Inexplicably Learn Tango Above a Small Accordion Shop in Atwater Village

It so happened on this first night I meandered into Dave’s Accordion School, 1/2 a mile from my apartment.  Seeing as last month’s challenge to learn a new skill had brought an accordion into my arms, this seemed as good a jumping off point as any.
I was greeted by the titular Dave, who had an impressive arsenal of squeezeboxes on display.  Accordions from all over the world covered every available inch of the store, yet had obviously been placed with a meticulous care.  Dave explained that he’d been playing since he was 9, and had started in this business when he was 26.  The store has now been running for 40 years, and is going strong, offering lessons AND the only competent accordion repair in LA county.  Dave did not inform me of this last bit, but a woman on the pier had mentioned him on Sunday.

When I told Dave I was interested in learning French waltzes, he sat down and began playing party of a waltz.  However, the door swung open mid-song, and Dave caught the eye of a gentleman who walked in and transitioned into a bold Latin American tango, then slowly began to weave in a more European theme.  Well, rather than me explain it to you, see for yourself.

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