EVENT SCHEDULE
MAY 2 & 3, 2025
All events are held at the Powell River Academy of Music (7280 Kemano Street in Powell River). Our Fest takes place on the traditional lands of the Tla'amin Nation.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
[All day May 2 & 3] ACCORDION REPAIRS + SALES​
Tempo Trend, a Victoria-based speciality accordion store that's been in business for over 60 years, will be on site for all your accordion needs! Tune-ups, repairs, and sales. Bring the old squeezebox languishing in your closet, or purchase your first (or seventh) accordion.
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7:30pm ACCORDION FEST MAIN CONCERT / OPENING NIGHT​
A release event for Aria di Tango, a studio album 5 of the Accordion Fest performers recorded recently.
Our main concert, featuring a wide variety of musical genres, special musical guests, co-directors Walter and Karina, and at least 5 accordions! Enjoy a 5-piece tango band, jazz quartet, classical pieces, Klezmer, and more. Featuring accordionists Anthony Schulz and Ronen Segall, guitarists Budge Schachte and Stephen Nikleva, bassist Boyd Norman, and percussionist Terry Martyniuk. Not to be missed!
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Opening act (7-7:30pm): accordionist Henry Slama
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm KLEZMER WORKSHOP​
Learn the fundamentals of klezmer music: rhythms, chord progressions, and two klezmer scales.
Led by Ronen Segall of Accordion Love, you'll explore these elements within the context of two classic klezmer songs.
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By donation.
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12:15-1:45pm OPEN MIC PERFORMANCES​
Local and visiting performers share music in a casual environment. Sign up (on the day) to play, and/or come and enjoy what's on offer.
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By donation.
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2-3pm ACCORDION 101​
This workshop introduces accordion-curious folks of any (or no) musical background to the instrument. Bring your own accordion, or borrow one for the session (generously provided by Tempo Trend).
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By donation.
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3:15-4:15pm IMPROVISATION AND HOW TO PRACTICE IT​
Why does improvisation seem a bit mysterious? How should I get started, and what tools do I need? How should I practice improvisation?
This workshop will address these key questions and provide both structures and ideas for improvisational materials, along with creative ways to build a practice routine that is engaging and manageable.
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Led by Anthony Schulz, this workshop will offer hands-on, practical methods for applying basic scales, rhythms, and chords to a song, with opportunities for participants to explore ideas and approaches with a rhythm section. Additionally, a variety of strategies will be discussed to help support and clarify individual approaches to practice and performance.
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This workshop is open to all, though participants with a basic understanding of major scales, triads, and music reading skills will benefit most.
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Resources will be provided both in advance of the workshop and on the day of the event.
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By donation.
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7:30pm ACCORDION CABARET
Celebrate with us at this year's Accordion Fest closing party. Featuring Anthony Schulz, Ronen Segall, Martin Hergt, Walter Martella, and Karina Inkster on accordions, Stephen Nikleva and Budge Schachte on guitar, Boyd Norman on bass, and Terry Martyniuk on percussion, enjoy an evening of many musical genres.
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Opening act: The Victoria Accordion Club Band
Dessert and savoury finger foods included in ticket price. Cabaret-style seating, dance floor, cash bar.