Atlanta Library Dinner Program 2018-19 schedule

 

[October 01, 2018] 

This year, the Atlanta Library Dinner Programs, catered by the Palms Grill Café, will complement the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Mainstreet exhibit, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” hosted by the Atlanta Public Library and Museum from February 2-March 16, 2019. Featuring speakers and performers who will present programs focused on rural 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 p.m., with the evening’s program starting at 7 p.m. 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. Feel free to BYOB for dinner. Phone [phone] to make reservations.

Sat. Oct. 6, 2016 – Illinois Symphony Woodwinds Quintet

Our season opens with a spectacular performance by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet. Two years ago, the ISO Brass Quintet entertained us with a variety of brass music, and now we are thrilled to highlight the ISO woodwinds. The Quintet will offer a range of great music inspired by rural identity and landscape. This performance is sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Thurs., Oct. 11 – Danny Tackett & The Chicken & Pickin’ Orchestra

Come 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.

Fri., Oct. 19, 2018: Lincoln College Jazz Band

Back for an encore performance, members of the Lincoln College jazz program will offer a fun evening of written and improvised music. Come and be inspired by the talent and personality of these fine student musicians. This performance is sponsored by J.M. Abbott & Associates.

Fri., Nov. 2, 2018: – Illinois Bicentennial Podcast Program

Join us as we celebrate Illinois’ Bicentennial with a live podcast program hosted by Illinois Humanities, focusing on Atlanta and Historic Rt. 66. Local residents will relate stories of their connections to the Mother Road and singer/songwriter Chris Vallillo will be on hand to provide transportation related music and stories.

Thurs., Nov. 8, 2019 – Danny Tackett & The Chicken & Pickin’ Orchestra

Danny and the band return 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.

Fri., Nov. 16, 2018: – Exploring Native American Culture Through Oral Traditions, Music & Food

Dressed in traditional Ojibwa regalia, author Kim Sigafus, will share her knowledge of many aspects of Native American cultures, including Native people who lived in Illinois in the 1800s. Kim will describe Native American foodways, including the planting of the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash. Drumming and singing, she will also share a traditional lullaby and invite everyone to learn some Native American language as well as to view and handle Native artifacts.

Sun., Dec. XX, 2018 – “Christmas Cantata”
TBD

Fri., Jan. 11, 2019 – Spoon River Anthology

Spoon River Anthology, a collection of poems by Edgar Lee Masters published in 1915-16, presents an unvarnished representation of life in a rural, small town through the voices of inhabitants of its cemetery, who reflect upon their experiences from beyond the grave. Historical actors Paddy and John Lynn will portray characters from Spoon River Anthology in costume. Their renditions will be interspersed with folk and popular music of the period performed by singer, guitarist, and banjoist, Patti Ecker.

Fri., Jan. 25, 2019 – Sports and Community
Can sports events have an impact on a town’s sense of community? We’ll consider that question with a panel discussion focused on Atlanta High School’s 1959 regional basketball victory over Lincoln, as well as the several state baseball and softball championship titles earned in the early 2000s by Olympia High School. Players, coaches, and cheerleaders will share their memories and stories of those events. The program will include rare film from 1959, as well as video and photos from the early 2000s.

Fri., Feb. 8, 2019 – The Farmer is the Man

Chris Vallillo is a nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and folk musician who strives to make the people and places of ‘unmetropolitan’ America come to life in song. Chris performs on six-string and slide bottleneck guitars, and his combination of song and narrative present an entertaining portrait of life in the Midwest. This performance is sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Fri., Feb. 22, 2019 – Making Media Sense in Changing Times (T)

An expert in public news literacy, press practices and journalism ethics, Professor Stephanie Craft of the University of Illinois School of Journalism joins us to examine how the public can navigate a complex and varied media environment and make sense of the 24/7 news cycle. Professor Craft received her Ph.D. from Stanford University and is widely recognized for her writing and teaching.

Fri., Mar. 8, 2019 – How Corn Changed & Then Changed Everything Else

About 10,000 years ago, a weedy grass growing in Mexico transformed itself into a larger and more useful plant: the cereal grass now known as corn. Corn sustained the American colonies and the early United States, then virtually created the Midwest - a region settled faster than any other in history. Even for those who know corn well, there is much to learn about its historic impact and why it is so vital today. Author Cynthia Clampitt has pursued food history over three decades and six continents. Join her as she introduces us to the remarkable, fascinating, vital, but often overlooked, impact corn has had on our history and everyday lives.

Fri., Mar. 22, 2019 – Orpheus Mandolin Orchestra

Music has always been an important part of rural culture, so we’re excited to welcome The Orpheus Mandolin Orchestra, the performing ensemble of The McLean County Mandolin Society. Classical mandolin ensembles were popular around the turn of the 20th-Century (1890-1920) with music from Tin Pan Alley, Ragtime, and early dance tunes arranged in parts, more like a string quartet than a traditional band. Join us for this special evening of what is sure to be some great, toe-tapping music. This program is sponsored by Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni, & Krafthefer.

[Bill Thomas]