August 2013

VENTRESS VOICE

Newsletter of the Ventress Memorial Library

Marshfield, Massachusetts

AUGUST  2013         Volume 20, No. 8

WHAT ARE THE LIBRARIANS READING THIS SUMMER?

Here’s what Nancy Kelly, Head of Technical Services, is reading. . .

A rose is a rose is a rose...a fabulous trilogy for lovers of historical fiction

If you're in the mood for some light summertime reading and have a fancy for historical fiction featuring strong women characters, you might want to consider the three novels of the "Rose Trilogy" by Jennifer Donnelly. Beginning with The Tea Rose (set in London 1888), continuing with The Winter Rose (London 1900) and concluding with The WIld Rose (London 1914), this series, written in the tradtion of Barbara Taylor Bradford,  provides a vivid picture of the roiling changes that shook Victorian society at the turn of the century.  Unforgettable characters, fast-paced and cleverly constructed storylines and a richness of historical detail combine to deliver three truly satisfactory "vacation" reads.

Ventress Voyager – Quebec City

By Karen Brean, Library Assistant

Looking to plan a Fall getaway? Charming and historic Quebec City is merely a car ride away! The city is filled with stone buildings, terraces and courtyards, horse-drawn carriages and elaborate cathedrals. French is mainly spoken here. The Old City “Vieux-Quebec” is six square miles. It is the only fortified city in North America, having 18^th century walls and gates. It is a split-level city which consists of Upper Town with narrow, steep angled streets, set high on a cliff with fortressed walls. Lower Town, which surrounds Cape Diamond, consists of Quartier du Petit Champlain and the Old Port. The two sections are divided by a funicular with magnificent views of the harbor, the Saint Lawrence River and hills.  The city’s best known landmark, Le Chateau Frontenac, is so high it is visible ten miles away. It was once the military headquarters of New France before being transformed into a luxury hotel, believed to be the most photographed hotel in the world!

JENKS JAZZ AND JIVE

By Karen Jenks, Library Assistant

                      CD of the Month – Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters – Blues

Musician Ronnie Earl found his passion for blues several decades ago, and has been pursuing his interest in the genre ever since.

Earl grew up in Queens, New York and attended college there briefly before he relocated to New England and graduated from Boston University.  He taught children with special needs before he decided to pursue a full-time career in music. His interest in blues was piqued after attending a Muddy Waters concert in Boston. His first professional job was at the Speakeasy in Cambridge and he spent time in various parts of the country playing at blues clubs in Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans and Austin.  In 1979 he joined the band The Roomful of Blues, a 10-piece ensemble from Providence, RI.  Earl spent the next eight years touring and releasing albums with the group.  In 1988 he began a solo career and formed his own band, The Broadcasters, named after the first Fender guitar he owned.  Over the years he began adding various musicians to the line-up.  In 1993 the group became the first all instrumental blues band.  The current group began playing together in 2003.  Band members include Dave Limina on piano and Hammond B3 organ, Jim Mouradian on bass, and Lorne Entress on drums.  According to the Broadcasters’ website, “Ronnie believes the purpose of the Broadcasters is to broadcast peace, hope, good vibrations and soul.”

“Just For Today” was recorded live in 2012 at several venues in Massachusetts – the Regent Theatre in Arlington, the Natick Center for the Arts, and the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River.  The album is a contrast between soulful arrangements and vibrant up-tempo mixes prominently featuring Ronnie Earl’s guitar.  “Blues for Celie” is a slow jam showcasing Earl’s masterful guitar work. “Rush Hour” features the Hammond B3 organ, and Boston based vocalist Diane Blue adds her touch to “I’d Rather Go Blind.” For a taste of ragtime, “Veronica’s Boogie,” a tune composed by Dave Limina, highlights his piano playing.

Add a little magic to your summer music playlist and check out “Just For Today!”

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday, September 10, 6:00-7:30, “Memories of the Cliff Hotel” Book Signing/Lecture

Saturday, September 14, 2:00-3:00, Quintessential Brass Concert – Free!

Tuesday, September 17, 9:30-11:00 Lifelong Learning Kick-off/COA - Register for classes

Saturday, September 21, 10:00-12:00 Ventress Library Lifelong Learning Registration

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Ventress Memorial Library, 15 Library Plaza, Marshfield, MA 02050 

781-834-5535     www.ventresslibrary.org   “Like” us on Facebook!

Hours Mon. – Thurs.   10 – 8, Fri. and Sat.  10 – 4, Closed Sundays and Sept. 2

Newsletter staff:   Chris Woods, Editor; Jaclyn Robinson, Artist