The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in Washington, sponsored by the Northwest Accordion Society, returns to it normal format from June 16 – 19, 2022.

There will be amazing performers who will demonstrate the versatility of the accordion in many genres including: Sergei Teleshev and daughter Maria, Northwest Accordionaires, Kevin Solecki, Beverley Fess, Creosote, Richard Noel, Barry Smith, Bonnie Birch and Fortissimo!, Zydeco Lowdown and more!

Plan to attend the workshops where you will learn techniques to develop your musical skills. The Gazebo Ensemble will also perform on Friday and Saturday. You can obtain the ensemble music on the LIAC website. According to Doris Osgood: There are two versions of the Ensemble gig book. One is the more complex version prepared in 2020; the other is a new “lead sheet” version that is simplified. The two options should work well. Print out the music as soon as you can and begin preparing. (Music will not be provided on site) The 2020 version prepared by Toby Hanson and Lyle Schaefer has not changed. If you have that already, you’re set. A Thursday rehearsal for those able to attend will be scheduled. That will be printed in the LIAC program. Be sure to bring your own music and music stand to the gazebo for performances. Players will bring out extra chairs at the gazebo and will restore them after the program.

For public performances at the gazebo and grange prepare Bavarian/ethnic/audience friendly music for your performances downtown. Bavarian/ethnic attire would be great! You cannot sign up on line; you can see what opportunities are available. The gazebo, grange, competition/workshop schedules are posted on the celebration web site: www.accordioncelebration.org. After reviewing those schedules, contact Doris Osgood for times that will fit your plans. Doris will schedule the performers and the roster will be updated online regularly.

To sign up for performance contact: dorisosgood@frontier.com or 503-357-0417. Folding chairs are provided at the gazebo, but bring your own music stand if you need one. Remember, the performance schedule at the gazebo is tight. Time your program and be ready to roll when you are scheduled. Tardiness does not mean you will have your full 15 minutes; the next player will be “on” as scheduled. The last date to schedule performances via email and phone will be June 13. See Doris in person in Leavenworth after that. There will be an opportunity to perform at the Gingerbread Factory on Friday and Saturday as we have in years past. The sign up for that will take place at the gazebo beginning on Thursday. It’s a fun venue and everyone who played there last year had a wonderful time. For those participating in competition, artistry or in evaluation, bring any “special” equipment you may need for your performance, like a music stand or stool. There are folding chairs on stage at the festhalle, gazebo and at the grange.

Volunteers are greatly appreciated and this is an important part of the celebration. Participate in the competition, workshops, concerts, parade and volunteer for a shift or two. Check the volunteer schedule to see what times and venues are available. Invest yourself in the accordion celebration!

Contact Kathleen Falco to indicate the times you’d be available to work: kathleen.falco@yahoo.com (208-610-8426) The parade will be close to the lunch hour on Saturday during the celebration. The time will be posted and printed in the festival schedule. The music is Leavenworth friendly; most will be in the key of C. Most years there is only time to walk down the street playing Happy Wanderer, Edelweiss at the gazebo with singing, the Beer Barrel a time or two, and then off the gazebo marching back to the festhalle!

Come to the Festhalle about 15 minutes before parade time for a brief rehearsal and marching orders from parademeister, Greg Perry. Everyone is welcome to join in. Remember to check the web site regularly for updates. The schedules are subject to change. This is our first year back as “normal” and adjustments may be necessary that can’t be foreseen now. Doris will have the “official” gazebo schedule on site at the gazebo. Do not rely upon old data for the accurate schedule.

2022 Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration Combined Schedule – Festhalle, Grange, Gazebo: 2202LeavenworthSchedule.pdf