Sunday, October 8, 2023

October 8, 2023 The Oklahoma Accordion Club held its Oktoberfest party on Sunday, October 8, at the Messiah Lutheran Church of OKC. aggie Abel called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm. · We recited the "Pledge of Allegiance," led by Ron Shearon, and sang "America The Beautiful." · Bob Mansfield introduced his guests. Elias Lansford, Bob's young student, performed "Morning" from "Peer Gynt Suite," "Samson and Delilah," and "Carefree Boogie." · We sang "Happy Birthday" to Karen West. Dick Albreski followed up with the Polish version of the song. He had just come from playing a twohour gig in Guthrie, OK. · Dick handed out copies of "Silver Skates" and gave a short workshop on how to approach a new piece of music. He said the music is a road map, and the musician should study it carefully before picking up his accordion to play it. · Dick and Barbara Yuill performed three seasonal duets: "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie," "Das Kufsteiner Lied," and "Ole Suzanna Revisited Schottische." · Dick and his student, Jack Schillo, played "Too Fat Polka" and "Du, Du, Licht Mir In Hertzen." · Then it was singalong time. We harmonized to "Lilli Marlene" and "Edelweiss." Song sheets and accompaniment were provided by Anne Lopez and Lois Roth. · Anne and Lois continued the music with several German waltzes, including "You Can't Be True, Dear," "The Blue Skirt Waltz," and "Schneewalzer" ("Snow Waltz"). Dick joined them for a three-accordion version of "Rain-Rain Polka." · Maggie announced that Frank Gesinski is retiring from his position as editor of the Squeezin's monthly newsletter. Frank has published the newsletter for many years and has done a great job. Thank you, Frank! The Club is searching for a new editor. If anyone is interested, please contact Maggie. · Myke Dixon set up his electric chord organ and played for us. We were invited to give it a try, and several people did so. · Then Myke picked up his accordion and played "When The Saints Go Marching In" and "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." He said he's happy to be back in Oklahoma and with OAC again. · Ron concluded the afternoon of music with "Danube Waves" (several of its many parts), and "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes." The meeting was adjourned. Maggie and Frank Boyd added to the festivities by wearing German costumes, and by dancing to some of the German tunes. Refreshments included delicious squash pie from Myke Dixon. Our next meeting will be Sunday, November 12. The fun officially starts at 3:30, but come early to visit and to enjoy the warm-up music.