Paul Betken Demonstrates the Use of the Accordion in Pop Music
August 1st 2021
Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor Accordion USA News

Video: Use of the accordion in pop music
Accordionist Paul Betken shares, “In response to a recent thread on the use of the accordion in pop music, here is my example of the way the accordion can be creatively utilized with other popular instruments in a group atmosphere. This type of pop arrangement is something you may not expect to hear on our instrument. The photos are added to bring you along on The Journey.” Selections include: “Imagine” by John Lennon and “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell
Originally from Chicago, Paul Betken studied with Leon Sash and performed in the Chicago-land metro area for over 30 years. Now, residing in Phoenix, AZ for the last 17 years, he enjoys casual engagements and jam sessions all around town. Subject to the adversity of the pandemic conditions imposed on entertainment activities in general, Paul has kept active performing at local music venues, recording, and writing composition books. In the last 10 yrs., he has appeared in duet format with the re-known accordionist, Jerry Cigler, at numerous concerts in Las Vegas, NV and Dallas, TX.
Paul’s past concert appearances include the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018; Florida Smash, Southeast Accordion Association, Orlando, Florida, November, 2012; Cotati Accordion Festival, Cotati, CA, August, 2015; Cotati Accordion Scholarship Concert, Redwood Café, Cotati, CA, August, 2015, 2017 and 2018; National Accordion Association Convention Concert, Dallas, 2014; 2015; 2018 and 2019; 78th ATG Festival, Lisle, Illinois, 2017. He participated in the Mesa Accordion Event 2012, 2013, and 2014; 1st Runner-up, Senior Division, Roland Accordion Festival Competition (2012); the “Jazz Series” at Sacred Grounds, Phoenix, AZ, “A Tribute to Leon Sash” July 2012; the Opa Life Cafe Jazz Series, Tempe, Arizona, 2016 to present and THE NASH, Phoenix, Arizona, November 4, 2018.
Paul has played in concert for many accordion organizations including the North Hollywood, CA Accordion Club, July 2012; Silicon Valley Accordion Club, San Jose, CA, January, 2015, the Chicago Accordion Club, Elmhurst, Illinois, July, 2017, Napa Valley Accordion Assn, 2019, and the Arizona Accordion Club.
Paul has given numerous national accordion workshops at national events including the National Accordion Association Convention, Dallas, 2014 through 2019; Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, Las Vegas, NV, June, 2015; 2018; ATG Festival, Lisle, Illinois 2017; and at the Cotati Accordion Festival, Cotati, California, August 2017. He is a judge for the Cotati Festival Youth Scholarship Fund (2019 and 2021).
Paul has published music books for jazz accordion instruction, “Jazz Accordion Arrangements” with CD, Paul Betken Productions, © 2017; “Jazz Accordion Arrangements” with CD, 2nd Edition, © 2019, Paul Betken Productions. His CD releases consist of “Paul’s Turn – Jazz Accordion,” Paul Betken Productions, © 2014 which achieved international recognition and “Beyond My Comfort Zone- Eclectic Jazz Accordion” Paul Betken Productions, © 2018 as featured on WKKC, Kirkland Community College radio, the Midwest’s pre-eminent jazz radio station. Both CD’s are available for purchase at the CD Baby Store.
Scheduled Activities and Concerts:
Cotati Accordion Festival: September 26, 2021
Cotati Accordion Festival Scholarship Fund: September 24, 2021
Concert for the Accordion Club of the Redwoods: September 27, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Paul’s sensitive style, great technique and choice of music. Added to the performance were the meaningful photos including John Lennon, Frank Marocco.and Bob Moloznik from Oceana, CA.
For more information: pdbetken1@msn.com