Folksinging at The Library

The Eastern Monroe Public Library* in Stroudsburg, PA presented Folk singer and guitarist Chris Wilhelm who performed alongside Ken Porter on percussion on Friday May 29th as part of their Bookhouse Concert Series. The concert consisted in a mixture of original compositions blended nicely with some cover pieces ranging from the Beatles, The Band, and lots of Paul Simon. Chris Wilhelm’s original work had a range of their own as well in they were inspired by anything from a cell phone conversation he overheard on a bus to a statue of Jesus with missing fingers whose plague stated, “This statue will not heal until the world does.”

Regardless of whether the songs Chris Wilhelm were his original work or not, his unique rendition of the songs made them all his own. This satisfying performance was further enhanced by several opportunities given to the audience to sing along with the tunes they knew. This made them the audiences as well. Of course, the songs in Chris Wilhelm’s repertoire did belong to everyone who heard them for they were written from that part of the human heart which we all possess.

The Bookhouse concert was moderately attended but those who came were treated to a good show. It was a fitting way to bring an end to the week especially those who find the world a stressful place to live in. Chris Wilhelm’s performance kept such emotions at bay by reminding his audience there is something more to life than what it appears to be. I would like to invite those of you who were there to share your reflections and recollections of the performance along with anything relating to it.

You’ll find more information about Chris Wilhelm at www.chriswilhelm.net while more information about The Eastern Monroe Public Library* and future Bookhouse Concert Series Performances can be found at their website. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.