For the Coudersport Public Library, the term “Simple Gifts” carries a double meaning — one for the name of a talented band and the other for the service it will provide to the area community.
Teri McDowell, librarian, said musical duo Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon of the Simple Gifts band, will not only perform for the community at 7 p.m. Thursday, but will also provide a ukulele workshop for children ages 8 and up from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday. All events are free and open to the public.
McDowell said children will learn the basics of strumming and fingerpicking, and participants will be encouraged to perform with the duo in concert the following evening, with instruments provided.
McDowell said the band, sponsored by a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Partners in the Arts program, will also work with children ages 3 to 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, culminating in an interactive Children’s Concert.
She said the young participants will hear the duo’s instruments, learn about their history and get a basic understanding of how the instruments work as well as how music influences culture. She said interactive segments will include percussion instruments, singing and hand motions.
“We were aware that Simple Gifts is a very highly respected duo that has performed throughout the region for quite a number of years,” McDowell remarked. “Like most libraries, our budget is rather limited and an act of this high caliber would normally be out of our league financially.
“When we found out that the group was willing to help us put a grant application together to fund their appearance, we jumped at the chance,” she recalled. “We’re thrilled that it was approved because we certainly think of the library as a partner in the arts. Books and music go hand-in-hand.“
She noted that it is crucial to library’s mission to present activities that will appeal to all ages, and broaden the community’s understanding of the world.
“Normally we host one of our popular adult literary programs in the spring,” she continued. “Last March we had an ‘Evening of Irish Lore.’ This year it’ll be an evening of international and traditional folk music, plus the two children’s events.”
“In addition to the music being a feast for the ears, all of us — old and young — can learn about the traditions behind the music and the instruments,” she added. “Our library is very much focused on the importance of lifelong learning, and Simple Gifts’ appearances fit in perfectly with that concept.”
She said the duo has performed throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including appearances at the Smithsonian, Longwood Gardens, the Philadelphia Folk Festival and others. They have also opened for artists such as Natalie MacMaster, Tom Paxton, John McCutcheon, Jay Unger and Molly Mason. The duo has recorded six albums, including traditional music from many countries plus original compositions by each group member.
McDowell said the library concert will feature a wide variety of ethnic folk music — from lively Irish jigs played in honor of the St. Patrick holiday, to down-home American reels, Gypsy melodies and exotic dance tunes.
“We’re hoping for good crowds for all three events,” McDowell concluded. “We know people in North Central Pennsylvania are hungry for such wonderful cultural opportunities.”
McDowell added advanced sign-ups for the children’s events are required.
