May 6 is World Accordion Day.

Established in 2009 to officially mark the 180th birthday of the instrument, the day is a worldwide celebration of all things accordion.

This year itB次元官网网址檚 going to be a special one with a 24-hour celebration of the accordion, similar to the coverage of New Years Eve, where celebrations are viewed on an ongoing basis as the time zones elapse around the world, ending with live stream interview from Victoria.

Locally there will be a concert May 6, at 2 p.m., at the Edelweiss club, the home of Victoria Accordion Club. Prior to the concert, there will be a special screening of the history of accordion. After that, the audience will enjoy performances from the Victoria Accordion Club Band, B.C. Accordion Orchestra, internationally acclaimed classical accordionist Jelena Milojevic and other special guests. Everything will be filmed and broadcast around the world a few hours later. After the concert, there will be light refreshments provided. Tickets are by donation.

On May 31, the B.C. Accordion Orchestra will have its traditional annual concert, with a new program. The show will be at Alix Goolden Hall, starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Tempo Trend, Long & McQuade and Victoria Conservatory.