A new Accordion Weekend at Eastbourne

For those of us who find it difficult to travel to Pakefield, Bridlington and other venues in the north, there is now an annual festival at the comfortable Albany Lions Hotel on the seafront in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Arranged by John Romero, an experienced player and the brains behind many organ festivals, this new venture is off the ground, and, he told me, will be repeated next year between the 18^th and 21^st February 2005.

This year we enjoyed a stay with excellent facilities, food and service. Playing in the rooms was allowed, although there is a nice concert room and bar where one could play or listen.

The workshops were first class, especially for beginners, with displays of instruments, music and accessories as usual.

The line up of performers provided entertainment and brilliance with variety and quality.

Charlie Watkins had us hysterical with his ‘act’ (called a seminar!) and Harry Hussey confirmed that he is still tops with Jazz, Popular and Big Band music, playing all his requests with ease and tremendous flair.

He used his Midi system with intelligence in a performance which could have not been better. (Those of you who play Midi, go and learn from him!)

Paul chamberlain played not only Bach and Scarlatti on his free bass button Bayan but also treated us to some superb Scottish and French musette pieces on the piano Accordion.

His acoustic performance balanced the electronic sounds produced by John Romero, Gennaro Fiondella and Paul Carman, who use popular music to great effect.

Sue Coppard stepped in at the last moment because George Syrett was ill and gave us a program of great interest, containing some of her own compositions full of all the flavour of other countries and overtures played with such sensitivity.

I could go on, but for Midi buffs this weekend is a must, although acoustic purists like myself prefer the decibels kept down a bit.

Thanks and congratulations to the owner and staff of the hotel and to John Romero of Carillon Studios, who can be contacted on 01323 733700.

Bob Head

White Horse Accordion Club

01258 817439.

I have just returned from a most enjoyable weekend in Eastbourne at the Accordion Festival run by John Romero and his lovely wife Jackie. When we arrived at the very comfortable "The Albany Lions Hotel "in Grand Parade, Harry Hussey was playing in the lounge and a welcome cup of tea (and biscuits) was being served. The festival got under way with a welcome concert with Gennaro Fiondella, Gennaro played classical pieces including Flight of the Angels, Dance of the Comedians and he also entertained us by singing and playing more light hearted music such as Volare, etc. After dinner we were then entertained by John Romero who played accordion and keyboard, he also sang. Harry Hussey followed - brilliant as usual - and played requests from the audience. Sue Coppard played various music including Greek, Mexican, Hungarian, etc., also some of her own compositions.

The following evening we were introduced to Paul Chamberlain a brilliant young player who played both button and piano accordion, Paul played classical pieces by Frosini and many other composers, he also played Scottish numbers including some of Gary Blair's numbers - Paul is definitely a star of the future. Over the next couple of days several seminars took place, these were very informative and included:- Charlie Watkins Music Seminar. Trevani - playing by ear and how to play blues. Gennaro Fiondella - how to play different rhythms on the bass, also some music theory.

On Sunday afternoon a Guests' concert took place, where guests of all different abilities played their party pieces - this was good, someone even played a harmonica. In the evenings we were entertained by Gennaro, Harry, Sue and John. The whole atmosphere amongst fellow guests was relaxed and friendly. The festival culminated in a "Party-Time Jam Session" in which all the artists took part including the lovely Charlie Watkins and his famous" Blaze Away."

All in all a most enjoyable time - and it all took place in a comfortable hotel with excellent food - what more could you ask for?

Jean & Colin Sharpe - Middlesex