The inaugural New Orleans Accordion Festival will feature accordion music in a weekend of diverse styles in several locations this November 2nd-4th. The festival is being planned by an all-accordionist team that organically came together around a shared love of community in general and of the accordion in particular. Many of us have been getting together for years to talk shop and hang out, celebrating an annual “Skinny Squeezy Tuesday” accordion party every year a week before Fat Tuesday. We like to have fun, share music, and have been spotted around town more than once parading in accordion flash mobs. We are excited to focus this energy into a festival, hopefully spreading the joy we hold for the instrument in its many possibilities.
We are excited about the line-up of our inaugural event. Friday evening, November 2nd at Siberia Lounge will feature an accordion-based dance party with music by Corey Ledet, Bruce Daigrepont, and The New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars. On November 3rd, in partnership with the French Market and National Park Service, the festival will present free accordion performances for all ages on two stages. That evening, the nationally acclaimed jazz accordion artist and arranger Gil Goldstein will headline the festival at The Mint with legendary New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich. Sunday’s programs will present community activities and education content that including an accordion petting zoo and accordion storytelling. The festival will conclude with an all-inclusive jam session.
Team
- Michael Ward-Bergeman, Steering Committee Member
- Greg Speck, Steering Committee Member
- David Symons, Steering Committee Member
- Stephanie Reed, Steering Committee Member