Bonk! Goes Local in July

Summer is a great time to hit the streets and enjoy some of downtown Racine's finest entertainment. The Racine Public Library invites you to enjoy an evening with some very talented artists on Saturday, July 24, from 6-8pm, for another installment of "BONK!", a free monthly performance series in downtown Racine. Now being held at the Racine Arts Council, 316 Sixth St., the series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally-recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis.

This month's event will feature writer Jenny Bootle, presenter Walter Hermanns and musician Richard Olson.

Jenny Bootle writes short stories and poetry and is currently attempting her first novel. She has recently been published in Mother Goosed: Twisted Rhymes for Modern Times and in the book bending light into verse by Jennifer L. Tomaloff. In 2008, she moved from Brighton, England, to Wisconsin. She now lives in Milwaukee with an English boyfriend and two English cats. She is training to be a bookbinder.

Walter Hermanns is a storyteller/essayist and poet. A Lutheran pastor, he was a regular writer for the Parson to Person column which appeared in the Racine Journal Times for a number of years. He lives in Racine with his wife, Lynn Helmke and two children, Laura and Shawn. Although he is technically retired, courtesy of progressive MS, he leads worship services at local seniors' facilities. Pastor Walter also serves as outreach minister at Emmaus Lutheran Church." I have been richly blessed by a wonderful family and supportive friends who drive me around town, help me swim at the local YMCA, and do random tasks that help me continue to be active."

Ric Olson started writing poems and songs, and playing solo in Venus, California. He has been nominated 4 times for a Whammy Award for best blues band in the "New Jukes" here in Wisconsin. He is an accomplished guitarist. He enjoys and plays Americana, Blues, Roots Rock, Folk, Jazz, Standards, eclectic covers, and original material. "I recognize no boundaries musically. I play what I like, because I like it. I hope you like it, too."

Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances, please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info , or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.

BONK! is sponsored by Gary's Music World, Power Audio, the Racine Arts Council, and the Racine Public Library.