(Tue July 11, 9:00pm) 

The Brabec Brothers, John and Robert, have both been playing accordion since the age of five. Together since that time the brothers share a unique bond of music that has created a telepathic talent in their musical performing. One of them starts with the first three notes and the other jumps in with confident ease. Together they have performed at hundreds of venues throughout Western Canada and the United States. The two brothers have also produced 5 albums in their over 25 years of music, appeared on Television and Radio and played at various important community and wedding events. The two brothers have gained a reputation for very lively and entertaining music, that draws crowds of people and creates an evening that is always memorable. The two brothers are "addicted" to KIOTAC since they first heard of the festival and have been attending every year since 1980.

Joining the Brothers this year at KIOTAC is Greg Rumpel on guitar. Greg also performs on accordion and keyboards and is well versed in many musical styles.
He has performed at festivals and special events across Canada such as the Arctic Winter Games, the 2002 G-8 World Summit and the Calgary Children's Festival. Greg has played with Rob and John Brabec at a number of venues through the years. Greg began his music education in Regina as an accordion student and later added guitar and piano to his skills. In Regina he was a student of Al Almassy, former Happy Hans winner and legendary entertainer, for many years and went on to teach accordion at Al's Accordion Studio. This is Greg's first KIOTAC experience and he is extremely excited to be here, especially from everything he has heard. Currently, Greg is a guitar instructor at The Conservatory at Mount Royal College where he teaches approximately 45 private students in jazz and contemporary guitar.

Bill McFarlin has been playing drums since about the age of four. His brother was/is an accordion player, as a result Bill has been playing with accordion music of one type or another since about the age of 10. It holds a special place in his heart. Playing professionally on an official basis since his mid-teens, Bill has toured many parts of the world with the Armed Forces, including Australia and Europe. Highlights of playing with the Forces include several events playing for the Royal Family i.e. Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the Queen mother, Prince Andrew and Lady Ferguson, and various Canadian dignitaries. On stage Bill has worked for Wilf Carter on the country side of things to Eddie Daniels-clarinet virtuoso on the jazz/classical side of the fence. Since returning to Calgary as a civilian in 1991, Bill has been involved with several jazz projects, including local talents such as Tim Tamashiro, Vivianne Cardinal, The Swinging Bovines to name a few. When he is not busy with gigs, he enjoys a regular teaching schedule.

The dynamics of this group will keep your toes a-tapping in the Civic Center all night long. John, Robert, Greg and Bill are very proud to entertain you Tuesday evening on this 30th Anniversary of KIOTAC.