Stolen Sweets

Three-part harmonies drawing from the crisp and saucy era of 1920s and 1930s jazz
7 p.m. Friday, October 1 in Loucks Auditorium

Tickets: $5 in advance/$7 at the door
On sale now at all Library Circulation Desks

Having played a sold out show in the 2009-2010 season of the World of Music at the Library, the Stolen Sweets have been invited back to kick off the new 2010-2011 season in October.

The Stolen Sweets perform vocal jazz arrangements inspired by New Orleans favorites, The Boswell Sisters, one of the hottest girl groups of the 1930s.

Comprised of vocalists Jen Bernard, Lara Michell, and Erin Sutherland and string syncopators Keith Brush, Pete Krebs, and David Langenes, The Sweets deliver a unique brand of vintage acoustic jazz, dishing up abundant doses of coy stage antics and sideways glances as they play.

The Sweets’ repertoire is brimming with ambitious arrangements of everything from standards like Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea to obscure tunes like Gee, But I’d Like to Make You Happy.

To learn and hear more, visit the Sweets at their website!

 PREMIUM SHOW

Natya Leela

Classical music and dance of India
7 p.m. Friday, November 5 in Loucks Auditorium

Tickets: $10 in advance/$12 at the door
On sale September 24 at all Library Circulation Desks

A stand-out act from the 2008-2009 season, the dancers and musicians of Natya Leela provide a feast for the senses drawn from Bharathanatyam, a classical dance form from South India. Intricate footwork, hand gestures, and eye movements work together to intrigue audiences and tell the stories of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Natya Leela Academy was born out of a passion to teach and dance Bharathanatyam. "Natya" means dance and "leela" is a Sanskrit word and concept that can be described as "spontaneous creation; divine play that leads to creation; and magic." Our hope is that students who discover this ancient dance form will also re-discover their inner playfulness and express this creative force through their bodies. When we identify and re-connect with our creative playfulness on the dance floor, we can then take that same power-filled, shining energy into our every-day lives -- leading us to live completely in joy and compassion.

The founder and principal teacher of Natya Leela Academy is Subashini Ganesan. She has studied the classical Indian dance style, Bharathanatyam, under Sreemathi Shantha Bhaskar, principal choreographer of Nrityalaya Aesthetic Society of Singapore. Subashini's experience in the study and performance of this art form extends over a period of 25 years. She has performed in national and international events in Singapore, Washington DC, Rochester, NY, Eugene, Oregon, Sacramento, CA, and Maui, HI. For the last 10 years she has been teaching students of all ages in Singapore and in the US.

To learn and hear more, visit Natya Leela at their website!

Battle of the Bands

Four local bands compete for applause and prizes
7 p.m. Friday, December 3 in Loucks Auditorium

Tickets: $5 in advance/$7 at the door
On sale October 22 at all Library Circulation Desks

This popular annual Battle of the Bands is open to any local band playing original music. This show has been an annual sell-out since its first year and provides excellent exposure for area bands. Fully produced with professional lighting and sound, the show offers each band the chance to play a 20-minute set. Applications will be available by mid-September. Four bands be chosen to perform in the show. There is no application fee. Music of all genres is considered.

The winner will be chosen by a combination of techniques. Audience applause at the end of the evening (as measured by a decible meter) will count as 50 percent of the score, with the other 50 percent awarded by a panel of three judges. The winner will be featured in a full-length showcase concert that is the March 2010 World of Music at the Library featured show.