Reading Jazz by The Starbuck Light

The Starbucks Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA featured author Debbie Burke who read excerpts from her first book titled, “The Poconos In B Flat” on Saturday April 7th. A modest but extremely supportive crowd came out to experience the beauty of the written word but they were soon joined by those who frequent the establishment as their interest in the author’s voice increased with every sip of coffee they drank. The readings proved to be a much more satisfying additive to their elixirs than the cream or sugar which was available.

“The Poconos In B Flat” consists of a series of interviews Ms. Burke conducted over a course of time with many of those considered iconic figures in the International Jazz scene who reside and often perform in the local Monroe County, PA (aka Pocono) area. Being a Jazz Saxophonist herself, Ms. Burke lends a musician’s insight to her interviews as clearly demonstrated by the stories which are revealed in her book. Even those who actually know some of the subjects presented may find themselves surprised by their stories which not only includes anecdotes on their lives but their perceptions of the musical form as well.

The readings were very entertaining and often amusing. One example of how amusing they were occurred when Ms. Burke read excepts from her interview with Bob Dorough who is not only famous for composing the songs utilized in the ABC Saturday morning shorts known as “Schoolhouse Rock” and his other musical achievements but also for his Arkansan twang spoken to a Beatnik bebop rhythm. However, Ms. Burke is from the borough of Brooklyn located in New York City, NY and maintains much of the accent associated with the area. To hear Bob Dorough’s words spoken in in a brooklynesse dialect was an unusual experience which brought a smile to many a face. Yet, her writing skills of the maintained the essence of musician’s voice which enable many to easily imagine him there speaking. The readings concluded with a drawing in which the person’s name chosen from a hat was given a free copy of the book. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reading in The Special Events Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150780327730421.465788.636000420&type=1&l=5e403c2d5d.

As mentioned earlier, “The Poconos In B Flat” is the first book written by Debbie Burke. However, she has become well know for her numerous articles she has written for a variety of publications such as The Pocono Business Journal for which she served as its editor and The Northeast Music Organization (NEMO) magazine which she wrote a column about her experiences as a Jazz Saxophonist titled “Midlife Sax.” She was also the editor (aka mover and shaker) of The Forwardian Arts Society Literary and Arts Magazine titled, “Forwardian” and co founded The Forwardian Arts Society “ArtSmash of the Poconos” which presents music, poetry, and other art forms in a festival setting. To learn more about Ms. Debbie Burke, her book, and all of her achievements, please explore her page on facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Poconos-in-B-Flat/270396149638834.