Friday, August 28, 2009

Fun Times In Oshkosh

We had a ball in Oshkosh last night. What a great crowd. It was an Accordion Blowout and we finished with a rousing rendition of Beer Barrel Polka. Nothing like a Wisconsin crowd to get things stirred up. Now it's on to Illinois. Hope they're ready!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

'My Accordion' Tells Life Story of Carmen Vitanza

Many thanks to Carmen Vitanza who sent me his book, "My Accordion: The Music of My Life." It's a wonderful look back over 60 years of this virtuoso's life. Any fan of the accordion will enjoy it.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Video: TDA Alumni at Cotati Accordion Festival



For the big ending to Saturday's 20th anniversary set at the Cotati Accordion Festival, former Those Darn Accordions members joined the current lineup for several songs.

In the first clip, Big Lou and Art Peterson sing "Hotsy Totsy Polka" and original TDA drummer Bill Schwartz sings "Low Rider."



In the second, Ron Muriera sings "It's Not Unusual" before Tom Torriglia and the rest of the TDA alumni reunite onstage for "We're An Accordion Band."

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Follow TDA Tour on Twitter, Win Road Swag

If you're not already following us on Twitter, now would be a good time to start. We'll be tweeting like mad as we drive across the country and get down to business playing gigs in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Check out the official Those Darn Accordions Twitter page and be sure to follow @TDAccordions for updates, including the times and locations of TDA Roadside Giveaways: Some lucky winners will receive TDA merch, including the new Accordion Bots shirts.

To Cotati and beyond!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Here Comes TDA


Show #1 of 20 was in Alameda, CA. A nice warm up for Cotati Accordion Festival on Saturday. Come early and hear some great accordion playing, drink beer and eat some great food! We go on at 6:25 PM and will have lots of special guests from the early years of TDA. See ya there!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

A Toast To Those Darn Accordions


In the secluded studios of the TDA graphic arts department, a special commemorative pint glass is being prepared. Rumor has it that the TDA van will be making a diversion on its trip across the United States to pick them up at a secret location known only to a few select band members and the 100 or so employees that work there and their other customers and I guess anyone else who knows how to Google. Stay tuned for more info and how you might be able to procure one of these limited-edition glasses.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Big Lou Plays 'Chicken Dance' in Africa



Those Darn Accordions founder Big Lou, aka the Accordion Princess, plays the "Chicken Dance" with the Maru a Pula Marimba band (and Lou's husband David Golia on bass) at the Ladies Number One Opera House in Gaborone, Botswana. Weirdest instrumentation yet?

A little closer to home, Big Lou's Polka Casserole plays Schroeder's Cafe in downtown San Francisco this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

She'll also be joining TDA during our big reunion set at the 2009 Cotati Accordion Festival.

Friday, August 7, 2009

New TDA "Bot" T's Are Here



Oh No! Oh Yes! The Flying TDA Bots are about to conquer the world. Only those wearing the protective Bot T-shirt will be spared! There's no time to lose. Get to the TDA store and save yourself! Then check out artist Frank Samuelson, who drew the art for the shirt.