By David Lamanno
Rowan Public Library

Calling all lovers of music! Rowan Public Library has some current and upcoming programing to keep your world going ‘round. I’ll begin with a note about RPL’s folk music podcast called, Come Gather ‘Round Good People. The podcast is produced quarterly and is dedicated to informing listeners about the stories behind featured folk songs with a local, regional, or state-wide connection. Each episode concludes with a musical performance. Our most recent episode spotlights Salisbury’s Sue McHugh, a long-time participant in the local music scene. Sue excels at playing blues, folk and original music. Not only is Sue a skilled musician, but her other creative avenues also include art, event planning, gardening, and community involvement. At the conclusion of my interview with Sue, she performs a most haunting version of the traditional ballad, “The House Carpenter.” The ballad was collected by folklorists in North Carolina in the early 1900s in Iredell and Forsyth counties among others. Episode 10 is available at SoundCloud.com (type your search exactly like this: bit.ly/RPLSoundCloud).

RPL’s folk music podcast is one way to enjoy a music-oriented program now, but what about future programming? First up is RPL’s No Mic Open Mic Night. It will be held on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Headquarters in Salisbury. Here is your chance to perform for others without having to “take the stage.” With no microphone, this open mic night has more of a singer-by-a-campfire feel. Amateur acoustic musicians, poets and storytellers are invited to register before April 12 by 6 p.m. Registration is required to perform. Slots are limited, so contact me at 704-216-8229 or David.Lamanno@rowancountync.gov to sign up. Content must be suitable for a PG audience. Not a performer? That’s OK. All are welcome to come see and hear what local talent has to offer.

The final musical programing news I want to share is RPL is excited to present an acoustic concert by Mark Dvorak. Mark is a Chicago-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music historian. He will be sharing a program called “The American Folk Song.” The hour-long presentation will feature familiar folk favorites, standards, oral history, plenty of humor and the music of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Lead Belly. Mark your calendars now because the free show will take place at Headquarters in Salisbury on Wednesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. Mark Dvorak’s performance will be the first concert to take place at Headquarters in a number of years so come enjoy this wonderful, tuneful opportunity! To learn more about any of these programs, contact David at 704-216-8229 or David.Lamanno@rowancountync.gov. For other program details, go to www.RowanPublicLibrary.org or call 980-432-8670.

David Lamanno is a librarian at Rowan Public Library.