Charlemagne’s, the popular restaurant in the historical 1845 Saint George Hotel in Weston, Missouri (north of Kansas City), features accordionist Juha Silfverberg, a well known entertainer in the Kansas City area. Performing a variety of repertoire including Broadway favorites, classical, pop and folk music, management has included Juha’s live accordion music as an integral part of the dining experience, bringing back regular customers on a weekly basis.

Themed after the historical leader of the empire comprising several countries including what is now known as France, Germany, Italy and Spain, the restaurant features cuisine and wine from each of these countries, making for a European dining experience while enjoying live entertainment.

Juha was born into a musical family in Helsinki, Finland, and began his accordion studies at the age of seven with the late Lasse Pihlajamaa, a world renowned pioneer of the accordion field in Finland. Winning both the Finnish National and Scandinavian Accordion Championships, Juha earned the right to represent Finland in the CIACoupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships that were held in Helsinki, Finland.

Juha has performed in many countries around the world as a soloist and in various ensembles such as a Klezmer Band, and as leader of The International Trio with other trio members including his wife Julie Silfverberg and Kevin Friedrich.

Juha was the first European foreign student to study accordion performance with Joan C. Sommers at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. After completing his studies he returned to Finland with his wife Julie, where they resumed teaching and performing on the accordion.

Currently Juha makes his living in the music industry performing regularly in the greater Kansas City area, as well as his work repairing and tuning accordions and as a sought after piano technician. In addition to his solo work, Juha performs with several groups in various musical genres, including the popular Cajun-Zydeco group Hogfish Gumbo.

Opened in 1845 the Saint George welcomed Steamboat Captains, tradesmen, and travelers alike. Today, The Saint George offers an escape from the rigors of everyday life with its comfortable accommodations, Audrey’s Café, The National Silk Art Museum, Charlemagne’s Restaurant featuring Juha Silfverberg twice weekly and Valentino’s Champagne and Wine Bar.

Juha is pictured above with fellow accordionists Kevin Friedrich, wife Julie Silfverberg and Joyce Davis.

For more information about Charlemagne’s Restaurant, please visit www.thesaintgeorgehotel.com, phone: (816) 640-9902 or e-mail: info@thesaintgeorgehotel.com Link to purchase International  Trio CD’s online