If you’re in Seattle this weekend, swing by the Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle) and check out the Northwest Accordion Society’s annual Day of the Accordion festival. According to organizer Bonnie Birch, the event started 15 years ago as a way for the society to showcase the skills and music of the instrument they love:
“For many years, people made fun of the accordion, but we wanted to show what can be done on the accordion… I think making fun of the accordion is on its way out. People are realizing you can play serious music on it.”
The festival features nonstop accordion entertainment on the main stage, as well as free workshops and lessons (they’ll provide the accordions) throughout the afternoon. There will also be a “Rising Star Stage” to showcase students and the afternoon will culminate in a big jam session open to all.