Concert and fundraiser in qathet promises to delight audience

“Not polka.” That's what accordionist and qathet Accordion Fest organizer Karina Inkster emphasizes about the third annual festival preview show at James Hall in the Powell River Academy of Music building.

The preview concert will begin at 2 pm on Sunday, February 25, and is by donation, with all proceeds going toward the accordion festival in May.

An hour of classical, jazz and tango music on accordion, piano and percussion will be played by Walter Martella, Karina Inkster and Terry Martyniuk. Inkster will also be playing didgeridoo.

"My take on [the accordion] is that it's actually way more versatile than most people think," said Inkster. "One thing I really like is that it's a very versatile instrument; you can feel it breathe, and it's a wind instrument and key instrument at the same time." 

Inkster believes this is what makes the accordion a unique instrument and one worth exploring as a musician, and for those who are less familiar.

"The whole point of our show is to share different genres of music and bust the stereotype of what the accordion is," said Inkster. "The preview show is a fundraiser for the bigger festival in May, and we will announce our special guest musicians who are coming to play."

Inkster and crew are thankful to have the Powell River Academy of Music space to host the preview concert and emphasized that all proceeds go to paying guest musicians, and putting on workshops for the third annual Accordion Fest on May 10 and 11.

"We have some confirmed musicians playing in May including Boyd Norman on upright bass, Budge Schachte on guitar, both from Roberts Creek," said Inkster. "At the preview concert we will announce our special guest, Stephen Nikleva, on guitar, from Petunia and the Vipers; he plays both nights and is travelling from Vancouver."

The weekend of events includes not only musical performances but also workshops for seasoned musicians and novices.

"World-renowned accordionist and clinician/instructor Jelena Milojević will teach a masterclass on May 10, with a livestream on Zoom from Victoria," said Inkster. "We are very excited to also have a guest accordion player for both concerts, Konstantin Bozhinov."

Bozhinov is a classically-trained folk musician, originally from Dobrich, Bulgaria, and now lives in Vancouver, BC.

Alongside all the guest artists will be Inkster, Martella and Martyniuk playing both nights.

"We are also holding an accordion 101 workshop for those who have never touched an accordion before," said Inkster. "Last time we had 20 people take part; it was pretty fun, but this year we want to get at least 30 accordions together in one room and play the same song. We haven't tried that before."

Inkster said all events will be held at the music academy (7280 Kemano Street), except for the Accordion Cabaret, which will take place at the Forest Bistro.

For more information/schedules for the preview show and third annual qathet Accordion Fest, go to accordionfest.com. To see and hear some of last year's festival search for qathet Accordion Fest 2023 Highlights on YouTube.​

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