Westfield Athenaeum Library
First Thursday Concerts
FEB. 4 Saxophonist Jon Berman
has been playing saxophone for 20 years. After studying jazz
in college, he continued on to perform with many popular musical acts. His
experience covers everything from intimate venues to large arenas including
major label artists and a Dave Matthews Tribute band. Now, he brings his
style of saxophone to songs we all know - but with an interesting twist.
Minus a band, he's taking to the road with his horn and a sound you'll be
sure to remember. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ubJeny0gDc and
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jon-Berman/353094990076)
MARCH 4 Jazz Combo featuring talented student musicians from Westfield State College will be playing. Andrew Bonacci, Chair of the Music Dept. at Westfield State College, is continuing to partner with the Athenaeum to showcase the outstanding music program at the college (www.wsc.ma.edu/music). There are currently 90 students in the music program at the college, and 40 music faculty members.
APRIL 1 Acoustic Guitarist Peter Biedermannhas been playing guitar, composing and performing live since 1977. He has also played numerous styles of music in various bands, most notably the band PING. PING started out as an instrumental guitar duo with Ian Smit in 1984. (http://www.peterbiedermann.com/)\
MAY 6 Composer/Keyboardist Jerry Noble and Clarinetist Bob Sparkman Bob and Jerry met at the home of mutual friends in 1995, neither sure what to expect from the other. One chorus of blues later, any misgivings sparked by the pair’s difference in age had evaporated in the joy of music making. Bob heard his first jazz record as a teenager in 1942 (it featured Muggsy Spanier with Rod Cless on clarinet). Inspired by those jazz luminaries, as well as the artistry of Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and the Condon Mob—Pee Wee Russell, Edmond Hall, etc., he started jamming with contemporaries Dick Wellstood and Ed Hubble and has been making marvelous music ever since. Jerry’s Dad introduced him to the guitar and piano when he was five years old, and he quickly learned to play music of all styles. In addition to playing classical, jazz, and even good ol’ rock n’ roll, he is a prolific composer and arranger, and writes articles about music for the Springfield newspapers. (http://www.bobandjerry.com/)
JUNE 3 John Root,musician and educator will be presenting a program entitled “Music for the Gaslight Era (1890 – 1920),” which features a delightful repertoire of instrumental and vocal musical styles from the turn of the previous century. Everyone will be invited to sing along and to share in the celebration of these nostalgic songs.
Pamela Leigh of Lydia’s Gathering Place (www.lydiasgatheringplace.com), 51 Court Street, Westfield, will be catering the luncheons. The menu varies and selections include lunches with ham, turkey, chicken salad or Italian sandwiches on a bulky roll, chips and a cookie, and bottled water for $8 - $10. Homemade soups and homemade desserts will also be available. Tortellini soup and chicken salad sandwiches will be served on February 4.
The series is free and open to the public.
