Spring 2013 Newsletter - Las Vegas International Accordion

1
14th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention
Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013
LVAC TIMES
Seeking
Accordion Stars!
You could be the new Accordion Star!
STOP THE PRESSES - $1000
CASH TO BE AWARDED! Be the
accordion star that shines the brightest
in Las Vegas and win a cash prize!
Yes, new for 2013, cash awards
contest for the best accordion star!
Come join the FUN and be a part of our
very own Accordion STAR Search.
Entering is as simple as one, two, three:
1.
2.
3.
Register as a full time attendee.
Fill out and submit the
Accordion Stars Entry Form*.
You will be allotted a 5-minute
performance slot at Club
Concerto to perform before a
panel of judges.
The selected finalists will perform
at Thursday’s lunch concert involving
the audience voting for the winner!
Joey Miskulin
Hall of fame accordionist & Grammy
Award-winning Producer.
Joey is a true legend whose
career has spanned more than four
decades. Joey has collaborated and
performed with Paul McCartney, Ricky
Skaggs, Andy Williams, John Denver,
Ricky Van Shelton, Emmylou Harris, and
many others. He is a performer, studio
musician, producer and pedagogue.
Joey’s legendary music history
starts at age four when he picked up a
12-bass accordion and began playing
simple melodies. At five, he began
formal music training, and at ten, Joey
was performing publicly. At eleven he
joined the Ronnie Lee Band, and at age
twelve he made his first record album
with Chicago’s Roman Possedi.
At thirteen, Joey met and
began performing with “America's Polka
King," Frank Yankovic, thus beginning
an association lasting over (see page 7)
Gee Rabe
Ethnomusicologist Gigi "Gee" Rabe,
also known as “The Accordion Diva,”
Gee is probably the world’s
foremost expert on accordion music of
various cultures. She holds an M.A.
degree in Ethnomusicology and has
completed coursework for her PhD
from UCLA. She has a Bachelor in
Music Performance from California
State University. Her graduate research
has focused on accordion performance
around the world. She has lectured,
written and published articles on the
accordion in world music as well as her
other love, steel drums!
As a youngster, she began
playing the accordion in 1975 and went
on to win many national performance
awards. Reading her list of teachers is
an amazing list of accordion world
genres, from classical, jazz, Argentinian
tango, international music, Balkan, and
Caribbean to highlight just a few.
(see page 6)
All participants will be awarded a
personalized participation certificate.
The top winners will perform and will
be awarded trophies and cash prizes at
the Thursday Gala Concert. Cash
Four FUN filled nights with two Themed nights with prizes will be
prizes will be third place $200, second
featured at this year’s event! Wednesday evening, October 30, will be our Venetian
place $300, and first place $500.
Carnival of Venice in Vegas!
So register today – enter to win –
practice – and we will see YOU, the
winner, in Las Vegas!
Costume Party in the Italian Venetian tradition! Plan your attire. Prizes will be
awarded for the best costume!
Thursday, to continue our celebration, will be our fancy GALA dress night.
We will announce the winners of the Accordion Star Search and hear from the top
*Form online www.accordionstars.com
winners. The evening will come to a crescendo with the performance of the
or call 801-486-1695 and request a form.
International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Joan Sommers!
See Page 6 for more info and eligibility.
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Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter
Compare – Why Las Vegas?
Dear Friends,
Spring is
in full bloom and
life is wonderful. I
am doing very
well and hope this
finds each of you
enjoying health
and happiness!
After a cold
winter, spring is
beautiful! If you
are like me it puts a smile on your face to see
Mother Nature celebrating life once again!
Speaking of celebrating life, we have
lots to celebrate this year in Las Vegas - new
artists and a new contest, “Accordion Stars
Search!” You will undoubtedly find this
year’s event filled with excitement. I strongly
encourage you to register early. Because of
the news in this issue, we are extending the
Early Bird savings until June 10. After that
date the savings go away!
Come join us as we celebrate
Carnival of Venice in Vegas for FUN,
Entertainment and inspiration! Personally, I
am totally excited about this year’s lineup
and the fact we have Joey Miskulin! I am
sure 2013 will be our most exciting year yet!
Check out our new website at
www.AccordionStars.com where you may
even register online!
If you have any questions or
concerns – or just need some help finding an
airfare to Las Vegas, give me a call toll free at
1-800-472-1695. I would love to hear from
you. Oh and by the way, I am planning a
surprise for you this year – so register, make
your reservations, mark your calendar, and
come celebrate!
Page 2
Las Vegas, at $34 a
night for four nights, plus
cost for four breakfasts at $6
each, and the answer is clear
– LVAC is a BARGAIN no
matter how you add!
Compare & see why
the best costs the least!
Compare the
true cost of attending
any other accordion
hotel event in North
America! Add up
the costs; event fee,
hotel & food costs,
travel plus event feeyes, our event fee is
about double theirs
but remember we
include 7 meals!
All this plus the largest
lineup of entertainment and
workshops to attend and
you will see why the LVAC
is by far the least expensive
event with the most to offer!
But now add the
costs of rooms and meals in a
Marriott, Hyatt, Ramada or other
event hotel (average $179 plus tax)
plus average meal costs in these
hotels and for two people for four
nights you can be well over $1200
before event fees and travel costs.
Our promise, attend just
once, and you’ll discover
why people come back year
after year saying, “Paul, I don’t know
how you do it – the event is both first
class and truly a bargain!”
So come join the best kept secret
in the accordion world! Book early
(rooms and airfare) and save on the
accordion event of a lifetime!
Mario Pedone
Mario is a perennial favorite of convention attendees.
In response to numerous requests, Mario has agreed to return!
If you have not looked at airfares –
do so today – they are lower to Las Vegas
than I have seen them in several years – and
the hotel rate is now at $34 ($42 premium
room) a night. This really is the year to come
to Las Vegas. Please accept my personal
invitation to join us in what surely will be our
best year yet – come celebrate life at our
Carnival or Venice in Vegas Party!
Paul Pasquali
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention
Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013
Laude, and finally
Mario was
with a degree of
born in a small town
Professor of
near Bari, in Southern
Accordion. After
Italy. In an effort to
graduation Mario
improve the family's
founded his own
financial situation, the
accordion school
Pedones immigrated
where he had over
to Valencia,
125
students. Many of
Venezuela in 1959.
his
students
now play
Mario's older brother,
professionally. Mario
Ludovico, had begun
has won numerous
to study the accordion
accordion and organ
and Mario was
championships.
always watching him,
Back by Popular
In 1981, in
hoping one day he
search of a better
also could play this
Demand!
future, Mario moved
wonderful
to Sugar Land, Texas, with his wife
instrument. He persistently begged
and children. He continues to teach
his father to let him start accordion
and perform professionally and has
lessons, too, and eventually
his own recording studio in Sugar
succeeded. As a young man he
Land.
devoted at least 4 to 5 hours per day
practicing until his father screamed
Many of Mario's students feel
GIVE US A BREAK but that didn't
that Mario is too modest and that with
stop Mario from playing his beloved
more exposure he would quickly be
instrument.
recognized as a musical genius who
While in Venezuela, Mario
graduated as a Concertista, Cum
Website: www.AccordionStars.com
has devoted his life to the pursuit of
accordion musical perfection.
s!
U
Join
OCTOBER 28-31,2013
at the Gold Coast Hotel
in Las Vegas!
EAR
BIR LY
ENDD
June S
10
REGISTRATION FORM
Registering is simple - fill out the form below and mail it with your check
(payable to “LVAC”) to 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115.
You will receive a confirmation. Your balance is due by Sept. 28, 2013.
Name _____________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
City _______________________________ State _________________________
Zip ___________________ Phone______________________________________
Email______________________________________________________________
Check only one. Balance due by Sept. 28. Registrations after Sept. 28 must
include full attendee fee. After Oct. 21 you must register at the convention.
Early Bird Pricing Ends April 30! ATTENDEE
FEE
Single Attendee Package:
all events, all 7 concerts with
7 meals.
Single Attendee & Evening
Partner – same as Single Attendee
PLUS one guest admission to
each of the four evening
dinners/concerts.
Come join the FUN with your accordion family!
The theme for our grand finale evening is
Carnival of Venice!
Register today and come enjoy four nights and three
full days of unforgettable entertainment, inspiring
workshops, special events and much more!
Enjoy our sumptuous Las Vegas-style banquets, with
two meals offered each day.
Join friends, new and old, and learn why we are called
“The Best Accordion Event to Attend!”
AccordionStars.com
For Assistance Call
1-800-472-1695
or 1-801- 486-1695
DEPOSIT
(Due Now)
BALANCE
(Due by Sept. 30)
$510
$490
$70
$440
$420
$780
$750
$85
$695
$665
EarlyBird
EarlyBird
Call toll-free 1-800-472-1695
for additional evening partner options.
Additional Attendee’s Name:
Double Attendee Package:
all events, all 7 concerts with
7 meals for two people.
$910
$870
$95
$815
$775
$340
$320
$60
$280
$260
EarlyBird
Additional Attendee’s Name:
Evenings-Only Package:
4 concerts with dinner.
EarlyBird
STARRING
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
• Do you play the accordion?
YES
NO
• Interested in playing in the
Accordion Orchestra?
YES
NO
[email protected]
Signature
Date
I have enclosed a check and await a confirmation letter. I agree to pay the balance (if
any) by Sept. 28, 2013. I understand I may cancel my reservation up to 21 days prior to
the event for a full refund minus $50 processing fee. Mail this form with your check to:
Las Vegas Accordion Convention, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms for only $34
per night (Sun-Thur) at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino
Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms as low as $34 (Sun-Thur) per night!
Gold Coast Hotel Reservations (outside U.S. +1 702-367-7111) or 1-888-402-6278.
The LARGEST Lineup ofAccordion Stars including
The Legendary Dick Contino!
Joey Miskulin
Gee Rabe
Peter & Mady Soave
Stas Venglevski
Jeff Lisenby
Don’t Miss The Premier
ACCORDION EVENT OF THE YEAR!
FEATURING
Pete Barbutti
Mary Tokarski
Gordon Kohl
Gina Brannelli
Liz Finch & MANY MORE
PLUS
The Sixth Annual
Las Vegas International
Accordion Orchestra
Directed by
Professor Joan Cochran Sommers
s!
U
Join
OCTOBER 28-31,2013
at the Gold Coast Hotel
in Las Vegas!
EAR
BIR LY
ENDD
June S
10
REGISTRATION FORM
Registering is simple - fill out the form below and mail it with your check
(payable to “LVAC”) to 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115.
You will receive a confirmation. Your balance is due by Sept. 28, 2013.
Name _____________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
City _______________________________ State _________________________
Zip ___________________ Phone______________________________________
Email______________________________________________________________
Check only one. Balance due by Sept. 28. Registrations after Sept. 28 must
include full attendee fee. After Oct. 21 you must register at the convention.
Early Bird Pricing Ends June 10! ATTENDEE
FEE
Single Attendee Package:
all events, all 7 concerts with
7 meals.
Single Attendee & Evening
Partner – same as Single Attendee
PLUS one guest admission to
each of the four evening
dinners/concerts.
Come join the FUN with your accordion family!
The theme for our grand finale evening is
Carnival of Venice!
Register today and come enjoy four nights and three
full days of unforgettable entertainment, inspiring
workshops, special events and much more!
Enjoy our sumptuous Las Vegas-style banquets, with
two meals offered each day.
Join friends, new and old, and learn why we are called
“The Best Accordion Event to Attend!”
AccordionStars.com
For Assistance Call
1-800-472-1695
or 1-801- 486-1695
DEPOSIT
(Due Now)
BALANCE
(Due by Sept. 28)
$510
$490
$70
$440
$420
$780
$750
$85
$695
$665
EarlyBird
EarlyBird
Call toll-free 1-800-472-1695
for additional evening partner options.
Additional Attendee’s Name:
Double Attendee Package:
all events, all 7 concerts with
7 meals for two people.
$910
$870
$95
$815
$775
$340
$320
$60
$280
$260
EarlyBird
Additional Attendee’s Name:
Evenings-Only Package:
4 concerts with dinner.
EarlyBird
STARRING
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
• Do you play the accordion?
YES
NO
• Interested in playing in the
Accordion Orchestra?
YES
NO
[email protected]
Signature
Date
I have enclosed a check and await a confirmation letter. I agree to pay the balance (if
any) by Sept. 28, 2013. I understand I may cancel my reservation up to 21 days prior to
the event for a full refund minus $50 processing fee. Mail this form with your check to:
Las Vegas Accordion Convention, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms for only $34
per night (Sun-Thur) at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino
Mention the LVAC and get hotel rooms as low as $34 (Sun-Thur) per night!
Gold Coast Hotel Reservations (outside U.S. +1 702-367-7111) or 1-888-402-6278.
The LARGEST Lineup ofAccordion Stars including
The Legendary Dick Contino!
Joey Miskulin
Gee Rabe
Peter & Mady Soave
Stas Venglevski
Jeff Lisenby
Don’t Miss The Premier
ACCORDION EVENT OF THE YEAR!
FEATURING
Pete Barbutti
Mary Tokarski
Gordon Kohl
Gina Brannelli
Liz Finch & MANY MORE
PLUS
The Sixth Annual
Las Vegas International
Accordion Orchestra
Directed by
Professor Joan Cochran Sommers
Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013
The
legend and his
Las Vegas
Combo set to
return for 2013!
Dick
Contino, a true
accordion
legend, is
excited to bring
you an opening
night to
remember. During his career, he has
played virtually every major stage and
TV show.
Dick
Contino
His accomplishments include
twelve albums on major record labels,
and sales of over 6 million records.
Dick, the master showman,
says of his passion, “I treat my
audience like a living love
relationship; I feed it and it feeds me.”
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter
Jeff
Lisenby is a
Nashville
musician,
Broadway
musical director,
and producer to
top cruise ship
musical acts.
When
he’s not on the
road
performing
around the
country,
Lisenby teaches for Belmont
University’s School of Music and is
active in the Nashville recording
scene.
It is said Jeff is the busiest
commercial accordionist in the USA
today. We are honored Jeff has taken
the time to be with us and we know
you will find his performance and
instruction a rare treat!
Jeff
Lisenby
Professor
Sommers has
become an annual
favorite. What the
Professor can do
with just three short
days of rehearsals is
as miraculous as the
sound she obtains
from the
orchestra - truly
inspiring!
Joan is a
talented arranger
for the accordion
orchestra and says it is constantly in her
mind, making it difficult for her to just
listen to music as background. When she
listens, she hears and analyzes the
specific sounds, the techniques used, &
the form of the composition. In her
words this is both a curse and a
blessing. Joan will be featured at the
Thursday Gala Concert conducting the
Las Vegas International Accordion
Orchestra.
Joan
Sommers
Camp Concerto 2013
Three Full Days June 17 – 20, 2013
Commanders House at Historic Fort Douglas
Overlooking Salt Lake City
For more details visit www.CampConcerto.com
Email: [email protected]
Page - 5
2
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter
Youth
Scholarship
Award
Each year we offer youth
scholarship awards to young
accordion players. The scholarship
pays for the youth to attend full time
including all seven meals, concerts and
workshops.
All accordion players under
the age of 18, who are accompanied by
a full time parent or guardian
attendee, are eligible. For a
scholarship application visit our
website AccordionStars.com or call
our hotline and request a form.
Spread the word!
Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013
Stas & Joan Duet!
Stas, with his incredible smile
and infectious joy, brought the house
down last year – especially when he
brought Joan Sommers to the stage to
perform together. What a rare and
wonderful treat. Needless to say we
had numerous requests for Stas to
return!
Maestro Sommers is set to
return for 2013 to conduct the famous
International Accordion Orchestra as
well as teach. And maybe with some
luck, we can coax them to again return
to the stage as a duo!
Both Joan and Stas will be
adjudicators for our first annual Vegas
Accordion Stars Search!
$1000 in Prizes!
This is an open category to all ages
and styles of accordion playing.
Below are some simple rules of
eligibility.
1.
Must be a full time registered
attendee of the event.
2. Must register for competition in
advance.
3. Artists & staff are not eligible.
4. Must perform on an accordion
with reeds.
5. 5 minute limit – strict rules
enforced.
6. Finalists to play for final judging
at Thursday lunch concert
7. Winner(s) be prepared to play a
solo at Thursday Gala Concert
The audience will vote on the finalists!
So come to Las Vegas because whether
you are in the audience or on the stage
this will be an exciting event!
Page 6
Peter Soave
Chicago Tribune Review
Peter Soave just finished
performing on bandoneon, a twoweek run of
Piazzola’s
“Maria de
Buenos Aires”
with the
Chicago Opera
Theater ending
April 28, 2013.
The exceptional
review in the
Chicago
Tribune read:
“Peter Soave deserves a special shoutout for the marvelous way in which he
makes his expressive bandoneon
virtually a full-fledged character in the
drama.”
Congratulations Peter! We
look forward to seeing you and Mady
at the Las Vegas International
Accordion Convention.
Website: www.AccordionStars.com
Gold Coast NEW ROOMS!
The Gold Coast has 405
brand new premium rooms! Last
year’s standard rooms were totally
gutted and remodeled with all new
furnishings, baths, new décor, and
become the new Premium rooms.
Last year’s premium rooms with
rain forest showers become deluxe
rooms. Deluxe rooms $34 and
premium rooms $42 a night.
What a deal!
Make your reservations
with the Gold Coast early and tell
them you are with the Accordion
Convention. If you book with the
convention rate we’ll guarantee you
the best rate! If rates lower then
your rate also lowers, something
Expedia and others cannot
guarantee! For reservations call the
Gold Coast today 1-888-402-6278
(outside the U.S. +1 702-367-1111).
Gee - Continued from page 1
Gee is a busy LA musician
and studio recording artist. In fact,
you have probably already heard
Gee play. If you have watched any
recent animated films such as “Puss
in Boots,” “Ice Age 4,” and “Hotel
Transylvania,” then you have heard
Gee playing her accordion. Gee was
featured in an episode of Craigslist
TV called “Accordion Idol.” Other
television appearances include the
Jimmy Kimmel Show, the Young
and the Restless, and KMEXUnivision Primera Edición.
Ms. Rabe is an
exceptionally talented world
accordion artist. She has performed
in bands of almost every musical
genre you can imagine. This will
certainly be an exciting experience
to have Gee join us in Las Vegas to
learn what directions the accordion
is moving and how Gee is keeping
the accordion alive! Her classes and
performance will certainly inspire!
4
1
2
3
Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013
Joey - Continued from page 1
35 years. Yankovic, who had a
contract with Columbia Records,
took a chance insisting that Joey be
allowed to record with the band. "It
was that first recording session with
Frank that made up my mind. I wanted
to make music my career." During this
period he met many of the biggest
names in the music world, all of
whom encouraged the young lad to
pursue his musical dream.
At nineteen, Joey left
Yankovic to tour with the Hawaii
Internationale Revue, entertaining
throughout Hong Kong, Japan,
Thailand, Vietnam, and Okinawa.
A call from Yankovic brought Joey
back to the band where he recorded
five albums for RCA Records.
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Newsletter
bands throughout the U.S., Canada &
Europe. In 1985 Joey produced the
first record to win a polka Grammy:
"70 Years Of Hits" with Frank Yankovic.
Since moving to Nashville in
1987, his recording projects included
U2, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Shania
Twain, Alison Krause, Hank Williams Jr.,
John Prine, Alabama, Garth Brooks, and
Emmylou Harris, to name a few.
After recording and becoming
a regular on NPR’s "Rider’s Radio
Theater," he became a member of
Riders In The Sky. He produced their
multiple Grammy-award winning
recordings and performed an average
of 185 shows each year, including the
"Grand Ole Opry." In addition, he
oversees other studio and production
projects as a respected and soughtafter member of the music industry
community.
Some of Joey's movie projects
include writing, producing, and/or
performing songs appearing in
Disney's "The Wild", Disney/Pixar's
"Cars", "Rattle and Hum" with U2,
and Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 2".
We’re thrilled to have Joey
with us performing, teaching, and as
the recipient of the 2013 Honorary
Directors Award! Come join this once
in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate
and be a part of hearing and learning
from the legendary Joey Miskulin!
Throughout the 70’s and
80’s, Joey’s reputation as a studio
musician and producer grew. He
recorded with celebrities such as
Andy Williams, Doc Severenson and
Charlie Daniels, as well as with many
Lots of Great Seats
Register Today!
If you are
considering
coming to the
Las Vegas
International
Accordion
Convention,
please
register
TODAY! We
strongly
recommend you
make your hotel reservations and travel
reservations immediately. If you wait
until the last minute you might be
caught paying much higher airfare and
hotel room rates. The $34 rate goes
away September 28.
Enclosed please find a color
flyer with registration form. Simply fill
it out and return it to convention
headquarters at LVAC, 1760 South 450
West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115.
Or go online to AccordionStars.com
where you may register & pay online.
If you need additional flyers just ask us!
Las Vegas International
Accordion Orchestra Needs YOU!
Professor Sommers, our very own
Maestro Extraordinaire, is now
preparing the 2013 program. If you want
to be a part of this exciting orchestra,
NOW is the time to register. About 6-8
weeks prior to the event you will be
mailed your parts to rehearse.
The Orchestra’s past performances have
been very exciting. Anyone who’s heard
this magnificent orchestra under Maestro
Sommers’ baton would agree the sound
is nothing less than glorious!
Professor Sommers is excited to work
with those dedicated to making this a
great event. If you are interested in
joining this esteemed group and making
accordion musical history, then the steps
are simple.
Email: [email protected]
1.
Register today, or if you are already
registered then tell us you want to be
in the orchestra.
2.
Fill out the orchestra questionnaire
form online at AccordionStars.com
(or call us for a form)!
3.
Practice your assigned parts and
learn them before coming to Las
Vegas.
4.
Bring your music, your accordion,
and a music stand to Las Vegas
(portable music stands will be
available for purchase at the
Convention store).
5.
Attend rehearsals, 3-5 PM each day
at the event with our illustrious
conductor, Joan Cochran-Sommers.
6.
Wear black and white to the
Thursday GRAND FINALE
performance!
Page - 7
14th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention
Volume 14, Number 1 / Spring 2013
What’s Inside!
Accordion Star
Search Contest
YOU could WIN!
Page 1
Joey Miskulin
Page 1
Gee Rabe
Page 1
•
Mario Pedone – Page 2
•
•
•
Why Las Vegas – Page 2
Dick Contino – Page 5
Jeff Lisenby – Page 5
•
•
•
Joan Sommers – Page 5
Youth Scholarships – Page 6
Stas & Joan Duet – Page 6
•
•
•
•
Peter Soave – Page 6
Gold Coast New Rooms – Page 6
Register Today – Page 7
Accordion Orchestra – Page 7
Joan Sommers & Orchestra Page 7
Registration Form
Come to the
Carnival of Venice
October 28 – 31, 2013!
STARRING
Joey Miskulin
The Legendary Dick Contino!
Gee Rabe
Peter & Mady Soave
Jeff Lisenby - Stas Venglevski
Featuring
Pete Barbutti, Mary Tokarski
Gordon Kohl, Gina Brannelli
Liz Finch & MANY MORE!
PLUS
Accordion Stars Contest Winners!!!
The Las Vegas International
Accordion Orchestra
& MORE – See flyer insert!
www.AccordionStars.com
toll free hotline – 1-800-472-1695 – outside the USA +1 801-486-1694
LVAC TIMES
1760 South 450 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84115