Welcome

In March, 2021, the adult programmer for the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, IL, emailed to ask if I would put together a program of popular songs from the 1870s to perform in conjunction with the library’s community read of Paulette Jiles’ novel News of the World. After doing some research and  reading the novel I suggested a somewhat different approach, more relevant to the novel. I performed the program at the library on June 27, 2021 — my first live gig since March, 2020. The audience of about 60 people loved the concert. Here’s the program blurb.

“This program was designed to accompany the Gail Borden Public Library’s Community Read of Paulette Giles’ novel News of the World. The program includes songs and tunes mentioned in the novel, songs that relate to news items read by Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, and popular songs of the 1870’s. Some of these songs have remained popular throughout the decades and will be familiar to library audiences today. Whether included in conjunction with reading News of the World or presented on its own as musical performance, Music to Reflect News of the World is a fascinating and delightful look at music and history from a bygone era.”

Here a couple of fun videos. For more videos, click on the Photos/Video link in the menu bar.