DonnaAccordionna

The sound of the accordion has traveled around the world to create music that enthuses and connects memories to music we love today. I'm happy to prepare a unique program for your event that celebrates seasons and travels to places and times that sing and dance in your memories. You can choose from a variety of themed programs, including Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Under Paris Skies, Italian, Irish, Alpine, or Around the World in Song. I also cover contemporary Pop, Rock, and Country tunes.

I particularly enjoy interactive performances! My background as an educator weaves melody, rhythms, and movement, with humor, tenderness, and information on the songs/themes we share.

My family told me I could sing before I could talk! As a kid, I picked out tunes on a toy piano, but our tiny duplex was simply too small for one. When I was about 8 years old, we visited cousins in New York who -to my surprise and delight- pulled an accordion from a SUITCASE and played some of the children's tunes I'd fingered on the toy piano. I knew we had room for a suitcase in our bedroom! From that moment, I began begging for an accordion! It took several months, but one memorable day, we drove a fair distance to audition at the Guild School of Music. My younger sister and tried out a tiny accordion and were declared GENIUSES! Sis lost interest but I was enthralled. I studied accordion from age 10-17; received a degree in Music Education/Vocal Performance; and played the accordion for seven years in elementary school music classes in Baltimore City Schools. I put it away when I shifted careers. In 2016, I wanted to learn mandolin and visited the House of Musical Traditions. I stopped in their accordion room and decided to play one again, after more than 30 years without a good squeeze. Since then, I JUST KEEP PLAYING all the music I enjoy. I’m always delighted to play for a group! I also enjoy ensemble work, whether we improvise or perform at special events on Independence Day, for Oktoberfest and Christmas.

I'm happy to prepare a unique program for your event that celebrates seasons and travels to places and times that sing and dance in your memories. My lifelong love (and a good portion of my career) has been making music~ singing, playing accordion, teaching K-12 students, and supporting memories and emotional presence in assisted living and other residential programs.

My repertoire is primarily drawn from the American Songbook with songs from your grandparents' lives, your parents' romances, and parties you remember from your teens. I delight in being Happy and You Know It with Baby Sharks, John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, Bingo, Old McDonald, and Disney characters. When we share a musical journey around the world, you'll hear music from Latin America, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and other countries by your request (with at least 30 days notice).

Please note: My rates include considerations of time to prepare your desired program as well as commuting to a performance. If you have a budget, let's talk about options!

The client must provide sufficient ambient light for me to handle my equipment safely.

The client must provide approximately 8x10 square feet of dedicated space and a side table to accommodate the solo accordionist, sound equipment, music stand, and seating. A dedicated loading zone is needed before and after the performance. Reserved parking is appreciated.

My portable sound equipment that can fill a large room or outdoor space.
I don't carry lighting equipment of any kind. For onstage presentations, the client must provide stage lighting/spotlights and a crew to operate them.

I appreciate the client sharing photos and videos of my work with me.