Art & Music Event

For immediate release
September 18, 2012

Contact: Debbie Carton
(Ph: 510-981-6236)

Edgar Allan Poe’s Stories and Poems on Stage at Berkeley Public Library

Get ready for Halloween at the Berkeley Public Library! “The Mysterious Stranger: stories and poems of Edgar Allan Poe” features celebrated Bay Area actor Robert Sicular. Mr. Sicular brings his unique and profound interpretation of Poe’s chilling, evocative work to life in a one hour performance intended for ages ten and up.

There will be two free performances of this special event: Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck), in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room. The following week, the show travels to the North Branch, 1170 The Alameda (at Hopkins), on Wednesday, October 24, at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Sicular has performed at ACT (where for years he appeared as Marley’s Ghost in “A Christmas Carol”); the Oregon, California and San Francisco Shakespeare Festivals; Berkeley Rep, San Jose Rep, Marin Theatre Company, and many other theaters locally and across the country.  Renowned for his interpretations of the classics, he has appeared in over 80 productions of Shakespeare’s plays, portraying such roles as Hamlet, Richard II, Petruchio, Marc Antony, Malvolio, and the melancholy Jaques. He will soon be seen in the role of Dad in Josh Kornbluth’s upcoming film Love and Taxes, and stars as Dr. Dark in the web series, Dr. Dark Presents, coming soon.

For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6241.  This program is sponsored by Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org).  For accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TTY (510) 528-1240, http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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For immediate release
July 17, 2012

Contact: Debbie Carton (Ph: 510-981-6236)

The VNote Ensemble at Berkeley Public Library

As part of the Downtown Berkeley Music Festival, the Berkeley Public Library presents The VNote Ensemble in concert. Hailed for its spirited performances and fascinating fusion of Latin and folk rhythms with adventurous jazz explorations, The VNote Ensemble defiantly ignores musical boundaries to create a new direction, incorporating joropo and swing, gaita and soul, be-bop and calypso among many others.

Join us on Thursday, August 23, at 2 p.m. at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck), on the 5^th floor in the Art & Music department. Find out more about the many exciting concerts in the Downtown Berkeley Music Festival at www.downtownberkeleymusicfest.org.

This free program is sponsored by Friends of the Berkeley Public Library, www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org. For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6241.  For accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TTY (510) 528-1240, http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org

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For Immediate Release
For an exhibit:  June 4^th – September 4^th
Artist’s reception:  June 9^th

Contact: Michele McKenzie
phone: 510-981-6241

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
From Above
The Photography of Michael Layefsky

Berkeley-based photographer Michael Layefsky exhibits a selection of aerial photographs depicting landscapes of agricultural, industrial, and architectural subjects in the Bay Area and beyond.  Layefsky’s stunning large format digital prints will be on display in Berkeley Public Library’s Central Catalog Lobby, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck, downtown Berkeley, from June 4^th through September 4^th.

Michael Layefsky will discuss his work and aerial photography during a FREE artist’s reception on Saturday afternoon, June 9^th, at 2:00 pm in the 1^st floor Catalog of the Central Library.

Layefsky captures his images by sending his cameras skyward via kites, helium balloons, and long poles.  Though the vast majority of his aerial photographs have been taken in the Bay Area, Layefsky has flown his kite and camera in other parts of the U.S., and in the skies above several Asian and European countries.  Layefsky was recently invited to exhibit photographs and demonstrate his aerial photography tools and techniques at the California Academy of Sciences.  His clients include organizations such as the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the World Economic Forum, and the U.S. National Park Service.  Many of his images are available for license from Getty Images.  Access to the exhibit is available during the library’s open hours: Monday 12 – 8; Tuesday 10- 8; Wednesday – Saturday, 10 – 6; Sunday 1 – 5.

Wheelchair accessible.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.  For more information, call 510-981-6100 or connect  www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org

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For immediate release
For event on Sunday, June 10, 2012

Contact: Debbie Carton (Ph: 510-981-6236)

“Blue Suede Jews” at the Central Library

Berkeley Public Library welcomes back local rock historian Richie Unterberger in a program on Jews in rock and roll on Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m. at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck), in the 3^rd floor Community Meeting Room. Mr. Unterberger is known for his extensive and meticulous research, use of rare archival footage and engaging presentations.

“Blue Suede Jews: Jews in the Golden Age of Rock’n'Roll” features footage of major Jewish rock performers, such as Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Marc Bolan, Leonard Cohen, Neil Diamond, Janis Ian, Lesley Gore, Peter Green of the original Fleetwood Mac, Manfred Mann, Carly Simon, and quite a few other surprises.

This free program is sponsored by Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6241.  For accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TTY (510) 528-1240, http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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For Immediate Release
March 23, 2012

Contact: Debbie Carton (Ph: 510-981-6236)

Aurora Theatre Company Anatol Discussion
at the Berkeley Public Library

Berkeley Public Library and Aurora Theatre Company invite you to an evening of theatre discussion on Tuesday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the 3^rd floor Community Meeting Room at Berkeley’s Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street (at Shattuck). Michael Mansfield, Education Director at the Aurora, will be joined by renowned Schnitzler translator and expert Margret Schaefer.  This new translation of Arthur Schnitzler’s Anatol was commissioned by the Aurora and makes its world premiere here in Berkeley.  Attendees will learn more about the playwright, hear about the struggles and joys of translation, and gain insight into the particular charms of Anatol, in which the titular character practices the arts of seduction, adultery, infidelity, and betrayal, encountering a series of mistresses in his search for the perfect faithful lover.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org).  For program questions, please call 510-981-6241.

The Central Library is open Monday, noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m.to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m.  For questions and accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TTY 510-548-1240, http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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Contact: Debbie Carton
Librarian, Art & Music Department
510-981-6236

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For an event occurring Thursday, February 16, 2011

OPERA IN THE LIBRARY

Berkeley Public Library presents a free noontime lecture/concert featuring West Edge Opera on Thursday, February 16, at 12:15pm. Artistic Director Mark Streshinsky introduces the company’s upcoming production, The Manga (Magic) Flute. One of Mozart’s most popular works, the new interpretation puts a Japanese manga (comic book) spin on the fairy tale world of enchanted flutes and captive princesses. Cast members will sing selected arias. The program takes place at the Central Berkeley Public Library, 5th Floor, 2090 Kittredge Street, which is wheelchair accessible. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, call 510-981-6241 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

Berkeley West Edge Opera’s production of The Manga (Magic) Flute opens March 4th at the Performing Arts Theater at El Cerrito High School. Read more about the show at www.westedgeopera.org.

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Contact: Debbie Carton (Ph: 510-981-6236)

For immediate release
February 1, 2012

Langston Hughes’ poetry on stage at Central Library

Berkeley Public Library celebrates African American History month with a special theater presentation by Marin’s Porchlight Theater. Actors Naomi Sample, Lewis Nelson, and Dorian Lockett star in “I Dream a World”, a theatrical presentation of Langston Hughes’ poetry that places the poems in the context of his life. Directed by Tara Blau, this half hour presentation is intended for ages seven and up.

This free performance takes place on Monday, February 6, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 2090 Kittredge (at Shattuck), in the 4th floor Story Room.

For questions regarding this program, call 510-981-6241. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. For accessibility information, call 510-981-6195, TTY (510) 528-1240, http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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