Twice as Big Twice as Good
A Great Success!

The second annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention was a great success, with over 450 attendees from around the world. Dick Contino was awarded the 2001 Honorary Director of the event, and put on a "Las Vegas" style show. Myron Floren will be the Honorary Conductor for the 2002 event.

Dick Contino was awarded the 2001 Honorary Director of the event. Dick put on a "Las Vegas" style show with his son Pete on drums and Corky Brumble on keyboard. Dick also gave a talk about his career and mingled with attendees during the event as did all the entertainers including Art Van Damme, Peter Soave, Tony Lovello, Gina Brannelli, Julien Labro and Joe Vento.

Performances were given by Dick Contino, Gina & Romany Rye, Peter Soave and Julien Labro (who played an astounding rendition of "Flight of the Angeles"). Workshops were well attended and ranged from popular ethnic styles to jazz & blues along with bellows technique and accordion repair.

Honorary Conductor for 2000, Art Van Damme was rushed to the hospital during his performance with his quintet. He underwent tests and is now fully recovered.   Art is greatful to the many friends who have expressed concern.  He is doing great!.

Myron Floren will be the Honorary Conductor for the 2002 event, which will be held on June 23rd, 2002. Over 100 people have already registered for next year's event.

This year the coveted Crystal Frosini Award was presented to the Accordion Club of the Redwoods of Petaluma, California. The award is presented to the club judged to have done the most in their community to promote the accordion. Head of the judges this year was Arlene Boddicker, long time music educator. Second place went to the ALSI Club of San Diego, California and third place went to the Arizona Accordion Club.