Archives for August 2013

The President’s Message

Tony Mustaro

Dear Friends,

Here we are in August and that means the Cotati Accordion Festival. This year our club will have our own booth at the festival so be sure to drop by and say hello and maybe pick up one of the accordions which we will have there and play a tune or two. We are trying to spread the word about our club to those who don’t already know about us and may be looking to find a place to have some fun and listen to some good accordion music and eat and dance with a group of friends. So if you know anyone who fits this description please send them around to our booth which will be in the south end of the walkway along Old Redwood Highway not too far from the statue of Jim Boggio.

We are also looking for volunteers to help man the booth so if you would like to help out for an hour or so please let me know. We will have a couple of accordions for sale and some sheet music for sale also, but it’s mostly a chance to introduce ourselves to the community especially since we are the accordion club closest to the Cotati Festival.

All of the officers and board members were pleased to see such a happy turnout at the July 27 meeting last month. Thanks again to Don Agresti for his dedication and hard work to purchase and prepare some delicious food for our get together. Not only was it delicious it was a real bargain. I heard someone comment that the only way we could offer a better bargain for such great food was if we were to pay the people to eat! I’m sure all of you who were there will agree with that sentiment.

As you may be aware, the officers and board made it a point to telephone every member of the club whose telephone numbers were on file. It was a lot of work on the part of five of us but the turnout showed that it was effective. I spoke with a few of you personally but most of my calls went to your voice mail. So I left a message and asked that you phone back with either aye or nay as to whether or not you would attend. In truth, I was a bit disappointed that so few took the time to return one phone call, but on the whole I was pleased with the turn out.

Please let us know if you would like to see a repeat of the July meeting from time to time during the year. It will help us to plan our club activities in advance. Also we could use some volunteers to make phone calls for the next special event so that we are sure all of our membership is aware of what is happening.

Remember to see either Cathy, Art or myself if you still need discount tickets for Cotati. I look forward to seeing all of you stop by our booth to say hi.

Tony Mustaro

President
Accordion Club of the Redwoods

Open Letter to Steve Balich

All-and-Steve

Dear Steve:-

I read in the Reedwooder of the Accordion Club newsletter, that you are finally going to “Hang up your apron” insofar as cooking is concerned for our dinner dances and I presume that is also for our picnics!!!

Well, well, well, I commend you for your decision and congratulate you for this notable decision; however, having said that, I’m certainly going to miss all your excellent cooking in all aspects.

You have it coming to you and to be able to relax now and enjoy your great laurels!!!

However, despite older age for all of us nowadays, that you will continue to play your excellent music for as long as you can or want to!!!

Naturally, we all enjoy your musicianship, always and forever!!!

We would also want to commend you for pioneering the many musical activities that you have engaged in; such as founding person who began and served continuously in the “Accordion Club of the Redwoods!” Also, especially, your association of the famous Cotati Accordion Festival!!! Plus many other great engagements that you have personally been involved!!!

Best of Everything for you, henceforth!

Al Gardi

 

August Meeting Photos

August Meeting Photos

Entertainment, August 2013

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Bart Bernico

Bart started of our entertainment with Arrivederci Roma, Beer Barrel Polka, Tico Tico and ended with Roman Guitar. A great job as usual.

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Susann Leon

Susann followed with Some Where my Love, Old Soldiers Never Die, and Santa Lucia, good job Susann!

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Wes Smith

Wes followed up with Ambre Renee then ended with Idle Chatter. He just keeps getting better, great job Wes!

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Keith Church and his Belles Hanna and Dani Garboden

Keith surprised us a little with two lovely ladies. His first song was ‘In The Hall of the Mountain King’, then ‘Beyond the Sea’, followed by ‘Amazing Grace’. Great show Keith, bring it on again!

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Elmo Fama

Elmo followed up with Shanty in Old Shanty Town, and When You are Smiling . Thank you Elmo, great as always

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Kris Nelson and Tony Mustaro

Well, Kris and Tony did it again with “I can’t help it if I’m Still in Love With You” “All of Me”, and a finale of “You Don’t Know me”. You guys need to turn pro!

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Tom and Kay Newburg

Tom and kay as always were in great form with Novack #1, Slav Picnic followed with Hey Marie. Great job Tom and Kay!

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Stanko Pecavar

What can I say about this guy, He has never taken  a lesson and cannot read music. When I ask him what he played, he hasn’t a clue, he just plays from the heart!!

 

News, August 2013

Our Featured Performer Lou Dimaggio

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Lou was the runner up to Dick Cantino on the Horace Heidt show way back when, and just happened to have his accordion with him at our meeting. Lucky for us. His play list was “China Boy”, “It’s Wonderful”, ‘It Had to be You”, and “12th Street Rag” with our very own Kieth Church! Hurry back Lou, and do not be a stranger!

ACR Band Update

The ACR Band will have its next meeting on August 19th 6:30 before the ACR general meeting. 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.

 

Cotati Accordion Festival

Mark your Calendars for August 17 & 18, 2013

9:30 – 8:30 both days.

Tickets are $15 for one day and $25 for two days.

Make checks out to

The Cotati Accordion Festival

Here is a partial list below (in no particular order) August 18th

The Golden State Accordion Club Band, Future Accordion Stars(Marjorie Konrads kids), The Great Morgani, the Mad Maggies, Lady of Spain-A-Ring, Polkacide, Simka, Chuck Berger, Duckmandu, Motor Dude Zydeco, Cajun/Zydeco Dance Party, Steve Balich Sr. Polka Band, The Wild Catahoulas, and many more!

Save the Date! Celebrate a Venetian Halloween with us!

October 28 through October 31, 2013

We are looking forward to the 14th Annual Convention coming up on October 28th, 2013.

Registrations are currently being accepted online. Register early for extra savings as well as the opportunity to choose premium seats when checking in at the event. Dinner seating will be assigned this year after you check in and pick up your packet.

Click here for online registration