The Minnesota Orchestra has invited me back for a return engagement as a soloist. I will be a part of their "Scandinavian Christmas" program under the baton of conductor Sarah Hicks. The repertoire will include both modern and traditional Scandinavian compositions. As a special bonus, my good friend Kip Jones of the Ethel Quartet will be arranging my portion of the program!
Renowned jazz violinist Christian Howes recorded an album of South American influenced music titled "Southern Exposure" with international accordion super star Richard Galliano. Howes is without a doubt one of the finest improvising violinists in the world today and a leading educator in the field. I'm very honored to be filling the roll (or trying to!) of Galliano himself on upcoming tour dates with Howes.
Stephanie Nilles is a New Orleans based songwriter and pianist. She and I have been asked to perform as a duo at the 6th annual Vienna International Accordion Festival in February of 2015. The combination of Stephanie, a trip across the pond and an accordion festival seem like a sure recipe for enjoyment! Stay tuned for the full details.
It's a pleasure to work with composer and saxophonist Chris Thomson. We've been playing as a quartet with some true luminaries of the music world including James Buckley (Bass) and Martin Dosh (Drums). Here's a nice little flick of us in Martin Dosh's world famous basement playing one of Thomson's compositions "Size Of My House"
While I am primarily known as an accordionist, I do put on my mulch-instrumentalist hat from time to time. It's a privilege to play not only accordion, but also steel guitar and washboard with my pal Jack Klatt. Below is a video of my acoustic steel guitar styles filmed by Pioneer Public Television at The Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival this July.