from donna kaspar, christine boris-estaban and jeff nelson

Is  That a Typewriter in Your Carry-on Bag? … or

Fun Times at the National Accordion Association Convention

By Donna Kaspar

President of the San Diego Accordion Club

       My husband and I traveled to Dallas mid-March for the NAA Convention at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lewisville, TX. We had a heck of a good time! I didn’t leave the hotel for 89 straight hours; for four days I never even thought about looking at local or national news.

Great people, engaging workshops, superb performances, and really, really good food!

       This year’s convention took on a country & western theme, and offered a fine slate of workshop instructors and many experienced musicians. Workshop topics included polka styles/techniques, tips for duets, bass patterns, musicality, how to play while singing, prepping for gigs, western swing theory/history, teaching special populations, and midi/electronic demos.

       There were plenty of opportunities to play. Conventioneers could sign up to perform a few tunes during the lunch and dinner meals. The “social center” was always in gear offering another setting in which to play solo or with friends. For those that wanted to stay up really late, jam sessions started up each night after the evening performances.

      This year, two separate bands were assembled from among the attendees: Dick Albreski’s Fun Band, and Gordon Kohl’s Pick-up Country Group. Both had practices/rehearsals during the day, and each had  an evening performance.

The programmed entertainment for lunch and dinnertime was excellent, and included The Cow Town Saddle Pals, a snappy local band comprised of accordion, guitar, standup bass, fiddle, percussion and vocals. Also performing was Yodel Blitz, a German trio starring Lori Brooke. The final evening showcased five awesome entertainers: Mike Middleton, Gordon Kohl, Bob Bisciglia, Jim Rommel, and Lori Brooke.

       As always, the NAA Convention offers a super friendly and relaxed gathering of accordion friends and families, with plenty of opportunities to play your accordion, chat with the instructors and performers, and socialize. 

        Keep an eye out for next year’s date. Usually mid March.  About the title of my article? On our trip back to San Diego there was a lot of training going on at the

airport security check point. After a bit of scrutiny I was asked “Is that a typewriter in your bag?” Made me smile all the way home.:)evolution of music and how it has shaped our culture. From the blues to hip-hop, get a glimpse into the stories behind the music.

Christine Boris-Estaban (RCAC member) has won an award from the American Writers Museum for being an Inspiring Teacher. Apparently, one of her former HS students, Brit Bennett, has written two best-selling novels, both of which have been #1 on the NYT list for a number of weeks at a time (that's enough of an honor right there!), but Ms. Bennett named her as her "Inspiring Teacher."

             Congratulations to Christine, who is not only a wonderful accordionist but a retired high school teacher inspiring young people. Chris taught 19 years at El Camino High School in Oceanside, CA. She taught the Advanced Placement Language and Composition to juniors for 15 of the 19 years. Her law school education and practice of law, combined perfectly with the requisite English courses. Congratulations on a job well done! 

           Christine attended the RCAC accordion camp in 2024 and became a member of the club after that. She lives in California and attends the San Diego Club, American Accordion Lovers Society, led by Donna Kaspar.