27-th AAMS Annual Festival in Whippany, NJ
April 25, 2015The 27-th Annual Accordion Festival organized by the American Accordion Musicological Society took place in Whippany, NJ on March 27-29. This festival has been a special event for me personally since 1996. I am very grateful to Stan and Joanna Darrow for their commitment to the accordion music, the musical education of many generation young musicians, and for organizing this festival. Each year it is a thrill to get together with many friends and enjoy world class performances. Here are some pictures to give you an idea of the special atmosphere of this festival.
| Stan and Joanna Darrow - virtuoso accordionists, educators, organizers of the AAMS Festival |
 |
| My older son
still plays the accordion and I have Stan and Joanna Darrow
to thank
for teaching and inspiring him. The Acme Accordion School is
a treasure
for NJ and I believe should be given a "National Treasure"
status. The
school is a special place where kids can find "pier
incentive" to play
music. Stanley Darrow (Acme Accordion School) and Guenadiy Lazarov (Accordion Gallery) |
 |
| Congratulations to 2015 AAMS Honorees Mario Tacca and
Mary Mancini! Thank you for sharing your art and passion with us. |
 |
| Vladimir Mollov and Annie Mollova entertained the guests at the Saturday Night Gala Concert. These young and talented artists captivated the audience. Their love for music and each other creates a special aura and you can't help feeling genuinely happy. |
 |
 |
 |
| The music continued after the official concert - Vladimir Mollov, Dee Langley, and Bernie Gardzalla played variety of music - Balkan, Scandinavian, Irish, polka - so much fun! |
 |
 |
 |
| Paul Ramunni is the director and owner of the New England Accordion Museum. Paul has been very kind to bring many of his special vintage accordions and was happy to share his knowledge with the appreciative audience. |
 |
 |
|
Everybody loves Paul ...  Joe Ciccone and
Paul Ramunni - friends, accordionists, nice people to know
 Mario Tacca and
Paul Ramunni
|
Joe Ciccone reunited with his precious and special Bell
Accordion |
| |
Lenny Feldmann with
Annie Mollova
 |
Clay Bobrowski and Joan Grauman saying hello to all accordion friends  |