The President’s Message

Tony Mustaro

Dear Friends,

It’s that time of year again.  The holiday season is upon us and I would like to wish all of you a very joyous and happy Thanksgiving with friends and family.  I would also like to send best wishes to our friend and president of one of our sister clubs (NCAS), Jerry Choate, who is having some health problems at this time.  I’m sure that you will all remember Jerry, who is an excellent accordionist who has been generous with his time and talent in playing for us at our meetings and at our dinner dance events.  We hope to have you play for us again soon Jerry.
Thanksgiving is the one time a year that  we set aside to express gratitude and appreciation for the many good things in our lives.  It is an American holiday but many great thinkers have considered the importance of the spirit of the holiday:

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.  ~Aesop

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.  ~Seneca

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.  ~Cicero

It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for.  He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire.  Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient.  But a thankful heart hath a continual feast.  ~W.J. Cameron

This year is a good time to be thankful for not only our many material blessings but more importantly for the friends and loved ones who have enriched and continue to enrich our lives.  It is the perfect time to tell them how much we appreciate their presence in our lives and to remember to be thankful for having had the opportunity to know those friends and loved ones who are no longer with us.

On a lighter note, our featured entertainment for the month of November will be Robert Lunceford, Josh Fossgreen and Lisa Iskin of the trio Un Deux Trois.  (Please see related article on page 4).

In this issue you will also find the flier for our annual Christmas Dinner Dance.  Please note that the correct date for this event is Saturday December 1 this year.  Sorry for any confusion regarding the correct date.  Please see the flier for dinner menu and other particulars and get your reservations in to John Pordon as soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly.

I look forward to seeing all of you at this months meeting.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Tony Mustaro
President
Accordion Club of the Redwoods

October 2012 Entertainment

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Susannah Leon

Our first performer of the night was Susannah Leon a young lady who has been a student of Marjorie Konrad for almost two years. Susannah plays a black La Scala piano accordion. Susannahs’ music selection included “The Ferris Wheel”, “Home Sweet Home”, and “The Skater’s Waltz.”
Susannah is a fine student and a credit to her teacher.

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Anthony Berger

Our second performer was another young student of Marjorie Konrad’s his name is Anthony Berger.
Anthony has been studying for five months and has made very good progress. Anthony was eager to play for us again and we can see why. His playing just keeps getting better. Anthony plays a Grande Vox piano accordion and his music set included “Mariner’s Waltz”, “Bella Bella”, and “Waltzing at the Fair.”  Great job Anthony!

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Laura Lind

Next on the program was Laura Lind an Autoharp player from Sebastopol. Laura is an artist, singer, and song writer who has many recordings available. She has performed in the USA as well as Europe. Laura’s songs included a Norwegian wedding march, her original song “Lost Bird”, “Early Anthem to the Prarie” by Greg Brown, and another fun original “Let’s All Go to Ragle Ranch.”

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JETTY!

We were delighted to have a visit from Jet Black Pearl or as she asked us to call her “Jetty.”
Jetty has had extensive experience playing the accordion. She has been playing for nineteen years and plays a red Gabbanelli piano accordion. Born in Holland, she moved to France and now lives in the USA. Her song set included “Coeurs”, “Lips”, and “The Slug Song.” Thanks for such an international set Jetty!

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Bart Beninco

Bart Beninco took our stage this month with his exceptional list of songs on his Sonola piano accordion.
“Mazurka”, “La Paloma”, “Roman Guitar”, “Baby Elephant Walk”, “Tico Tico”, and “A Media Luz.”
Bart Trivia: Bart accepted a position to teach music to students in a juvenile detention center and was given no instruments to teach with. He still taught the full semester anyway. Ask Bart about this story some day!

Steve Balich, Sr.

Steve Balich, Sr.

Our spotlight performer of the night was an old favorite; Steve Balich, Sr. Steve has worn so many hats in the ACR his house must be filled with hat racks. Steve’s polka band is plays most weeks around the bay area and they are still going strong (much like their leader).

Steve played many favorites on his trusty Petosa piano accordion; “You Belong to my Heart”, “Spanish Eyes”, “Yours”, “Jennie’s Mazurka”, “Beer Barrel Polka”, “Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White”, “Bionda”, “and “Arriva Dercci Roma.”

Honorary Member: Janice Terribilini

CIMG1417terribiliniJanice Terribilini received an ACR Honorary Member certificate in October for her many years of service to the club. Jan has served as a club director helping to plan and oversee the events, meetings and activities that we all enjoy. In addition to her duties on the board, Jan has also is responsible for the “feeding of the troops” at all of our regular meetings. Jan buys and prepares all the deli trays and bread for our evening snacks. She has also been part of the kitchen crew at all of our dinner dances. She helps prepare the salads, deli plates, and cuts and plates all the cakes.

Jan, Thanks for many years of dedicated service and all of your heartfelt support you have given us all these years.
The ACR board and membership.

November – Featured Performers: Un Deux Trois

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Un Deux Trois

Un Deux Trois blends the sounds of accordion, guitar, and electric bass to create a contemporary sound that is faithful to the tradition of French music. Bal Musette, traditional dance music, and original compositions inspired by the music of France and Portugal make up the repertoire of this innovative trio. The trio features Robert Lunceford who plays a custom 96 bass Beltuna accordion, Josh Fossgreen on bass guitar, and Lisa Iskin playing acoustic guitar.

News, November 2012

ACR Band Update
The ACR Band will have its next meeting on November 19th, 6:30 before the ACR general meeting. All levels of players are welcome. It helps if you can read sheet music. Bring an accordion and a good measure of enthusiasm. If you would like to play in the band, please contact Steve Balich at 707-874-3494.

2012 ACR Christmas Dinner Dance.
The ACR Christmas Dinner Dance is set for Saturday, December 1st, 2012 this year. Let’s gather with family and friends and have a festive holiday party. Food, music, dancing and good fun with our good friends. Details in next month’s Reedwooder.

Silence is Golden.
Out of consideration for the performers and your fellow members in the audience, please don’t talk during the musical part of the ACR meetings. The performers deserve our respect and attention. So be kind and reserve the chit-chat and discussions for the intermissions and breaks.

Play for the ACR, Get in Free.
The ACR board has voted to admit all performers into the monthly meetings for free. As long as the musicians sign up and perform a minimum of three songs, they will admitted without the normal donation at the door.