Colette Ogata’s musical journey began at age 11 when a door-to-door salesman introduced her to the accordion. She started lessons with Sam Totaro in Hayward, CA, a former student of the renowned Lou Jacklich.
In 1979, Colette joined the International Adult Accordion Band, directed by Lou Jacklich, sparking a lifelong musical connection. In 1998, Colette began formal instruction with Lou and continued studying with him on and off until his passing in May 2024. She considers it one of her greatest honors to have performed duets with him. Together, Colette and Lou performed at various Bay Area accordion clubs, Club Concerto during the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, and the Cotati Student Fundraiser for four consecutive years. Colette has also performed with the Accordion extravaganza Orchestra under Kim and Dan Christian in Albuquerque, New Mexico 2022 and Branson, Missouri 2023.
Since August 2020, Colette has served as President of the Silicon Valley Accordion Society, successfully guiding the club through the COVID era by hosting virtual meetings featuring acclaimed accordionists from across the US.
Colette’s musical passions include American standards, Latin, and Italian music. She currently performs regularly with fellow accordionist Joseph Martin, busking at Oakland International Airport. Their cheerful and unexpected musical performances bring smiles and heartfelt thanks from travelers of all ages, a unique experience they both very much enjoy.
Joseph Ernest Martin started playing the accordion with a mission in mind: to be happy. As a young boy, he took lessons from Anita Gunther in Chico, California, and continued playing for about nine joyful years.
As an adult he decided to once again start playing. He found an amazing teacher, Lou Jacklich and joined the San Francisco Accordion Club as well as the Silicon Valley Accordion Society. Joseph continues his lessons with another amazing teacher, Mike Zampiceni, and by November of 2025, he will have been taking adult lessons for two rewarding and fulfilling years.
Joseph plays each week at the Oakland International Airport for arriving passengers with SVAS President and friend Colette Ogata. He also performs with the San Francisco Banjo Band, as their accordionist. Joseph helps the Cotati Jam Tent by organizing and printing the GSAC Jam Books, volunteering to lead the Jam Tent, as well as having helped raise money for the Student Accordion Fundraiser.
Songs from the Great American Songbook are Joseph’s favorites, as well as his love for Italian classics. He recently attended the Rose City Accordion Camp and played under orchestra leader Joe Natoli. Joseph plays a Colombo Grand Vox accordion made in Oakland, California – but if you asked him, he would love to try out a new Korg digital accordion.