Resource Sharing

Spotlight on Sharing: Celebrate Summer with Music and Dance

By Amy Hitchner: Published on
Resource Sharing

Summer is a time for concerts, festivals, and generally getting your groove on. Libraries are getting into the act by showcasing talented individuals from their communities and from around the world—musicians, dancers, and performing artists that encourage patrons to play, sing, and dance.

In this Spotlight on Sharing post, we’ll check out some fun and unique ways that Colorado libraries are celebrating the season by bringing music and dance to their communities.

Maker-in-Residence: Sphere Ensemble

  • Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library
  • Sphere Ensemble is the Maker-in-Residence at the Discovery Lab this August.
  • “In this hands-on workshop, Sphere Ensemble will not only teach you how to make music, but they will actually prepare you for participation in a live concert!
    • In the first three sessions (August 9, 11, & 15), you will learn body percussion parts.
    • In the fourth session (August 17), you will get to participate in a dress rehearsal.
    • The concert will take place on Friday, August 19, where you can participate and show off what you learned . . . bring family and friends! For ALL ages. Registration is NOT required.”
  • Website
  • Promotional flyer

Music at the Library

  • Basalt Regional Library
  • Thursdays at 5:15 during the summer
  • “Hear tomorrow’s top musicians this summer at the Basalt Library.”
  • This concert series features performers from the Aspen Music Festival and School Student Chamber Recitals.
  • Website

Concerts at Vail Library

  • Vail Library hosts concerts from local and global musicians.
  • Vocalist Rebecca Folsom, August 3, 5:30 – 6:30
  • Harpist Margot Krimmel, August 17, 5:30 – 6:30
  • Library calendar

Library Hoedown Summer Dance Lessons

  • Estes Valley Library
  • “Join us for a series of 5 dance lessons to include a variety of hoedown throw-down dance moves. Each class will feature a different type of dance step to get you in the groove for summer dancing!”
  • Website

Guitar Lessons with Dan Eilers

  • Red Feather Library
  • Thursdays and Saturdays at 4:00 pm
  • “Dan Eilers is an entertainer and loves to teach guitar. He specializes in folk and blues and also does ragtime, country and more. Dan has offered to teach guitar lessons at the library from kids to adults. You must bring your own guitar! Contact Darlene at the library if you have questions. 970-881-2664 or darlene@redfeatherlibrary.org.”

Classical Concert Series

  • Carbondale Branch Library, Garfield County Libraries
  • Saturday July 30, August 6 & 13, 6:00 pm
  • All ages, Free!
  • “The library is pleased to host the very popular classical music concerts again this summer with students from the Aspen Music Festival and School. Each week will feature different music and instruments, including our Grand Piano! Doors open at 5:45 pm. Refreshments will be provided.”
  • Library calendar

Neighbors Read: Absolute Dance

  • Mesa County Libraries, Central Library
  • Thursday, August 4, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  • “Absolute Dance students will give demonstrations of a variety of dance genres including ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Families will also have a chance to get a quick lesson to learn a few basic dance moves!”
  • Event website

National Dance Day: Learn a Dance Routine

  • Smoky Hill Library, Arapahoe Libraries
  • Saturday, July 30, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
  • For Adults and Teens
  • “Learn the official National Dance Day routine from an instructor and show it off to the library. Presented by Miller’s Dance Studio Inc.”
  • Event Website

Percussion Jam Band

  • Thursdays at 4:00
  • Cedaredge Library, Delta County
  • Library calendar

Sunrise Concert: Wheelchair Sports Camp

  • Denver Public Library, Central Library
  • August 9, 9:15 – 10:00 am
  • “Start your day off with food, music, a little dancin’ and a feel-good vibe. Local hip-hop act, Wheelchair Sports Camp, has made waves nationally for their dancy beats and outspoken lyricist who raps about life in a wheelchair…and many other things!”
  • Event page

This post is part of the Spotlight on Sharing initiative, which aims to increase the visibility of resource sharing in Colorado libraries. How is YOUR library bringing music and dance to your community? Let us know by filling out this super short form or emailing ahitchner@coloradovirtuallibrary.org. If you’re on Twitter, tweet @hitchlib or use the hashtag #spotlightonsharing.

Amy Hitchner
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