Author Archives: admin

Djangouary Djam!

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Last weekend I had a completely blocked right nostril, a left one that ran nonstop, and two ears that felt like they were plugged with cotton. I wanted nothing more than to burrow under a blanket while cradling a bottle of Nyquil. I’m so glad I chose option B.

Option B was to drag my slightly miserable and snotty-nosed self to Ashland Coffee and Tea. Not only did I have a nice cup of tea and some tasty chicken chili, but I was treated to three hours and three bands’ worth of fantastic gypsy jazz music, a genre I have been woefully ignorant of for most of my life. Too bad for me, particularly since accordions (and violins) play such a pivotal role in that music.

Three bands performed that night at the second annual Djangouary to play music inspired by the late great European jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt. Last Sunday was Django’s birthday. I can now quite confidently call myself a Django fan,

The lineup:
1. From Philly– Dallas Vietty and his Musette Project. Dallas is a phenomenal player, and he’s so young! I met Dallas online (social media makes our large world rather small, and it becomes even smaller when you’re interested in accordions!).it was way cool to meet and hear him in person. Here’s a taste of his performance that night. He brought two kick-ass guitar players from the Hot Club of Philadelphia to accompany him…and what a trio they made! You can learn lots more about his musette project on his blog.

2. From West Virginia — The Woodshedders I loved this band! Unfortunately I didn’t grab any video that night on my iPhone, but I did find this video on Youtube.

1. From Richmond–Thomas Wakefield’s Gypsy Roots–my fabulously talented accordion teacher Bob Jacobs is the accordionist in this wonderful AND LOCAL gypsy jazz band. The next time they are playing around town, Richmonders need to check them out.

I was down to my last tissue when the night ended delightfully by pulling every member from every band up on stage to play together–Tres magnifique! Enjoy this clip of their final Djam.

Have you planned your Saturday night?

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If you live in Richmond or Ashland or anywhere in between, you can choose between two fabulous venues this weekend for some live musical entertainment. Do I really need to mention that both acts include some sweet accordion playing? I think not.

Alas, if only I could be in two places at once.

Here’s the lineup for Saturday, January 22 at 7p.m. Pick one.

1. Ashland Coffee and Tea (one of the best places in town for live music) is celebrating “Djangoary” DjangoFest to celebrate the birthday of 1930s European jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Gypsy Roots, a local Richmond Band led by Thomas Wakefield, is one of the reasons you should buy a ticket to this gypsy jazz gig. I’ve heard them play before–you won’t be disappointed. Check out the song Dark Eyes on their website for a taste of their talent. Another reason is Dallas Vietty, an accordion player visiting from Philly. Check out a sample of his French Musette project.

1. Elwood Thompson’s Cafe (at the corner of Elwood and Thompson) is once again presenting Happy Lucky Combo (no cover!). For heaven’s sake–if you haven’t seen this band yet, you simply must go. You just have to trust me. I only wish the band gave out punch cards for every performance attended. I would surely have qualified for a free sub by now. I LOVE this band.

No need to thank me for planning your weekend. Happy Birthday, Django and Happy Listening.

Where are the polka bars?

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When I first started taking accordion lessons I had to drive 62 miles to Charlottesville just to find a teacher. If I lived in Cleveland, I probably wouldn’t have had to drive around the block.

I’m not knocking Richmond. It’s a perfectly delightful mid-sized city with, believe it or not, more than one accordion player in the greater metropolitan area–may they continue to multiply. What it doesn’t have is DJ Kishka and his monthly Polka Happy Hour at the Happy Dog bar. Can you imagine?! I’m all a’flutter, just thinking about it. Cleveland’s got DJ Kishka, the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, AND perogies. Man oh man–some cities get all the luck.

Check out this nifty article from the Columbus Dispatch that details the polka scene in Cleveland’s city neighborhoods. Hey, I’m convinced. I’m thoroughly envious and, come springtime, I’m planning a road trip. Don’t worry–I’ll bring my video camera with me. My itinerary? Polka Happy Hour Friday night. Polka dancing at Frank Sterle’s on the East Side on Saturday. And a visit to the Polka Hall of Fame on Sunday.

My oh my, I do believe Drew Carey was right. Cleveland rocks and so does the polka.

Not quite top ten of 2010

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Dallas Vietty reminded me, it’s traditional to do a top ten list at the end of a year. But considering I have only 18 posts to choose from, a top 10 would deplete over half of my inventory. So, how ’bout I resolve for more posts in 2011–that and 2 inches off my waistline. And for now I’ll settle for a fav 5. I also realize it’s customary to publish your top 10 (or fav 5) at the end of the year that the events actually occurred, not two days into the next year, but I’m a few days behind so bear with me.

In case you missed them the first time, you might want to give these posts a second look.

5. The inaugural blog post. This reminds readers of why I started this blog in the first place. I’m quite delighted I started it and I’d like to thank my faithful readers: my mother and my husband. OK, so my mom doesn’t have a computer, but I’m fairly certain she would read it if she could access it. Plus, this post links to the sounds of Golem, a Brooklyn band you absolutely mustn’t miss if they are playing anywhere at all near you.

4. Blob’s Park Bavarian Dance Hall – not only does this post highlight one of my favorite bands (Brave Combo-WOOT), it also promotes a cool dance hall in Maryland and, well, dancing–something people do far too little of, in my opinion. Make a pledge to dance more in 2011—it’s easier than you think if a polka and an accordion is involved.

3. See the man (or woman) with the stage fright. Oy. My stomach still clenches at the memory. But I am forever indebted to Happy Lucky Combo (don’t miss this fabulous band either!) for allowing me to play with them and make a fool of myself. I lived (stomach cramps and flop sweats aside) and you will as well if you get up and play in front of others.

2. Gregory Page. This was a fairly recent post but I really dig his music and I totally love the sweet little movie on his website. So if you missed it before, give it a listen.

1. Three accordions in an elevator. Without question this is my fav post of 2010. This video cracks me up and makes me happy. Enjoy.

My Fav Christmas Carol

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I’ve been waiting for Christmas just so I could finally post this awesome Bob Dylan video. Although it’s perfect on so many levels, let me provide a little background. Mitch Miller first recorded my now-favorite Christmas carol on his Holiday Sing Along album in 1961. Check out the video. I wasn’t listening then since I was T minus 1 years old…but I did grow up listening to my parents’ Sing Along with Mitch records, and I wore that vinyl out.

Fast forward to 1991, when the wonderfully fabulous band Brave Combo from Denton, TX (see my August 22 post), records their kick-ass polka version of Miller’s Must Be Santa on their album It’s Christmas, Man! Dylan clearly had their version in mind when he recorded his own Christmas album and not Miller’s. Here’s an article you can read that will tell you more.

So enjoy Dylan’s homage to Brave Combo. This is my kind of Christmas party. Happy Holidaze, everyone. May your Christmas be merry and, if you’re lucky, include a polka or two.