Fall Concerts at Russell Library

Craig Harris opens the Fall Concert Series on September 14 at 2pm.

Beginning on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 2:00pm with a concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival, Russell Library will present four concerts and an Indian dance demonstration this fall. Programs at the library are sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library and are free. All concerts take place in the Hubbard Room. No tickets or registration are necessary.

The list of concerts is as follows:

Woodstock: A 50^th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, September 14, 2pm:    Craig Harris, a master percussionist, educator, author, photographer, and radio host, incorporates rare recordings, archival video, insightful storytelling, singing, and guided music-making in a program that not only will stir memories of Woodstock but will provide a new perspective.

Pianist Mark Valenti    

Sunday, October 27, 2:00pm.

Coming from Chicago, Pianist Mark Valenti will present a variety of works from the classical repertoire. He has performed in France, Belgium, Hungary, and Luxembourg as well as for former First Lady Barbara Bush in Washington, D.C.  He has performed live on WFMT classical radio and has done extensive work with Gregory Hines, Frank Foster, and Al Grey. Formerly a Professor at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Xavier University in Chicago, and the Loire Valley Music Institute in France, Mr. Valenti currently teaches at his studio in Chicago.

Indian Classical Dance Demonstration with Sarada Nori:            

Sunday, November 3, 2:00pm.

Traditional dancer Sarada Nori will be demonstrating Kuchipudi, a classical dance from Andhra Pradesh. Sarada Nori Akella is an accomplished Kuchipudi dancer with a Masters degree in Arts. Sarada was sponsored by the Government of India to perform in Kuchipudi dance ballets in Singapore and Mauratius.

Ensemble Aubade                

Saturday, November 23, 2:00pm

Boston’s Ensemble Aubade (Peter H. Bloom, flute; Francis Grimes, viola; and Mary Jane Rupert, harp) plays all across the United States. Recent appearances include the Saint Louis Art Museum, The Robert H. Wood Great Artist Series (NY), The Webster Series (Hanover, NH), The Master Arts Series (Knoxville), Westminster Fine Arts (Des Moines), and many other venues.  The group has been hailed for “intensity, imagination, skill, and finesse…shimmering grace” and “rich interpretations and beautiful contrasts”. 

Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem           

December 15, 2:00pm.

Harmony, rhythm, indelible songs – these are the hallmarks of Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, the New England based folk quartet now in its 15th year. From the Newport Folk Festival to the California World Music Festival and beyond, this band’s steadfast brew of wit, camaraderie, and musicality leaves audiences everywhere humming and hopeful, spirits renewed.