Kick off the Summer with These Library Events

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is launching its lineup of great summer programs with two special events.

AUTHOR PRESENTATION AND BOOKSIGNING
Author Dennis McKay is visiting the library on Monday, June 7 at 6:30pm to celebrate the launch of his new novel, Once Upon Wisconsin. The author will share his journey in writing this beautiful story and will be available to sign books. Books are available for purchase at the event.

Once Upon Wisconsin is a well written story of a man dealing with loss, love and rebirth. After the death of a wife who never loved him and a son who meant everything, Bill Ennis travels to Wisconsin in pursuit of a vague yet stirring memory of his long dead father somewhere near the Dells. He forms ties with a small community of people while falling in love with the beautiful Trudy Pas'cal and bonding with her son. The arrival of Trudy's rogue ex-lover and father of her only child shatters this new beginning. The ensuing turmoil and tragedy leads to a poignant and profound discovery from the past that determines a new course in Bill's life journey.

Born in Chicago, Il, Dennis McKay is a retired concrete contractor who discovered late in life a desire to write stories. He has been a member of The Writer's Center in Bethesda, Maryland since 1998, crediting the association as a major influence in the growth of his writing. His first novel, Fallow's Field, received an Editor's Choice for literary excellence from iUniverse Publishing and received a favorable review by Kirkus. His second novel, Once Upon Wisconsin, has also received great literary support and review:

"...Well written with lovely images of the Wisconsin countryside." Maureen Gidding, Amazon.com review.

"The dying art of scenic description is on shining display here. It's an adventure that kept me scooting forward to see where the road was going." Peter Brown, author of Ruthie Black and Gone With the Gin.

"A beautifully written story about the power of memory to take us back to understanding." Barbara Esstman, author of The Other Anna and Night Ride Home.

The event, being held in the Martin Room on the first floor of the library, is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Questions may be directed to the Racine Public Library, 262.636.9217.


HARMONICA BLUES PERFORMANCE & WORKSHOP FOR ALL AGES

The Racine Public Library, in partnership with the Junior Women's Club of Racine, is offering a one-hour musical performance and Hohner Harmonica Blues workshop with acclaimed blues musician Geneva Red on Monday, June 21 at 6:30pm.

With her partner, Jackie 5 & Dime, on drums and guitar/banjo, the duo will present an hour of music, history and interactive harmonica instruction. The audience will embark on a musical journey that starts in Chicago, heading south along the Mississippi River, to St. Louis, Memphis, the Juke Joints of the Mississippi Delta, and down to New Orleans. Participants are introduced to this small but powerful instrument with an insightful introduction to beginners Blues harmonica. A limited number of harmonicas will be available for use by participants. It is suggested that those attending come with their own harmonicas, Hohner being the recommended brand.

Geneva Red, "A Lady of the Blues", is one of the top female "blues harp" instrumentalists in the country. Red was born and raised in a small town just outside of Chicago, Illinois. Her outstanding harmonica ability, strong vocal talent, and high energy show, have established her as a rare and exciting performer. The influences of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson I and II, Big Walter Horton, George "Harmonica" Smith, and Jimmy Reed are apparent in her own personal approach to her music.

Geneva Red, with her band The Roadsters, tours nationally and internationally, headlining and performing at some of the most revered blues clubs in the world; has had CDs charted in "Top 25" blues radio playlists around the world; and is featured in The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica by Mel Bay Books and also in IL Soffio dell'anima: armoniche e armoniciesti blues (The Breath of the Spirit: Harmonicas and Blues Harmonicists) book by Fabrizio Poggi, published in Italy.

She has played blues festivals across the nation including three of the most important blues festivals in the most historical blues locations in the world: The Chicago Blues Festival, The King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR and The Sunflower River Blues Festival in Clarksdale MS. Her performances and recordings have also included work with Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Bob Margolin, Sam Carr, Louisiana Red, Floyd Murphy, Phil Guy, John Primer, Jimmy Johnson, Little Smokey Smothers, Billy Branch, Paul deLay, Studebaker John, and others.

Geneva Red has been featured on the cover of international blues magazines and other publications along with fellow harp players Charlie Musslewhite, Paul Oscher, Billy Gibson and Big George Brock; and is an official contracted endorsee for the Hohner Harmonica Company since 1998. Her likeness is seen in Hohner's printed advertising world wide and is a featured "Artist" on Hohner's website.

The workshop and performance will be held in the first floor performance area of the library and are free and open to all. Call the library at 262.636.9245 to register your attendance.