Video 1: Frank Busso Sr.AAA Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation speeches.

Video 2: The magnificent US Air Force Strolling Strings, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “Oblivion” by Astor Piazzolla. Featuring Frank Busso Jr. on accordion. Tribute to AAA Board Member and former Air Force Strings accordionist Lou Coppola at 6:27.

Video 3: Grayson Masefield performs two Baroque works.

Video 4: Grammy Award Winner Joey Miskulin

The 85th Anniversary American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) Festival, held at the Marriott Philadelphia West in Conshohocken, PA, from July 12th to 16th, 2023, was a huge success. It featured world-class entertainers, workshops, competition for performers of all ages, exhibits, two festival orchestras, the presentation of the AAA Lifetime Achievement Award to Frank Busso Sr. and other exciting activities. The celebration of our beloved instrument continues, so join the fun and play the accordion!

For news and photos about each day of the festival, please visit the AAA Daily Reports at: 2023AAA85th

2023 AAA Color Journal (47 pages): Learn about AAA history, performers, events and more
Wednesday July 12, Daily Report
Thursday July 13, Daily Report
Friday July 14, Daily Report
Saturday July 15, Daily Report
Sunday July 16, Daily Report

The many activities of the AAA began on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 with exhibits, competitions, a workshop, and socializing during our Meet & Greet Reception. Thursday started off with two workshops and more competitions before we celebrated Accordion Day at the King of Prussia Mall. When we returned to the hotel in the afternoon, we had our first AAA Festival Orchestra rehearsal, followed by Pasta Night, with entertainment provided by AAA champion Mario Tacca, acclaimed vocalist Mary Mancini, and the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra directed by Joanna Darrow.

Friday included time in the Exhibit Room, a pair of morning workshops, and our Luncheon concert with entertainment provided by world champion Grayson Masefield, AAACoupe Mondiale representative Nathan Chapeton, and the Westmont Accordion Club. That was followed with two more afternoon workshops, competitions, the second AAA Festival Orchestra rehearsal, and our Gala Concert featuring Grammy winner Joey Miskulin, world champion Grayson Masefield, AAA champion Mario Tacca, and the Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo.

On Saturday, there were more workshop, competitions, another visit to the Exhibit Room, our awards concert, and the final AAA Festival Orchestra rehearsal. The Gala Banquet included the 2023 AAA Festival Orchestra conducted by world-famous conductor Joan Cochran Sommers, The United States Air Force Strolling Strings with accordionist Frank Busso Jr., now a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force Strolling Strings and bandleader for the Busso Orchestra, and then the AAA Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Frank Busso Sr.

Downloads:
2023AAAJournal.pdf (47 pages)): Learn about our performers, workshops, and AAA history.
Gala Banquet & Lifetime Achievement Award Program (20 pages)
There are many other downloads in the Daily Reports at: 2023AAA85th

Please visit the AAA website to see the past and future activities that the AAA is presenting.
To become an AAA member, simply complete the checkout process at AAA Shopping Cart

American Accordionists’ Association (AAA}
c/o Rita Davidson Barnea, Secretary
211 Clarken Drive, West Orange, NJ 07052 USA
Email: Ritabelll@aol.com
Phone: (201) 675-4861

The American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) is a 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. The organization is open to all – anyone who plays or just loves the accordion.

Our next AAA event:
Sunday Afternoon Accordion Celebration! Sunday, September 10, 2023 – 12:00 noon
Famee Furlane Club: 2008 127th Street, College Point, NY 11356.
Details at: http://www.ameraccord.com/news.php