Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Event: Veselba: Bulgarian Music and Dance

This year’s Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads title is Between Shades Of Gray, the compelling story of a teen living in Lithuania during the time of WWII Soviet occupation.

Bulgaria was another Soviet occupied country at that time and this concert/dance event is a unique opportunity to experience line dances and music from that country. These dances feature unusual rhythms not found in Western music.

The event features live music by Veselba whose name means "merriment" in Bulgarian. This trio consists of Nan Nelson on tambura (long necked lute), Chris Rietz on kaval (shepherd's flute), and Bruce Sagan on gadulka (rebec).

Classical Bells Holiday Concert

Classical Bells returns to the Library for their annual concert. This event is very popular – so arrive early!!

Classical Bells was founded in 1983. Their handbell artistry has received national attention as a result of its five audio recordings, one acclaimed live concert video, and recordings of new handbell music for distribution by hand bell music publishers. The group’s primary instrument consists of 68 bronze plus 6 aluminum English handbells, a range of more than six octaves. In some pieces the tonal coloring is enhanced by the mellow sound of a six octave set of hand chimes.

Classical Bells is noted for bringing music to life with their unique interpretative style, a technique they call “ringing in color”™. Each concert features musical selections in a wide variety of genres – classical, jazz, inspirational, even ragtime and swing! This eclectic programming, combined with sensitive musical interpretation, technical skill, informal choreography, and a dash of humor, gives Classical Bells the well-deserved reputation of “Michigan’s Premier Handbell Ensemble”.

The Pete Siers Trio: A Tribute To Big Bandleader Gene Krupa

Travel back in time to the Big Band era with this musical tribute!

Chicago-born drummer Gene Krupa was a musical giant of the Swing Era, famous for his highly energetic and flamboyant style. Remembered as the dynamo behind Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing”, he also attracted much attention when he magnified the impact of his own orchestra by featuring jazz trumpeter Roy Eldridge and singer Anita O’Day. Krupa was the first drummer inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame and has been called one of the most influential drummers in history.

Percussionist Pete Siers, clarinetist Dave Bennett and pianist Tad Weed pay tribute to this famous drummer and bandleader. Pete Siers’ extraordinary command of the drum kit is the result of a lifelong devotion to Krupa and drummers from all over the traditional spectrum. Dave Bennett is a master of the clarinet and his virtuosity is downright jaw-dropping. Tad Weed’s creative dexterity is breathtaking and he is a monstrously adept improviser.

Black History Month Concert: The Gratitude Steel Band

Join us for a tribute concert of African, jazz, classical, calypso, reggae, and 80's music to display the presence of joyful contributions from the African American Experience!

Now in its 25th year, the Gratitude Steel Band has become a familiar name in the entertainment industry. The band brings years of developing music together as a family and performing around the country in festivals, universities, churches and more! In concert and in educational, and corporate events, they swing with engaging music for all ages.

Classical Bells Concert

Classical Bells returns to the Library for their annual concert. This event is very popular – so arrive early!!

Classical Bells was founded in 1983. Their handbell artistry has received national attention as a result of its five audio recordings, one acclaimed live concert video, and recordings of new handbell music for distribution by hand bell music publishers. The group’s primary instrument consists of 68 bronze plus 6 aluminum English handbells, a range of more than six octaves. In some pieces the tonal coloring is enhanced by the mellow sound of a six octave set of hand chimes. This group of seasoned professionals, led by musical director Darlene Ebersole, has performed in concerts nationwide and appeared as featured performers with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Opera Theater. In addition, they have performed in numerous events sponsored by the American Guild of English Handbell ringers, including the National Director’s Seminar.

Classical Bells rings over six octaves of Malmark handbells and seven complete octaves of choir chimes, making their collective instrument one of the most extensive in the world of handbell ensembles. They are dedicated to promoting the artistry of handbells through educational programs, workshops, and concerts.

Never Give Up with Internationally-Acclaimed Musician Romel Joseph

Internationally- known musician Romel Joseph embodies both success and resilience in every aspect of his life. He lost his eyesight as a child, learned to play several musical instruments, graduated from one of the nation's top music institutions, The Juilliard School and founded an elementary and music school in Port-au-Prince Haiti for children that was destroyed twice -- once by fire in 2000 and by earthquake in 2010.

Four years later, his spirit remains persistent on accomplishing his life's mission - creating Haiti's first music conservatory and performing arts center.

Mr. Joseph has served as keynote speaker for the National Industries for the Blind in Cincinnati, and the United Nations Human Rights Day Assembly in Geneva. Both the State of Connecticut and the city of Miami have established Romel Joseph Days in their communities in his honor.

Mr. Joseph wants to share his positive spirits with everyone who struggles with the challenges they face by never giving up -- no matter what! Join us for Romel Johnson's words of inspiration followed by a musical performance and question and answer session.

Bill Harley @ The Ark

Called "The Mark Twain of Contemporary Kid's Music," Grammy Award-winning artist Bill Harley is a musician, storyteller, author, and playwright who has carved out a reputation as one of the finest family performers in the U.S. Join us at The Ark, located at 316 S. Main Street in Ann Arbor, for this special concert/storytelling event with this nationally-acclaimed performer!

Nominated four times for a Grammy, Harley won the award in 2007 for Best Spoken Word for Children. In 2001, he was inducted into the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence and is a recipient of the Magic Penny Award from the Children's Music Network for his lifelong contributions toward bettering the lives of children through music.