Library to Hold Black History Month Program

The Josephine-Louise Public Library in conjunction with Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library of Monticello, The Field Library of Peekskill, Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, and main sponsor Pearl River Public Library will present a Black History Month program featuring Minnesota Jazz icon Thomasina Petrus performing in performing in “Lady Days: The Best of Billie and Me,” a special historical music cabaret and lecture celebrating the life of Billie Holiday.

The program will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 16 via Zoom. Ramapo Catskill Library System will provide the Zoom meeting. Those interested in attending must register with an e-mail address at one of the sponsoring libraries to receive the Zoom log in information. The log in information will be sent on the day of the program.

Through a musical timeline of artists including Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and others, she will celebrate the black women and men who inspired and influenced Jazz and its origins. A question-and-answer session will follow.

With the ability to capture the vocal and physical abilities of “Lady Day,” Thomasina will take us on an audible history that eventually ends with the discovery of her own unique and powerful voice.

Her story of discovering Billie when she was young is an entertaining piece of cabaret. Full of humor and emotional realness, audiences of all ages come to understand the impact history, music and culture have on every generation and how we are all linked to our past.

Thomasina celebrates the each of the black performers who inspired and influenced Jazz and its origins, exploring the impact and influence they had in every part of American history.
For more information about the program at Josephine-Louise Public Library, call 778-7621 or e-mail lisahewel@rcls.org.

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