Composer, multi-instrumentalist, and improvisor (saxophones, guitar and accordion) Courtney Von Drehle , took up the accordion out of a love for things that went "Oom" closely followed by "Pah". Fortunately, this hasn't affected his career in a negative way. He has been commissioned to write scores for theater, dance, performance art, CD roms, and television, and his music has been played on the John Peel Radio Show in England, Dutch National Radio and National Public Radio in America. He has a B.A. in music from Marylhurst College and has performed throughout Europe and America. Bands that he has played with include the Tone Dogs, Hester Street, Poikilotherm and Lobe.

Other current projects: P.O.D. (Point Of Departure) , a high wire jazz trio that performs without a net. Mike Van Liew on piano and trumpet (usually simultaneously), Brian "Von" Davis on drumkit and percussion and Courtney Von Drehle on saxes and accordion.

The Topiary Kings, a largely improvised duo with Larold Will on drums and theremin and Courtney on guitar, saxes, accordion and telephone. Sometimes they appear with Amy Denio as a guest artist.

You may write to Courtney at cvond@teleport.com