The common thread which I can relate to is just how many doors have been opened and how many opportunities were realized through playing music. Been playing accordion for over 55 years with starting performing as a father and son accordion duo when I was only 10 years old. What an opportunity that turned out to be. Put myself through college playing weekends first with a trio and then as a solo. After college, played full-time with a drummer covering top 40 (in the mid to late 70's). Packed bars (I'm talking 2-300 people a night) playing four nights a week plus private gigs on weekends.
After finally breaking into day-time field of study, continued playing weekends with a guitar player for over 20 years. Now, after retiring in 2014 I'm back playing solo two nights a week. Love playing in front of an audience especially seeing reaction of people who have never seen or heard an accordion player do the things I can do. Definitely have my niche in Italian/American/Latin familiar favorites easy listening and dance music. Thank God every day for this gift and love helping others make some great memories. Always say I'm not that good, but have been doing it a long time. Also, I'm not a musician, simply hang around with them... It's not perfection people are looking for, it's the beat and the "sound"!!! They want something they can feel.

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Jerry

Ketron SD40, Ketron MidJay Pro, MusicTech-50 Digital Accordion, G. Verdi Lite IV acoustic accordion+Limex Pro III Midi, Baldoni Midi (Psuedo)-Accord (Keytar), iPad-OnSong App, Shure Headset Digital Mic., Behringer X AIR XR12 Digital Mixer, Excelsior Symphony, Vintage C. Fidardo Professional Accordion, JBL Eon 615 powered speakers.