Atlanta Library announces 2019-20 Dinner Programs

 

[September 14, 2019] 

The popular Atlanta Library Dinner Programs, catered by the Palms Grill Café, are back! The Programs feature a variety of speakers and performers […and even a couple dogs this year!] who will present programs focused on local culture and history.

The Dinner Programs are held at the Union Hall Building, 114 SW Arch Street in downtown Atlanta. Dinner begins at 5:30 pm [except for Danny Tackett programs when dinner begins at 5:00pm], with the evening’s program starting at 7:00pm.

Reservations are required and limited to approximately 50 people.

The Palms Grill Café features a set of dinner specials, including homemade desserts for each program. Atlanta Library Dinner Programs are free. Patrons only pay for their meal. Phone [phone] to make reservations.

Fri., Oct. 18, 2019 – “I Am…” Route 66 Photography Project

It’s a simple idea. People are asked to complete three sentences: “I Am...”, “I Regret...”, and “Before I Die...” They then pose for a portrait photograph taken by Jim Livingston, while holding their written responses.

The I Am Project focuses on the people of Route 66. Come learn about all the characters Jim has met and documented, in what is sure to be an interesting evening.

Thurs., Oct. 24, 2019 – Danny Tackett & The Chicken & Pickin’ Orchestra

Danny and the band return for a special evening of great country and gospel music, along with delicious fried chicken, homemade mashed potatoes & gravy, sautéed green beans, dinner salad & homemade desserts.
Dinner service for this program begins at 5pm.

Fri., Nov. 1, 2019 – The Jump Blues Era

Back this year for more! Join musicians and singers of the Lincoln College Jazz Group as they recreate the swinging small band and blues music made popular by Louis Jordan from 1942-1949. A toe-tappin’ event!

Thurs., Nov. 7, 2019 – Danny Tackett & The Chicken & Pickin’ Orchestra

Danny and the band join us for another special evening of great country and gospel music, along with delicious fried chicken, homemade mashed potatoes & gravy, sautéed green beans, dinner salad & homemade desserts. Dinner service for this program begins at 5pm.

Fri. Nov. 15, 2019 – Music of the Movements: How Music Shapes Communities

Singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo was here last year for his well-received program The Farmer is the Man. Chris returns this year with a program developed especially for us! Bring back the past and look to the future as Chris sings songs of our important historical moments--from war to women's suffrage, the Civil Rights movement to Woodstock! This program is sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Sat., Jan. 11, 2020 – Skylar Copeland – Dog Trainer

Calling all dog lovers! Come meet Skylar Copeland from nearby Chestnut, IL. Skylar has been training dogs since 2013 and actively competing in dog sports since 2014, qualifying for nationals in one venue or another every year since. She works with dogs on agility, rally obedience, obedience, dock diving, and conformation. As a special treat, she'll be joined by two of her furry companions.

Fri., Feb. 7, 2020 – Speaking in Drums: The Power of Non-Verbal Communication

Clinical psychologist and drummer Tiffany McBride leads drum circles all over central Illinois and coaches participants in communicating through a variety of rhythmic and non-verbal techniques. Tiffany will join us for an exciting demonstration of the popular practice of drum circles. Used by Native Americans as a means of communication, drum circles are now a widespread means of therapy and shared experience that helps create a feeling of community.

Fri., Feb. 21, 2020 – Larry Kanfer Photography

Photographic artist Larry Kanfer challenges himself to find the subtle beauty in the everyday. The Associated Press praises his work, saying, “Kanfer’s gift is that he can endow the ordinary landscape… with an almost magical sense of beauty.” After receiving his degree in architecture from the University of Illinois in 1979, he opened his first photography gallery and studio in Champaign, IL. Most well known for his Prairiescapes®, he has brought acclaim to the Midwest through award-winning calendars and original artwork capturing
the beauty of the region.

Fri., Mar. 6, 2019 – FBI Agent, Andrew Huckstadt

Have you ever wanted to meet an actual FBI agent? Now is your chance. Andrew Huckstadt was born and raised in Danville, Illinois. After graduating from the University of Illinois in 2002, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force, serving through July 2008. Andrew then joined the FBI in August 2008 and graduated New Agent Training in Quantico, Virginia the following December. From January 2009 to November 2013, he served as a Special Agent in the Memphis Division of the FBI. Since December 2013, Andrew has served as a Special Agent in the FBI Springfield Division, Champaign Resident Agency. Andrew has worked a variety of national security and criminal matters throughout his FBI career, including counterterrorism matters, violent crimes, drugs, child exploitation matters, white-collar crimes, and public corruption matters.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2020 – An Evening with Harriet Tubman

Since she was in fifth grade, Springfield resident Kathryn Harris, who used to work at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as its library services director, has admired Harriet Tubman. Tubman was a former slave who led up to 300 slaves to freedom in the north via a secret and illegal network of safe houses called the Underground Railroad. Harris has portrayed Tubman for over 20 years. Come witness a powerful performance of an important American woman. Ancil Glink law firm sponsors this program.

Community programs of the Atlanta Public Library are supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation Mirza Arts and Culture Fund.

[Bill Thomas]