What Happens at a Silicon Valley Accordion Society Meeting?

Updated

A Silicon Valley Accordion Society (SVAS) meeting centers on live accordion music, typically featuring one or more scheduled bands, plus an open invitation for members to bring their own accordion and play. Meetings are held at Christ Episcopal Church of Los Altos, 1040 Border Road, Los Altos, CA 94024 (phone 650-948-2151). If you play accordion, you can sign up on the spot to perform; if you just want to listen, you can attend and enjoy the performances and festivities.

What a Typical Meeting Includes

Based on the meeting described on the SVAS site (Sunday, October 4, 2026), the format combines featured performances with member participation:

  • Featured bands. The October meeting featured The Sunday Seven Band, led by Bob Stanfield, and the Balkanera Band.
  • Member playing time. Attendees are invited to bring their accordion and play. You can either tell one of the officers to sign you up, or arrive early and add your name to the white board on the stage.
  • A social, festive atmosphere. The site describes the gathering as a chance to "share the festivities," suggesting a casual, community-oriented event rather than a formal concert.

The Featured Bands

The Sunday Seven Band

  • Led by Bob Stanfield; formed 16 years before the October 2026 meeting.
  • Four accordion players: Bob Stanfield, Vic Corsiglia, Tseli Wu, and Bill Likens.
  • Additional members: Barbara Corsiglia (bass), Birgit Calhoun (recorder), and Scott Barta (guitar and bass).
  • Repertoire spans waltzes, polkas, sing-alongs, oldies, and German, Norwegian, Italian, country western, and holiday tunes.
  • The group also plays in downtown Los Altos on the first Friday of every month, plus at special events, retirement homes, and senior centers.

Balkanera Band

  • Members: Nena Lovre (accordion and vocals), Nikola Nedovic (guitar), Mirko Vojnovic (guitar), and Branko Lovre (cajon).
  • Active together since 2022; performs a mix of Balkan, international, and Gypsy jazz music.
  • The musicians have also performed with the Iskra Etno group since 2017 at Bay Area festivals and cultural celebrations.

Practical Details

Item Detail
Venue Christ Episcopal Church of Los Altos
Address 1040 Border Road, Los Altos, CA 94024
Phone 650-948-2151
Cost Not stated on the page
How to perform Tell an officer, or sign up early on the white board on stage

What to Expect If You Go

  • If you play accordion: bring your instrument. Sign-up happens through an officer or the stage white board, so arriving early gives you a better chance to get on the list.
  • If you don't play: you can still attend to hear the featured bands and the member performances.
  • Leadership note: Bill Tapogna was announced as assuming the role of president, with other officers sharing some of his responsibilities during the transition. The site invites members to volunteer if they want to help.

Before You Go

The page does not list admission prices, membership requirements, or a full meeting schedule. To confirm the date, time, and any cost for a specific meeting, check the SVAS Calendar of Events or use the Contact Us/Membership page on svasociety.org.