The Michigan Accordion Society proudly announces the Tony Dannon Tribute and Scholarship Festival recognizing Tony Dannon’s important contributions to music, his musical accomplishments, compositions, and arrangements to be performed by his great friends in the music business. Event proceeds will benefit the Tony Dannon Scholarship Fund.

The event takes place on Sunday, November 4th, 2012, at the Forestre Banquet Center, 1919 Starr Batt Drive, Rochester Hills, Michigan. Doors open at 3:30 PM.The tribute starts at 4:30 PM. Dinner at 5:30 PM featuring the music of Joe Cerrito, Aaron Caruso, Eva Evola, Ralphe Armstrong, Michele Ramo, Billy Cairo, Made in Italy, Gene Van Accordion Orchestra, Joe Natoli, Johnny Trudell and many other accomplished artists.

Joe Recchia, Tony Dannon’s nephew, said, “We have an impressive line up of musicians and many more to be added later including Ralphe Armstrong, who was a great friend of Tony’s, Ralphe has played/recorded with many great Jazz artists over the years  such as Chic Corea, Jean Lu Ponty, Stanley Clark, Jaco Pastourius and “Sting”. His list is very impressive and goes on and on and on…..He is a friend of mine through my Uncles and is a great “Made in Detroit” musician, one of the best Bass players in the industry today. My Uncle just loved performing with Ralphe and their performances are on You Tube.

Johnny Trudell, another friend of my Uncle Tony’s and mine, has played on almost every Motown recording ever heard.  Another “Made in Detroit” Musician who is the first call musician whenever big entertainers come into town. He works with Billy Cairo who is another close friend of my Uncle’s and is one of the best drummers you can find, another “Made in Detroit” Musician.

Michele Ramo another wonderful jazz musician who was fond of my Uncle and is well known for his custom 8 string guitar. We will feature many of Tony’s students at this event either as solo performers or in the Accordion orchestra that will include about 5-7 of Dannon’s arrangements. We will also feature some Accordion friends of Tony’s such as the great Joe Cerrito, well known Gene Van, World accordion Champion Joe Natoli  all who loved Tony and all he has done for the Accordion Industry. I plan to perform duets with Joe Cerrito as well.

We will also feature some great “Made in Detroit” singers that worked with Tony over the years such as Aaron Caruso as well as Eva Evola famous Soprano Opera singer who has entertained at many Opera events.”

The entire program will be professionally recorded by Walt Lipeic a student of Tony’s . The CD’s will be sold to help raise additional funds for the Scholarship event.The Tony Dannon Tribute CD will also be available. It features many performances of great people that he had worked with throughout his illustrious career. 

Limited tickets are available. Tables placement is reserved by date checks are received. Expectations are that the event will sell out quickly so please order your tickets promptly. Single tickets are $40.00. Couples tickets are $75.00. Table tickets (10 people per table) are $350.00. Please make your check payable to the “Michigan Accordion Society”. Mail to Bob Berta, 54685 Chickasaw Drive, Macomb, MI, 48042.

If you have questions or would like to be a sponsor or make a donation to this event or join the Michigan Accordion Society please contact Joe Recchia: (248) 824- 3856 or by email: jrecchia@comcast.net.