One of the many pleasures of the American popular song is the broad range of human experiences it describes. The seasons have always been on an inspiration to poets & musicians. Employing lyrics, music, anecdotes & literary allusion [Frost, Cather, Bronte, Wolfe, Capote] this October-inspired Lecture-in-Song is made up of a quartet of vital elements: two earthy cultures [German & Italy], a fun-filled holiday [Halloween], and the season itself of [Autumn]. OCTOBER SURPRISES begins with the hearty Oktoberfest, an invitation to eat, drink & dance the polka since the early 1800s ["I Love Louisa," "Beer Barrel Polka," "Du, Du, Liegst Mir Im Herzen," selections from The Student Prince...] Add Columbus Day, in praise of Italy´s contribution to America´s culture ["Volare," "That´s Amore," "Al Di La," the international Neapolitan standards]. Stir in the overlapping beauty & mystery of Autumn ["Lullaby of the Leaves," "Autumn Leaves," "Indian Summer," "Shine On, Harvest Moon," "Autumn in New York," "Moondance,"] and Halloween ["Long Black Veil," "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "Witchcraft"...], and you have a uniquely delightful, poetic, thoroughly colorful grabbag. Drawing upon the reliable riches of American Popular Song, beautiful poetic & literary selections as well as a few borrowed international favorites, OCTOBER SURPRISES is an opportunity to savor the many flavors of what is literally the most colorful month of the year.

Presented by Fred Miller. 

Friends of the Library Registration: Tuesday, September 11

General Registration: Wednesday, September 12