Event

10th Annual Accordion Noir Festival: Accordion Alchemy

The first part of the evening assumes mythic proportions with a hypnotic and breath-taking solo performance by headliner Antti Paalanen (Finland). Paalanen, one of Europes most sought after accordion innovators, transports audiences to primal Finnish landscapes through his signature combination of virtuosic technique and inspired electronics. This will be his North American debut. The artistry on this night continues to rise to new heights with the premiere of a commission by composer/performer team Giorgio Magnanensi and Douglas Schmidt (Ho Chi Minh). The commission is named "Raw Meat and Butterflies" and features spectral electronics by Magnanensi and intricate bandoneon by Schmidt, a standout musician who performs with and writes for symphony orchestras across the world. This part takes place at St James Anglican Church and is all ages.

The second part of the evening kicks into gear with revelry and non-stop dancing with a feature set by boundary-breaking electronica/accordion DJ Lykaire (Lafayette, Illinois), a booty-kicking roma/funk set from 12 piece local brass band Balkan Schmalkan with Adam Farnsworth on accordion, and a much anticipated cameo set by uber-talented all female "ethno-extreme" band Iva Nova. Iva Nova will be playing a full set at the Saturday night festival show as well. This part takes place at the Russian Hall in Strathcona and is 19+