I would like to wish all of the readers of the USA News and AWW websites a happy and healthy holiday season.

Living in these turbulent times, we are all very fortunate that we have the gift of music within us and the ability to share, no matter what our level of performance is. We all could brighten someone’s day sharing our musical abilities. Have you noticed how people smile when you play a song for them? Never did that? Now is a good time to begin!

As I say each year, it does not really have to be a holiday or special time for us to share our music. Any time would be greatly appreciated by so many people.

Perhaps you can take the time from the busyness of holiday shopping and preparation……. and you could visit a senior facility, church or synagogue group, classroom to play holiday songs and lead a sing-a-long. You do not have to be perfect in performance…… just take a deep breath, play, and you will see how appreciated your accordion playing will be.

And….. please remember to support the accordionists who have CD’s for sale. They are wonderful gifts and will be enjoyed all year. In this issue you will read about the new CD’s released by professional accordionists Stas Venglevski, Bruce Gassman, Jane Christison and Murl Sanders who have distinctly different styles. Expand your musical horizons and purchase them for yourself, friends, or family.

On behalf of the AWW staff, we extend to all of you best wishes for a peaceful, joyous, and musical season!