“Superior” Celebration at Annual World Accordion Day/Palmer Festival 2026
- atgaccordionistste
- May 28
- 3 min read
Updated: May 31
Written by Kathleen Duffy
To commemorate this year’s annual World Accordion Day (officially celebrated on May 6th) the Chicagoland Accordion Academy (CAA) had the privilege of participating in the annual World Accordion Day/Dr. Willard A. Palmer Festival from May 1-3 at the majestic Harrington ARTS Center in Superior, Wisconsin.
Marking its 14th year, this premier event offered concerts, workshops, and a tour of the World of Accordions Museum’s collection of over 3,000 rare, historic accordions. In addition, one could explore the extensive library of books and music, and the outstanding Accordion Concertina Repair and Technicians’ School (ARTS). Various works of art and whimsical collections of decorative ceramic figurines were also on display throughout the museum.
For her third trip to this celebratory event in Superior, CAA Director, Mary Ann Covone, was delighted to showcase 19 of her accordion students, ranging in ages from 8 to 80. Within the academy these students take private lessons and practice in groups such as the Children’s Ensemble, Beginner Adult Ensemble, and Advanced Adult Ensemble. Preparing for this event provided an exceptional opportunity for CAA students to refine their repertoire, strengthen their performance skills, and build community with others who share a deep appreciation for the accordion.
On Friday, the event commenced with a hands-on class by Dee Langley and Anthony Bukoski, and then songs of Hugo Herman performed by Linda & Elias. That evening, several CAA Adult Ensemble members joined the World of Accordions Band, directed by area band conductor Tracey Gibbons, to perform a diverse selection of music by composers from around the world. Pieces included “Waltzing Cuckoo,” “Cuckoo Waltz,” “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” “The Gift,” “Sylvia’s Song,” “Canon in D,” “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Trois Tours de Piste,” “Tronderbura,” “Cherry Blossoms,” “Rainbow Reflections,” “Horse Sings from Cloud,” “Modern Love Waltz,” and “Ombo.”
Saturday’s performances opened with a solo presentation by CAA Children’s Ensemble Director Leah Stephens, who performed “Children’s Animal Suite-Wolf, Rabbit, Bear, Fox, Cuckoo” by Stas Venglevski. The piece was artfully interwoven with readings of fitting poems. Immediately afterward, Leah directed her six exuberant young performers in a lively set that included the lighthearted “Ducklings at Breakfast” — a song composed specifically for the group by Stas Venglevski — along with “Chop Sticks,” “This is our Song for You”, and “The Can Can.” Mayra Martinez, another accomplished CAA accordion player and children’s instructor, accompanied the ensemble to help round out their festival debut. It was wonderful to see these budding musicians, supported by the commitment and encouragement of their families, confidently perform in this exquisite church concert venue.
Later in Saturday’s program, under the spirited direction of Mary Ann Covone, CAA’s Advanced Adult Ensemble — featuring 13 accordionists and one drummer — performed a varied set that included Ian Watson’s four-movement “Seaside Sketches,” Bach’s “Fugue in G Minor,” vivacious renditions of “Tico Tico” and “Casey Jones,” and the silky standard “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” To close the performance, two beginner adult players joined the ensemble for the lovely four-part hymn “Beams of Gentle Light” and a crowd-pleasing “Frank Sinatra Medley.”
Additional Saturday presentations included a warm welcome by museum president and founder Dr. Helmi Harrington, the reading of Superior’s mayoral proclamation by Kevin Friedrich, a keynote address about CAA by Mary Ann Covone, an informative slide presentation on accordion history by Kevin Friedrich, uplifting performances by the Teresa Aho Trio and Mike & the Middletones, and a presentation of practical hand exercises for musicians by Dr. Lynda Griffith. Sunday’s program provided the Moog synthesizer presentation by Kevin Bresslet and Polka Music performed by Mike & the Middletones for a nondenominational gathering.
This special weekend salute to the accordion was filled with beautiful music in a magical setting where old friends and new shared memorable conversations and broke bread together. In short, the World Accordion Day/Palmer Festival 2026 was truly a “Superior” celebration of accordion culture, music, history, and fellowship.
Click on link to see the World of Accordions Museum website:https://worldofaccordions.org/ .
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