Gordon Kohl - January 2010:
Accordion music is popular in San Diego and other cities on the West Coast. The cultural heritage of several European countries is strengthened by their music. The accordion as a musical instrument is very important for so many country’s music. For this reason, several ALSI members continue to entertain as soloists and in groups for dances and many special events. Octoberfests, Carnival season, Springfests, ballroom dances and other cultural events keep accordionist busy making music.
Our local San Diego ALSI accordionist, Tom Eskola played a beautiful Showcase for ALSI in January. His flair for both European and American music was superb. Thank You Tom. We all recognize your passion for music and hope to see you at ALSI future club events.
The music keeps on coming to ALSI monthly club activities. We are fortunate to have as a member Ron Griffin, a wonderful expressive musician. On Valentines Day, February 14th, Ron will present a grand Showcase for the ALSI club membership and their guests.
Ron Griffin’s Showcase music program will include ballads, beautiful Latin melodies and those memorable accordion standards. Everyone is welcome to ALSI in February to hear Ron Griffin, a very dynamic performer. A drawing will be held before his Showcase to give away free tickets to the March and April club events. Everyone is invited to participate.
Club members will entertain on Valentines Day as well as a special, guest Ilmar Kuljas. Ilmar Kuljas is known to many as a tremendous teacher and coach for talented accordionists like Sammy Thomas who went on to become a finalist in the Coupe Mondale World Accordion Championship several years ago. Ilmar brings to music and his students an insatiable desire to strive for excellence in playing our accordion.
On March 14th we will set the stage for a Mini-concert from Seattle Washington the music talent, Bonnie Birch. Bonnie is an inspirational accordionist who plays every note with enthusiasm and spirit. Her repertoire is magnificent. Her music will include musette, jazzy tunes, pop classics, standards and ethnic music that you will want to dance or sing along to. Ms. Bonnie Birch’s stage presence will mesmerize you. In addition to presenting a Mini-concert, Bonnie will present a Workshop prior to the club break. (The focus will be “Musical Concepts for Accordionists). Everyone wanting to pick up music technique will want to attend this workshop. Bring your accordion!
The April 11th ALSI Showcase will be Louisiana style music by R.A. Richard. The authentic Louisiana music will make you feel great. You will want to dance or sing along to funny lyrics and wish you had a dish of gumbo soup with crayfish and Hush Puppies.
R.A. Richard will present a workshop at ALSI before his Showcase. Come to his class and learn bass rhythms and be inspired to learn some fun songs from the Bayou.
On May 2nd, the fantabulous concert artist Sylvia Barber will return to give a Mini-concert and an incredible workshop class at the ALSI club meeting. Sylvia’s repertoire is vast and incredibly varied. She is a musician’s musician. Her knowledge of music, theory and accordion artistry is second to no one. I am thrilled that Sylvia enjoys playing accordion for ALSI again this year.
For those music lovers near and far, please set the date, May 2nd on your calendar. Bring friends and musicians to hear Sylvia Barber live. My wish is that we fill the ALSI auditorium on that day!
The ALSI Steering Committee would appreciate your completing the enclosed member questionnaire (see page 8). Everyone’s ideas will help our club stay active and energized and full of beautiful music and social events.
To my music friends,
Best Wishes
Gordon —