Stratford Library Sets Monthly Music Series Beginning Sunday
Author/Percussionist Craig Harris Begins February 7th
by Tom Holehan
Public Relations & Programming
The Stratford Library will present a three-part music series on Sundays with author/percussionist Craig Harris beginning Sunday, February 7th from 2-3 p.m. The afternoon sessions will utilize archival audio and video, storytelling, history and music beginning with “Songs of Freedom and Struggle”, an exciting multimedia and
participatory adult program.
The series, to be presented on the Zoom platform, is free and open to the public. To register for the Zoom presentation of “Songs of Freedom and Struggle” and receive an invitation link, visit: https://stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/7387218
“Songs of Freedom and Struggle” examines music’s role in reflecting and shaping American society from “La Marseilles” to protest songs and Civil Rights anthems. The program is special for “Black History Month. Driven by a passion for music, Craig Harris, author of The New Folk Music, The Band: Pioneers of Americana Music, and Heartbeat, Warble, and the Electric Powwow: American Indian Music, has covered the roots music scene for newspapers, magazines and music-oriented websites for more than four decades.
A skilled hand drummer, he’s appeared in concert and/or on recordings with Rod MacDonald and C.J. Chenier & His Red Hot Louisiana Zydeco Band and is currently a member of the Standing Bear Jam Band and the Gaea Star Band. Possessing a Master’s in education, Harris taught music in public and charter schools for a quarter of a century before launching his multicultural, participatory programs.
It will be followed by “Rock & Roll” on March 7, which relives the days of rockabilly and sweet doo-wop harmonies and conclude on April 11, with “Laugh!” exploring the rib- tickling world of musical humor.
For further information call the library at: 203.385-4162 or visit www.stratfordlibrary.org.
