2023 AAA 85th Anniversary Festival
Saturday July 15, Daily Reports

Picture Gallery

Click each picture to see full size Only the professional accordionists are named.

Morning Workshops, Competition Pictures, Exhibit Room

Awards Concert and Entertainment

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Jury ready to work: Joan Cochran Sommers and Joey Miskulin. Frank Busso Sr. was Emcee and opened the Awards. Introducing the Busso Entertainment Orchestra. The orchestra had a very nice entertainment program enjoyed by the audience. Emcee Frank Busso Sr. read out the results. AAA President Frank Busso Jr. presented the trophies to the contestants. AAA Junior Festival Orchestra. AAA Junior Orchestra was conducted by Joanna Darrow. Dr. McMahan reading out the results of the 2023 AAA Elsie Bennett Compositions Competition. Nathan Chapeton, AAA Coupe Mondiale competitor performed for the audience. Nathan Chapeton's performance of Unforgettable arr. by Semionov, received strong applause from the audience.

Video above: Busso Accordion Orchestra conducted by Frank Busso Jr.

Video above: AAA Junior Festival Orchestra conducted by Joanna Darrow

Video above: Dr Robert Young McMahan announcing the 2023 AAA Elsie Bennett Composition Competition results.

Video above: Nathan Chapeton performing Unforgettable arranged by V Semionov.

Cocktail Reception and Gala Banquet

2023 AAA Gala Program
Download this color 20 page program

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Video above: The AAA Festival orchestra was popular with many players participating. Conducted by Joan Cochran Sommers.

Video above: The magnificent US Air Force Strolling Strings, Thriller by Michael Jackson, Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla. Featuring Frank Busso Jr. on accordion. Tribute to AAA Board Member and former Air Force Strings accordionist Lou Coppola at 6:27.

Video above: The US Air Force Strolling Strings all on the stage, for the last pieces of their very popular performance.

AAA Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation to
Frank Busso Sr.

2023 AAA Gala Program
Download this color 20 page program

Video above: Frank Busso Sr. AAA Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation speeches.

And there ended a very successful AAA Festival that will be remembered for many years to come. Thank you to all the AAA officials who contributed to the excellent success of the 85th AAA Anniversary Festival. Videos and other information to come.

2023 AAA 85th Anniversary Festival Daily Reports July 12-16, 2023 Marriott Philadelphia West Conshohocken, PA 19428 Wednesday July 12, Daily Report Thursday July 13, Daily Report Friday July 14, Daily Report Saturday July 15, Daily Report Sunday July 16, Daily Report Downloads: 2023 AAA Color Journal (47 pages) Gala Banquet & Lifetime Achievement Award Program (20 pages) Gala Banquet Concert Poster Gala Concert Poster Gala Concert Program Luncheon Concert Poster Luncheon Concert Program Pasta Night Poster Pasta Night Entertainment Program Workshops Poster Exhibits Poster Festival flyer Festival registration Festival schedule Workshop schedule Festival Journal advertiser Festival Exhibitors Competition rules Competition registration Announcements AAA Open Meeting July 16, 2023