The Cotati Accordion Festival is a non-profit organization established in 1991 to promote the love of the accordion and to help fund music programs in the local schools. 

History of the Cotati Accordion Festival

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO make a successful music festival with a unique concept? When asked to write the history of the first Cotati Accordion Festival, this writer went to the two men responsible for the origination of this event: Clifton Buck-Kauffman and Jim Boggio. It didn’t take long to discover exactly “what it takes”: imagination, great talent, commitment to community service, involving important support groups, and acquiring the help of a dedicated volunteer committee. The job demanded hours of work each day for months; and yes, the “calling in of favors” from good friends and business associates. It took innovation (and in this writer’s judgment, courage!) as initially, there was no money. Most importantly, it was because of the love of and respect for the accordion and Cotati, that this festival came into being.

The Cotati festival was presented as a community service, free to the public. It was held in the downtown plaza under the oaks. The response was overwhelming. “We were amazed at the reception and response to our idea. It tickled the fancy of music lovers locally, nationally and internationally!” recalled Buck-Kauffman. Boggio put it a different way, “The thing that struck me was all those smiling faces. People of all ages dancing, listening, tapping their feet — all with smiles on their faces.”

For full schedule – pls view:

www.cotatifest.com