Avon Library to Host Arts & Culture Weekends

From the Avon Library: The Avon Library presents a series of arts and culture programs this winter. Admission is free, all ages welcome. No advance registration required. The Avon Library is located at 281 Country Club Rd., Avon, CT 06001.

January 8, 2017: Music

Sundays at 3pm! January 8 with a return engagement by veteran pianist, music director, and accompanist to some of the greats, Donn Trenner. An entertaining raconteur and musician par excellence, the 89-year-old Connecticut native delighted last year’s full house with tales of his years among a galaxy of showbiz luminaries including Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine, Lena Horne and Nancy Wilson. Count on more of the same. Once again Trenner will be in the good-hands company of bass player extraordinaire, Mike Asetta.

January 15, 2017: Art

2:00 pm, Land, People, City. First lecture: Land!

Come explore how American identity has been shaped by images of the land, people, and city with art historian Rena Tobey. In this interactive series of talks, we’ll dig beyond the surface layers that create a streamlined, but simplistic notion of the American character. We’ll take a slow look at paintings that tell complex, often coded stories, reflecting both the challenges and greatness of our country.

January 21, 2017: Literature

2:00 pm, Agatha Christie, her life and house

Please read a biography of Agatha Christie! Lecture led by Dr. Stuart Barnett, CCSU.

Choices include:

• Agatha Christie: A Biography, by Janet Morgan
• Agatha Christie: An English Mystery, by Laura Thompson
• Agatha: the real life of Agatha Christie, Anne Martinetti

January 22, 2017: Music

Sundays at 3pm! Matt and Atla DeChamplain make their Avon Free Public Library debut on Sunday January 22.Columnist of note Owen McNalIy aptly described the former high school sweethearts as “one of Connecticut’s premiere jazz power couples.” Atla is a vocalist schooled in scat by the legendary Jon Hendricks–think Lambert, Hendricks and Ross–and steeped in the tradition of the Great American Songbook. Matt’s piano playing demonstrates a mastery of styles ranging from ragtime to contemporary with stops along the way. Together with bassist Matt Dwonszyk they’ll be presenting a tribute to some of the foremost women in jazz.

January 28, 2017: Culture

Chinese New Year, 11am-4pm

A celebration planned with Vivian Huang, Avon Resident. Painting, music, and food! All ages.

• ART Events, 11:00 am -12:30 pm
• Pot Luck Party, 12:30-1:30 pm
• Performances and Games, 1:30-4:00 pm

Image via Shutterstock