May 6th - World Accordion Day - 24 hr continuous online broadcaststreaming

The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) is sponsoring a 24-hour non-stop online broadcast, which will feature accordion music and interviews with accordionists from around the globe.

The event will begin on Sunday, May 6 at 7 am Paris time (1 am New York time, GMT+1) and will go for 24 hours straight. Additional information is available at http://www.accordions.com/cia/cia_worldaccordionday.htm or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/worldaccordionday .

Please let your friends and accordion club & association members know about this exciting event. The broadcast will be archived at the same website for those who are not able to watch it live.

Goodbye Valerie

It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear Valerie Kieser, a woman who was the heart and soul of the San Francisco Accordion Club.

Valerie passed away peacefully at her home on Feb 27th, 2012, at the age of 74.  Beloved wife of the late John F. Kieser,  they had lived at their Oakland residence since 1973.  Valerie was an exceptional cook, hostess to all who came within miles of her, and a bright and shining spirit who lived a truly exceptional life. 

She was an avid accordion and button box aficionado, having played with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Accordion Chamber Ensemble and directed the Club's "Fun Band." She had a deep love for all animals, though she had a special affinity for horses, dogs and cats.  Always a joy to those around here, she will be deeply missed by her friends and family all over the globe. 

Valerie's nephew, Jeff Trabucco has set up a lovely Memorial website where you can read more about Valerie, see photos and share your thoughts about her in the Memory Book on the website.  Val's Memorial Website

Family and friends are planning a musical tribute and celebration of Val's life at the regular 2 PM meeting of the San Francisco Accordion Club on April 15th.   All who knew Val are invited to attend and if you have a musical gift to contribute to this celebration, please contact Lynn Ewing, SFAC President, at: ewinglynn@gmail.com  

We, who were Val's "Accordion Family" will miss her beyond measure!  

Joe (Joseph H.) Smiell has passed away.

Beloved accordionist and button box master, composer, arranger, conductor, husband, father and grandfather Joe Smiell passed away on January 31 at the age of 86  from liver cancer.  Joe was active right up until the end readying the San Francisco Accordion Chamber Ensemble for their next concert.

The San Francisco Accordion Club extends their most heartfelt sympathy to the Smiell family.  Joe will be greatly missed by all!

The family is discussing a memorial, but no announcement has been made yet.

Italy's Accordion Industry: Tiny and Thriving : NPR

Italy's Accordion Industry: Tiny And Thriving

by CHRISTOPHER LIVESAY

January 9, 2012

More than 70 percent of Italy's gross domestic product comes from small businesses — and they're not growing. Economists are worried this will make it impossible for Italy to climb out of its massive $2.6 trillion debt.

Even in a global economy, something as small as Italy's accordion industry can have an impact. The work of its craftsmen has reached millions of ears.  read more ....

Membership Renewal

Our new membership year began on October 1, 2011.

If you haven't renewed your membership yet, please take the opportunity to follow the link below, print out and complete a renewal form and mail it in with your payment.  All the details are on the renewal form.

Membership Renewal Form

We value you as a member and your support is critical to keeping the San Francisco Accordion Club moving forward.  December is the last month we will be distributing newsletters to those members who have not renewed.  We hope that if you haven't already done so, you will renew soon!
Thank you.

Accordion Chamber Ensemble Concert - 2:30 p.m., Sunday, November 27th!

The Accordion Chamber Ensemble, under the direction of Maestro Joe Smiell, will be presenting a concert at Zion Lutheran Church, 5201 Park Blvd. Piedmont, CA beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 27th.
Contact Valerie Kieser  (510) 531-4836 for more information.

Frank Petrilli and Eddie Monteiro play at AAA

Dear friends

You may recall that Frank Petrilli, one of our Southern California club members played for us in January. Joan and Dan Grauman recorded these videos in the bar of the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina, during the 2011 American Accordionists’ Association Festival. Eddie borrowed Steve Albini’s Roland, and Frank played his Victoria Poeta. This was the first time they ever played together.

That's all!

Watch What Happens!