Must Remember This: Legendary Love Songs

Roseland Public Library will host a free concert of Legendary Love Songs by the Ken Lelen Combo at 7 p.m., Friday, April 29 at 20 Roseland Ave., Roseland. More info at: 973-226-8636 and KenLelen.blogspot.com

Ken Lelen sings ragtime, jazz and swing and plays vintage acoustic guitars from the early 20th-Century. Performing with Matt Koch on acoustic bass, Lelen's concerts are a hit with diverse groups and filled with clever lyrics, catchy tunes and amusing anecdotes.

"People of all ages love the songs and they're pleasantly surprised by the robust sound and classy look of vintage guitars," Lelen said.

Ken Lelen performs on vintage guitars made by Gibson, Martin, Regal, Kay, Oscar Schmidt, Vega, Bacon & Day and other venerable firms. The guitars produce music that's striking for its character, tone and sustain without wires, pick-ups or gimmicks.

"This is how the instruments sounded back in the day when people still sang to each other and made music together in the parlor, kitchen or porch, after school, after church, after supper," said Lelen, who has played steel-stringed acoustic guitar for 48 years.

"Mr. Lelen is a genial performer, with a pleasant tenor," said the New York Times. "The songs he plays will never go out of date."                                             
Visit www.KenLelen.blogspot.com for more information on Legendary Love Songs.