The committee of the Victorian Branch of the Accordion Society of Australia (ASA) is excited to announce the first of our Bellows and Beverages social events for 2025 held at the Brunswick Artists’ Bar, which operates in conjunction with the Brunswick Ballroom.
We look forward to catching up with many of our regulars, welcoming some new members, playing music, and enjoying great company. Additionally, French Musette and Chanson quartet, Langue de Chat, featuring Anthony Schulz (accordion), Kaira Hachefa (voice), Jack Pantazis (guitar) & Anton Schulz (double bass) is thrilled to perform a short set to kick off 2025.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and experience the accordion in a warm, friendly atmosphere over food and drink. Bring your accordion and share some songs or just come for a chat and listen. Whether you’re an accomplished player, just starting out, or simply adore the mesmerizing melodies of the accordion, this event is perfect for you!”
More information here
Chamber Obscura
6:30pm – Sunday 23rd February – Paris Cat Jazz Club
Melbourne-based ensemble Chamber Obscura is the culmination of years of collective tango passion. Featuring Kieran Ray (guitar), Sophie Dunn (violin), Suzanne Andrews (piano) and Phil Mcleod (double bass, accordion), Chamber Obscura combine their eclectic experience in world music to bring a fresh approach to traditional and Piazzolla tango works. Chamber Obscura’s breadth includes styles such as flamenco and afro-cuban, combining classical skill with virtuosic improvisation. Working as a chamber ensemble these four talented musicians breathe together to interpret and bring new light to classic compositions. Their live performances are vibrant and dynamic.
Blue Grassy Knoll
Performing Live soundtracks to Buster Keaton Films
In recreating the silent movie experience, the blue grassy knoll perform their original music, live along with classic films by Buster Keaton. For over 19 years, they have performed around the world and continue to delight audiences with their compelling and humorous scores.
8pm Thursday 27 February 2025 – Main Square, Fed Square
2:30pm Sunday 2nd March – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, Victoria
The Wake (Celtic band) – St Patrick’s Day (& Eve) Gigs
The Wake have been entertaining Australian audiences with our mix of contemporary and traditional Irish, Scottish, English and Australian music since 1995, with our current personnel playing together since 2003. We are happy in any setting – weddings, pubs, festivals, taking our name from the great Irish tradition of the wake, celebrating right to the end.
The Wake feature, Michael Kerton (vocals, guitar, mandolin, bodhran), Anne Eastaugh (fiddle, vocals), Michael Macdermid (bass, bodhran, vocals) and Cat Kohn (piano accordion, viola & vocals).
Sunday 16th March 7.30 – Limerick Arms Hotel, 364 Clarendon St, South Melbourne. Free entry.
Monday 17th March 2pm – Village Belle Hotel, 202 Barkly St, St Kilda. Free entry.
Monday 17th March 7pm – Jackpot Bar, Crown Casino, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank. Free entry.
Accordion Workshops with Sofia Chapman
Transylvanian Music Camp 12–16 April, Heathcote, Sydney.
In this music camp Sofia passes on techniques and tunes learnt directly from
folk and Roma musicians in Eastern Europe, as well as tips and tricks gleaned
and devised over 30 years of accordion playing. In Transylvania, Sofia learnt
from Berki Béla in Méra amongst others, and will be focussing on accompaniment
styles, harmonic variations, form and the role of the accordion in this region.
Sofia Chapman trained as a classical pianist until discovering and running away with the piano accordion in 1993. In 1998 she joined the band VARDOS and has made seven study trips to Eastern Europe with Alana Hunt as well as performing internationally and appearing in film and television. Sofia also writes and composes for theatre and film and her compositions are published through Wirripang.
Sofia has given workshops at the Illawarra, National and Port Fairy Folk Festivals as well as Turramurra Music Camp and the Balkans and Beyond music camp at Queenscliff 2023.
Register by 22 Feb for the Kengugró Kalotaszegi Tábor,
Music Camp 12–16 April, Heathcote, Sydney
Accordion Society of Australia
The Accordion Society of Australia is a thriving not-for-profit organisation that embraces the diversity of accordion music. Our mission is to provide a supportive network which nurtures a vibrant community of players, performers, and music lovers and to promote the accordion’s cultural, artistic and contemporary significance. Together, we aim to inspire, educate, and share the joy of accordion music in Australia and beyond.
