Canada 150 celebration events Come celebrate with us! Happy 150th Birthday Canada! Saturday, July 1 at 10:45 am - BC Provincial Museum stage - downtown Victoria (next to BC Legislature) Free concert **Saturday, July 8 at 2 pm - Sidney bandshell (end of Beacon Avenue by the water). Free concert. You are invited to celebrate our country's amazing history and 150th birthday. We have the pleasure of performing some incredible well-known and popular songs written or performed by outstanding Canadian musicians. We will begin our celebrations on Saturday, July 1st, at the BC Provincial Museum in downtown Victoria next to the BC Legislature. Check this website for details of Canada Day celebrations in Victoria: http://spirit150victoria.ca Our accordion band is performing 10:45 am - 11:15 am
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Dick Contino
World famous and legendary accordionist Dick Contino passes away. See memorial article -- click here
Irish concert
Come into our parlour! Sing along with the old favourite Irish tunes. We celebrated St. Patrick's Day a few times during March with performances at various venues around Victoria and Sidney. SHOAL center - 10030 Resthaven Dr, Sidney, BC V8L 3G4
Irv Lang
Irv Lang - April 21, 1928 - Dec 25, 2016 Irv Lang was a founding member of our Victoria Accordion Club in 2002. He recently passed away. This is a copy of the obituary that appeared in the local media. He will be forever cherished within our music family. ============ Heaven Welcomes Home this loving husband, father, grandfather. To all who knew him, Irv will be ever remembered as a kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humour, enthusiastically embracing every day of life. He especially delighted in watching hockey, football, baseball ~ whatever sport was in season, was passionate about both performing and listening to music (favouring jazz) and above all was deeply devoted to his family. At the age
St. Cecilia’s Day at Christchurch Cathedral
VAC Band performs at Christchurch Cathedral - November 19, 2016 Once again, the VAC Band is privileged to perform at Christchurch Cathedral in Victoria in celebration of St. Cecilia's Day. It is a stunningly beautiful building. We have been honoured to perform at this event for the past few years, and will enjoy the event once again on November 19th at 1:30 pm. Come enjoy all the performers starting earlier in the day, and going throughout the afternoon. The Cathedral will also host it's annual Christmas bazaar. For more details, see the Christchurch Cathedral website: http://www.christchurchcathedral.bc.ca
Oktoberfest 2016!!
Oktoberfest 2016! ... what a party! Date: Saturday, October 15, 2016 Where: Victoria Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara Street, Victoria Yes, we yelled, yodelled, hollered, and enjoyed a lot "bevvies" in tall ice-cold glasses, boots, or whatever large containers we could find ... and mostly danced ourselves silly with polkas, schotisses, waltzes, and rock'n'roll!! Even the limbo, macarena and bunny hop. Who knew all those dancers had all those moves -- wow! Anyone who has attended an Oktoberfest knows what a good time there is at an Oktoberfest! There was genuine authentic Oktoberfest music from real live accordionists -- in fact, a whole band full of accordionists! It was a sight to see, and hear! Of course, there were delicious "snacks" of bratwurst and other German delectables to soothe
Victoria Accordion Festival 2017
Victoria International Accordion Festival 2017 The 2017 festival is slated for July 14-16. Details are in development and will provided here once finalized. Please come back. The 2016 festival details follow. ========================== July 26-31, 2016 The 10th annual Victoria Accordion Festival was magical. Great music, accomplished musicians, and satisfied crowds. Accordionists from other Canadian provinces and other countries (New Zealand, China and Chile) performed. Performances were held well-known locations around Victoria, including noon-hour concerts at city hall's Centennial Square, and the band stand in Victoria’s popular Beacon Hill Park. The formal evening concerts and the competitions took place at the First Metropolitan United Church at 932 Balmoral Road in Victoria. The Victoria Accordion Club band performed several times during the festival, including: - Tuesday, July 26 at Centennial Square
Accordion’s “fresh face”
The "fresh face" of the accordion The CBC recently produced a documentary on the reviving fortunes of the accordion. This instrument has long been "hidden" in recent decades, but is enjoying a significant resurgence of respect among aficionados in the music world. Well-known rock, ethnic, country and "new wave" bands have even embraced the accordion on stage and certainly on their recordings. Big bands of past and current eras have always used the unique and warm sounds of an accordion in their swing and dance performances. A close listen to very many commercials on radio and TV will reveal the sounds of an accordion ... just pay attention. It's always been there, and will continue to be. Enjoy this CBC documentary
Band performances
Band Performances Here are some samples of past performances of the Victoria Accordion Club band (click on the links) August 2016 - Chemainus Accordion Day. Variety of songs. November 2015 - Christchurch Cathedral, Victoria, BC variety of song types July 2015 - Victoria Accordion Festival In The Mood - Rock'n'Roll May 2015 - World Accordion Day Phantom Of The Opera More links of performances on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKpqRzoSK3E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMuofsT24t0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpUQwUrv5Jg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-_tArTOX_k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfnbt7Gz5Dw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY-aTeZDgW4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7XoVkst_wI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hyVaabDzEk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_OVPNIuqW0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deOqI8vFnZw
Oktoberfest Glo Pub
VAC band performs at Glo Pub Oktoberfest in Victoria The Victoria Accordion Club band performed at the always full (!!) Oktoberfest at Glo Pub in Victoria on Friday, October 2, 2015. It's a lively place, especially at Oktoberfest, with lots of action, fun music, lovely frauleins serving beverages, and of course, lots of "refreshments"!! Guests needed to get there early! Glo Pub - 2940 Jutland Road, Victoria. (website: http://glovictoria.com)
Victoria Accordion Festival
Victoria International Accordion Festival July 12 - 19, 2015 The 9th Victoria International Accordion Festival was terrific! Many skilled musicians from around the world entertained and competed in the festival. There were concerts, competitions, workshops and free public concerts which were well attended. See the poster below for details. The Victoria Accordion Club band performed at several venues: - Sunday, July 12th - 1:30 pm at Cameron Bandshell - Beacon Hill Park. Free public concert. - Wednesday, July 15th - 12 noon at Victoria Centennial Square (next to City Hall). Free public concert during noon-hour - Sunday, July 19th - 1 pm at Market Square in downtown Victoria. Free public concert. Hear us perform -- see YouTube video
VAC at Leavenworth festival
Victoria Accordion Club performs at Leavenworth Accordion Festival, Washington A lot of great music, bratwurst, and cool beverages -- the highlights of the Leavenworth Accordion Festival June 18-21. What a treat! The Victoria Accordion Club Band performed twice at the festival, and to a very appreciative audience both times. The VAC band performed a 1/2-hour set at the gazebo in the centre of town one day, and the following day a one-hour concert at the Grange hall to a standing-room only crowd. The appreciative group gave the VAC band a standing ovation after the final selection. A thrilling performance. A strong contingent of VAC members attended the festival, and enjoyed all the amenities of Leavenworth. The competitions, concerts, and open stage sessions were very well-attended,
Django & Jazz – May 15, 2015
3rd ANNUAL WEST COAST DJANGO & JAZZ featuring Cory Pesaturo, World Accordion Champion, and Victoria's Quinn Bachand, jazz guitar extraordinaire! Friday, May 15th What an evening of world-class gypsy jazz & jazz music featuring Juno Award winning guitarist Oliver Gannon, World Champion in Digital, Acoustic and Jazz Accordion Cory Pesaturo, Canada's multi-instrumentalist wunderkind Quinn Bachand and his sizzling hot gypsy jazz ensemble Brishen (nominated for a staggering 5 Canadian Folk Music Awards)! Such talent -- and it truly was an epic night of music! The musicianship of all on stage was exceptional. Check out the artists’ websites: www.olivergannon.com www.corypesaturo.com www.brishenmusic.com For more information contact Adrien Bachanad (250) 812-6888 or email adrien@abachand.ca In 2013, young wunderkind guitarist Quinn Bachand was excited about sharing the stage with veteran jazz guitarist Oliver Gannon, however an injury sidelined Gannon, who
World Accordion Day
World Accordion Day - May 6, 2016 World Accordion Day is celebrated on May 6th each year in recognition of this unique instrument, and those who enjoy playing and listening to the music it produces. The Victoria Accordion Club and other musicians celebrated with a special concert. An enthusiastic audience enjoyed performances by the Victoria Accordion Club band, several young aspiring and inspiring student musicians, Jelena Milojevic & Rebecca Bracewell, The BC Accordion Orchestra, and Bucan-Bucan. It was a night to remember! For details on World Accordion Day, click this link: World Accordion Day
Music and your brain
Music and your brain You probably have heard many medical specialists, and even non-medical folks, expound about the benefits of music to your well-being, and particularly to your brain function. There have been many studies done that suggest strong benefits of learning and playing music not only for your own brain performance, but also for those who listen such as the elderly who are suffering from dementia symptoms or anyone afflicted with various medical or mental conditions. View this video explaining how music, and specifically playing an instrument, may help brain function and performance. Click here.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Vancouver Christmas Market 2014 The Victoria Accordion Club band performed at the prestigious and lively Vancouver Christmas Market on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 2 pm to 4 pm. The market is held each year in the heart of Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Plaza on Hamilton Street, and draws thousands of visitors to experience the wonder and beauty of the Christmas season. Live music was again a feature, along with outstanding displays of German crafts, food and beverages.
St. Cecilia’s Day – Patron saint of music – Nov. 22, 2014
St. Cecilia's Day - November 22, 2014 November 22nd is marked as St. Cecilia's Day, the patron saint of music. The Victoria Accordion Club band was privileged to be part of this inspirational celebration of music held at the stunning Christchurch Cathedral in Victoria. The band provided a 30 minute performance, in a day-long open house concert with many other gifted musicians and groups from the Victoria area. The whole experience was outstanding, and one the Victoria Accordion Club will cherish.
Food Bank Fundraiser – Sidney
Food bank fundraiser - Sidney - Oct 31, 2014 A fun event, with lots of toe-tapping music -- that's the description being heard from the attendees after the fund raiser for the food bank in Sidney at the Peace Lutheran Church. The Victoria Accordion Club (VAC) band put on a one hour concert performance for the enthusiastic gathering, and received a terrific reception for the lively music and fun banter. A terrific cause, and worthy investment in our community ... so many in our midst can use our help. And our participation was an experience we certainly enjoyed. Give generously to the food bank in your area.
Oktoberfest 2014
Oktoberfest is done! Saturday, October 4, 2014 What a raucous time we had at our "Traditional Oktoberfest"!! Lots of stomping German music, German food (bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut ... o my goodness!) and of course -- beer! There were guys in their best Lederhosen and lovely frauleins in gorgeous Dirndls, and so many others just enjoying the great music and dancing. There were plenty of Polkas, Pretzels, Steins and Food that Really Schmecked! ("tasty" "lip-smacking" ... look it up! ...) Some brave souls even learned (tried) dances they had never done before!! The Macarena (the girls looked terrific!) ... ... and the Shuhplattler -- yikes, that's tricky!! But oh so fun! Can hardly wait until next year's Oktoberfest!!
Boomer’s Bash!!
All you boomers out there … you dug out your flared poodle skirts, and guys slicked your hair into your ducktail, and the leather jackets came out and what a time we had !! It was a 50s-60s dance party!!! We had great 60s music, and the good times rolled! It was Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara Street, Victoria (in the James Bay area) Great dinner, followed by cool dance moves till the night was done!