Musical Engagement Space

This was our pilot Record Listening event to gauge interest in this type of programming. A group of 31 people showed up to listen to a British mono copy of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Q&A followed the listening with host Greg Sutherland from House of Records. May 26, 2019

Dave Allen, original bassist of British post-punk band, Gang of Four, hosted this listening program. It had been many years, he said, since he had listened to the album. Curious attendees peppered him with questions about the band's politics and working relationship. Dave was a gracious and humble host.We hope to have him back. September 19, 2019

A small, but fully engaged audience of Beach Boys fans gathered for this program and willingly shared their knowledge about the production of this musical masterpiece. Pet Sounds elevated the rock genre to a new level of listener engagement. It was a perfect choice for a listening program at the library. October 22, 2019

The deeply personal and poetic album drew an intimate, mostly female crowd. The conversation that followed explored themes of self-discovery, freedom, and escape. This was the only listening program where the lyrics were projected onto a screen. If you're unfamiliar with this album, now is as good a time as any to listen to it. November 24, 2019

It is impossible to listen to this album without wiggling in one's seat. While Sly may have been heading into one of the darkest periods of his life, attendees agreed that this album still makes them feel great. Production as thick as wool — the warmth and soul are palpable. December 22, 2019

Turn it up to 11 in 2020! Join us on Thursday, January 23rd from 4:00-6:00 for a Headbanger's Bash with Mike Scheidt of doom metal band, Yob. In addition to hearing tracks from the band's most recent release, Our Raw Heart, Mike will play early metal bands that influenced his music.

Are you a jazz enthusiast? Are you new to jazz and seeking an entry into the genre? Are you somewhere in between? Join us on Sunday, February 23, 2020 as we spin Miles Davis’ iconic jazz album Kind of Blue.

At the tail end of Women's History Month, we offered an interactive program in which visitors could vote for their favorite women performers in a variety of musical genres.

The first music listening program of 2021 on Zoom celebrates the music and legacy of Big Star. Join our hosts Craig Leve of KWVA's "Snap, Crackle, Pop!" show and Greg Sutherland of House of Records as we listen and talk about one of rock and roll's most influential bands that never achieved the success they deserved.