See What Our Members Are Doing
- atgaccordionistste
- Nov 23
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 26
Michael Bridge
“Tangorium” whooshed onto the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts’ stage in September, the first time the performance included dance.
What is "Tangorium?"
"Tangorium" is the creation of BRIDGE & WOLAK, a unique classical and folk music duo from Canada. The multimedia experience blends classical, jazz and global music to share the captivating story of tango’s evolution from the Milongas of Buenos Aires to its place on the world stage. Previously, the show toured the United States and Canada with orchestras.
However, when BRIDGE & WOLAK members Michael Bridge and Kornel Wolak saw Water Street Dance perform, they immediately knew the Milwaukee-based company was the perfect fit for "Tangorium."
A reimagined tango
During the dynamic performance, the dancers and musicians explore the full spectrum of movement possibilities and interact with each other as if engaging in a new tango of sorts. At times, the musicians move alongside the ensemble, fully integrated into the choreography. In other moments, they're lifted onto the dancers’ shoulders or interact in unexpected, physical ways.
TANGORIUM will tour across the USA and Canada in 2026-2027.
Read more here from the Milwaukee newspaper
Stay up-to-date at https://www.bridgewolak.com/tangorium-dance
And here are two videos:
WORLD PREMIERE RECAP REEL
HIGHLIGHTS REEL
Upcoming on November 1:
I am performing Misa a Buenos Aires (a tango-style mass) by Martin Palmer with the 100-person Amadeus Choir of Toronto, string ensemble, and bandoneon (accordion) solo part.
Bev Fess and Ron Griffin Played at the Lief Erikson celebration at Balboa Park
The House of Norway asked us to play again for the outdoor lawn program celebrating Lief Erikson Day in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Beverley and Ron play regularly for the Norwegian Fishkluben in San Diego on a monthly basis, so we have a significant Scandinavian repertoire.
The weather was perfect and the audience was attentive.
Gail Campanella
I will be the featured guest performer for the Silicon Valley Accordion Club on
Sunday, December 7. The SVAC meets monthly in the Bay Area.
My friend, Elliott Karpeles, and I have initiated an accordion club for fourth graders
at a local public elementary school, Harding University Partnership School. We have 5 students who meet with us on Wednesday afternoons. They are given a 12-bass accordion to use for the year (free of charge).
Zach Grindle
Returning for a second year, Zach Grindle performed at the Maple City Market’s “Fall Faire” during the ever-popular First Fridays in Goshen, IN, on October 3rd. As part of the downtown festivities, Maple City Market was filled with delicious food and drinks, craft making, and of course, music to help celebrate the Market’s 50th year in Goshen. Patrons enjoyed a variety of music, ranging from ethnic to Rhapsody in Blue.
Gordon Kohl
Time flies since the 2025 ATG Festival. I have been playing a variety of events, from church music themes to Italian and French Dinners under the Stars, to now finishing a fun filled Oktoberfest Season.
Now I am preparing for a concert I play once a year for around 200 people in San Diego. I am looking forward to the Holiday Dances before Christmas and New Year’s.
Teaching is rewarding with students near and far. In the New Year I begin my travel to Arizona and San Francisco to play special programs. Life is good and the Lord keeps looking after me. Please, everyone out there in the Accordion Realm, enjoy your Accordion and share with audiences and family. It is a joyous gift we can share with others.
Joan Grauman Morse and Bill Morse
This fall has been filled with houseguests, appointments, enjoying Colorado's particularly beautiful fall (!!), and packing to head to Florida. With no time left for practicing, I was asked to play Italian music on my accordion for two and half hours for a gala Rotary Club fundraiser in Colorado. I said "I'll do it!". I practiced - and practiced. The event was fantastic, with the best Italian food ever and an arena filled with ranch owners who has never heard an accordion play anything other than a polka (I heard this all night!). I was very happy that I put in the time to relearn my Italian repertoire and so very happy that the community enjoyed "our beloved instrument"!
In October, after 20 years on the AAA Governing Board, I put in for an extended leave of absence. I just cannot handle the work right now. I am remaining the association's Historian however. Please visit the AAA website to see my 40+ articles in the "History" section. You will recognize many ATG members in a few of my articles!
Kenn and Susan Baert asked me if I would design two pieces of artwork for a Christmas Ornament that will be given to folks who donate toward creating a documentary on the life of Joan Cochran Sommers. I was thrilled to create something for such a worthy cause!! Susan had the ornaments made and they turned out great. Thank you, Kenn and Susan!
Bill and I send our best wishes to all - see you on the Zoom workshops!
Elena Fainstein
On October 16, 2025, Elena Fainshtein had the exciting opportunity to perform as a featured guest with the Tyler Junior College Wind Ensemble, performing “Jazz Suite No. 2” by Shostakovich. Elena said, “This was so much fun to play with a wind ensemble and with younger musicians!" The program also included works by Bach, Bernstein, Schwartz and more making the concert an unforgettable celebration of music. The conductor of the Tyler Junior College Wind Ensemble said the audience was entranced by having an accordionist join as a featured guest and the students very much appreciated the opportunity to perform with such an accomplished musician. The Tyler Junior College Wind Ensemble is recognized as one of the nation’s top two-year college wind bands, celebrated for its vibrant artistry, versatility, and passion for musical excellence. Featuring outstanding student musicians from across East Texas, the ensemble brings to life everything from timeless classics to bold new works.
Here is also a link to a short clip of the concert: https://tinyurl.com/4k5syp63
Mary Ann Covone & the Chicagoland Accordion Academy
Members of the Chicagoland Accordion Academy presented an evening of original compositions by world renowned accordionists and composers, Amy Jo Sawyer and Stas Venglevski on November 16th, 2025. The event was held at the Highlands Presbyterian Church in La Grange Highlands, Illinois.
Mary Ann Covone shared, “This concert included students and members of Chicagoland Accordion Academy performing solos, duets and ensemble pieces. Stas wrote a special piece for this concert for the children’s group “Ducklings at Breakfast” and Amy Jo arranged a Christmas medley for the rest of the crew called “Swingin’ Christmas Medley.” It was a Chicagoland Accordion Academy event honoring Stas Venglevski and Amy Jo Sawyer for their many contributions to accordion repertoire. Joan Sommers is attending.”
Amy Jo Sawyer was inducted into the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Hall of Fame at the 79th Annual ATG festival held from July 24th to 28th, 2019 in Denver, CO. Amy Jo has been a faithful ATG member for over 40 years. She has served as President two times.
Stas Venglevski is a bayanist, composer, conductor, arranger, entertainer and a teacher and his extensive repertoire includes his original compositions and a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. Stas is a past President of the ATG and currently serves on its board of directors. Most recently, he has joined the faculty of the Music Department of the University of Wisconsin, Superior, WI.
The Chicagoland Accordion Academy says “The accordion is gaining popularity again! Perhaps that is because it is such a versatile instrument lending itself well to ethnic, folk, popular, and jazz music as well as classical music. Unlike other instruments that can be played as solo instruments but are more often heard as part of a larger group, the accordion is a solo instrument and is in great demand in all genres of musical groups.”
For further information email: maryann@chicagolandaccordionacademy.com
Jane Christison
Jane Christison reports that it's been a busy fall with an Oktoberfest season that lasts longer in Kansas City than it does in Germany. (Woo hoo!) In addition to my own bookings, I also filled in a couple of times for Betty Jo Simon due to her broken ankle. It was a treat to work with Betty Jo's tuba player, Paul Rodabaugh.
Because of my time traveling and performing on two USO Tours with the UMKC Accordionaires, I developed a great fondness for our military, so celebrating Veteran's Day is always a favorite time.
Coming up on Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., I'll be playing at the KC United Church of Christ's Kristkindl Markt. I play German music, Christmas music, German Christmas music, and even some of my Janie Next Door songs for kids. 2025 has definitely been a music-filled year!
Dee Langley
In December, I'm providing the music for two musicals about Pirates. The accordion is the only music, I'm onstage in a pirate costume the whole time interacting with the three vocalists. The four of us women are the entire cast for the two plays. We open December 5th and perform on the weekends until December 21st. The name of the musicals are "Yarrrh!" and "Have Yarrrhself a Lusty Busty Xmas".
Past events:
October 26th - World of Accordions Museum, Superior Wisconsin
“Spooky Workshop”
The World of Accordions Museum celebrated this special Halloween Season with a spooky workshop featuring ensemble arrangements of “The Addams Family Theme” and the infamous “In the Hall of the Mountain King” where participants were (musically) chased by an Ogre. Also in the cauldron was learning how to make simple songs creepier by changing one note. This group workshop blended twelve accordionists ranging from elementary to professional under the "spell" of the Head Potions Master Dee Langley.
November is National Accordion Month Concert
November 2nd - The Hive Collaborative, St. Paul, Minnesota
There are many celebrations but none so special to people who love the accordion as the entire month of November because November is National Accordion Month.
The Hive Theater had a full house join the students of Dee Langley as they held their annual All Holidays concert. The group not only celebrated their favorite Fall and Winter holidays but also the instrument they love with the music of Halloween, Chanukah, Solstice and Christmas. Their music spoke of ogres, candles, trees and sleigh bells. Two new accordion ensemble arrangements were premiered, "Sleigh Ride", arranged by Phillip Klacan and "Hotel California" arranged by Dee Langley. The group also celebrating their youngest and newest students (ages 9-12) with a short cameo appearance.
Goodwill, good cheer and good times!
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