Accordion road trip to Oakton

Michael Rubin.

So I returned with a huge grin on my face from the trip to the accordion clinic and concert in Oakton, Virignia.

I can't stress enough how much thanks I owe to all the guys in my accordion club, particularity Sid and Tip; also Jim Rice for helping me out and helping me get there, and also to Dale Wise for welcoming me into his home as well and taking the time and showing me his amazing accordion repair room and all the accordions he has in there. Their sheer kindness and willingness to help me out is jaw-dropping alone, and I really appreciate the help of the other club members.

Jim Vandelly.

The concert itself was spectacular, I love the atmosphere at workshops like these, because it's basically all accordion players getting together and just playing for each other and sharing ideas and information.

David Rubin was a highlight in my opinion as he gave a performance of this Israeli song I really liked and recently heard at our VALOV meeting just before this event. I had a nice chat with him about klezmer music, something I've grown increasingly interested in.

Michael Bridge.

There was a great performance of Russian bajan music by Jim Vandelly- his set was really interesting and he did all Russian material. I was glad to finally meet him as I had heard about him a year or two ago in the AAA (American Accordion Association) newsletters. I feel Jim and Dave were my favorites of that evening probably, I find them very interesting not only because they are masters at their craft, but also because of the way they specialize in particular genres.

Michael Bridge is like a young accordionist version of Yngwie Malmsteen! He has the most amazing bellow control and shake techniques and he even does this crazy thing where he bends, yes he BENDS notes on his accordion. He briefly demonstrated how he does this at the workshop, it's crazy! You watch him and you can't feel anything but completely entranced and spellbound. Michael Bridge has a captivating quality to him; you become spellbound, completely involved in watching and listening to him. He draws you in within seconds and you can't not just feel compelled to fall silent and become fixated on what he's doing.

Duffy Llama.

Duffy Llama is truly a shoman. This man has STYLE like no one! He writes this golden amazing stuff with these like swinging and sweeping melodies that just kind've lift you off into the stratosphere. He has pizazz! He's highly entertaining, and a very energetic guy. I only get to see him briefly at these sort of gatherings, but I'm glad I get to see him when I do; I definitely look forward to seeing them all again at future events.