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!
Victoria Accordion Festival July 2014
8th annual Victoria International Accordion Festival - July 18-20, 2014 The annual Victoria accordion festival was very successful. It was held on Friday, July 18 through to Sunday July 20th. The BC Accordion Society (www.bcaccordion.ca) organized and hosted the festival with support from the Victoria Accordion Club. The competition for soloists was held on Friday July 18th at First Metropolitan United Church on Quadra Street (address: 932 Balmoral Street) in Victoria. Other activities were held in conjunction with the festival. The schedule: Friday, July 18 - 2 pm - 7 pm - competition for soloists - First Metropolitan United Church; 932 Balmoral St, Victoria. Friday, July 18 - 8 pm - Concert: Night of Stars - First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral St. Victoria. Featuring: Stas Venglevski (Russia/USA), and
World Accordion Day
World Accordion Day - May 6, 2014 **Celebration and Concert** Prepare to be "wowed" by the music, the performers, and the skill shown in generating beautiful sounds from the rapturous, melodic accordion. Performers from the community, including the Victoria Accordion Club and the BC Accordion Orchestra will enthral you will beautiful songs from all genres. You'll tap your toes to some modern soft-rock, and be bedazzled with moving music of the classics. This is part of our celebration of World Accordion Day, being celebrated across the globe with special events in numerous countries. Check this website (World Accordion Day) for details of global celebrations. Come to our Concert: Place: Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Ave, Victoria Time: 7:30 pm, May 6, 2014 Tickets: $25 Adults; $20
Great music at club meetings
Great music at jam sessions after the meeting and band practice Our last few meetings, always on the first Sunday of each month, have been terrific. Some great music from our members, and even from some young players who are students of well-known classical accordionist, Jelena Milojevic. What a treat to hear these young players crank out their tunes, and entertain the spectators and club members. The future of accordion in our region is very promising. The jam session after the meeting is always a highlight. Members and visitors alike join in to play familiar songs, and even some ethnic favourites. Toes tap, and bodies sway, and fingers snap to the melodies. A good time.
Christmas at the Edelweiss Club
Ho! Ho! Ho! Welcome to our Christmas at the Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara Street in Victoria. Saturday, November 30th - Christmas Craft Fair Lots of Christmas crafts to add flair to your collection of Christmas decorations for your home. Make sure you're there! Starts at 11 am. Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara Street. Sunday, December 8th - Edelweiss Club and Victoria Accordion Club Christmas celebration Good music, good food, dancers, entertainment, and possibly even an appearance by Santa himself! Not to be missed. Join us! Time: 11 am. Place: 108 Niagara Street, Victoria.
*Oktoberfest with the Victoria Accordion Club*
What fun! Oktoberfest 2014 is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th. We're already getting calls about details. So, make sure your calendar is marked! Reservations will be needed. Keep watching this website for details coming soon. ================================== Oktoberfest 2013 - October 19, 2013 at the Victoria Edelweiss Club, sponsored by the Victoria Accordion Club and the Victoria Edelweiss Club. Our Oktoberfest 2013 was a roaring success! Over 125 people enjoyed the usual fabulous authentic German meal including bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, potatoes, and various salads, plus delicious apple strudel for dessert. And, of course, the famous "beverages" that are so well-known and part of a successful Oktoberfest. Too good! After dinner, the Victoria Accordion Band played some lively German-style tunes including the ever-popular and highly-demanded
Oktoberfest celebrations
Oktoberfest - October 19, 2013 See latest post -- Oktoberfest 2013 is done! A great time! Scenes from past Oktoberfests by the Victoria Accordion Club:
Coupe Mondiale a success
Coupe Mondiale completed and a huge success The Victoria Accordion Club (VAC) participated in Coupe Mondiale, a major international accordion festival often referred to as the "olympics" of accordion festivals around the world. This world festival is held each year in a major city around the world, and in 2013 was held right here in Victoria, British Columbia, during August 17 - 25th. For more details and results of the competition, visit the festival's website http://www.coupemondiale.org/2013/ca_coupe_main.htm. The VAC band competed in the "orchestra" section of the festival on Saturday August 17th. While the band did not win any prizes, it played well and garnered well-deserved accolades for its performance. The category had a number of extremely talented orchestras from Canada and other
Swiss Consulate Anniversary
The band participated in a special event on May 19, 2013 in Victoria to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Swiss consulate in Western Canada. Dignitaries from the consulate in Vancouver, as well as special guests attended. Parade - May 20, 2013 Members of the band also played on the Swiss float in the Victoria May Day parade on May 20th.
Seniors Expo performance
Senior's Expo - Tuesday, March 12, 2013 - 9:40 am - at Pearkes Recreation Center, Tillicum Road, Victoria. Hundreds of seniors attended the Expo which featured services available to seniors in the community. The event also featured musicians, dancers, singers, choirs and other performers. The VAC band performed some lively songs to the delight of the attendees.