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.

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!