Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Dan, Dan...the accordian man-ABC WEDNESDAY "D"



Art fairs are one of the best parts of summer in the Midwest. Despite an early morning shower with increasing humidity, I went to the annual event on St Kate's campus in St. Paul, MN. on July 23rd. Strolling among the tents and crowds of people visiting the fair was Dan Turpening, who provided some lively accordian music. We chatted and  he mentioned that he visits and performs at many different craft shows. Originally from Pennsylvania he now lives in south Minneapolis. He has played this instrument for about eight years and obviously enjoys it.
Over a year ago I decided to participate in Flickr's 100 Strangers group, but I've been slow in taking portraits just for this project.  Often I snap photos and then proceed on my way without interviewing the subject. I've decided to concentrate more on photos for this group and have recently picked up the pace a little bit. Dan is #33/100. (I think I miscounted and have a few more, but I'm on my way now!)
You can find out more about the project at www.100strangers.com

And, to see more ABC Wednesday posts from bloggers around the world, go here.

16 comments:

  1. I heard recently that the percentage of people who play the accordion today is a fraction of the popularity of the instrument 50 years ago. I am glad there are people like Dan to carry on this tradition.

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  2. allez un petit tour d’accordéon ;) beau portrait

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  3. Anonymous1:04 AM

    St Kate's campus in St. Paul, MN
    Named after you, no doubt.

    What an EXCELLENT image

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  4. I have an accordian - but I can't play it. I had this vision once of bouncing into a room, accordian strapped up and rendering some over the top loud bouncy song...especially for awkward moments where the ice needs breaking! A friend heard me say this and found me one! It is still in the loft but I still languish the overbearing pressence of such a moment........but you are safe for a long while! lol!
    Denise ABC team

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  5. I must admit to a liking of the accordion music Kate, it has a very French feel to me!! Nice portrait of Dan the Accordion Man.

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  6. Our favorite art fair is the annual one at St. Kate's! (Named after you??)
    Eagan Market Fest is weekly on WEDNESDAY afternoons and weekly talent shows at Caponi Art Park are TUESDAYS at 10 am.
    Regards from friendly EAGAN

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  7. Thank you for your comment on my site today about the red shoes. I left a response to respectfully decline your suggestion about buying Julie a pair of red shoes. I would never attempt to buy her clothes, but don't worry. She is not deprived in the shoe or clothing department. Her closet in our Scottsdale house is 14 by 16 feet and stuffed full. One of our friends, upon seeing her closet for the first time, said "I love a gal with a colorful closet," and it is bursting with color on every rack.

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  8. What an interesting face--just perfect for capturing!
    Do I hear a polka?

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  9. Excellent image and project, Kate! I always have enjoyed the accordion, especially in polka.

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  10. He looks happy to playing for you.

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  11. You have captured his personality in this photo... love the idea of the "100 strangers." I am going to check it out.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  12. This a great shot - you have really captured his essence

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  13. I like your shot, Kate. He has a hint of a smirk, Kate, that suggests something going on in his mind that we can only guess at. Though I actually like accordion music, oddly enough, what I LOVE is bagpipe music. I freak my daughter out by reminding her that for my funeral I want her to hire a bagpipe band. Not a lone piper; a full bagpipe band. With drums.

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  14. Fabulous shot. I dream of one this good for my 100 Strangers project. Which I started over a year ago and only have 26! It doesn't get any easier asking people if you can take their photo and put it on the Internet!

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  15. i love this picture
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  16. Hi I'm a bit behind with ABC this week. This 100strangers project sounds so interesting - I'm a bit shy but perhaps one day I'll give it a go. By the way I love accordion music.

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