Valov Accordion X-mas party!!!!

Jocque playing at Valov xmas party.

The accordion club I'm in, VaLov (Accordion Lovers of Virginia) had its Christmas party this last Sunday- which was AWESOME!!!!! It was so much fun- though I don't usually even care much for Christmas tunes, Sid's jazzy version of, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and Tip's dark/Russian-like version of a an xmas tune that embarrassingly I can't recall which one he did at the moment were both highlights! When it comes to Christmas songs you've never heard them like this! It was a blast!

Not to mention- Jim Rice and a harmonica soloist (who I've met before but I don't believe I got his name) did a nice version of a Greek tune as well. I played an original waltz for the group and Celito Lindo. Jocque did a classical piece for us that he recently learned and played at his daughters wedding! I was so glad my girlfriend Stephanie got to come along and meet everyone, she seemed to really enjoy it and though we had to leave a bit early so I could get her back to Norfolk on time- we managed to participate in I believe it was a Middle Eastern or Arabian song I don't recall the name of at the moment.

Jim Rice playing at the Valov xmas party.

Tip playing at the Valov xmas party.

As usual I had to beg Andy to do his amazing version of the Frankie Valli tune, "You're Just to Good to Be True". His version is truly stunning, every time I see him I beg him to do it again; Andy always reminds me why I wanted to play in the accordion in the first place, watching him do this song is always inspiring and leaves you speechless afterwards.

Most of all- I'm looking forward to this Saturday more than anything at the moment! As I'm riding up to Williamsburg to meet up with Jim Rice and together I'm going with him the rest of the way to an accordion workshop and concert in Oakton, Virginia near Washington DC. featuring Michael Bridge. 

Jim & Andy playing at Valov xmas party.

Being a part of an accordion club like VaLov is a great experience, as otherwise it's pretty hard to meet other accordionists, and wouldn't be likely to have been lucky enough to meet the other members otherwise. I feel very fortunate to have met the other members and listen to their songs, their stories, and share good times and great music with them. That being said, I'll be excited to follow up this post soon with our trip to Oakton!