The Connecticut Accordion Association presented a video of CAA Orchestra’s premier performance from 12 years ago, 2005, at their January 29, 2017 gathering. Waverly Inn in Cheshire, Connecticut was the setting for “Waterbury’s Tribute To The Accordion:Then and Now”

Aside from the CAA Orchestra concert, this spectacular featured an accordion duet by husband and wife, Bob and Anita Siarkowski, a performance by the “K Trio (state, national, and world accordion champions Mary Tokarski, Julie Cardona, Walter Kasprzyk), plus Walter Lawrence and others.

Accordion teachers from Waterbury, Connecticut’s past were honored in person…..Bob Vitale, Vic Fuda, plus in memoriam….Bob Mobilio, Charlie Leogrande, Dom Mecca, Dom L. Mecca, Tony Mecca, and Vinny Spiotti – all phenomenal contributors to the accordion world. This extravaganza, a huge success, was open to the public, drawing 113 people. Attendees included past and present CAA orchestra members, their families, friends, along with former accordion students and teachers from the Waterbury area. Three CAA orchestra members were honored in memoriam in what resulted in a very nostalgic reunion.

Of Waterbury’s most noted accordion teachers and performers honored at the original event in 2005…. Bob Vitale continues to participate in the CAA orchestra, while Vic Fuda is still performing regularly. Representatives of the Mecca family at the 2017 CAA gathering included Domenic Mecca’s sister, Kay Mecca Rocco, and Tony Mecca’s son, Bill Mecca. Bob Mobilio, deceased since the original concert, was represented by his son, John Mobilio plus daughters, Mary and Nancy. Charlie Leogrande’s wife, Barbara and son, Charles Jr. were in attendance. Charles’ granddaughter, Malorie, sang in the original concert. Only “17” at that time, she accepted a plaque in Charlie’s honor, and sang “Over the Rainbow” in tribute – accompanied by Bob Mobilio and his son, John Mobilio.

While this event honored the past, it is noteworthy that the two youngest performers featured in the 2005 video were AAA Champion Christopher Gorton and vocalist Malorie Leogrande, who will both perform at CAA’s February 26th event, which will also feature other young artists in concert. More details to follow.

Attached photo of the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra from 2005, initiated and conducted by Linda Soley Reed.