More information:
President’s Welcome (PDF) - coming soon
Festival Program (PDF) - coming soon
Stiletto Sisters
Is there enough passion in your life? How long has it been since you spent an evening with three glamorous gypsy girls whose only desire is to whip you into a frenzy with their instrumental virtuosity and then cause you to swoon with the beauty of their vocal harmonies?
The Stiletto Sisters have been wooing audiences in their home town of Melbourne, for many years with their seductive blend of Hungarian gypsy, tango and love songs from around the world. The trio features the breathtaking virtuosity of Hungarian trained violinist Hope Csutoros (My Friend the Chocolate Cake), the dynamic piano accordion playing of Judy Gunson and the wonderful talents of Jo To on double bass.
The Stiletto Sisters perform with extraordinary emotional range from extreme delicacy to blazing intensity and more than a touch of humour. Stiletto Sisters’ performances do come with a health warning: the velvety seduction of their 3-part harmonies on Latin, Yiddish and Hungarian love songs has caused many to faint with delight!
Gusto Gusto
Finalists for both 2023 and 2024 Australian Folk Music Awards’ Artist of the Year, Gusto Gusto are dance floor favourites. Hailing from West Preston, a tiny pocket in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, the last two years have seen them storming stages including Glastonbury Festival (UK), Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Dark MOFO (TAS), Tablelands Folk Festival (QLD) and Brunswick Music Festival (VIC), and supporting acts Snarky Puppy (US), Skerryvore (Scotland), The Bamboos and The Black Jesus Experience.
In October 2024, Gusto Gusto release their anticipated debut album ‘…To The Ocean They Returned’, a raucous blend of violin, trumpet and clarinet, backed by accordion, guitar, bass and drums.
Links:
www.gustogustomusic.com
www.instagram.com/gustogustomusic
www.facebook.com/gustogustomusic
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q95z4aixfTs
Sunday concert (4pm to 6pm) - TangoMundo, ASAVO (ASA Victoria Orchestra), Prahran Accordion Band, and Massed Accordion Orchestra
TangoMundo
Come hear the music which flourished in one of the greatest urban centres of the 20th century: Buenos Aires. Listen to tango strains from the dingy cabarets and classy concert halls, mixed up in the run-down barrios where poets and musicians rule.
TangoMundo play this music; rising from the turmoil of the metropolis and crossing paths with classical music forms and reinvented street tango.
Be transported by the rhythms of the city and the drama, romance and power of tango.
www.tangomundo.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU7b4ZlL914
ASA Massed Accordion Orchestra
More information coming soon!
Prahran Accordion Band
The Prahran Accordion Band came into existence about ten years ago as part of Community Music Victoria's "Street Sounds" project. Since then it has spread its wings and bellows to become a unique and fun part of the Melbourne accordion and community music scenes. Performances include a lot of humour, singing, dressing up and the wonderful puppetry of our resident artist, James Cattell.
Known affectionately as PAB, The Prahran Accordion Band meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and beginners' band on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the German Club Tivoli in Windsor, 7:30-9pm. All are welcome, even if you've never played a note till now!
ASAVO (Accordion Society of Victoria Orchestra)
More information coming soon!
Saturday Workshop 1 (10am to 11.30am)
Lucy Riddett: Your first accordion lesson (beginners)
Just picked up the accordion* and wondering where to begin? Feeling a little puzzled by all those buttons, switches, and the mysterious bellows? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place!
Join Lucy Riddett for a friendly and supportive workshop designed especially for beginners. Whether you’ve never played an instrument before or you're simply new to the accordion, this session will gently guide you through the very first steps of your accordion journey.
You’ll learn how to hold and wear your accordion comfortably, with helpful advice on straps and posture to keep you playing safely and confidently. Lucy will explain what all those switches do and help you discover the unique voice of your accordion as no two are quite the same! Not sure if your instrument is the right fit? She can help with that too.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll be playing a simple tune, learning how to use the bellows, and getting familiar with the layout of the left-hand buttons. No music-reading skills or previous experience needed. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
*Suitable for piano accordions with Stradella bass system. Not sure what accordion you’ve got or don’t have one at all? Send us an email!
Saturday Workshop 2 (11:30am to 1pm)
Phill Carroll and Ernie Gruner: Euro accordion in ensemble
Exploring accompanying techniques in a variety of European styles : rhythmic variations and harmony techniques in waltz, Klezmer styles, 7/8 , 9/8 and other forms. Demonstrating with Bohemian Nights accordion and violin duet.
Violinist Ernie Gruner and accordionist/singer Phil Carroll play Gypsy, Klezmer, Middle-Eastern, French, Italian, Russian, jazz and tango music which range from soulful to wild. They have both studied overseas, and play and record together in larger bands (Klezmeritis, Yalla!, Flirting Mazurkas).
Australian concerts highlights include the National Folk Festival and National Multicultural Festival. Phil and Ernie’s three NZ tours have included the Wellington Folk Festival and the Christchurch Jazz Festival.
Ernie specializes in Jewish music and Phil specializes in Middle-Eastern music. They have worked together with theatre and dance events for Russian, Armenian, Jewish, Turkish, French and Italian and other productions and communities, as well as parties and weddings.
Saturday Workshop 3 (1pm to 2.30pm)
Lucy Riddett: How to play bass patterns (beginners)
Looking to add more rhythm and variety to your left-hand playing?
If you're still getting comfortable with your accordion and want to explore more interesting bass patterns, this welcoming workshop is just for you!
Join Lucy for a relaxed and engaging session focused on the bass side of the accordion. You’ll learn the correct fingering for the bass buttons, how to play with an alternating bass, and how to make the most of the counter bass row—all explained in a friendly, easy-to-follow way.
You’ll also gain confidence in playing from sheet music that only includes a melody line with basic chord symbols and learning how to create your own bass accompaniment in both 3/4 and 4/4 time. It’s a great way to open up your playing to different styles and become a more versatile musician.
If you can read bass clef, that’s a bonus—but it’s absolutely not required. Just bring your accordion and your curiosity, and get ready to take your left-hand skills to the next level!
*Suitable for button or piano accordions with Stradella bass system. Not sure what accordion you’ve got or don’t have one at all? Send us an email!
Saturday Workshop 4 (2.30pm to 4pm)
George Butrumlis: Introduction to Zydeco (intermediate)
George Butrumlis has been playing Zydeco music since 1984 when he joined with Australian music legend, Joe Camilleri to form the now renowned band, The Black Sorrows. George played on most of the Sorrows' early albums and his dear old Sonola accordion features on the cover of their 1st album, oddly titled, 'Sonola'.
In 1988 George formed Zydeco Jump, his own band which would go on to delight audiences across Australia with their interpretation of this infectious dance music from south west Louisiana.
George will be joined in this workshop by long time friend and musical colleague, Gary Samolin. Gary has played the drums with Zydeco Jump since its inception and will be playing the washboard or 'frottoir' in this workshop.
This workshop will introduce you to some of the styles of Zydeco and some basic ways to engage with this highly popular and energetic music.
Laisse les bon temps rouler!
Saturday Workshop 5 (4pm to 5.30pm)
Guillermo Anad, Faye Bendrups and Anthony Schulz: Introduction to Tango
Tango is the Argentine music and dance genre that has taken the world by storm. But what makes it unique? This workshop will introduce players to the particular stylistic elements which give Tango its special characteristics: phrasing, accents, articulation, dynamic contrasts and rhythmic patterns.
The workshop will be facilitated by Dr Guillermo Anad; composer, arranger, violist, specialist in the music of Piazzolla and Academico Correspondiente for the Buenos Aires National Academy of Tango. Guillermo has performed in Argentina, the Americas and Europe with renowned tango soloists and ensembles. Now he brings his lifelong passion for Tango to new Australian audiences and performers.
Workshops: Sunday
Sunday Workshop 1 (9.30am to 11am)
Masterclass with Anthony Schulz (intermediate/advanced)
Free ticketed admission (observers only)
In this masterclass, Anthony will work with intermediate to advanced students and explore the execution and performance of repertoire on the accordion. Pieces will be presented in their entirety as well as workshopped in sections to give performers and audience opportunity to experience how a deeper understanding of interpretation, technique and performance may enhance the musical experience. Opportunities for questions and observations from the audience will be facilitated.
Anthony Schulz is a highly regarded accordionist, music educator, and advocate for the instrument’s artistic depth and versatility. With decades of experience, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the accordion’s presence in Australia, blending its traditional roots with contemporary musical expressions.
As President of the Accordion Society of Australia and Chair of multicultural music organization The Boite, Anthony actively promotes the accordion and intercultural music initiatives. A seasoned performer, he has performed with icons like Luciano Pavarotti, Barre Phillips, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, as well as ARIA-winning ensembles such as Zulya and the Children of the Underground. His work spans chamber music, original compositions, and improvisation.
An educator for over 30 years, Anthony is a lecturer in the Bachelor of Music program at Melbourne Polytechnic, where he formerly served as Head of Program.
Anthony has adjudicated competitions, including the AATA International Championships, and presented at global conferences like the ATG in Chicago. Holding a Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Graduate Diploma of Education from Melbourne University, Anthony remains a leading figure in Australia’s musical and accordion communities.
Sunday Workshop 2 (10.30am to 12pm)
Ann Shoebridge: Alexander Technique for accordionists
Would you like to learn how to coordinate or “tune” yourself to step up your playing?
You are your primary instrument; music comes through you before it can get through your instrument to the audience. But how skilled are you at coordinating yourself optimally to play?
Alexander Technique gives you strategies to play to your best potential using no more than essential effort. This means your sound can improve, your musical idea is communicated more clearly to your audience, and you deliver a more focussed performance with less physical effort. In this workshop you will learn the principles of the Alexander Technique through games and activities and begin to apply them to your instrument. Please wear loose comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat or a towel to lie on, and prepare to have some fun.
Dr Ann Shoebridge has been teaching Alexander Technique to musicians for over 20 years. She was awarded a doctorate in physiotherapy for her research in musicians’ health. Among other leading arts organisations, she has taught Alexander Technique for the Tasmanian and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, the Australian Youth Orchestra, and the Melbourne Recital Centre. She currently teaches across the Jazz & Improvisation and classical streams at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Melbourne, and is part of an international group of researchers working on musicians’ health and wellbeing.
Sunday Workshop 3 (12pm to 1.30pm)
Guy Bellman: Accordion repair and tuning
The workshop will teach participants how to address some of the most common issues with their accordions. Various repair techniques will be discussed including: repairing stuck keys and buttons, replacing bellow seals/gaskets, dealing with defective reed valves and voicing reeds.
There will also be discussion and demonstrations on the use of a tuning table and the tuning of accordion reeds. Comprehensive notes in the form of a booklet will also be provided to all workshop participants.
Guy Bellman completed extensive training with Peter Anderson who is a widely known and highly respected accordion repairer. Guy operates an accordion repair and tuning business in Melbourne, focusing on general repairs and tuning with a particular interest in the restoration of vintage accordions.
Accommodation
The following hotels, which are walking distance to Kensington Town Hall:
Melrose Apartments, 171-173 Melrose Street, North Melbourne
Park Squire Motor Inn & Serviced Apartments, 94 Flemington Rd, Parkville
Quest Flemington Central (min. 4 night booking due to Melbourne Cup Carnival)
Please note that the ASA is not affiliated with these businesses.
Cafes & restaurants near the town hall
Doutta Galla Hotel, 339 Racecourse Rd, Flemington (3 min. walk)
Zamzam Kitchen, 329 Racecourse Rd, Flemington (4 min. walk)
Turkish Gozleme Pide & Sweet House, 311 Racecourse Rd, Flemington (4 min. walk)
White Rabbit Record Bar, 176 Bellair St, Kensington (7 min. walk)
These are just a few of the many great dining and cafe options nearby.
Public transport
The nearest train station is Newmarket Station.
The nearest tram is route 57 on Racecourse Rd.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, but keep in mind that the workshops have limited places to give the optimal experience for participants. Booking in advance will ensure you have a place, and early bird rates apply to online ticket purchases.
Should I bring my instrument to the workshops?
All of the workshops (except for the Masterclass and Accordion Repair and Tuning) are well suited for participants engaging with their accordion.
Note that the workshop Introduction to Accordion repair and tuning is demonstration only. Participants will not be able to work on their own accordion during the workshop. A Repair and Tuning handbook will be provided to all participants for reference.
Can I present a performance piece as part of the Masterclass?
Masterclass performers are expected to be of intermediate to advanced. Due to time constraints, there are limited performance places. An EOI can be emailed to anthonyjschulz@gmail.com. If possible, include a link to a recording of yourself playing and the title/composer/arranger of the piece you intend to perform.
Will there be refreshments at the Kensington Town Hall?
Yes, the festival will feature a coffee van with some light refreshments. Please see list of cafes and restaurants above for dining.