Eye on the Arts

We have already discussed the fact that April is and , but who knew April also focuses on the arts? Read on to learn more!

Debbie’s Daily Dose of Food for Thought

Henri Matisse once said, “Jazz is rhythm and meaning.” So is poetry. Why not expand your horizons and try something new? Listen to some jazz music, read a poem and maybe even write one. Who knows where the road will lead you? As President John F. Kennedy once said, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.

Something about Jazz

Jazz has had a big impact on the music we enjoy today. Louis Armstrong, aka Satchmo, is one of the most popular jazz musicians of all time who changed the face of jazz with his style. From his wordless vocal improvisation known as scat singing to his unique instrumental playing, he was known the world over. His career spanned five decades and his music is still popular today, nearly 40 years after his death.

Listen to Jazz

We have a wonderful Internet jazz radio station based right here in Branford! Tune in to Blue Plate Radio and enjoy jazz 24/7 no matter where you are.

Something about Poetry

In 1996, the Academy of American Poets declared April as National Poetry Month. This is “when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.” Check out this of local poets reading some of their original work.

Read Some Poetry

There are many lovely poetry books available to borrow at the library or buy at one of our local bookstores. Many wonderful poems can be found on-line, too. Take a look at www.poemhunter.com and browse through the index. You will find everything from Billy Collins to Shel Silverstein and more. Enjoy!