The only reason we actually came was because I want to buy a concertina. I was disappointed in that, because they only had three at the festival, and they were the junk ones. Now that I've spent the day trying to find one, I realize I need to fix the one I have, even though it's a piece of junk, it's good enough for what I want it for, and I know I can actually fix it.
Anyway, the festival was fun. Food trucks have made many events so much better than they used to be, and this one was no exception. We had a wonderful chicken burrito, very California style, with a bit of feta cheese and nice grilled chicken in a veggie wrap. And a nice wine. 
We were able to see three different performers, the first was Alicia Baker, who has a wonderful voice as well as being a great accordionist. She accompanied herself singing opera arias, played exotic arrangements that she had written in music school of various things and otherwise kinda knocked your socks off.
One of the things they had the last time we were here, maybe five years ago, was the massed playing of Lady of Spain. They did that again this year, but it seemed like there were only about 20 accordions. But they also did the Beer Barrel Polka. People also got totally into it and danced in front of the stage. 
After that we heard Vincenzo Abbracciante who played some pretty good jazz, then the legendary Dick Contino, who is apparently the grand old man of the accordion. He's 84 and clearly a crowd favorite. Finally we saw The Great Morgani, who wears a bizarre costume which even covers his accordion, but he plays though it.
All in all, it was a pretty nice day, though I failed in the main objective.
We had to take a poor choice on a hotel, because we didn't plan ahead, but we did get a room that matches my hair. 
Tomorrow I want to go to Sunflower bakery for brunch, then go over to the beach, then go check out the antique shops, but I don't know if we will achieve any or all to it. Traffic was awful on the way over here, so john will probably be chomping at the bit to leave by noon.
Tomorrow I want to go to Sunflower bakery for brunch, then go over to the beach, then go check out the antique shops, but I don't know if we will achieve any or all to it. Traffic was awful on the way over here, so john will probably be chomping at the bit to leave by noon. 
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