On Sunday, September 28, 2014 the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) will host a Valtaro Celebration featuring musc of the Val-Taro region of Northern Italy and recognizing one of the performers of the music known as ValTaro, Frank Toscano. The event will be held at Riccardo’s, 21-01 24th Avenue, Astoria (Queens) New York on Sunday, September 28th from noon until 5 with non-stop music for listening and dancing. See the AAA website, www.ameraccord.com for details.
Born and raised in New York, Frank Toscano came from an Italian family who valued the idea of music being played in the house constantly. Without a choice from his father, Frank took lessons on the accordion under the direction of Emilio Chiesa and never dreamed that it would became the passion of his life! “Emilio provided me with a solid classical foundation, for which I am forever grateful. I was very fortunate to have such a great teacher who was also a Virtuoso Accordionist.”
As Frank continued through the years practicing, he mastered the instrument and it was only natural for him to become a professional musician. He wanted more though…more music… and so he learned, studied jazz and mas- tered the art of playing the piano (taught himself) and at the age of twenty-one opened the Frank Toscano Music School.
Now some 50 years later, the school continues to flourish with young and not-so-young talent. Still teaching everyday, his undying passion for music and performing never seems to subside.
He has performed live with, and for, many artists including Michail Baryshnikov and Aidan Quinn and can also be heard on many recordings of other artists too numerous to mention. Frank performed for Steve Schirripa and the entire Soprano’s cast to help launch an up-and-coming new T.V. show, He has also had the pleasure of performing with Joe Piscoppo and Vocalist, Debra Toscano. Frank has performed many steady engagements at many prominent clubs in the Tri-State area such as the Playboy Club, North Hemp- stead Country Club, Rockland Country Club and many more. Currently you can hear Frank perform solo at the Magnanini Winery and also in concert with the newly formed “Amazing Accordion Kings”.
Among his accomplishments Frank has just finished arranging, conducting & performing on three great CD’s. “Accordion To Frank”, a solo CD which embraces the flavor of Traditional styled music laced with a hint of Modern Jazz paying homage to his Accordion heritage. The “The Amazing Accordion Kings” Volumes One and Two were arranged, performed and conducted with two other great Accordionists, Angelo DiPippo and Manny Corallo. These latest CD’s contain compilations of Opera to Jazz. Frank Toscano, a true musician, a true professional…and most certainly a true artist.
Frank, as part of the Amazing Accordion Kings, will perform with them on Sunday, September 21, 2014. See the article in this publication
Please RSVP on or before September 15, 2014.
For further information, American Accordionists’ Association or email: aaa1938@aol.com
Phone: 203=378-1120
