Last month I found myself with quite a bit of free time, roaming Downtown L.A. during extended breaks. I was stuck on a jury and the trial was being held up for many reasons. Anyhow, I finally got truly familiar with Broadway. Ross Cutlery, the Bradbury Building, Clifton's Cafeteria, Angels Flight, La Cita, and the Grand Central Market--  all places I had been to before, but now I was finally steeping in them. The Los Angeles, Orpheum, Million Dollar, State, UA and Palace Theaters. Even with all the razing going on downtown, Broadway is still a time warp.







In the midst of all the discount clothiers, markets and restaurants is the International House of Music. In business since 1902, the House is a full service instrument shop. Kids getting their starter horns. Metal kids in black long sleeves staring longingly at Randall stacks. An eager salesman tried to sell me an overpriced bass clarinet when I told him I was in the market for one.








Needless to say I passed. Craigslist presented me with a very nice used option, but I was struck by the overall energy of the place. On my way out I walked by the accordion section-- WOW!!! Seriously, seeing them all together was more spectacular than the entire jewelry district a couple of blocks down. A few weeks later, I came across the collection of accordion classics that I'm now sharing with you...