International Accordion Festival Brings Variety to San Antonio Music Scene

Related Links: International Accordian Festival

October 10, 2008 ·Tejano conjunto, polka and zydeco are just a few of the sounds showcased at the International Accordian Festival this weekend.  One that goes back to the roots of the city itself comes from the Canary Islands. 

Accordionist Jaramias Martin was brought to the festival by the Friends of the Canary Islands San Antonio group and it's director and translator Katy Moreno. 

Martin calls his modern fusion Isleno-style music Nuevas Aires and says it's a style the to teach youth about the accordion tradition.

(Translation)"It's difficult but I think it is not impossible.  The accordion is a very versatile instrument."

So versatile, in fact, that the sounds of the accordion can be found in music from all over the world: Germany, France, Spain and Italy to name a few.  Martin says it's important for an audience to hear the music to keep the tradition alive and the musicians encouraged to play it.

(Translation)" I want to share the music with the public it is there that I get in contact with the public, and the artist needs to feel the public there."