When you think of the accordion, you might think of polka bands and French cafes. But one man proved the accordion also had a place in jazz, and that the big, bulky instrument could definitely swing.
Art Van Damme enjoyed a long and celebrated career, performing with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald, before moving to Roseville several years ago. He died on February 15th at the age of 89. Capital Public Radio’s Paul Conley prepared this remembrance.
A group of local musicians who worked with Art Van Damme frequently over the past decade will perform a tribute concert on April 9th, Art's 90th birthday, at Hutchins Street Square in Lodi. For ticket information, call (209) 333-5550.
-
JazzStream
On Now!
- NEWS 90.9 KXJZ Sacramento
- 90.5 KKTO Tahoe/Reno
- 91.3 KUOP Stockton
- 88.1 KQNC Quincy
- MUSIC 88.9 KXPR Sacramento
- 91.7 KXSR Groveland/Sonora
- 88.7 KXJS Sutter/Yuba City
Remembering The Man Who Made The Accordion Swing
During his celebrated, seven-decade career, Art Van Damme proved there was a place for the accordion in jazz.
By
Paul Conley
Listen now:
Monday, February 22, 2010