EVENT SCHEDULE
MAY 1-3, 2026
All events are held at the qathet Academy of Music & Arts (7280 Kemano Street in Powell River)., except the outdoor event at Willingdon Beach on May 3. Our Fest takes place on the traditional lands of the Tla'amin Nation.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026
[All day May 1 &2] 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​
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, violist Guillermo Anad, pianist and vocalist Faye Benrups, guitarists Budge Schachte and Stephen Nikleva, bassist Boyd Norman, and percussionist Terry Martyniuk. Not to be missed!​
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026
10:00am-11:00am 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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11:15-12:45pm 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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1:00-2:00pm 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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2:15-3:15pm TANGO WORKSHOP​
Tango is the Argentine music and dance genre that has taken the world by storm. But what makes it unique? This workshop will introduce players to the particular stylistic elements which give Tango its special characteristics: phrasing, accents, articulation, dynamic contrasts and rhythmic patterns.
The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Guillermo Anad; composer, arranger, violist, specialist in the music of Astor Piazzolla, and Academico Correspondiente for the Buenos Aires National Academy of Tango. Guillermo has performed in Argentina, the Americas and Europe with renowned tango soloists and ensembles. Now he brings his lifelong passion for Tango to new audiences and performers.
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By donation.
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3:30pm-4:15pm TANGOMUNDO CONCERT: PIAZZOLA UNLEASHED​
No-one composed like Piazzolla, the magician of the bandoneon. TangoMundo presents a programme of the best and least known of Piazzolla’s works, many rarely played. Featuring tango scholar and arranger Guillermo Anad on viola (from the National Academy of Tango, Buenos Aires), Faye Bendrups on piano and voice, and Anthony Schulz on accordion.
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By donation.
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8:00pm ACCORDION CABARET
The best party of the year! 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.
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026
11:30am-1:30pm WILLINGDON BEACH PARTY & JAM!​
Accordion parade (yes, really!), song circle, jam session, and Victoria Accordion Club Band performance at Willingdon Beach. Bring the family! Sight read some accordion pieces in a group, or just come and watch. (Will move to the qathet Academy of Music & Arts if the weather doesn't cooperate.)
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We'll share more info about the parade at our May 2 workshops. Get a head start and learn this song!​​