Stan Pickett, (also known as "The Eddie van Halen" of the accordion) will serve as your guide through the wild, wild world of this versatile, and misunderstood instrument! You'll learn about the different types of accordions (chromatic, diatonic, flammable and submersible), as well as the various forms of traditional tunes (jigs, reels, polkas, etc.) A discussion of ornamentation, repertoire, regional styles, and how to use the bass keys, will also be included. And of course, Stan won't send you home without the proper tools to torture your relatives. Yes, you will learn some new tunes! What do you need to participate? You will need an accordion, and some knowledge of how to play the instrument.

The St. John's Folk Arts Council is interested in presenting activities that involve participation between the generations. There is no age limit for this workshop, but all participants should have some rudimentary knowledge of how to play the accordion.

DATE:      SATURDAY, MAY 25TH

PLACE:   THE MASONIC TEMPLE, CATHEDRAL STREET

TIME:       10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

COST:      Adults $25; Seniors, Students and Youth $20


PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED IN ADVANCE OF THE WORKSHOP.

Stan was born on Fair Island, Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland near the end of an era when folk singing and square dances were the principle means of entertainment. He grew up playing the button accordion for square dances and listening to his father and others sing English folk songs brought to the Island by their forebears. In the late 1950's when Stan was fourteen, his family resettled to mainland Newfoundland and he went on to play the guitar and sing in a country-pop band in the late 60's and early 70's. He returned to traditional music following the death of his father in 1990, vowing to preserve the music and song of Fair Island. In the past six years his repertoire has grown considerably to include more English folk songs, along with Irish and Scottish traditional songs, jigs, reels, polka and airs. Stan also is gaining a reputation as a composer and has created several outstanding original jigs and reels.

Stan performs solo, but is often accompanied by his musical friends. He is currently a member of the Auntie Crae Band, which plays every Tuesday at Auntie Crae's Health Food Store and Café on Water Street. He performs regularly at various St. John's nightclubs, conventions, folk festivals, museums, public schools and other venues.

Stan is always researching the literature to learn more about the button accordion and how it is played, and is a student of traditional music in general. He imparts his knowledge about accordions and accordion playing to anyone interested, young and old alike, and is pleased to see the growing interest in this traditional Newfoundland instrument.