Related by Marriage: Ribbons

Chicago, 1967 through 1970. Mr. Irene wore the blue ribbon as a member of the accordion orchestra that performed in the "Parade of Bands" concert at the Prudential Building in the Chicago Loop.

About two years later, Mr. Irene had earned a second place finish—and the white ribbon—in a competition in which he played Accordion Boogie. 

Mr. Irene’s first Chicago competition in 1967 was at the Pick-Congress Hotel. The yellow ribbon identified him as a solo contestant.

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Chicago, Illinois, 1967. Mr. Irene's scoresheet summarizes his best qualities: lively, consistent, clean and clear, perfect, with nice bellow control.