June 2007 Las Vegas Convention One of the BEST!
An overwhelming response from attendees was this was the BEST EVENT YET!  This year featured many new artists and acts.  Starting Monday night at the Welcome Concert was 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 a 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!