EASTBOURNE ACCORDION FESTIVAL     OCTOBER 2007

For me October Eastbourne Music Festival 2007 had the WOW!! factor. It started a week before with a letter from John & Jackie welcoming me to the festival, explaining about parking, and if necessary a porter would assist me with my luggage, a blessing with an accordion and all those clothes. From the moment I came through the door of the hotel reception, I got that special first class services feeling with an introduction pack handed to me which contained all the music I would need for the weekend orchestra's plus a bar of chocolate, an "Accordion Today" magazine and lots of other goodies. Jackie & John were there to meet and greet everyone with a welcoming cup of tea or coffee and a selection of delicious cakes all served by a posh waiter.

The programme commenced with our own Harry Hussey who delighted us, with unrelenting "audience chosen tunes" which were picked from the air by request. The wonderful George Syrett who was of course Brilliant and always showed a tremendous love of the accordion and to all who played the instrument at whatever level, he continued to entertain us throughout the entire weekend often acting as a compere.

Friday evening was blessed with the wonderful and magical playing of Mauro Carra, Julie Best & Jean Corrighan (who were superb) and Murray Grainger who demonstrated a selection of Roland Digital Accordions and the guests and Harry Hussey busked into the small wee hours of Saturday morning (3am to be precise).

On Saturday morning after a splendid buffet breakfast we were all seated in the ballroom, eager to go for it with the Orchestra's sessions, firstly Jean Hanger with her lovely enthusiasm launched the large group of accordionists immediately into two pieces of music which we managed to tackle amidst laughter and general friendly bantering. Alastair Cameron also took no time in setting the pace for the Scottish music and was very pleased with the way that we (30 plus students) quickly got the style he wanted thanks to his friendly encouragement and professionalism. Then to finish the busy morning session Angie Lukins delighted all of the students with her jigs & reels and sing-a-long music,what fun we all had as Angie constantly had us in stitches with her quacking kazoos and plenty of audience participation. Sue Bennett with her friendly and unique method of tuition and encouragement took the beginners group, and Trevani "Jump and Rest" with his students also used the first floor lobby teaching area.

George Syrett hosted the Guest Concert in the afternoon followed by young 11yr old George Bennett who entertained during the tea break on his hi-tech keyboard which everyone loved , we all reminisced with new and old tunes performed by George's in his own very talented way .

That wonderful guest artist Oleg Sharov filled us with astonishment and amazement with his incredible technique and skills, many other wonderful musical things happened during this exciting weekend which sadly ended too quickly.

I would like to just finish up by saying a big thank you to all the lovely people that I have met and the new friends that I have made during this wonderful weekend. My special thanks go to John & Jackie Romero who are so concerned that everyone enjoyed the weekend and are honest trustworthy family people who have a love of music and in particular the accordion.

I can't wait for the next accordion festival at Eastbourne in February then October and a new one at St Audries as well.

Mary Knight - Worthing West Sussex