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Biography - For more than fifty years, Don Garibaldi has been an avid accordionist as a student, performer, entertainer, and recording artist. He especially delights in playing Italian accordion music, the great music standard songs of the forties, as well as rhythm and blues, and show tunes. Characteristically his music is happy music that gets your attention and makes you feel just plain good and makes you want to sing and dance (even if you can't sing or dance).
Don was born and grew up in Stockton, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology at Sacramento State University; and a Masters Degree in Sociology at the University of the Pacific.
From an early age Don loved music. Could it be that Guido Deiro, who played at Don's baptism party, influenced him even as an infant? Throughout the years Don was an enthusiastic listener and was inspired by the great accordionists including Guido and Pietro Deiro, Charles Magnante, Ernie Felice, Dick Contino, Art VanDamme, Frank Marocco, and many others. Don's study of the accordion began in high school. At that time he studied with accordion teacher, John Pisacco. His teacher insisted on clean and accurate technique and emphasized the importance of feeling and expression in performance. Don applied his training and developed into an accomplished musician. While under the wing of John Pisacco, Don served as an assistant accordion teacher. In high school Don formed a four-piece group and started his performing career by playing for parties, dances, and wedding receptions.
During his tour of duty with the United States Navy, Don continued to perform as an accordionist. When the opportunity arose he entertained at the Officer's Club at the naval base in San Diego, California. Since his naval tour of duty, Don has been performing with many local musicians in Stockton, California, some of whom include Dr. Harry Gay and Bob Secor.
In addition to performing for festivals, parties and weddings, Don enjoys performing for accordion clubs in Northern California, including: the Good Time Accordion Club in Escalon, CA, the San Francisco Accordion Club (SFAC) - formerly, the Bay Area Accordion Club (BAAC), and the Golden State Accordion Club with chapters in Vacaville and also in Sacramento, CA. He frequently contributes his time to play at health care facilities. In addition he has also contributed a track from one of his CDs for a benefit CD to help raise money for Lodi House in Lodi, CA.
Regular Engagements: Festa Italiano and Festival di Natale for the Sacramento Italian Cultural Society; the POINTers Italian Organization in Northern California; the Stockton Chapter of Liguri nel Mondo; the Italian Benevolent Society in Sutter Creek, CA; the annual Pippo Ranch Barbecue in Vacaville, CA; Sons of Italy in Napa, CA.
Other Interests: Like many other accordion aficionados, Don is a regular attendee of the Cotati Accordion Festival in Cotati, CA, and the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Music Recording : Encouraged by friends and stimulated by requests from his audiences, Don began recording CDs in 2003. He has done his recording at the NACNUD Studio in Lodi, California. To date he has recorded four CDs, " Bella Italia ", and " America the Beautiful "and the two recently released CDs, "Bella Bruna" and "Don Garribaldi's Favorites".
For more than fifty years, Don has provided music for hundreds of occasions, such as dances, weddings, anniversary/ birthday parties, and festivals. With this experience, Don knows the music that people enjoy; and has selected the most requested music for his CDs |
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CDs are $15 each + S&H
Note: CDs are discounted 10% for quantities
2 or more
To order CDs, click on Form
CDs are $15 each + S&H
Note: CDs are discounted 10% for quantities
2 or more
To order CDs, click on Form
CDs are $15 each + S&H
Note: CDs are discounted 10% for
quantities 2 or more
To order CDs, click on Form
CDs are $15 each + S&H
Note: CDs are discounted 10% for
quantities 2 or more
To order CDs, click on Form
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