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Cleveland, OH

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cat

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Hi folks. I've read some wonderful stories and videos of the older folks among these threads. Thank you. I would love to read about folks with connections to the Cleveland/Detroit/Great Lakes area accordion scene.

Personally I'm from the Detroit area, and grew up reviling the very image of accordion (I was a rock 'n roll kid). My father is from Cleveland so I'm guessing he heard some accordion music in his life (he died 50-some years ago). Just musing this evening, whilst lovingly enjoying playing my accordion.
 
HELLO CAT
Great to hear from someone with Cleveland roots.
I'm a born and bred Clevelander, and now live in one of the suburbs just south of Cleveland.
Cleveland certainly has had it's share of great accordionists, and still does. Hell, Cleveland even has it's own unique
sound for tuning accordions--dubbed Cleveland Tuned.
If I would have been a little more responsive and respected the words of my parents---I might have joined those ranks,
but similar to you---as a youngster, I had other interests besides playing accordion. Now 60 years later, I'm struggling
to learn this fine art. Hey, I'm having fun trying.
We still have a fair number of accordionists--mostly polka bands.
I think like most metropolitan areas in the U.S. the masses followed rock-n-roll, and the accordion lost out to drums, and guitars. They make
lots of noise----certainly they make great music as well.
Take care, keep squeezing
CHICKERS
 
ABSOLUTELY:
If you play the accordion---it all counts.
We all play in each others backyard, so no matter what the map name is, we are neighbors.
Have a great day.
CHICKERS
 
I have many fond memories of visiting Detroit and Cleveland in the 1960's and 1970's back when both cities were economic and accordion powerhouses. Growing up just across the border and within sight of Detroit it was our playground with so many events all of the time. Castiglione Accordions was a favorite haunt because of all of the things that they sold. There were festivals and clubs that were accessible to everyone. Great times!
 
Hi folks. I've read some wonderful stories and videos of the older folks among these threads. Thank you. I would love to read about folks with connections to the Cleveland/Detroit/Great Lakes area accordion scene.

Personally I'm from the Detroit area, and grew up reviling the very image of accordion (I was a rock 'n roll kid). My father is from Cleveland so I'm guessing he heard some accordion music in his life (he died 50-some years ago). Just musing this evening, whilst lovingly enjoying playing my accordion.
Hi Cat and Chickers,

Well, I don't live near Cleveland but I do live in the Great Lakes area, being on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin accordion scene is good, Italian in Milwaukee, polkas and old time everywhere else. And we can watch the 1000' freighters coming over the horizon for winter drydock, imagining at least one crew with an accordion.

Anyway, as I've mentioned, my daughter lives (part time) in Cleveland in Little Italy, from where she sent me a beautiful t shirt for Christmas from Feast of the Assumption this August. I keep asking for accordion sightings but she has yet to find them. So, pray tell, where should she go to find some Cleveland style polkas or......???
 
Hi folks. I've read some wonderful stories and videos of the older folks among these threads. Thank you. I would love to read about folks with connections to the Cleveland/Detroit/Great Lakes area accordion scene.

Personally I'm from the Detroit area, and grew up reviling the very image of accordion (I was a rock 'n roll kid). My father is from Cleveland so I'm guessing he heard some accordion music in his life (he died 50-some years ago). Just musing this evening, whilst lovingly enjoying playing my accordion.
The Hot Club of Detroit features accordionist Julien Labro.
 
Hi Cat and Chickers,

Well, I don't live near Cleveland but I do live in the Great Lakes area, being on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin accordion scene is good, Italian in Milwaukee, polkas and old time everywhere else. And we can watch the 1000' freighters coming over the horizon for winter drydock, imagining at least one crew with an accordion.

Anyway, as I've mentioned, my daughter lives (part time) in Cleveland in Little Italy, from where she sent me a beautiful t shirt for Christmas from Feast of the Assumption this August. I keep asking for accordion sightings but she has yet to find them. So, pray tell, where should she go to find some Cleveland style polkas or......???
TOM:
Great to hear your comments. As a matter of fact, I appreciate you being soo responsive, and active on the Forum. Thank you.
Yep, Little Italy is certainly a neat area to be around, especially in Summer time.
As for polkas, have your daughter google Chardon Polka Band, Cleveland Polka Association, German Central, and Dingus Day / Cleveland.
That should give her some good starting points.
By-the-way, if you come to visit your daughter sometime, let me know, and maybe we can meet-up.
Love to meet another "accordion guy".
Take care, have a great day
CHICKERS
 
TOM:
Great to hear your comments. As a matter of fact, I appreciate you being soo responsive, and active on the Forum. Thank you.
Yep, Little Italy is certainly a neat area to be around, especially in Summer time.
As for polkas, have your daughter google Chardon Polka Band, Cleveland Polka Association, German Central, and Dingus Day / Cleveland.
That should give her some good starting points.
By-the-way, if you come to visit your daughter sometime, let me know, and maybe we can meet-up.
Love to meet another "accordion guy".
Take care, have a great day
CHICKERS
Thanks Chickers! Yeah, that would be great, thanks for the invitation. Even though my daughter is moving to Kansas City, I'd love to check out an Italian or Polka fest in Cleveland, but you know...covid. maybe next year!
 
Nice to hear!

Is the polka scene up in Ontario as well? I know that fiddle music is prevalent as you go north.
 
Nice to hear!

Is the polka scene up in Ontario as well? I know that fiddle music is prevalent as you go north.
Much like in the United States, the polka scene isn't what it was many years ago. It's still around but not as prevalent. When I lived across the border from Detroit, they would ask how the weather was "up north in Canada " and I would have to point out that Detroit was directly north of my home, isn't geography great?
 
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