Sunday matinée concert/fundraiser in qathet will have surprises

Musicians and accordion festival co-directors Karina Inkster and Walter Martella are excited for the fourth year of squeezebox performances, workshops and community gatherings that will take place at qathet's fourth annual Accordion Fest May 2 and 3.

However, before that fun happens, a festival fundraiser and sneak peek performance will take place on Sunday, March 9, in James Hall at Powell River Academy of Music, starting at 2 pm.

"We invite the qathet community for a matinée concert and preview of the fourth annual qathet Accordion Fest," said Inkster. "This one-hour performance will feature classical, jazz and tango music, including new repertoire. "

Inkster and Martella have also been busy recording an album with a five-piece tango band.

"Enjoy a sneak peek of our soon-to-be-released album, and we’ll announce a bunch of exciting festival guest artists and plans," said Inkster. "The by-donation concert is a great opportunity to hear unique music and support a local tradition." 

On Sunday, Inkster will be playing piano and accordion, with Martella on accordion and Terry Martyniuk on percussion.

Inkster has also collaborated with local artist Teresa Harwood-Lynn, who will have her unique creations at the fundraiser on Sunday.

"She makes amazing jewellery pieces out of reclaimed materials," said Inkster. "I gave her a 100-year-old accordion [that doesn't work] from my little accordion museum in my teaching room, and she made these amazing jewellery pieces out of accordion parts."

Inkster said Harwood-Lynn is donating the super-vintage upcycled pieces to be sold at the accordion festival fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the qathet Accordion Fest in May.

James Hall is located at 7280 Kemano Street. Inkster said all funds raised during the event will go to the Accordion Fest.

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