Aaron Seeman

Aaron Seeman, known by his stage name Duckmandu, is an Oakland-based accordionist, composer, and vocalist celebrated for his genre-defying performances. His repertoire spans punk rock, classical, klezmer, Broadway, and cartoon theme songs, all adapted for the accordion. Notably, his album Fresh Duck for Rotting Accordionists features a complete rendition of the Dead Kennedys’ debut album, earning praise from Maximum Rock ’n Roll for his accurate vocal imitation of Jello Biafra.

Seeman co-founded the Punk Rock Orchestra, which performs orchestral versions of punk classics, and was a founding member of the Balkan-inspired Fishtank Ensemble. He has also performed with groups like Shamalamacord, Polkacide, and the klezmer band Red Hot Chachkas. A classically trained pianist who began playing at age three, Seeman composed the avant-garde opera Opium: Diary of a Cure, which includes a complex accordion part he performed himself. Through his innovative approach, Seeman continues to redefine the boundaries of accordion music.