What year did you start your first band, where, and where did you play? Did you play the accordion in your first band?
As I look back I can see that I have always been a director. As early as 7th grade I was organizing singers in spontaneous a cappella sessions in the school yard. By 9th grade I formed an all-girl quintet called “The Anti…” (We fashioned ourselves after the “Them” with a touch of the “Who” and, of course, the Stones. We did a version of “Gloria” only we sang it as “G_E_O_R_G_E”. )
We made it to the battle of the bands at the Cow Palace in SF. This is the photo they chose to plug the “dress rehearsal” at Lincoln High School for the 30 bands selected. (https://themadmaggies.com/first-cattle-call/)
I played a Sears Silvertone guitar.
When did you start playing the accordion?
In 1991, the first year of the Cotati Accordion Festival. A friend, Kandi Figone of Petaluma, who to this day takes responsibility for starting me on my squeezebox adventure, had inherited a batch of instruments. She knew I played music and thought I should have them. There were two accordions in the lot, a 1931 Hohner Carmen and a 1950s Hohner student model. I fell in love.
How and when did the Mad Maggies begin?
Our musical adventure began in 2004 when I asked musician friends if they would like to record some of my tunes. The experience was so good that I started to look for performing opportunities for us. And the rest is history. I’m a composer. Having wonderful players who are happy to play my creations is existential joy.
What style of music did you play at the beginning?
From the get-go, the Mad Ms have been “Hard to Describe, Easy to Love”. Our genre-fluid repertoire is mostly my original tunes with a dash of carefully selected covers. I write all kinds of tunes, inspired by all kinds of styles – ska, ballads, Celtic, Cajun, swing, folk-rock, waltz, polka, atmospheric, even jazz adjacent.
What is really fantastic is that the talented musicians I have the pleasure of playing with are so flexible that they can move in and out of the different styles with ease. This is an unusual delight. Our current lineup has held steady for the last 14 years or so. I love and respect these players big time.
Where were you and the Mad Mags originally based?
We have always been based in Sonoma County, CA and now, also in Penticton, BC
Did you play in those Darn Accordions?
No. Never.
Are there other bands where you played the accordion?
Polkacide 13 years (for which I deserve some kind of special medal)
When did you first play the cotati accordion festival?
My 1st time on the CAF stage was as the accordionist with Polkacide, I believe in 1995. I told the guys about the festival thinking it would be fun to play outside of SF, in my neck of the woods, the North Bay.
The Mad Ms played Cotati for the first time in 2005. Scott, you were one of the first promoters to give us a chance, and I am eternally grateful.
What type of accordion are you playing now and why?
I play a Weltmeister “Rubin”
30/60/II/3 = 30 keys, 60 bass buttons, two reed banks on treble side, 3 reed banks on bass side
It is tuned very wet – a nice German musette – meaning that some of the reeds are tuned a few cents off from the standard A 440 Hz. Since I play with horns (brass and reeds), I need a sound that will cut through. The musette sound does that very nicely.
I used to travel with a large 120 bass accordion splitting the box into two – the treble side in the checked in baggage and the bass mechanism in the carry on baggage so I could protect it. After 9/11, airline travel became a hassle. I needed an instrument I could carry-on for a tour that very same month. So I went to Smythe’s Accordion Center and bought my beautiful gold squeeze. No regrets! I stand when I perform and this squeeze is a very back friendly 12.3lbs
I also have a blue back-up Weltmeister “Rubin” and a larger, silver Weltmeister “Achat”. I usually record with the “Achat” because it is a tad mellower.
What has been your experience putting together the grand finale.
I thoroughly enjoy the challenge. Can’t explain why but directing just comes naturally. I do have theater experience but I think it’s more that I can just see the scope, the big picture of how to pull off a show. I know what technical and artistic elements need to be where and when.
Once I know what players are in the finale line-up, I start working out a set list with their individual repertoires, styles and skills in mind. The goal is to give the audience a show they can respond to, as well as, give the players a chance to showcase and collaborate. Most of all, it’s got to be a joy, a celebration. I choose the tunes, arrange them, write up sheet music, chord charts and lyrics. Then I make sure everyone has what they need to feel comfortable. The more organized I am, the easier it is for all involved to relax into putting on a good show.
What is it like working with such a varied group of accordionists each year?
The calibre of musicians who play the festival is excellent. These are professionals who, if I give good detailed direction, know what to do. I enjoy watching which players just “get it” and jump in with both feet.
What is the response from the performers?
Oh, very good. I make sure they know it is a fun, celebration NOT a highly competitive or stuffy happening. When the players get on stage with so many other accordionists, and see the audience going wild, they know it is a special experience. CAF is a very unique eent!
