Waunakee Public Library

How does one address subjects too painful to speak of, too personal to publicize?And how does one do it in a manner that is both entertaining and informative? Come and meet author and speaker Karl Stewart and discover how he found a path through the Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD) that ravaged his family. Learn how the writing of two novels, The Seventh Cruise, and Up Harvey’s Creek provided the venue, first to explore the illness that plagued his father, and secondly how an eleven year old boy sought to cope with it.

Karen Jepsen worked as a social worker at Journey Mental Health Center for 34 years. For the first 11 years she worked on the crisis phones in the Adult Emergency Services Unit, and the second part of her career was spent in the Youth Crisis in Emergency Services unit. Seven years ago the Adult and Youth Crisis units were combined, so at that point, she served both children, their families and adults.

Jeff Pockat has been a lifelong musician with a very eclectic set of musical tastes.  His interests range from Bluegrass to Classic Rock.  In 1984 he was introduced to the Harp with an intense interest in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands.  He soon fell in love with the more ancient wire-strung Clairseach or Gaelic Harp.  Jeff has become a music historian performing the music of greats like, Turlough O’Carolan, Rory dall O’Cathan, Cornelias Lyons and Dennis O’Hampsey just to name a few.  Da Mihi Manum, Eleanor Plunkett, Oscail an Doros are a few melodies by these a

Vidar Skrede and Randy Gosa debut their combination of the melodies of Norwegian folk music with the rhythmic approach of Irish accompaniment. The duo performs a collection of Vidar’s original compositions, traditional Norwegian folk music, and a few Irish and Celtic influenced and traditional tunes. Between numbers, they will share stories and history relating to the music.

Bluegrass is an American art form that started in the hills of Appalachian hills and resonated with music lovers across the world. Madison’s own Cork ‘n Bottle will bring songs and stories of bluegrass alive for audiences at eight Dane County public libraries.

Icons & Iconoclasts: Fashion of the Sixties   Presenter—Holly Easland

The Decade that began with modest tailored silhouettes worn by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy soon exploded into a wild expression that became known as a “youthquake,” ushering in defiant silhouettes, psychedelic prints and showering vibrant clashing color everywhere. Fashion, art and music were as one, and the rebels who shook up the era helped to bring forth an underlying freedom of dressing that has become intrinsic and still resounds in our choices today.

Music of the 1960s: Context and Characters   Presenter – Kyle Johnson

Power and Protest in the 1960s: the Vietnam War and Reactions Around the World  Presenter – Dr. Vaneesa Cook

Forward Theater Company has been performing monologues in the libraries since 2010, and audiences continue to ask for more! Every other year, Forward puts out a call for original monologues based on a common theme. The best twelve are chosen and performed by professional actors in a weekend of shows at Overture Center. And those same actors (and monologues) are available to perform at your library.

Play Club is part book club, part performance experience.  This program presents the opportunity to explore a play in depth through guided discussion, performance of scenes by actors, and discussion with director and actors. Participants will gain a new perspective on what makes a play work and how it is brought to life on stage.

Participants will sign up at the library for Play Club and will receive a copy of the play, Marjorie Prime, by Jordan Harrison, to read prior to Play Club.