EVENTS AT

THE HYDE PARK FREE LIBRARY

by Greg Callahan                                      April 2006
 

Upcoming Events At Hyde Park Free Library
 

Concerts At HPFL

We're very pleased to welcome New Paltz based singer-songwriter Vickie Russell to the
Hyde Park Library Annex for a concert this coming Saturday (April 8) at 8:00 PM. The Kingston Freeman described her music thusly": "Clear and strong, ranging from lilting to passionate, and her (piano and guitar) playing, likewise, often belies its apparent simplicity with richness of effect. Lyrics are evocative, personal and often spiritual." You can sample Vickie's music via the Web. Just point your browser to vickierussell.com for a little more background on Vickie and for a number of audio clips.

Our "Living Room Concert Series" will continue on April 29 with local legend Amy Fradon. This particular concert was originally scheduled for February but was canceled due to inclement weather. We already have a number of reservations for the April 29 show, so we encourage anyone interested in attending to make a reservation for this concert ASAP. Amy will also be offering a vocal workshop on that same day for aspiring singers of all genres. That will run from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the annex.

Our final concert in this series will be on May 13 and will feature Siobhan Quinn and Michael Bowers who make their home the D.C. area. Prior to moving to the national capital, Siobhan and Michael made their home in New York's Capital District, where they were both active in the local music and arts scene. More locally, she remains an active participant in the regional Summersongs and Wintersongs retreats by the Ashokan Reservoir. She is known for her ability to work with all levels of vocal ability coaching both touring professionals and casual singers.

Along with Siobhan and Michael's evening concert, the pair will also be running a workshop for aspiring performers entitled "Being Creative While Making A Life." As the title suggests, the workshop revolves around the issues ofİhow to develop and grow as an artist while meeting the demands of the business end of performance (marketing, developing a business plan, financial strategizing and more.) It 's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

Workshops for these events cost $45.00 with proceeds going to the presenters. The cost of admission includes admission to the evening performance.

For those attending the performance only. General admission is $10.00. Senior and student rate is $6.00. You can make reservations by phoning the library at 229-7791.

Summer Concerts Also Planned

Keep an eye on future columns in this paper for further announcements on summer concerts. The "Living Room" series, run by volunteer co-coordinators Eric Garrison and Kathy Moran, officially runs from September to May. We will run at least occasional musical events outside of that series, however, and will post those dates as they are confirmed. These will include some free concerts as well as those requiring a small admission fee to benefit the artists.

Half-Price Sale In the Book Nook This is National Library Week and to celebrate, we are holding a special sale in our library bookstore (The Book Nook). Lightly used books are always offered in "the Nook" for a reasonable suggested donation. Well, for this week and all of next--we are only "suggesting" half that donation for these items. Come in and browse. The Book Nook's official hours will be posted weekly. Those are the times when volunteer staff will be on hand to assist you. But "unofficially," we are open for browsers almost any time the Library Annex is open (most daytime business hours). So check us out.

And From the Children's Room

Aside from our regularly scheduled Story Hours on Monday and Tuesday mornings, we will also take advantage of the school break and host a special story time for children from Pre-K to grade two on April 11 at 10:30 AM.İ In keeping with the "Library Week" theme, the morning's stories will revolve around libraries.

And on April 18 at 6:30 PM, there will be a special evening story hour entitled "Silly Rhymes & Funny Times." This is another opportunity for school aged children to enjoy a library story hour.

On Friday afternoon, April 28th, we will be hosting a special Amelia Bedelia party at 4:15. This event is recommended for students from grades 1 to 4.

Senior Art Exhibit

Our photography exhibit featuring the works of Justin Allen comes to an end on April 8. As of April 10, our exhibit space in the annex will feature works by artists affiliated with the Association for Senior Citizens and who work mainly at Rhinebeck's "Drop In Center." A reception for the artists will be held on April 22 from 2 to 4:00 PM.

For more information on library events and other library news, check out the library website at www.hydeparklibrary.org.