Get Jazzed @ your library

By Nicholle Gerharter, Reference Librarian

December 27, 2006

If music is your language and jazz is your dialect, you’re in for a treat this winter! Your library is proud to present several programs throughout January and February that will get your musical juices flowing and your toes tapping. 

Natrona County Public Library is one of 50 libraries in the nation chosen to host “Looking At: Jazz, America’s Art Form,” a film and discussion program which uses documentary films, group discussion, and special events to explore the cultural and social history of jazz music in America.

Partners in this project include the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, the Casper College Kinser Jazz Festival, and Dr. Terry Gunderson of the Casper College Music Department.  National sponsors include Re:New Media, the American Library Association, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

“Looking at: Jazz”events begin January 2, with the unveiling of a traveling musical exhibit on loan from the University of the Pacific.  “The Times of Dave Brubeck” is a five-panel display that not only highlights this musician’s many contributions to jazz music, but also his civil rights and world humanitarian efforts.  The display will also play samples of Brubeck’s music, allowing listeners to experience his talents first-hand.

On Monday, January 8, interested readers will have a chance to discuss a book with a jazz theme.  Coming Through Slaughter by Michael Ondaatje is a historical fiction novel outlining the life of Buddy Bolden, a New Orleans jazz musician at the turn of the century. 

The film and discussion sessions begin with a similar topic, “New Orleans and the Origin of Jazz,” on Tuesday, January 9.  All sessions will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the library’s Crawford room. The series continues on consecutive Tuesdays in January and into February.  Dr. Terry Gunderson will be the series scholar, leading a group discussion following each film. 

Dr. Gunderson received his Ph.D. in Percussion Pedagogy/Performance from the University of Northern Colorado.  He is currently a music professor at Casper College and the University of Wyoming, a freelance musician, and a member of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra.  His courses at Casper College include The History of Jazz, Jazz Improvisation, Music Theory, and Jazz Combo.

On Tuesday, February 2, Casper College will host a film at Durham Hall at 7:00 p.m., detailing the life of legendary jazz musician Arturo Sandoval, who will perform in concert on Tuesday, February 6 as part of the Casper College Kinser Jazz Festival.  Tickets for his live performance can be won as door prizes at the library films, or are available for purchase through Casper College. 

The series will wrap up with final films and discussions on Tuesday, February 13 and Thursday, February 15. For great music, fun, and stimulating conversation, visit Natrona County Public Library this winter.  Full lists of “Looking at: Jazz” events are available at the library, and film summaries can be found at www.lookingatjazz.com.  Please call 237-4935 ext 2 for more information.

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