Accordian man

  • Caroline Lippert-Burrows<br>For the Enterprise
  • Monday, March 3, 2008 11:36am

In the center of Country Village Farmers Market in Bothell, on a sunny Friday afternoon, using just a stool, microphone and a small sound system, Paul Fedorowicz entertained the crowd for three hours with the enchanting and lively music of his accordion.

It was obvious to me right away that Fedorowicz had a passion for an instrument that once was associated to the Lawrence Welk show. His hands moved up and down the keyboards with enthusiasm, while his feet tapped energetically to the music.

The first number I heard him perform had a soothing quality to it. Those walking by seemed comfortable with the peaceful energy that Fedorowicz’s music brought to the background of the market.

The second number he played was very romantic. I envisioned lovers dancing on the dance floor moving to the sweet passion of Fedorowicz’s accordion playing.

His third number had a happy feel to it that made you want to sway to the energy of the music. The kids I saw watching Fedorowicz perform this piece couldn’t help but move to the rhythm of this playful song.

The next piece he played seemed to tell a story; I imagined one about an immigrant family. It had sounds that went high, low and sometimes intense. It could have been the story of my family on my mom’s Italian side.

In fact, you can’t help but hear the Italian influence in his music. Perhaps that’s because Fedorowicz originally studied the accordion with Sicilian music teacher, Joe Cerrito.

Although Fedorowicz was originally against learning this instrument (he really wanted to play drums), it is clear to me that the man is committed to his accordion music. He was particularly proud to perform an original composition that I found to be quite engaging.

And that is where the passion for him continues to grow. Being able to write new music for the accordion and introduce it to new generations really excites Fedorowicz.

He sure got his chance to do that at the market that day. Kids watching him perform were absolutely enthralled with the playfulness of the instrument. They stared at his accordion as if they had never seen such an interesting musical gadget; they probably had not.

One thing for sure about Fedorowicz and his accordion playing: He draws just as many eyes to it as ears. People walking by were fascinated by the movement and show of him with the instrument.

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