The French Connection with the Cafe Accordion Orchestra

Variety Show

Experience a musical journey with Cafe Accordion Orchestra as they transport you to the heart of Paris, the sun-soaked shores of Southern France, the lively streets of Quebec, and the soulful rhythms of Louisiana. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of French culture from around the world, all brought to life by this extraordinary ensemble.

Dan Newton: Accordion

Brian Barnes: Guitar

Eric Mohring: Fiddle and Mandolin

Erik Lillestol: Bass

Joe Steinger: Percussion

Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra (CAO) performs an eclectic mix full of French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude. The heart of the CAO repertoire is the passionate sound of the French valsemusette. The group complements the musettes with swing, ballads, tangos, cha chas, rumbas, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. They inject their music with good humor and expressive abandon. Their high level of musicianship and passion for performance makes them an entertaining concert act as well as a great dance band. The Artists CAO is led by DAN NEWTON on accordion and vocals, with ERIC MOHRING on mandolin, violin and vocals, ERIK LILLESTOL on bass and vocals, BRIAN BARNES on guitar and vocals and JOE STEINGER on percussion. CAO has been delighting audiences and dancers alike since 1995. They have appeared in New York at the Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing series, the International Akkordeon Festival in Vienna, Austria, the Minnesota State Fair, as well as festivals, theaters and dance halls across the United States.

“Excellent musicianship and an undeniable emphasis on fun. Which, oddly enough, is all too rare in a lot of music that comes across my desk. Love it!” Kevin O’Connor KBEM and MPR

www.cafeaccordion.com