Extending the Stage: Charlie Parker's Yardbird

Five Dane County libraries will partner with the Madison Opera to celebrate the life and impact of Charlie Parker by offering six free events centered around jazz music, as well as behind-the-scenes information on Madison Opera’s featured performance of Charlie Parker’s Yardbird debuting mid-February. The “Extending the Stage” events include: a multimedia preview of the opera Charlie Parker’s Yardbird with Madison Opera’s general director Kathryn Smith and artistic manager Salvatore Vasta; a lecture on Charlie Parker and the history of Bebop by renowned saxophone professor Les Thimmig; and a viewing of rare jazz films by master-archivist Gary Alderman.

An Evening of Rare Jazz Films. Jazz historian Gary Alderman will present and explain films of the historically significant innovators of modern jazz, including the only two existing videos with sound of Charlie Parker. Among the other musicians shown will be those relevant to Parker’s music and career, including Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Sonny Sitt, and Cannonball Adderly. ​

Alicia Ashman Library  - Friday, February 3, 7pm
Goodman South Library  -  Tuesday, April 11, 6pm

The Life and Music of Charlie Parker. Join us for this informative and entertaining event featuring UW-Madison's Professor of Saxophone Les Thimmig.  Professor Thimmig will discuss the importance of Charlie Parker and the history of bebop jazz, and will also offer short musical performances!

Deforest Area Public Library  -  Monday, February 13. 6:30pm
Alicia Ashman Library  -  date TBD
Fitchburg Public Library  -  Sunday, February 26, 2pm
Oregon Public Library  -  date TBD