Listening to Polish music at an early age was a family ritual in western Massachusetts. When I was ten, I started lessons with a tutor and continued for the next eight years, including Sunday morning band practice. Later in college, a memorable event was playing both the accordion and saxophone in “Cabaret”. My Work kept me busy for the next four decades.

After talking to a woman musician who loved playing, I was inspired to pull out my old accordion, had it refurbished, and started playing again, first weekly and then daily. Finding and performing with the Winchester Village Band led to other venues such as the RUK Accordion Orchestra and participating in play-alongs at the Cotati CA Accordion Festival. Not long after I restarted, I replaced my “learner” accordion with a full sized Siwa and Figlii accordion which I love. I enjoy playing all types of acoustic music and doing so with the RUK Orchestra has been a wonderful experience. The camaraderie and energy of the group are remarkable.