Would you believe three-plus hours of non-stop music?  Well, that’s what our audience enjoyed when Hank Thunander took the stage on October 27. The audience remained enthralled throughout and one of my people commented: “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

The multi-Hall-of-Fame honoree arrived at HARTS about noon and was “warming up” shortly thereafter. When a few front-row seat folks settled in, that turned into real playing. By the time the program officially began, Hank was well into repertory medleys. One of his first was a tour of European and American favorites, especially Big Band pieces. Then Paul Vargason played a few duets with Hank, effectively using his Hohner Gola and Polverini button diatonic in perfect ensemble with Hank.

Hank knows his accordion well. It is an ornate 1933 Italo-American crème beauty with green “black-keys.” It is a light-weight and easily handled instrument, which Hank proudly says has never required repair attention.*.He is clearly fond of his performance instrument, comparing it favorably to Paul’s Gola. But then, Gola assets aren’t needed in Hank’s entertainment style, which involves stream-of-consciousness medley-type sequences that incorporate linkage segments with modulation sequences that are smooth, inventive and harmonically correct. He excels in fast finger passages, complex chords accomplished with ease, distanced jumps fluently grasped, clean touches in both hands and clearly expressed dynamics. Modestly, he rarely stopped for applause. Occasionally he told about his experiences or explained something about his enhancement techniques, and then the musical flow continued.

His musical skills are amazing, as is his extended concentration. Everything was played without music; only a list of titles was on the music stand nearby. His repertory expanse is astonishing and marvelous—8,000 titles by his own estimate. Students would be well advised to discuss elements of his technique in private lesson sessions.

The program was financially sponsored by Barbara and Dennis Vargason, long standing friends of AWAM and admirers of Hank. The Vargasons wanted to do something special for the museum and this was a most generous decision. Indeed, the concert brought us one of the highest receipts ever received through a single concert. We are honored to be able to add Hank Thunander’s name to our list of artists.

*When touring the museum, visitors should see our several like-models that regularly are found on service/maintenance tables.