Punk Rock Accordion Night

Yup, you read that right. Claire and I happened upon this unlikely event at Mama Buzz the other day:

accordion-lesson.jpg

I assumed the occasion would involve mohawked, heavily pierced accordion-wielding individuals holding some sort of polka-ized Sex Pistols jam session. However, it turned out to be a lesson with Henri Ducharme, a music teacher so very hardcore that he is lifting his house off its foundation so he can build an accordion into his basement wall.

Claire and I didn’t have accordions, so we could only observe. However, what could have been a disadvantage became exotic and fun when we were designated “interlopers” during the introductions. My quasi-surreptitious filming added to the voyeur vibe as Henri taught the better equipped students a song called “Broken Cup” by Jason Webley. It was awesome to see them start with a simple melody, build on it, and end with beautiful 5-part harmony. I didn’t catch the final version on camera, but take my word for it: you’re sorry you missed it.

2 Responses So Far
  1. 1

    beth(any) said,

    October 12, 2006 @ 8:52 am

    i know henri! he was my brother’s accordian teacher and he is GREAT! i also have seen jason webley play twice–words cannot describe just how powerful he and his music are! i’m glad that you got a taste of it.
    –b

  2. 2

    ReeD said,

    October 12, 2006 @ 10:10 am

    Oh accordions melt me!

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