About Austin
International Old Time Accordion Champion, Austin Kawa’s style reflects that of Grammy winners Frankie Yankovic and Walter Ostanek. Austin captivates his audience with an invigorating stage performance. Being an excellent instrumentalist and vocalist, Austin can keep his audience enthralled with a dynamic and delightful approach. Austin’s level of musical talent exceeds what many will never achieve in a lifetime.
Raised in Edmonton, Alberta with the music of Frankie ringing in his ears, Austin knew what direction to pursue. His musical passion leans toward the older classics from the thirties to the fifties. Along with the old accordion classics, Austin includes a wide variety of contemporary music in his show.
Austin has won a multitude of local and international awards including the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Festivals. It was during one of these festivals that he participated in a mass accordion band, setting a new Guinness World Record. Austin is a three-time winner of the prestigious Happy Hans Open Competition, his first win at the age of 15.
Austin’s talent as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist is not his only gift. He has produced and recorded all three of his own CDs: “Almost Frankie,” “Laying on the Tunes,” and “For the Girl Next Door.”
Austin is a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local #390 and the Performing Arts Society SOCAN.