Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Brooklyn Librarian Starts Accordion Club

Librarians are truly a multifaceted bunch. Among the many hats that we wear are fund-raiser, curator, storyteller, book seller, crafter, computer whiz, fact finder, class instructor, bookmobile driver, grassroots organizer, community gardener, and sometimes, conflict mediator and a much-needed shoulder to lean on. To that already impressive array of roles, you can add "accordion player."

Librarian Mayumi Miyaoka performs at the first meeting of the Brooklyn Accordion Club.

Brooklyn-based librarian Mayumi Miyaoka is a bona fide accordion enthusiast. She's also an expert player of the melodic box-shaped instrument. Slowly, she's starting to "build a community of accordion players of all levels and admirers in the heart of Brooklyn" with her Brooklyn Accordion Club, which she began last month.

The Brooklyn Accordion Club's first gathering was held on February 10 at a cozy bar in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, called Local 61. The turnout was excellent, with approximately 25 accordionists and squeezebox fans in attendance. As the sun's rays streamed into the bar that afternoon, one accordion player after another performed for the admiring crowd. Classical music and folk tunes, plus some Tom Waits and Beruit, filled the room that day, along with a warm, welcoming vibe.


That first meeting of the Brooklyn Accordion Club was such a great success that Miyaoka is hosting regular get-togethers. The club meets the second Sunday of even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, and December) at the same time (2 to 4 PM) and the same location (Local 61, 61 Bergen Street).

If you're interested in becoming a part of the Brooklyn Accordion Club, be sure to "Like" its Facebook page HERE.

* Above quote and photographs from Brooklyn Accordion Club's Facebook page

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for the write up! Good luck with your MLIS! Hope to see you at our next meeting! BAC

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  2. Thank you! I was happy to write about such an amazing club - a big bonus being that it was started by a librarian! I look forward to checking out the BAC!

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