I am a professional accordionist with over 25 years experience leading ensembles and performing solo. I have given concerts all over the U.S. as well as Canada, Australia, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, and Poland. Locally, I have performed at New Orleans venues such as The Maison, d.b.a, The Spotted Cat, Allways Lounge, Hi-Ho Lounge, Siberia, Marigny Brasserie, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Voodoo and French Quarter festivals, and the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo. I am versed in klezmer, French and Italian styles. I am founder and director of BrechtFest, New Orleans annual celebration of the songs and poetry of Bertolt Brecht, started in 2019.
5 reviews
Tara T.
July 15, 2025David was such a pleasure to work with. He communicated and responded very quickly to all my texts. His effort at playing requested songs and alternative recommendations were fantastic. The sound level of the music was perfect for my event and he was intuitive and responsive when speeches were being made. He even sang the lyrics for our bride and groom dance- nice voice David ! 5 Star performer
Hired as: Accordion Player
Tricia L.
August 13, 2024David gave a wonderful performance featuring all Italian music for our Italian ladies club----the group enjoyed all the songs that were played.
Hired as: Accordion Player
Laure L.
June 13, 2018Communication was easy, David arrived on time and played French music like we had agreed upon. Overall very enjoyable, great touch to our booth.
Hired as: Accordion Player
David C. Symons - Accordionist
Thanks! Glad I could help.
David
Sarah M.
November 9, 2017David played at our wedding in Jackson Square. He played beautifully and came dressed very well. He was also very responsive and helpful in picking out music for the ceremony. Thank you!!
Hired as: Accordion Player
Caitlin W.
June 4, 2015Wow, David and the Salt Wives Trio were amazing! I cannot recommend them enough! I got married in a rustic setting in New Orleans, and wanted French-style music for the when guests arrived, the ceremony, and for cocktails after the ceremony. David played the accordion and was accompanied by a violinist and a singer. There were exactly what I had in mind, and many guests commented on how great the music was - my Dad even bought their CD that night.
Working with David was very easy. We met to discuss what I had in mind, and kept in touch leading up to the big day to confirm song selections, etc. He is beyond professional, and from that I knew they were going to give a high quality performance. I'd book them in a second again!
Hired as: Accordion Player
Price range: Starts at $300
Gig length: 30 - 240 minutes
Some of the bands I have led:
Black Sea Quartet (Vermont, (phone number hidden)6)
Inner Fire District (Vermont, (phone number hidden)0)
The Salt Wives (Rhode Island/Louisiana, 2008 - present)
Some of the bands I have played with:
Debauche (Louisiana, (phone number hidden)3)
The Underscore Orkestra (Australia/Europe, 2014)
If you would prefer a duo, trio, or quartet, I play with some of the New Orleans' finest violin, clarinet, and bass players. Hire me, and you will have an on-time, shoe-shined, double-windsored, fleet-fingered gentlemanly artist to lend some old-world romance to your event. I am available for acoustic strolling, as well as amplified performing. I can bring and run my own sound equipment at no additional charge.
Saturday
Wedding Reception
1:00pm - 3:30pm
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New Orleans, LA
Monday
Cultural Event
7:00pm - 8:00pm
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New Orleans, LA
Sunday
Convention/Trade Show
12:00pm - 5:00pm
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New Orleans, LA
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
12:00pm - 12:30pm
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New Orleans, LA
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
6:30pm - 10:30pm
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New Orleans, LA
Dave Tarras, Naftule Brandwein, Brave Old World, The Klezmatics, Jacques Brel, Edith Piaf, Kurt Weill, Guy Klucevsek, Tom Waits, Tin Hat Trio, and many more.
Accordion Player