Guilderland Library Notes for Thursday, September 13, 2018
Pianist Jacqueline Schwab will perform at the Guilderland Public Library on Thursday evening, Sept. 20.
In her free concert “I Lift My Lamp: Vintage Songs and Dances of Immigrant America” at the Guilderland Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., pianist Jacqueline Schwab celebrates America’s immigrants, their vibrant spirit of community music-making, and their contributions to our heritage. Along the way, she reflects on growing up in Pittsburgh’s “melting pot,” as well as on her later exploration of music from around the world.
You’ve already enjoyed Jacqueline’s extraordinary playing: She is key to the sound tracks of Ken Burns’ Grammy-winning films including The Civil War, Baseball, Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, The War, and The National Parks.
In Burns’ words: “Jacqueline Schwab brings more feeling and intensity to music than anyone I know. Her playing is insistent, physical, heartfelt and ... unusually moving.” Critic Scott Alarik wrote she has “… an uncanny sensitivity to the moods and proprieties from other eras.” One listener wrote: “Your music, the touch you have, entwines the heart.” That she is playing at the library is truly extraordinary.
I Lift My Lamp features dance tunes and sentimental songs from Scotland, Ireland, Poland, France, Eastern Europe, the African-American community, Cuba, Brazil and Argentina, along with Tin Pan Alley tunes, American anthems and more. Jacqueline’s signature style — described by the New England Folk Almanac as “the jazz/classical improvisational spirit of Keith Jarrett and the touch of George Winston” — is hard to categorize but easy to recognize.
This concert is free, but we ask that you register so we know you are coming. Please call 518-456-2400, ext. 3, or register online at bit.ly/september20schwab.
GPL Adventures: Building Challenges
Create. Play. Explore. It’s time for an adventure! Come to the library on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 3:30 p.m., and find out how you can make a tower out of aluminum foil! Or a paper bridge that can hold 30 blocks. Or a structure as tall as you using only popsicle sticks and clothespins. Put your building skills to the test and show off your construction know-how! For children in grades three to five. Please call 518.456.2400, ext. 4 to register.
GPL Pops Up at the Beekman 1802 Harvest Festival
Our friends from Beekman 1802 have invited us to this year's Harvest Festival in Sharon Springs, and we couldn't be happier! Stop by our tent for crafts, storytimes, and lots of fun; we’ll be there on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The great staff from the Sharon Springs Free Library will also be there to share in the festivities!
The festival will feature vendors, live demos, artisan meet-and-greets, food trucks and more at this family-friendly event. Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge from Beekman 1802 will be at the Mercantile throughout the day, chatting with neighbors, taking pictures and signing books. Farmer John will be at the Farm, introducing those who decide on a tour to his world-famous goats. The Main Stage and the Ommegang Biergarden will be set up in Chalybeate Park, with presentations, music and more!
Make the trip out to Sharon Springs and visit with your GPL staff!
Trustees meet
The Guilderland Public Library’s Board of Trustees will hold their regularly scheduled monthly business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. You’re invited to attend, but if you cannot make it, please watch the proceedings on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Guilderland.Library.