UPDATES
Here's the latest update of 2020
August 2, 2020
Unfortunately, we have to cancel the Gazebo entertainment for August 15, 16. The COVID situation in our state is not improving and the Governor has issued a ban on all live music. Therefore, the Leavenworth Chamber had no choice but to cancel all Summer Entertainment until further notice. The cancellation is still in effect as of this day and shows no sign of letting up.
Let’s just hope 2021 will be a better year.
June 3, 2020
Chelan County is still in Phase 1 of COVID-19 and this will not change for at least 2 more weeks. It may even be longer. Therefore, we cannot have a mini-LIAC at the gazebo on June 19-21. We have been given another opportunity on August 15, 16. We are contacting accordion players to see if we have enough interest for that weekend. Please contact Bonnie Birch at bonniebirch@msn.com .
April 17, 2020
The following is contingent on state regulations during COVID-19.
Here is an announcement for a possible mini-LIAC at the gazebo:
Dear accordion players,
I am doing some research to see if anybody is interested in coming to Leavenworth this June 19, 20, (maybe 21) and playing at the gazebo. If there is enough interest, we may even be able to have the Gazebo Ensemble play with the new ensemble gig book.
There won't be the Festhalle entertainment or all the great workshops in the Grange so just think of it as a little get-away and the ability to play some music. All this depends on what the state regulations are at the time.
If you think you would like to come to LV and participate at the gazebo, please email with the following information:
What day( s) would you be in Leavenworth?
Would you play in the Ensemble?
email to:
Bonnie Birch OR
Doris Osgood
Let us know and I will see if we can put something together.
Bonnie
April 15, 2020
Well, folks, here is the official announcement:
The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration committee has discussed the situation regarding COVID-19 extensively over the last several days. The consensus is that it is prudent to cancel LIAC for 2020 and reschedule to 2021. A fabulous program was planned for the Festhalle and it would be most unfortunate if the attendance didn't make sense financially or have our great performers performing for a very small audience. Additionally, our key volunteers and supporters are hesitant to consider or commit to coming to Leavenworth in June. The situation with the virus is showing some improvement in Washington State and it's hopeful that the restaurants and shops can be open by June. However, the Festhalle concerts during LIAC usually have 250 - 300 people per night all sitting close to each other. Distancing guidelines are expected to continue for some time and our supporters feel it's too soon to consider bypassing the separation guidelines.
The plans are in place for the accordion celebration in 2021. Mark your calendars today: The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 17 - 20, 2021 for the love of the accordion.
Check the official web site for updates: .
NOTE: We may have entertainment at the Gazebo in 2020. Please look for a separate email soon.
We look forward to seeing you in 2021 for the 27th celebration of the accordion in Leavenworth, WA.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
April 10, 2020
We are still in a wait-and-see pattern. We are going to see how things are going during the next week. On April 20, we will reassess the situation. If things have improved a lot, we can continue waiting until May 4 when the Governor decides what to do about the shutdown order. If there is not much improvement, we may have to go ahead and reschedule for 2021 rather than keeping everybody waiting.
If we have to cancel our Festhalle program, there is still some thought about a mini-LIAC where we have performances at the Gazebo (assuming the shutdown has been lifted).
More coming….
March 23, 2020
The situation in the country and our local area has changed so much since the advent of COVID-19. There has been a lot of discussion on whether we will be able to have LIAC 2020. We are hoping for improvement in the situation but it is difficult to be optimistic. The website is updated with all concerts and workshops. We are holding-off on Advanced ticket sales, competition registration, and gazebo sign-up for 2-3 weeks. If we have to cancel LIAC 2020, we will reschedule it for June 17,18,19,20, 2021 with as much of the same program as possible.
February 5, 2020
Get a preview of LIAC by attending the annual Day of the Accordion (DOTA) at Crossroads Bellevue on February 21, 22, 23 2020. See the DOTA poster for details.
February 4, 2020
We are getting there. Please see the website for the latest on Concerts and Workshops. By April we will be taking sign-ups for the Gazebo performances. Be sure to look at the Competition section for opportunities to compete or perform in a non-competitive environment. Soon, we will publish a new book for the Gazebo Ensemble to use for their gazebo performances. This can be found in the Performance/Gazebo Schedule section of the website.
December 23, 2019
The website is currently being updated for another great LIAC 2020. Concerts, Workshops, schedules, etc. are still being planned so we appreciate your patience.
August 14, 2019
We are looking for someone to design the 2020 pin. Please call Rick Webber at 509-290-6858 if you are interested. We are really in need of some new ideas.
July 17, 2019
Dear LIAC Friends,
LIAC 2019 was another amazing and successful event.
As you can see, we have a new website. The navigation options are still the same but the outward appears of the website is totally different.
Before 2019 ends, we will have updates for the 2020 program. In the meantime, you can still see what we did in 2019. We will still have the Competition, Festhalle Concerts, the gazebo program, and the Grange programs.
Competition: For all of you who play the accordion or have students who play, PLEASE check out the website under the Competition tab. This event is not just a competition; it is also a chance to perform on the Festhalle stage and be heard by our stellar judges and audience. The Artistry category is non-competitive but still gives the same incentive to strive for excellence in playing. Please check it out.
Website: We have a new website.
Gazebo: The gazebo sign-up will be available in April 2020.
Donations: We always appreciate donations for the Bursary fund for young players. Your donations and attendance at LIAC are so much appreciated.
Volunteering: This is a fun activity and an easy way to meet people besides being so important to the festival’s success. See the tab Overview/Volunteer Signup.
See you soon….Bonnie and the hard-working committee