Accordion Teachers Association Of Massachusetts (ATAM) will sponsor their 54th New England Festival at the Boston Newton, Marriott in Newton, Massachusetts on April 8th, 9th, and 10, 2016.

Contest Chairman, Peggy Falcetti, states that this years event will be larger than last years with more than 2000 entries.

In addition to the accordion, drum, guitar, piano championship, and entertainment categories, a vocal championship and accordion entertainment category (up to 13) have been added.

Over $4000.00 in cash awards will be awarded throughout the weekend and a $500.00 scholarship will be presented to a deserving student who is majoring in music and starting college in the fall.

President Frankie Coelho is happy to announce the return of internationally famous digital accordionist Cory Pesaturo who will be joined by vocalist Claire Dickson and provide the entertainment for the Saturday evening awards banquet with more than 400 in attendance. Following the banquet will be a dance party which is free of charge and open to all contestants.

The ATAM will recognize Bob Ferrier (photo on Right) as a Lifetime Honorary Member. Mr.Ferrier, a graduate of Berklee Music College, is Chair of Jazz Studies at Holyoke Community College and Guitar Studies at the University of Mass. Bob was a former contestant of this competition many years ago and has been adjudicating at the festival for over 25 years. This is a well deserved honor.

All events are free and open to the public.
For further information visit the website:
Accordion Teachers Association Of Massachusetts (ATAM) or
Email: peggyf1944@gmail.com