| Description | Price |
| Strolling accordionist, music of the early 1900s to the early 2000s, 60 years of experience, for wedding receptions, parties, anniversaires. and reunions for one hour of performance. Each additional hours will be $110.00. | $225.00 (USD) |
| Strolling accordionist for senior living, independent living, assisted living, memory care facilities, and nursing centers for one hour of performance. | $100.00 (USD) |
After retiring from teaching at Seitz Middle School in Riverview, Michigan, in 2006, I've devoted the past 18 years to sharing my love of music as a strolling accordionist. My repertoire is perfect for creating a warm and engaging atmosphere at wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and other special events. I specialize in bringing joy and nostalgia to senior communities, performing regularly at The Commons (Oakwood Commons/Beaumont Commons) in Dearborn, Corewell Rehab Nursing Center in Dearborn, and The American House Senior Residence in Riverview. Past clients include Fox Run Senior Living Community in Novi, Chelsea Retirement Community, StoryPoint Saline, and Waltonwood Senior Residence. As a Vietnam-era veteran, I also have performed for veterans at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital during Christmas.
As a seasoned strolling accordionist in the vibrant Detroit metropolitan area, I can transform your wedding reception into an unforgettable event. With decades of professional experience and a diverse repertoire spanning genres and eras, I offer a unique and enchanting atmosphere. Imagine the warm, inviting sound of the accordion as your guests mingle, dine, and celebrate. My music creates a delightful ambiance that fosters connections and creates lasting memories. Whether you're looking for classic tunes or romantic melodies, I can tailor my performance to your preferences and the desired atmosphere. Let's discuss how I can add that special touch to your wedding reception and make it an event your guests will cherish for years.
Music uplifts spirits, making it a vital component of recreational activities at retirement and assisted living centers. My soothing accordion tunes bring joy and nostalgia to residents, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. My sing-alongs are particularly popular with seniors across the Detroit metropolitan area. Imagine the smiles on your guests' faces as they join in on beloved classics like "You Are My Sunshine," "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," "God Bless America," and dozens of other sing-alongs.
Since 1965, I've been a professional accordionist with a rich history of playing in various bands across the Detroit metropolitan area. My journey began with The Knight Kats, a 5-piece wedding band, which I joined as a high school senior and continued throughout my college years at Eastern Michigan University, where I also shared my passion for the accordion through teaching the accordion. Following my time in the Army, I joined The Highlanders, a popular big band, playing weekly for eight years at the bustling Wyandotte/Riverview Moose Club. During this period, I also performed with The Wayne Warren Trio. Later, in the 1980s through the early 2000s, I rekindled my musical connection with former Knight Kats members for weddings, parties, and reunions.
With a repertoire of over 2,500 songs spanning from the early 1900s to the present, I offer a diverse musical experience. My selections include a wide range of genres and styles, such as old standards, ballads, waltzes, swing, big band, rock n' roll, country, polkas, patriotic songs, sing-a-longs, and more. I also specialize in international music, including Italian, Polish, German, Irish, Hawaiian, English, French, and Latin styles, as well as a vast selection of Christmas music. In addition, I play a substantial collection of classic hits from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s featuring artists like Elvis, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Journey, Bob Seger, Kenny Rogers, and many others.
Shavon Baker, Activities Director at The Commons Senior Living in Dearborn (313) 253-9594
Kat, Life Enrichment Director at The American House in Riverview (734) 720-1159.
Angela Gielow, Activities Director at Commons Rehabilitation Center (313) 253-9758
= areas covered (up to 30 miles)
= free travel (up to 30 miles)
Here is a partial list of songs I have memorized out of the more than 2,500 songs I play:
BALLADS
All The Things You Are - Frank Sinatra
All The Way - Frank Sinatra
As Time Goes - Casa Blanca - Dooley Wilson
Autumn Leaves - Jo Stafford - Roger Williams
Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered - Richard Rodgers—Frank Sinatra
Danny Boy - English Folk Song
Days of Wine and Roses - Henry Mancini - Frank Sinatra
Deep Purple - Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra
Don’t Blame Me - Nat King Cole - Frank Sinatra
Don’t Take Your Love Away From Me - Frank Sinatra
Dream - Pied Pipers - Jo Stafford - Tommy Dorsey
Ebb Tide - Harry Hamlin
Embraceable You - George Gershwin - Ella Fitzgerald
Everybody Loves Somebody - Dean Martin
Foggy Day, A - Les Brown - Frank Sinatra
Georgia On My Mind - Hoagy Carmichael - Ray Charles
Godfather - Speak Softly - Andy Williams
Harbor Lights - The Platters - Frank Sinatra
Here’s That Rainy Day - Wes Montgomery
I Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
I Cried For You - Billie Holiday - Frank Sinatra
I Left My Heart In San Francisco - Tony Bennett
I Only Have Eyes For You - Harry Warren - Frank Sinatra
I Wanna Be Around - Tony Bennett
I’m Getting Sentimental Over You - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
I’ll Be Seeing You - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra - Frank Sinatra - Liberace
I’ll Get By - Harry James - Frank Sinatra
I’ll Never Smile Again - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra - Frank Sinatra
I’ll See You In My Dreams - Gus Kahn - Jimmy Durante
I’m In The Mood For Love - Frank Sinatra
It Had To Be You - Gus Kahn - Frank Sinatra
It’s Been a Long, Long Time - Sammy Cahn - Frank Sinatra
It’s The Talk of The Town - Perry Como
Laura - Johnny Mercer - Frank Sinatra
La Vie En Rose - French Edith Piaf
Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
Melancholy Serenade - Jackie Gleason
Misty - Errol Garner - Ella Fitzgerald
Mood Indigo - Duke Ellington - Frank Sinatra
Moonlight Cocktail - Glenn Miller
Moonlight In Vermont - Tommy Dorsey - Frank Sinatra
Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller
Moonglow - Benny Goodman - Frank Sinatra
Nearness of You, The - Hoagy Carmichael - Frank Sinatra
Night And Day - Cole Porter
Picnic - McGuire Sisters - Frank Sinatra
People - Barbra Streisand
One Song - Walt Disney - Snow White
Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
Red Sails In The Sunset - Nat King Cole
Sail Around Silvery Moon - Billy Vaughn
September Song - Walter Houston - Frank Sinatra
Smile - Charlie Chaplin
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters and Frank Sinatra
Someone To Watch Over Me - George Gershwin
Stardust - Hoagy Carmichael, Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole
Stars Fell On Alabama - Guy Lombardo
Strangers In The Night - Frank Sinatra
Stranger On The Shore - Pete Fountain
Summertime - George Gershwin - Ella Fitzgerald
Tenderly - Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra
Twilight Time - Dick Contino (accordion), The Three Sons
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
When I Fall In Love - Nat King Cole
When You Wish Upon a Star - Walt Disney—Pinocchio
You Made Me Love You - Harry James and Judy Garland
You’ll Never Know - Harry Warren - Frank Sinatra
FOXTROTS
Alley Cat
All Of Me - Frank Sinatra
April In Portugal - Count Basie
Blue Moon - Richard Rodgers - Frank Sinatra
Canadian Sunset - Andy Williams
Catch a Falling Star - Perry Como
Cecilia - Herman Ruby
Chicago - Frank Sinatra
Danke schön - Wayne Newton
Elmer’s Tune - Glenn Miller
The Entertainer - Scott Joplin (Ragtime)
Fly Me To The Moon - Count Basie - Frank Sinatra
Glory of Love - Jimmy Durante
Glow Worm - The Mills Brothers
How About You - Miles Davis - Frank Sinatra
I’ve Got You Under My Skin - Cole Porter - The 4 Seasons - Frank Sinatra
I Love Paris - Cole Porter - Frank Sinatra
Love Letters In The Sand - Pat Boone
Mack The Knife - Bobby Darin
Mame - Carol Channing
My Blue Heaven - Artie Shaw - Frank Sinatra
New York, New York - Frank Sinatra
On A Clear Day - Robert Goulet, Barbra Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra
On The Sunny Side Of The Street - Tommy Dorsey - Frank Sinatra
Once In A While - Nat King Cole - Frank Sinatra
Out of Nowhere - Charlie Parker - Frank Sinatra
Peg O’ My Heart - Harmonicats
Pennies From Heaven - Bing Crosby - Frank Sinatra
Red Roses For A Blue Lady - Bobby Vinton - Frank Sinatra
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head - Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Satin Doll - Duke Ellington - Frank Sinatra
Sentimental Journey - Les Brown - Doris Day - Frank Sinatra
September in The Rain - Harry Warren
Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra
Tangerine - Jimmy Dorsey - Helen O'Connor
Whispering - Paul Whiteman - Frank Sinatra
Witchcraft - Frank Sinatra
Who’s Sorry Now - Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby
You Always Hurt The One You Love - The Mills Brothers
You Were Meant For Me - Fred Astaire
You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You - Dean Martin
BIG BAND
American Patrol - Glenn Miller
Blue Skies - Irving Berlin - Bing Crosby
Bye, Bye Blues - Les Paul and Mary Ford
Coquette - Les Paul and Mary Ford
Hello, Dolly - Louis Armstrong
I Can’t Give You Anything but Love - Frank Sinatra
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down - The Mills Brothers
Indiana - Rosemary Clooney
In The Mood - The Glenn Miller Orchestra
String of Pearls - The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Little Brown Jug - The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Kansas City - Wilbert Harrison
Marie-Irving Berlin - Frank Sinatra
My Baby Just Cares For Me - Gus Kahn - Frank Sinatra
Saint Louis Blues - Glenn Miller
Sweet Georgia Brown - Harlem Globetrotters
When You’re Smiling - Louis Armstrong
OLD FAST SING-ALONGS
Baby Face - Benny Davis
By The Beautiful Sea
Dark Town Strutter’s Ball - Ragtime - Shelton Brooks
Five Foot Two - Jimmy Dorsey
Hot Time In The Old Town, Tonight - Theodore Metz
If You Knew Suzie - Eddie Cantor
I Want a Girl, Just Like The Girl - Eddie Cantor
I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover - Harry Woods
Margie - Eddie Cantor
Swanee - George Gershwin - Al Jolson
Toot, Toot, Tootsie - Eddie Cantor
When The Saints Go Marching In - Louis Armstrong
Yes, Sir, That’s My Baby - Eddie Cantor
OLD SLOW SING-A-LONGS
Black Bird, Bye Bye
By The Light of the Silvery Moon - Dorris Day
Carolina In The Morning - Gus Kahn
Heart of My Heart - Ben Ryan
I Don’t Know Why - Bing Crosby - Frank Sinatra
I’ve Been Working on The Railroad
Moonlight Bay—Doris Day
Side By Side - Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
Shine On Harvest Moon = Doris Day
You Are My Sunshine - Jimmy Davis
WALTZES
After The Ball
Ah, Marie - Tommy Dorsey
Always - Irvin Berlin
Anniversary Song - Al Jolson
Anniversary Waltz
Apple Blossom Time - Albert Von Tilzer - The Andrew Sisters
Around The World - Dick Contino
Blue Skirt Waltz - Mitchel Paris
Charade - Henry Mancini
Come Back To Sorrento
Daisy, Daisy - Harry Dacre
Edelweiss - Richard Rodgers
Fascination - Maurice de Feraudy
In My Merry Oldsmobile - Gus Edwards
In The Good Old Summer Time - George Evans
It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie - Billy Mayhew
Let Me Call You Sweetheart - Leo Friedman
Moon River - Henry Mancini
Que Sera, Sera - Doris Day
Ramona - Mabel Wayne
Somewhere, My Love - Maurice Jarre
Take Me Out To The Ballgame - Jack Norworth, 1908
Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page
That’s Amore - Dean Martin
Under Paris Skies - Kim Gannon
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling - Ernest Ball, 1912
LATIN
Begin The Beguine - Cole Porter
Besame Mucho - The Coasters, Ray Coniff and His Orchestra
Brazil - Bob Russell
Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White Perez Prados
Green Eyes - Jimmy Dorsey - Helen O'Connell
Girl From Ipanema - Antonio Carlos Jabim
Hernando’s Hideaway - Louis Armstrong
Isle of Capri - Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney
Lady of Spain - Dick Contino
La Cumparsita - Julio Iglesias
La Paloma -
Meditation - Antonio Carlos Jobim
More - Perry Como
Never On A Sunday - The Chordettes, Doris Day
O Sole Mio - Giovanni Capurro
Our Day Will Come - Bob Hilliard
Patricia - Perry Como
Poinciana - Frank Sinatra
Perfidia - Nat King Cole
Shadow of Your Smile - Johnny Mandel
Spanish Eyes, Blue - Englebert Humperdinck
Tea For Two - Tommy Dorsey
Tico Tico
Watch What Happens
COUNTRY
Any Time - Eddie Arnold
Crazy - Patsy Cline - written by Willie Nelson
For The Good Times - Bill Nash
Green, Green Grass of Home - Tom Jones
I Can’t Stop Loving You - Ray Charles
Please, Release Me - Englebert Humperdinck
You Belong To Me - Patsy Cline
You Don’t Love Me
You’re Cheating Heart - Hank William Sr.
THE BEATLES
Something
Yesterday
And I Love Her
POLKAS
Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie
Beer Barrel
Chicken Dance
Clarinet
Happy Wanderer
Helena
Hoop-Dee-Doo
Just Because
Let’s Dance the Polka
Liechtensteiner
My Melody of Love
No Beer In Heaven
Pennsylvania Polka
Tic Toc
Too Fat Polka
I can stay in one place, or I can stroll with my accordion. I do not need any electrical power.
The name of the place I will be playing, the time, and the location.
I bring my own equipment.
No
I played for 8 years with a big band at the Wyandotte/Riverview Moose Club between 1972 and 1980. Our band has played for Governor G. Mennen Williams of Michigan as well as many other local politicians during the 1960s through the 1990s.
Playing in front of 100 or more senior citizens who love listening to music of the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. It's amazing when I play for people in assisted living and memory care. Many times when I arrive to play for the residents, several of the people are sleeping. After playing a few songs from their past, most patients wake up and start tapping their feet or hands. Some even sing along or even stand up and dance.
Since 1965, I've been a professional accordionist with a rich history of playing in various bands across the Detroit Metropolitan area. My journey began with The Knight Kats, a 5-piece wedding band, which I joined as a high school senior and continued throughout my college years at Eastern Michigan University, where I also shared my passion for the accordion through teaching the accordion. Following my time in the Army, I joined The Highlanders, a popular big band, playing weekly for eight years at the bustling Wyandotte/Riverview Moose Club. During this period, I also performed with The Wayne Warren Trio. Later, in the 1980s through early 2000s, I rekindled my musical connection with former Knight Kats members for weddings, parties, and reunions
The great accordionists Art Van Damme, Myron Floren, Dick Contino, Charles Magnante, Frank Marocco, and Tony Dannon. The music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael, Harry Warren, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Doris Day, Bing Crosby, The Mills Brothers, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, the Carpenters, Elvis Presley, Roger Williams, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Journey, Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, and Bob Seger.
I charge $225.00 for the first hour and $110 for each additional hour at weddings, anniversaries, parties, celebrations, and reunions. For senior residents in independent living, assisted living, rehab centers, and nursing centers, I charge $100.00 for an hour. I usually play for more than an hour, starting 10 minutes early and ending 15 minutes later if it's okay with the staff. If a senior venue can guarantee me six or more jobs per year, I will charge only $80.00 for each time I play my accordion.
I do not require a deposit, but I do expect at least a 24-hour cancellation notice.
Since 1965, I've been a professional accordionist with a rich history of playing in various bands across the Detroit metropolitan area. My journey began with The Knight Kats, a 5-piece wedding band, which I joined as a high school senior and continued throughout my college years at Eastern Michigan University, where I also shared my passion for the accordion through teaching the accordion. Following my time in the Army, I joined The Highlanders, a popular big band, playing weekly for eight years at the bustling Wyandotte/Riverview Moose Club. During this period, I also performed with The Wayne Warren Trio. Later, in the 1980s through the early 2000s, I rekindled my musical connection with former Knight Kats members for weddings, parties, and reunions.
With a repertoire of over 2,500 songs spanning from the early 1900s to the present, I offer a diverse musical experience. My selections include a wide range of genres and styles, such as old standards, ballads, waltzes, swing, big band, rock n' roll, country, polkas, patriotic, Broadway musicals, and more. I also specialize in international music, including Italian, Polish, German, Irish, Hawaiian, English, French, and Latin styles, as well as a vast selection of Christmas music. In addition, I play a substantial collection of classic hits from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s featuring artists like Elvis, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Journey, Bob Seger, and many others.
After retiring from teaching at Seitz Middle School in Riverview, Michigan, in 2006, I've devoted the past 18 years to sharing my love of music as a strolling accordionist. My repertoire is perfect for creating a warm and engaging atmosphere at wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and other special events. I specialize in bringing joy and nostalgia to senior communities. As a Vietnam-era veteran, I also have performed for veterans at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital during Christmas.
I normally arrive an hour early so I can relax and get to know the crowd. Since I only bring one accordion, music books, and a stand, it only takes me a few minutes to set up and be ready to play. Sometimes I will start earlier than planned, and sometimes I play longer than planned.
When I play for independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation centers, and nursing centers, I normally stroll around and play the music of their generation. Playing sing-alongs is a must, as well as talking about memories from the past. I normally play for one hour, then take a 10-minute break, and then play for another hour.
When I play for wedding receptions, anniversaries, and class reunions, I usually stroll around and play music. I always take as many requests as I can. Since I know far more than 200 songs by heart, it allows me to play songs without having to dig through my music books, which contain more than 2,500 songs.
I enjoy playing my accordion outside.
I will try and play whatever they request. I love taking requests. I have more than 2,500 songs I can play and more than a few hundred songs by heart (memorized). If I know songs they want to hear prior to playing, I will go out of my way and find the song or songs.
Previous customers would describe me as a full entertainer who not only is a master accordionist but also a great entertainer. I have 36 years of public school teaching, and I use my speaking skills to talk with the audience about the different songs and the composers and performers who recorded each song. I am a senior, so it is very easy to communicate with residents of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. I know what type of music they prefer, but I always take requests.
The Commons Senior Residence in Dearborn, Michigan, in all of their sections, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
The Commons Rehabilitation in Dearborn, Michigan
The American House in Riverview, Michigan
Private parties in homes.
The Italian American Club in Livonia
The Downriver Italian American Club
Fox Run Senior Living Community in Novi, Michigan
Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, Michigan
StoryPoint Saline
Waltonwood Senior Residence
Woohaven Senior Center
Grosse Ile Seniors
The Grecian Center of Southgate
Park Place Dearborn
Wyandotte/Riverview Moose Club Riverview
Knights of Columbus of Dearborn
Knights of Columbus of Dearborn Heights
Knights of Columbus of Allen Park
Knights of Columbus of Southgate
Knights of Columbus of Wyandotte
Knights of Columbus of Trenton
Knights of Columbus of Lincoln Park
Arnoldo's Banquet Center Riverview
The VFW Halls in Wyandotte
VFW of Lincoln Park
VFW Southgate
VFW Dearborn
VFW Dearborn Heights
Dompolski Hall in Wyandotte
The Wyandotte/Riverview Moose on Quarry Rd. in Riverview
The PRCU Hall in Wyandotte
PLAV Hall in Wyandotte
Wyandotte Yacht Club
Grosse Ile Yacht Club
Roma Hall in Livonia
Fairlane Club Dearborn
Crystal Gardens of Southgate
The Lincoln Manor Lincoln Park
Prestige Banquet Hall Allen Park
Plus many more!
Wedding
Birthday Party
Private Event
Corporate Event
Hotel / Restaurant Event
Bar / Venue Event
Christmas Party
New Year's Eve
1920s Music
1930s Music
1940s Music
1950s Music
1960s Music
1970s Music
1980s Music
1990s Music
Folk
Country
Jazz
Blues
Dixieland / Ragtime
Latin Jazz
Swing
Christmas
Military
Easy Listening
Background Music
Motown
Classic Rock
World Music
Brazilian
French Music
German Music
Hawaiian Music
Italian Music
Latin
Samba
Scottish Music
Spanish Music
Tango
Instrumental
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