I can't think of more perfect setting than Leavenworth, Washington to have this 4 day festival with its "Bavarian Village" theme, nestled in Mission Valley on the Wenatchee River and surrounded by the Cascade Mountains.
My Dad, Al Fabre, would have had a blast today! He was an exceptionally gifted accordionist of many styles and played professionally for almost 50 years. I kind of felt like I was his ambassador this day and really enjoyed meeting a few of his old friends that knew and/or studied with him.
So many beautiful accordions of all sizes and colors. I haven't been around accordions for several years with the exception of catching an occasional performance by John Giuliani Jr., another family friend and gifted musician.
I want to get this on my calendar for next year soon. I only had the one day to be there but seeing all of these accordions and hearing some great players in the Front Street Park in Leavenworth really made a call to my soul.
Dad met Joe Petosa Sr. back in the late 1940's and ever since then he exclusively played Petosa Accordions for the rest of his long career. They had a great friendship and a lot of respect for each other. Petosa built him a few one of kind custom accordions to fit his slender fingers and added a few extra keys to his liking.
As I mentioned above, Dad played clubs for years and had a very loyal base of fans that followed him everywhere he played around the Pacific Northwest. He also taught lessons in our home in Earlington, Renton, Washington in his studio downstairs. Hardly a day went by we didn't hear accordions most of the day growing up. Great memories!
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration
Northwest Accordion Society
Petosa Accordions
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