Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Associate Vice President, Marketing Communications, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

9/14/09
Story by Peggy Graham

Don Lipovac plays accordion for Ruel Joyce Recital

Don Lipovac

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Don Lipovac, accordion, performs at noon Monday, Oct. 12, in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College, as part of the fall Ruel Joyce Recital Series, free concerts featuring local classical musicians.

Of Slovenian heritage, Lipovac started his musical career at age 4, playing Slovenian melodies on a button-box accordion bought by his grandfather. He began piano accordion lessons with Alfred Vacca, who trained him in the classics. In 1958, Lipovac won the nation's top accordion honor — first place in the American Accordion Association National Championship contest. He went on to represent the United States at the world competition in Brussels, Belgium. He attended the Kansas City Conservatory of Music and has degrees in both music theory and music education.

Lipovac appeared on television’s Lawrence Welk Show and as soloist with the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been the director of the St. John Tamburitzans for more than 35 years. He has the unique distinction of having been inducted into both the Tamburitza Association of America Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions toward the preservation of Tamburitza music and the Polka Hall of Fame awarded at Ironworld, USA, in Chisholm, Minn.

The Ruel Joyce Recital Series continues at noon Mondays in the Recital Hall, except as noted:

Oct. 19    Duo Solo — Mary Kirkendoll, flute; Mike Kirkendoll, piano
Oct. 26    Nathanael May, piano
Nov. 2     Mark Gibbs, cello, Yardley Hall
Nov. 9     Jeff Harshbarger, bass, and guests, Yardley Hall

The series, named for Ruel Joyce, a longtime jazz bassist who headed the local musicians’ federation from 1977 until his death in 1989, is cosponsored by the JCCC music departments, Community Services and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts. Seating is available first-come, first-served.

For more information, call 913-469-8500, ext. 3605.

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