Happy Music Events
HMC is a worldwide happy music community supporting musical artists and venues through various channels to help achieve local, regional, national, and international positive social benefits. We invite you to attend and support these events. If your event is not listed, please send us the information to: [email protected].
Go here to submit Comments: https://happymusiccenter.org/contact/
Upcoming Happy Music Events
NOTE: Confirm all Event specifics with the local listing
ASUMH Workforce and Community Education with Matt Powell
Songwriting Workshop with Matt Powell
$250
Class has begun
In this immersive workshop we will deep-dive into the craft of songwriting. With lessons on song structure, music theory, lyric writing and more, I will provide tools to guide you in writing an original song, with the option to perform at our class concert. All skill levels and styles welcome.
*Class dates are as follows: March 5th, 12th, 19th, April 2nd, 9th, 16th.
(Due to Spring Break class will not be held on Wednesday March 26th).
Instructor BIO:
Matt Powell is a writer and musician. He earned a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he majored in songwriting, and studied guitar performance. His writing has been featured in several publications, including Variety, No Depression, and Emmys.com. He served for five years as Contributing Music Editor for Humor in America, a blog affiliated with the Department of English at the University of Texas at Austin. He performs music regularly throughout the area, and has released four EPs of original music with bands in Los Angeles, including a song placed in the CW show Supernatural. Matt was born and raised in Southern California, but his roots in Baxter County go back to the 1860s. He moved to Mountain Home in 2021 to be around family roots, nature, and good neighbors.
https://www.facebook.com/theemattpowell
SAVE THE DATE – NAA CONVENTION – March 13- 15 2025
Special Event – Lori Beth Brooke’s Recognition as Happy Music Ambassador
The Happy Music Center (HMC) has announced the selection of Lori Beth Brooke as a Happy Music Ambassador, a prestigious honor recognizing her significant contributions to music and her role in spreading joy through her performances. This recognition will be formally presented at the National Accordion Convention in Lewisville, Texas, on Friday evening, March 14, 2025, during her concert titled “Lori’s Yodel Blitz Concert.” The award ceremony will feature presentations by HMC President Johnny Young and Rick Custer, the NAA Convention Coordinator, underscoring the event’s importance within the music community.
Who are Happy Music Ambassadors
Happy Music Ambassadors are individuals dedicated to using music as a tool for spreading joy, harmony, and positivity, creating connections that transcend boundaries and unite diverse communities. They are recognized for their exceptional efforts in inspiring and uplifting others, serving as beacons of musical delight and ambassadors of joy. The nomination process for this honor is open to anyone, free of charge, allowing the public to celebrate remarkable individuals who make a positive impact through music. The HMC review committee diligently selects recipients throughout the year, and nominees chosen for the award have the privilege of being presented with this accolade, often with the nominator’s assistance.
Lori Beth Brooke’s Musical Journey
Lori Beth Brooke, a native Texan with German heritage, hails from Austin, Texas, and grew up on a dairy farm in Nordheim, southeast of San Antonio. Her musical journey began at a young age, playing piano before starting elementary school and learning the accordion at seven, guided by the Palmer Hughes series, mastering her first polka. By age 12, she was composing her own songs, showcasing early talent. She graduated with a B.A. in Music and an M.S. in Computer Information Systems, currently managing a database platform team in the computer industry, but her true calling remains music.
Over the past 20 years, Lori Beth has performed across a broad spectrum of genres, including classical, big band, German folk, country, and most recently, Western music. Post-college, she learned to yodel, integrating this unique technique into her performances, particularly in German folk and Western music. Her yodeling prowess led to her being named Female Yodeler of the Year in 2016 by the International Western Music Association. Her album “Texas Star,” released in 2020, was awarded the Cowboy Western Swing Album of the Year by the same association. On May 21, 2021, she released her first official music video for her original song “Guys Love Chicks Who Yodel,” available on YouTube (YouTube), further expanding her reach. Lori Beth was also named the Academy of Western Artists’ 2020 Female Western Performer and won the Walnut Valley Festival 2021 Song of the Year in the Humorous category, with nominations for Instrumentalist of the Year and Female Performer of the Year in 2021 by the International Western Music Association.
Lori Beth recently released her second album, “Light of the Moon,” in June 2024, which includes 15 songs, 10 of which are originals, ranging from straight-up country to Western swing, highlighting her ongoing creativity and contribution to the music scene.
The Happy Music Ambassador Recognition Event
The Happy Music Center, a premier institution dedicated to music education and promoting harmony, happiness, and health among all involved, is delighted to honor Lori Beth Brooke. With experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, HMC offers comprehensive musical experiences, aligning with its mission to inspire and empower musicians of all ages.
Johnny Young, President of HMC, expressed, “We are honored to recognize Lori Beth Brooke with the Happy Music Ambassador Award. Her passion, expertise, and tireless commitment have enriched countless lives, and we are proud to have her represent the values and spirit of the Happy Music Center.” This statement underscores the significance of her selection, reflecting HMC’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant musical community worldwide.
Detailed Breakdown of Lori Beth Brooke’s Achievements and Awards
2016 – Female Yodeler of The Year – International Western Music Association.
2020 – Cowboy Western Swing Album of the Year (“Texas Star”) -International Western Music Association.
2020 – Female Western Performer – Academy of Western Artists
2021 – Song of the Year in the Humorous category – Walnut Valley Festival
2021 – Nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year – International Western Music Association.
2021 – Nominated for Female Performer of the Year – International Western Music Association.
2024 – Song of the Year in the Humorous category – Walnut Valley Festival
2024 – Nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year – International Western Music Association.
2024 – Nominated for Western Song of the Year – International Western Music Association.
2024 – Nominated for Western Swing Album of the Year (“Light of the Moon”) – International Western Music Association.
Conclusion
Lori Beth Brooke’s appointment as Happy Music Ambassador not only celebrates her past contributions but also anticipates her future endeavors, such as the most recent release of her album “Light of the Moon.” Her story is a testament to the transformative power of music, aligning perfectly with HMC’s mission to promote joy and harmony through artistic expression.
Join HMC in recognizing Lori Beth Brooke as a Happy Music Ambassador –
See you at the NAA Convention!
More Info:
National Accordion Association Convention
https://www.accordions.com/naa/Index.html
Happy Music Center Intl., Inc.
https://happymusiccenter.org/music-hereos/
Lori Beth Brooke
https://loribethbrooke.com/home
Buz Wilburn
Cofounder and CEO
Happy Music Center Intl., Inc.
805-320-0409 (TEXT)
[email protected]


Invitation: Happy Music Ambassador Award Presentation
Who: Cory Pesaturo
What: Presentation of the Happy Music Ambassador Award
Where: Cotati Accordion Festival
LaPlaza Park 94931 Cotati, CA 94931
When: August 17, 2024, 3:00pm Conventioneers Concert
Join us at the Cotati Accordion Festival as we honor Cory Pesaturo, an acclaimed musician, educator, and advocate for the arts, with the prestigious Happy Music Ambassador award. Presented by Johnny Young, President of the Happy Music Center, and Scott Goree, Executive Producer of The Cotati Accordion Festival
This special ceremony celebrates Cory’s dedication to spreading the joy of music and his outstanding contributions to the musical community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
For media inquiries, please contact:
Name: Buz Wilburn, CEO Phone: 805-320-0409 Email: [email protected]

The BAKERSFIELD ACCORDION BLAST
Temblor Brewing & Happy Music Center Present: The Bakersfield Accordion Blast
Artists: Cory Pesaturo, Jelena Milojevic, Richard Noel & Janice Hubbard and Johnny Young
Date: August 20, 2024, 7:00 pm, Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Temblor Brewing Co, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93308
Doors: 6:30pm
Show: 7:00pm
No Food Service, Full Bar Service
Tickets: Free Entry, Donations Accepted
Venue: The Temblor Brewing Company
Hosts: Happy Music Center & Temblor Brewing Company
The Greek Ventura
Santorino Patio
Sundays from 3 – 6 pm
Ventura Harbor, CA 93001

BONHOMIE—good-natured easy friendliness—the perfect description for the Richard and Janice Duo.
Richard Noel adds a spirited inventiveness to every musical performance. He strolls among the crowd, takes requests, and demonstrates why the digital accordion is one of the world’s most versatile instruments. In his musical hands the instrument can be transformed into anything from a jazz trio to a full orchestra. Over 14,000 devoted YouTube subscribers have been inspired by Richard’s creative demonstrations that forever dispels the myth that the accordion is only for polkas. Accordionists across the world are enjoying a rebirth of the instrument, influenced greatly by Richard’s artistry and programming skills. His music is appreciated by all ages, from toddlers to young adults to seniors alike.
Janice Hubbard—songwriter, singer, guitarist, percussionist—she does it all. As a member of the multi-award-winning musical trio Parachute Express, she has performed on many of the world’s greatest stages, including The Kennedy Center, Universal Amphitheater, and the White House. The group toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, China, and Korea from 1984 until their retirement in 2015, influencing and thrilling three generations of Gymboree children and their families. Their 12-CD catalogue of original material remains the musical foundation of the Gymboree program. It’s your chance to enjoy her newest adventure with BONHOMIE.
Together, their diverse musical backgrounds offer audiences a unique treat as they creatively weave instrumental and vocal ideas throughout their songs, whether standards, swing, rock, country, Latin, or music from around the world.
Enjoy BONHOMIE to the fullest!
Wayne Newton
Note: Check Local Listings for Times, Updates and Directions
Up Close & Personal in Las Vegas
Bugsy’s Cabaret at Flamingo Hotel

The King of Vegas continues his rule, with his intimate show, Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal, in which he sings his biggest hits, shares his favorite stories and invites the audience to ask him anything. His best known songs include the “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast” (1972) (his biggest hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard charts), “Years” (1980), and his signature song, “Danke Schoen” (1963)..
Alex MEIXNER Schedule 2025
Note: Check Local Listings for Times, Updates and Directions
February 2025
Fri 07 Feb
Illinois Polkafest
Friday & Saturday – Alex Solo and with Klancnik and Friends
The Hyatt Regency, 1800 E Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Sat 08 Feb
Illinois Polkafest
Friday & Saturday – Alex Solo and with Klancnik and Friends
The Hyatt Regency, 1800 E Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Sun 23 Feb
Szalon
Online Accordion Salon Performance
March 2025
Fri 28 Mar
Tomball German Heritage Festival
3 Days!!
Old Town Tomball, near 201 S. Elm St., Main St. (FM 2920) and Market St., Tomball, Texas
Sat 29 Mar
Tomball German Heritage Festival
3 Days!!
Old Town Tomball, near 201 S. Elm St., Main St. (FM 2920) and Market St., Tomball, Texas
Sun 30 Mar
Tomball German Heritage Festival
3 Days!!
Old Town Tomball, near 201 S. Elm St., Main St. (FM 2920) and Market St., Tomball, Texas
April 2025
Sun 20 Apr
First Protestant Church of New Braunfels
Alex Meixner Solo Trumpet & Accordion – Easter Services
First Protestant Church, 172 Coll Street, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Fri 25 Apr
Muenster Germanfest
Heritage Park
Heritage Park, 301 Ash Street, Muenster, Texas 76252
Sat 26 Apr
Muenster Germanfest
Heritage Park
Heritage Park, 301 Ash Street, Muenster, Texas 76252
Sun 27 Apr
Muenster Germanfest
Heritage Park
Heritage Park, 301 Ash Street, Muenster, Texas 76252
May 2025
Fri 02 May
Reading Liederkranz
Maifest
Reading Liederkranz, 143 Spook Lane Reading, PA 19606-4338
Sat 03 May
Maifest – Germania Park of New Jersey
Germania Park of New Jersey, 56 Conger Street, Rockaway Township, NJ 07802
Sun 04 May
Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race
Sly Fox Brewing Company, Pottstown Airport Business Center 331 Circle of Progress Drive Pottstown, PA 19464
Fri 09 May
German American Heritage Center
German American Heritage Center, 25249 S Center Road, Frankfort, Illinois 60423
Sat 10 May
Wisconsin Dells Polka Fest
Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Road, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Sat 24 May
National Polka Festival in Ennis, TX
SOKOL Activity Center
SOKOL Activity Center, 2622 E. Hwy. 34 Ennis, Texas 75119
Sun 25 May
National Polka Festival in Ennis, TX
SOKOL Activity Center
SOKOL Activity Center, 2622 E. Hwy. 34 Ennis, Texas 75119
June 2025
Fri 06 Jun
Sugar Creek Slavic Festival
Mike Onka Memorial Building, 11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, MO 64054
Sat 07 Jun
Sugar Creek Slavic Festival
Mike Onka Memorial Building, 11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, MO 64054
July 2025
Fri 18 Jul
Oldenburg Freudenfest
Oldenburg Freudenfest, Downtown Oldenburg, Indiana
Sat 19 Jul
Das Fest
New Home: Kenosha County Fairgrounds
Kenosha County Fairgrounds, 30820 111th St. Wilmot, Wisconsin
Sun 20 Jul
Das Fest
New Home: Kenosha County Fairgrounds
Kenosha County Fairgrounds, 30820 111th St. Wilmot, Wisconsin
September 2025
Thu 11 Sep
Mt Angel Oktoberfest
Mt Angel Oktoberfest, 5 Garfield St. Mount Angel, Oregon, 97362
Fri 12 Sep
Mt Angel Oktoberfest
Mt Angel Oktoberfest, 5 Garfield St. Mount Angel, Oregon, 97362
Sat 13 Sep
Mt Angel Oktoberfest
Mt Angel Oktoberfest, 5 Garfield St. Mount Angel, Oregon, 97362
Sun 14 Sep
Mt Angel Oktoberfest
Mt Angel Oktoberfest, 5 Garfield St. Mount Angel, Oregon, 97362
Thu 25 Sep
Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Trinity Park
Trinity Park, 2401 University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas
Fri 26 Sep
Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Trinity Park
Trinity Park, 2401 University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas
Sat 27 Sep
Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Trinity Park
Trinity Park, 2401 University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas
Tue 30 Sep
Oktoberfest! – Ace In The Hole Productions
The Brownstone, 351 W. Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07522
October 2025
Wed 01 Oct
Oktoberfest! – Ace In The Hole Productions
The Brownstone, 351 W. Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07522
Mon 06 Oct
Helen Oktoberfest
Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Tue 07 Oct
Helen Oktoberfest
Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Wed 08 Oct
Helen Oktoberfest
Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Thu 09 Oct
Helen Oktoberfest
Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Fri 10 Oct
Helen Oktoberfest
Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Sat 11 Oct
Helen Oktoberfest
Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Sun 12 Oct
Helen Oktoberfest
Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Michael Bridge’s Schedule 2025
Note: Check Local Listings for Times, Updates and Directions
NEW YORK, NY
January 10, 2025
APAP Showcase: Bridge & Wolak + Water Street Dance Milwaukee
Hilton Midtown, Mercury Ballroom, 7:55pm
KITCHENER, ON
January 29, 2025
FAWN Chamber Creative presents Anna Höstman’s Cells of Wind
Online Panel Discussion
February 1, 2025
“What can you with a degree in music?” with host Lara Deutsch
EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
February 2, 2025
Gubaidulina: Sieben Worte for cello, accordion, and string orchestra
With Prof. Joseph Johnson, cello
REGINA, SK
February 8, 2025
Music Mentorship Program Live
Scandalous Romantics in concert
Bridge & Wolak, Darke Hall, presented by Cecilian Chamber Series
YELLOWKNIFE, NWT
February 28, 2025
Scandalous Romantics in concert, Bridge & Wolak
Co-presented by Black Ice Sound and Northern Arts Cultural Centre
MISSISSAUGA, ON
March 8, 2025
Bridge & Wolak perform at the John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre
WELLINGTON, ON
March 20, 2025
Bridge & Wolak perform at the Drake Devonshire Inn, presented by Big Lake Arts
ORILLIA, ON
March 23, 2025
Bridge & Wolak perform at the Orillia Opera House, presented by Orillia Concert Association
TORONTO, ON
April 17, 2025
Performing Unsuk Chin: Alaraph ‘Ritus des Herzschlags’
IOLA, KS
April 24, 2025
Bridge & Wolak perform at the Bowlus Fine Arts Centre
PARIS, IL
April 26, 2025
Bridge & Wolak perform at the Paris Centre for Fine Arts
TORONTO, ON
May 11, 2025
Michael Bridge & Hannaford Street Silver Band
CHICAGO, IL
July 19, 2025
Accordionists & Teachers’ Guild Int. presents: Bridge & Wolak
Armerding Hall, Wheaton College, Lisle, IL
STRATFORD, ON
July 26, 2025
Stratford Summer Music presents Michael Bridge accompanying a vintage silent film on digital accordion.
MONTMAGNY, QC
August 29, 2025
Carrefour Mondiale de l’accordéon presents: Bridge & Wolak