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Joe is originally from Beirut, Lebanon, where he
grew up during it’s golden era (50's-80's) when it was considered the center of banking, commerce, and
the arts of the Mediterranean. His first visit to the USA was as a student at age 19. He
moved here permanently when he was 34.
On his 13th birthday his dad, a
music lover and accordion enthusiast, presented him with an accordion,
a 12 bass Weltmeister, followed a year later by a 96 bass Scandalli
(still in possession and playing well until now). Joe took
accordion lessons for several years at a music academy near
his home.
His enthusiasm for the accordion was dampened during
the era when the guitar became the rage. This was
the age of Elvis and the Beatles, so for many years the accordion stayed
out of sight (and mind), emerging only on the rare occasion to play a
birthday song or a folk theme. However, around 2000, when Joe was
exploring the internet, he stumbled on the Houston Accordion Club.
There, he met many wonderful people who shared his love for
accordion music, and helped rekindle his passion for the instrument.
Since then, he has worked eagerly to improve his
technique & expand his old repertoire. In 2003, he enrolled in a two
year music study program at his local community college which covered
theory,
harmony and composition. He also studied with Houston’s
accordion virtuoso, Mario Pedone, considered by many a Master of the
accordion. His diligent studies and persistent practice over several
years have enabled him to fulfill his expressive aspirations as a
musician.
In 2005, along with a small group of accordion
friends, he started the Houston Bay Area Accordion Club - of which he is
serving as president for a 3 year term. His leadership and artistry have
brought a lot pleasure to his friends and visitors alike, who gather
monthly at Franca's. See
www.bayareaaccordionclub.com .
Joe loves to play old world music that is rich in
harmony. His repertoire covers a wide range of styles that were popular
in his native Beirut such as Argentine Tango, French Musette Valse,
Romantic Italian songs, Gypsy, Greek & Russian folk songs, light
classics, American Standards, and Lebanese folk music. He plays
frequently at social gatherings and always brings along an accordion
when seafaring aboard his cabin cruiser. His wife, Gaylynn, is a great
supporter and music lover. Joe can be contacted by e-mail at
joebrikha@gmail.com
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