Dear Members,

What a great concert we had! And how enthusiastically the audience responded to Frank Marocco. Not only his brilliant playing of all the many Jazz and popular standards of yesteryear, but his beautiful renditions of Astor Piazzolla’s tangos set the audience in a nostalgic mood. His playing showed how an accordion is meant to be played! I personally loved Frank’s style. He renewed my interest in jazz because of the way he delivered it.

His personality on and off the stage was so warm and unassuming. Jim and I had an great opportunity to be with Frank at dinner on Friday night and learned a great deal about the current and future status of the accordion in the music business. His vast experience over the years made the conversation a real learning experience. His talk during his concert was also enlightening to our audience.

Artists like Frank Marocco who give us concerts are what make our club such a worthwhile experience.

I must add one other thing: Several in the audience traveled long distances to be there. Joe Kalewski and his pupil came from North Carolina. Sal Vernali travelled from Pensacola, and a number of accordion fans came from the Atlanta area. Joe Kalewski was a member of the Frank Marocco accordion camp, and is a loyal fan of Frank.

We are planning our next concert for January 2010. It will feature our club orchestra under the direction of Henry Doktorski.

The next two meetings will be crucial in preparing our orchestra, so faithful preparation of the music and attendance at the meetings will be a must if we are to be successful in this endeavor.

Yours Truly,