Cotati Accordion Festival Celebrates The ‘King Of Stomach Steinway’

COTATI, CA — Cotati has an ongoing love affair with accordions culminating with its annual Cotati Accordion Festival. According to festival organizers, the Cotati Accordion Festival celebrates “the most underrated instrument” and the man who brought it to life.

Co-founded by famed accordion players Jim Boggio and Clifton Buck-Kauffman, the Cotati Accordion Festival will celebrate its 31st annual festival in 2023 at La Plaza Park Aug. 19- 20.

There’s a “multigenerational” feel to the crowd these days with grandparents bringing the younger set to enjoy the many sounds of the accordion, the Sonoma County Gazette reported.

Though the festival features food, costumes and microbreweries, it’s the Jam Tent where serious accordion players head. A cacophony of sound will greet you when you enter that covered stage as musicians squeeze and pull out notes from accordions to the tunes of everything from Zydeco to Polka.

The Jam Tent offers a weather-resistant space with its circus-tent top, hardwood floor, and stages. It is where the curious can learn about accordions, have their instruments tuned and repaired as well as hear up to 20 accordion players cranking out tunes at once.

“For more than a decade, the Jam Tent has served as an anchor to all accordionists in search of connecting with others,” according to event organizers. “Under the auspices of the Golden State Accordion Club, it grew into the most popular hub at the festival. It’s a great place to hang out, meet a friend, swap stories, and share the latest in the accordion world. Stop by and play for an hour or so. It’s up to you.”

The festival promotes both the love of the accordion and supports local youths and has contributed more than $500,000 to the community. Residents and fans can support community efforts by subscribing to the Cotati Accordion Festival-YouTube site, a spokesperson for the event said.

“The board will select worthy music and outdoor education programs all for our local nonprofit student organizations,” according to organizers

Musicians are signing up daily, so keep an eye out on the festival website for the latest acts.

Parking is free, and a shuttle service is typically available. Food vendors and microbreweries also participate — all adding to the festival atmosphere.

Though Boggio died in 1996, his memory lives on in a sculpture of his likeness that sits at the corner of Old Redwood Highway and West Sierra Avenue at the entrance to the park. The life-sized bronze statue, unveiled at the 1997 festival, was created by Sebastopol sculptor Jim Kelly.

It is often decorated for holidays and during the event, is typically donned with a cape and a crown.

With a life of achievements in both teaching and playing accordion across the nation, family, friends and accordion fans agree that the festival is Boggio’s finest musical contribution.

Buy tickets, donate or sign up to perform at the 2023 Accordion Fest here.