Video: Highlight reel from 2023’s Fest. Look online for a sneak peek of what you’ll experience in 2024!

The Accordion Fest planning team along with the Powell River Academy of Music, is planning an incredible 2024 event. Walter Martella and Karina Inkster are excited to bring you Powell River’s third annual Accordion Fest! Including a concert performance; workshops for beginners and advanced players alike; and a wide range of musical genres for our audiences to enjoy, mark your calendars for Friday May 9, 2024!

Check out their full schedule of events. Joint them for two days of diverse events celebrating the accordion and World Accordion Day.

Tickets for Third Annual Qathet Accordion Fest 2024 are now on sale! The two ticketed events (Main Concert/Opening Night [$25], and Accordion Cabaret at the Forest Bistro [$20]) sell out every year, so make sure you get your tickets now.

All other events, including Courtyard Performances, Accordion 101, and Accordion Orchestra, are by donation.

If you’re an accordionist who’d like to take part in the masterclass led by Jelena Milojević, please reply to this email to register ($45). Accordionists of all playing levels are welcome!

2024 Accordion Fest guest artists include Stephen Nikleva of Petunia & the Vipers, accordionist extraordinaire Kosta Bozhinov, the amazing Budge Schachte and Boyd Norman returning by popular (and personal) demand, Martin Hergt of Tempo Trend, and your local crew of Walter Martella, Terry Martyniuk, and Karina Inkster.

Karina and Walter are the Accordion Fest Co-Directors.Walter Martella is a musician, conductor, instructor, Music Director of the Powell River Academy of Music (PRAM). He has recorded 6 studio albums. Bench presses your body weight and makes a mean apple cider. He is also conductor and Music Director of the Powell River Academy of Music (PRAM), Walter is an accomplished pianist, accordionist, and trumpeter. He earned a Diploma in Jazz Trumpet from Malaspina College (VIU), a Bachelor of Music Degree from UVic, and attended the Banff School of Fine Arts.

Karen Inkster is a recreational accordionist, author, podcast host, vegan fitness and nutrition coach. She is the author of 5 books, magazine writer, and host of the No-B.S. Vegan podcast. Founder of K.I. Health & Fitness, she and her online coaching team work with vegan clients all over the world. Karina holds a Master’s degree in Gerontology, specializing in health and aging.

For further information: karina@karinainkster.com