Xavier de la Prade

Our first performer of the night was Xavier de la Prade . Xavier plays a black Bugari piano accordion. Xaviers’ music selection included “A Whiter Sade of Pale”, “Me and Bobby McGee”, and “La Reine de Musette.” As always, Xavier had very interesting stories about his music selection.

Kay Newburg & Jane Tripi

Next on the program was Kay Newburg and Jane Tripi. Kay sang while Jane played “Hey Good Lookin”, “Tennesse Waltz”, and “Your Cheatin Heart”. What a delightful combination, lets hope we hear this combination more often.

Anthony Berger

Our second performer was another young student of Marjorie Konrad’s his name is Anthony Berger.  Anthony has been studying for five months and has made very good progress.  Anthony was eager to play for us again and we can see why. His playing just keeps getting better. Anthony plays a Grande Vox piano accordion and his music set included “Jingle Bells”, “Bonjour Paris”, and “Silver Bells.”  Great job Anthony! Come back anytime.

Kris Nelson & Tony Mustaro

Our next performers were Kris Nelson and Tony Mustaro. Kris sang and Tony accompanied him on his Roland Piano Electronic Accordion. Their list included “I can’t Help it if I’m Still in Love with You”, “You Don’t Know Me” (and there seemed to be a little choking up here), “My Blue heaven”, then  ending with “Santa Calus is Coming to Town”. Tony was as usual great, and Kris just keep getting better.

Un Deux Trois

The Un Deux Trois took the stage this month. Whether you say “one two three” or “uno dos tres” or “eins, zwei, drei”, this trio was great! The Beltuna piano accordion and two guitars were their instruments.

The emotions and passions evoked were indescribable, but fantastic does not do justice to this group! The selection were “3 French Bourrees”, “La Valse d’Ania/Le Chemins de l”amour/Adeus”, Son Ephemere Passion/Amelie”, “Tango de Santa Rosa”, “Porto Santo/Miradoura de Santa Luzia”, The Sourhtern Mass”, ending with “La Marine”.

At our November 2012 meeting,  current president Tony Mustaro had the pleasure of officially recognizing the contributions which Elmo Fama has made to the Accordion Club of the Redwoods over many years since the club was born.  Elmo is a founding member and has served the club every year since its founding.

We are grateful for his steady guidance and the sage advice which he has contributed as a member of our board.  Thank you Elmo for your many years of service to our club.  We also take this opportunity to wish you a very happy birthday as you share your birthday month with Steve Balich.

Editors Apology
I am so sorry but there are not pictures to be published for the Christmas Dinner dance. My camera gave up the ghost. I have invested in another camera, a Christmas present from me to me. I hope you can forgive me.
Art Clark

Pasta Feed at Our January Meeting
We’re kicking off the year with a pasta feed before the meeting, so come early and have a good meal and visit with your friends while you eat and stay to listen to some good music.

Our scholorship students will start the program with selections of music they have been working on for several months, be sure to be in attendance and show your support for these fine young folks!

2012/2013 ACR Scholarships
ACR Scholarship chairman Joe Chiesa informs us that October is the deadline for ACR Scholarship applications have been closed. All requests for application forms may be obtained by calling Joe at (707) 539-1407. ACR scholarships are accepted for accordion students ages 6 – 18 years of age from the San Francisco bay area. Our current Scholars are Anthony Berger, Susannah Leon, and Westleigh Smith.

ACR Band Update
The ACR Band will have its next meeting on February 18th, 6:30 before the ACR general meeting. Please note no band practice for January due to Pasta Feed. All levels of players are welcome. It helps if you can read sheet music. Bring an accordion and a good measure of enthusiasm. If you would like to play in the band, please contact Steve Balich at 707-874-3494.

Spring Fling Cheaper Deal for Members
The Annual ACR Spring Fling Dance will be held on March 23rd. Tickets will be $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Yes the price has increased, like everything else. If you know some folks who would like to come to the Spring Fling and they are not yet members of ACR, please let them know they can join and get a discount on tickets to the dinner / dance.

Silence is Golden.
Out of consideration for the performers and your fellow members in the audience, please don’t talk during the musical part of the ACR meetings. The performers deserve our respect and attention. So be kind and reserve the chit-chat and discussions for the intermissions and breaks.

Play for the ACR, Get in Free.
The ACR board has voted to admit all performers into the monthly meetings for free. As long as the musicians sign up and perform a minimum of three songs, they will admitted without the normal donation at the door.