ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Frank Busso of Woodbridge, Va. is the patriarch of three generations of accordion-playing Bussos.
He was the first person who came up to WUSA9 when we walk into the 80th American Accordionists Association Anniversary Festival at the Holiday Inn on First Street in Alexandria.
"For me, I started when I was seven, and it's part of me, I enjoy playing. It's an instrument that makes people happy. When someone says 'you play accordion,' you smile. It's a happy instrument," said Busso.
He said 300 people have descended on the hotel for the three-day festival.
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There are performances, competitions and after-hours parties. It seems like everyone knows each other, and they certainly have a common bond.
Busso said what appeals to accordion players about the instrument is that it's part of them.
"When you put it on, it's part of you and you express yourself through the accordion," he said.
If you're wondering how much the instruments weigh, Busso said anywhere from 15 to 28 pounds.
The festival runs until July 15th.
