Rosemary Wright - Romano Viazzani - Pearl Fawcett-Adriano

The magnifivent view of Doncaster Racecourse

                                DONCASTER EXTRAVAGANZA  2^nd March 2008 

This spectacular event certainly lived up to the hype and was indeed a wonderful treat for accordion enthusiasts.  Congratulations and thanks to Harry Kipling who organised the day at the stunning new Exhibition Centre at Doncaster Racecourse which is a superb venue: easy to find, plenty of parking, a huge area for trade stands, bar, catering, central stage for performers and room for a large audience.  The sun shone too and the view of the racecourse added to the happy atmosphere - a perfect scenario to enjoy a full day of great music and the chance to meet up with old friends and make some new ones.

Pearl-Fawcett Adriano

The stars were out in abundance, a veritable galaxy of them.  The show began at 10.30 am and from then on it was non-stop entertainment all the way for twelve fabulous hours.  The indefatigable Harry Hussey kicked off.  I swear that man runs on super-charged batteries!  He was on top form, as always.   Alan Young amazed us with his seemingly effortless playing.  Like Harry, he is a master of chords and modulates to surprising corners of the musical universe which keeps the audience on their toes!  Often the two were up there together doing ‘their jazz thing’ and having a blast.  Romano Viazzani showed his brilliant technique to the full, performing a variety of music, some very difficult pieces by modern composers, including Piazzola and a few well known standards in a well balanced and well executed performance. Romano gave a demonstration of the Roland accordion and how to make the most of many of its capabilities and sounds. 

Romano Viazzani

Pearl Fawcett-Adriano, a personal favourite, showed us the versatility of her repertoire and her special accordion with an exciting programme which included a number of her own compositions and arrangements.  A later session with Harry was great fun and she almost managed to control him – well done, Pearl!  As they said, those many seconds of practise really paid off.  Girl power was further enhanced when Rosemary Wright took to the stage at extremely short notice, as only a true professional can, (standing in for George Syrett who, unfortunately, was unwell that day, though he did pop in to show his support).  Rosemary gave an exciting performance and showed her extensive range of styles and genres.  The Burton Ensemble provided a lovely contrast and everyone really appreciated their musical ensemble playing.

Sam Pirt & The Hut People

Sam Pirt and the Hut People entertained with their unique style of performing folk music including an unusual and interesting array of percussion.  The presence of a number of ceramic pots and odd looking objects was a little bewildering but such is the world of the percussionist!  The highlight was definitely when Sam danced, wearing tap clogs, whilst seated, and at the same time played a fast and furious Canadian tune.  The audience were supposed to join in with the footwork and failed miserably – but we loved it.

Harry Hussey

Harry Kipling had promised a surprise during the interval.  This was the Dixieland Jazz Band who were fantastic - clarinet, trumpet, banjo and sousaphone.  The other Harry could not contain himself and it was not long before he was up there too jamming away.  The band were pleasantly surprised themselves when they realized what a fantastic jazz player he is. 

Alan Young

Alan Young joined in as well (he does love a sextet) and the audience loudly showed their appreciation. There were many trade stands and the chance to buy/try music, CDs, accordions both new and used, accessories, posters, old LPs and books, and to consult the experts and the artists for advice and help.  This is always of great value to us amateurs. 

The Dixieland Jazz Band

About 85 people attended this superb event which is such a shame as obviously the high costs involved are nowhere near covered and so this means Harry Kipling has had to sustain a huge financial loss.  All of us who were there would love to see this become an annual event but the chances of this happening are understandably remote.  We live on the Isle of Wight so this meant a ferry, a long car journey and two nights accommodation, but it was well worth the cost and the effort.  We thought there were many accordion enthusiasts up north (north is anywhere beyond Cowes to us), with a large number of accordion clubs and so assumed this would be sold out.  The venue is capable of easily accommodating over 400 people and so Harry must be devastated after all his efforts.  You know how it works – use it or lose it.  You may well have lost it.  Some said, ‘It was Mother’s Day’ as an excuse.  Not good enough.  Rosemary brought her mother who thoroughly enjoyed the day and surely many mums would have been delighted to have such a day out?  Let’s hope Harry will give it one more go so get it touch with him and pledge support for next year.

Rosemary Wright

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Doncaster Accordion Extravaganza - It was brilliant!! 

Rene Mairis and Lilian Scaddan