I had the pleasure of attending the world premiere of Jeff Krulik's film THE LEGEND OF MERV CONN at the AFI Silver last Sunday. It is a delightful documentary tribute to Merv Conn, a Silver Spring, MD native, who has been teaching and performing the accordian for over 75 years. The sold-out show was also a celebration of Merv's 87th birthday and the accordion playing community came out in full force to honor Merv. To top it off, there was a post-screening accordion performance with about 15 accordion players on stage and birthday cake in the lobby. Merv worked the crowd and crooned to some of his all-time favorites, including "You Made Me Love You." It was amazing to see so many over-70's in the audience and even better to feel the love in the crowd. Over 20 people raised their hands when Jeff asked how many people were former students of Merv Conn. I would kill to visit Merv at his house, that holds over 50 antique accordions - how fabulous! Jeff Krulik is the DC native documentary filmmaker who brought us HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT and my second favorite, NEIL DIAMOND PARKING LOT.
In case you live in DC, there is an encore screening
this Sunday Feb 25 at 4pm.

Merv and friends on stage
The next generation!