Count Guido Deiro – Father of American Accordion Exceptionalism

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qjXdL1u8Xo] From Wikipedia: Throughout the teens and well into the 1920s, Guido Deiro was a dominant voice of accordion. As Guido Deiro showcased the piano accordion through his vaudeville performances across the United States, more and more people were introduced to the instrument, the popularity of the accordion increased. In 1928, Guido was featured inRead more..

They Might Be Giants – Photos from Clark County, NJ

My friend Kevin made it to this show last weekend. He said it was amazing and let me put up some photos his sister took of the band. Another post about Leonard Cohen in Philadelphia Another post about Richard Galliano’s recording Paris Concert Another post about Accordionist Richard Galliano Another post about Accordionist Maria KalaniemiRead more..

Godfather of Hipsterism – Leonard Cohen

Some terrible photos from the Leonard Cohen show at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, October 23, 2009. The man is 75 years old! He played all the hits. Skipping off stage, getting down on hes knees for just about every other song. It was an inspiration. The band was great. And today they are honoringRead more..

Will Holshouser – American Jazz Accordionist, With 'Third Man Trio'

Will Holshouser performed improvisational jazz with Third Man Trio on Wednesday night, 10/13/09 in Philadelphia, put on by Ars Nova Workshop. The group is powered by master musician/drummer/clown Han Bennink (Denmark), and melodically led by reed-man Michael Moore (not that one). Holshouser’s accordion fits in perfectly between the two. Rhythmic and melodic. This was theRead more..

French Jazz Accordion – Translated from Taiwanese Writer

I came across this really great article written by Taiwanese radio DJ Dannyboy of Philharmonic Radio Taipei. The article is mostly a portrait of Galliano’s musical spirit, while also touching on the connection between the French and Jazz. So with Dannyboy’s permission, I have translated and re-posted the article below (you’ll love it):

Oktoburlesque Was Amazing

It was so much fun! I danced, I drank, I heard amazing polka. Saw amazing burlesque. Ill be there next year! Alex Meixner More photos from Metro Mix. Another post about Accordion Event Calendar Another post about Octoberfest Accordion Babes Another post about New Polka Another post about Punk Rock Accordions Another post about BuskingRead more..

Richard Galliano – Solo Accordion, Paris Concert

A truly wonderful recording of Richard Galliano’s playing on this live Solo recording. From March of 2009, in Paris. I think I am addicted to the opening track, Chat Pitre. My favorite track is the brilliant and masterfully played rendition of Galliano’s composition New York Tango. Through his recordings and performaces, the song has takenRead more..

Awesome Accordion Events Calendar

How many times have you heard about an accordion concert too late? We’ll here’s one more resource to keep you in the loop.The Events Calendar from Let’s Polka:(Its definitely not all polka shows)

October Thrills

My friend Melissa Forgone is in the Haunted Poe show running this month, in Philly.

Sartorialist and literatarian Lord Whimsy has a write up of his preview of the show.

Oktoburlesk – Girls, Accordions, Thrills

Alex Meixner at OctoBurlesk
He’s playing this great show (I’m jealous) with the buxom girls of Wassabasco Burlesque. Next thursday!