June 2007 Las Vegas Convention One of the BEST!
An overwhelming response from attendees was this
was the BEST EVENT YET! This year was featured many new artists and
acts. Starting Monday night at the Welcome Concert was an evergreen to
the convention Peter Soave followed by guest artist from Scotland Gary
Blair. A wonderful night of entertainment!
Tuesday classes were full and everyone had a great
time at lunch as we celebrated 100 Years of the Piano Accordion.
Featured at lunch where Tony Lovello and singer Peter Clegg accompanied
by Paul Pasquali. Tuesday evening's concert was a fantastic treat with
Leo Aquino (Canada), Mario Pedone (Texas), and the Soundscape Accordion
Trio (Colorado). What a wonderful evening as each performer stole our
hearts! Leo of course is a well known concert artist but many asked
where have Mario and Soundscape been hiding – what wonderful talent!
Wednesday was more classes and a wonderful lunch
concert featuring the legendary Art Van Damme Trio. Talk about of piece
of heaven on earth! Wednesday's Concert was also a piece of heaven with
MC Pete Barbutti and first up Mary Tokarsky. This was the first time we
heard from Mary as a solo artist and WOW did she put on a memorable
show! She was followed by the Polka King of Canada, Walter Ostanek – the master
of smiles and good times!
Thursday, more classes and what fun at lunch as
Pete Barbutti entertained us and put us in stitches as only Pete can
do. To conclude the event we heard from Singer Peter Clegg singing
Nessun Dorma (no one sleeps), and no one was asleep tonight at our finale
with a wonderful prime rib dinner and entertainment by soon-to-be legend
Sammy Thomas, Mady and Peter Soave (WOW is the only word here), with a
razzle dazzle close by Tony Lovello.
Also this year we heard from Ron Borelli, Gordon
Kohl, Norm Panto and Steve & Michael Trucco who provided lunch and
dinner music and helped set a wonderful mood. Also new this year to
Club Concerto was a different host each night, as Gina Brannelli was not
able to make this year's event due to scheduling conflicts. But Club
Concerto was a wonderful success with a new host and experience each
night! Thanks to Ron Borelli, Gordon Kohl, Mario Pedone and Peter Soave
for filling in and doing a great job!
Paul Pasquali, the event organizer, announced that
the dates for the 2008 convention will be Monday October 6 thru Thursday
October 9, 2008. The weather will be cooler and it will be a great time
to attend the Ninth Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention
– with what Paul describes as many new surprises! So mark your
calendars and See You in Las Vegas!