New Lyceum Lecture to Feature Historic Aurora Blues

“The Leland Bluebird Recording Sessions,” a New Lyceum Lecture Series program, will be presented at 7 p.m., June 14, at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.

Over a 15-month period during the 1930s, more than 300 songs were recorded by blues artists Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Joe Williams, Washboard Sam, and others in downtown Aurora’s Leland Hotel Sky Club. During these recording sessions, a new approach to making records was created and embraced by record labels representing blues, R&B, and rock ’n’ roll artists.

Guest speakers Steve Warrenfeltz, owner of Kiss the Sky in Batavia, and professional musician Scott Tipping will reveal the “new approach” and how it influenced the music industry. Warrenfeltz is executive director of the Fox Valley Music Foundation, which is a co-sponsor of the program along with the Batavia Public Library Foundation. He and Tipping are active participants in the many music events taking place in the Fox Valley this summer.

The lecture is free; however, registration is required. Register online at www.BataviaPublicLibrary.org or call the library Reference Desk, (630) 879-1393, ext. 200.