Virtual Black History Month Program –  A  Regional Library Collaboration

A message from the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library: 

Lady Days:  the Best of Billie & Me

Minnesota Jazz icon Thomasina Petrus will perform via Zoom on February 16, 2021 from 7 – 8 p.m. for the patrons of several regional libraries.  This special piece of historical musical cabaret celebrates the life and influence of Billie Holiday. Thomasina will take listeners on a scintillating audible history that eventually ends with the discovery of her own incredibly unique and powerful voice.

Head of Adult Reference Dennis Sullivan of Pearl River Public Library is collaborating with the Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, the Josephine-Louise Public Library, the Field Library, Goshen Public Library and the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library (EBCPL) for this virtual Black History Month concert.   

Ms. Petrus’ story of discovering Billie when she was young is a fascinating and highly entertaining piece of cabaret. Full of humor and emotional realness, audiences of any age come to understand the impact history, music and culture have on every generation and how we are all continually linked to our past. 

Through a musical timeline of artists impacted by Billie Holiday including Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and more, Thomasina celebrates each of these beautiful black women and men who inspired and influenced Jazz and its origins, exploring the impact and influence they had in every part of American history.

Registration for this program is required and can be made via the libraries’ websites (click on our Calendar of Events).  A Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants on the day of the program.  Ms. Petrus will be available after the concert to answer questions from participants.  Questions?  Give us a call at EBCPL:  (845)794-4660 x7 or x9. 

Disclaimer: This event is sponsored by the partners listed in the event above. It is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Monticello Central School District. Monticello Central School District is distributing this information as a public service. Any marketing materials regarding this event were reproduced by the sponsoring group(s) at no cost to the school district