By Shea Schatell
Long before the two became musical partners in “The Accidental Gentlemen,” Akerman was a young student finding his voice in Wayland’s music program. Conti was a dedicated teacher who recognized his talent early, cultivated it with care, and helped foster a lasting love of music.
Today, decades later, the two perform together, bringing American Songbook classics, storytelling, humor — and often dancing — to senior living communities across Massachusetts and Florida. Their performances are polished and joyful, but at their heart is something deeper: a friendship rooted in mentorship, mutual admiration, and a shared belief in music’s power to connect people.
Decades ago, Akerman joined a choir while attending Wayland Junior High, following his older brother. While many classmates were learning instruments, he began on the choral side. It was Conti who later encouraged him to pick up the guitar so he could accompany himself.
“If he had said, ‘Learn accordion,’ I probably would have done it,” Akerman said with a laugh. “I picked up the guitar the next day.”
At the time, Wayland’s music scene was thriving. Choir and musicals drew students from across the school community, and it was not unusual to balance the arts with athletics and other interests. Much of that spirit reflected Conti’s influence, where he created an environment that welcomed participation and encouraged students to take creative risks.
After studying at the Boston Conservatory, Conti came to Wayland as a student teacher and was soon hired as a music teacher. What began as a one-year position became a defining career where he retired after 38 years of service.
In the early 1960s, Wayland did not yet have the expansive arts culture it is known for today. Conti helped build it. He developed a dynamic music program that welcomed wide participation and made music central to student life. At a time when there was no formal drama department, he introduced musical theater by having students sing and act out scenes. With the support of colleagues and a community that valued the arts, those efforts grew into a full theater program.
“Wayland was just a wonderful town,” Conti said. “Very educated people, and also interested in the arts.”
For generations of students, his influence was lasting. Akerman remembers a teacher who helped young people discover not only their talents, but their confidence — and who understood that the arts could open doors.
After high school, he continued his musical path, studying music theory, spending a semester at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and performing with bands. Life eventually took him to California, while Conti continued teaching and performing.
The two reconnected years later during the pandemic, thanks in part to Akerman’s mother. Over lunch, Conti picked up his accordion and began to play.
“There was something about memory and music,” Akerman said. “It just stayed.”
That moment sparked The Accidental Gentlemen. Now in their second year, they perform regularly at communities such as Brooksby Village in Peabody, where they have built a devoted following. Their shows are interactive: they hand out lyrics, encourage singalongs, share stories, and invite residents to participate.
Their goal is simple: to create community. They have seen how music can awaken memory in older adults, even those facing cognitive challenges. Lyrics return. Emotions resurface. A familiar melody can unlock something deeply personal.
Movement is just as important. Both men love to dance, and their performances often extend onto the dance floor at senior living centers throughout Massachusetts. When Conti sets down his accordion, Akerman said, “There’s usually a line of women waiting to dance with him.”
At 90, Conti still sings, plays, and dances with remarkable energy — bringing joy, dignity, and connection to every room.
For Akerman, performing alongside his former teacher carries special meaning.
“When I was that kid, you helped me see who I was,” he said. “And in some ways, I’m returning the favor.”
It is, at its heart, a Wayland story — one of mentorship, community, and the quiet, lasting power of the arts. A teacher who helped build something meaningful in this town, and a student who carried that spark forward and returned to share it. Together, as The Accidental Gentlemen, they continue to bring people closer — through music, through dance, and through moments that linger long after the final song.
Learn more at www.theaccidentalgentlemen.com.
