper into this genre for the past couple years. I’m now thrilled to announce that I’ve been writing my first album of original music inspired by this adorable genre, and I’m beyond ready to share my new songs with all of you.” You will be informed when it is released.

Photo by Katie Shay

For further information: aliciajostraka@gmail.com