Sunday, April 07, 2013

The History of Folk at The Bookhouse

The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA presented an installment of their BookHouse Concert Series on Friday April 5th featuring Folksinger Adam Miller. His enjoyable performance was enhanced by the stories he told in relation to the songs he sang allowing each member of the audience to gain an unique insight and appreciation of each song. This created a sense of community as smiles and nods embraced the relevance of the themes expressed in the songs which were handed down from mouth to ear centuries long before they were written down.

In addition to the captivating stories Mr. Miller shared through his voice and gestures, the musical instruments of the guitar and autoharp added a texture to each song as they were deftly played while capturing the essence of the piece. These instruments spoke in a language which went beyond those embodied in the lyrics of the songs so each attendee of the large gathering who filled the Library’s community room could inscribe their messages in their heart. Over all, the concert inspired a gentle mixture of smiles, laughter, and thoughtful contemplations which proved to be an enjoyable evening to be entertained. You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert in the EMPL 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151585206515421.1073741827.636000420&type=1.

Adam Miller has gained a reputation for being an accomplished folklorist, historian, musicologist, and song-collector with a repertoire of over 5,000 songs. In addition to sharing his musical gifts in a variety of performance venues, Mr. Miller has inspired many to delve deeper into folksongs and ballads whose timeless significance transcends all generations through his “Singing Through History” school assembly programs. Mr. Miller has also recorded several CDs which are available for purchase. Please Explore the Adam Miller Adam Miller Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Adam-Miller/161619627263504 to learn more about his music, his CDs, and all he has to offer the community.

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (aka The Hughes Library) Bookhouse Concert Series take place in the Edinger Community Room which is located on N. 9th Street (aka route 611) in Stroudsburg, PA. The Hughes Library is the main branch of the Monroe County, PA library system which include their Pocono Township Branch in Tannersville, PA and their Smithfield’s Branch in Marshalls Creek, PA. The library offers access to numerous books, DVDs, Audio Recordings, and cultural programs free to the public. The library’s BookHouse series is part of its cultural programs designed to provide a venue for literary and musical events which are outside of the commercial and literary mainstream.

The next BookHouse Concert will feature an evening with Too Human on Friday May 17th beginning at 7:30pm with the doors opening at 7pm. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be available for a small charge. Please Contact Linnae Cintron at 570-421-0800 x28 or explore The Eastern Monroe Public Library Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EasternMonroePublicLibrary?ref=ts&fref=ts to learn more information about the library, their BookHouse series, and all the institution has to offer the community.

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