Earle Jager & the Memory Laners

Sunday, February 11, 2:00 pm

 

Enjoy swinging tunes from the 1930s through the 1960s with a trio lead by San Marino resident Earle Jager.  The Memory Laners will evoke pop tunes from the past and send listeners into a state of nostalgic reverie on Sunday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Library’s Barth Community Room.

The Memory Laners were originally founded by a lady drummer who played the trumpet at the same time.  Jager joined the group in the 1990’s.  For years, they had a steady gig at the Langley Senior Citizen Center in Monterey Park.  Today, they often play at the San Dimas Senior Citizens Center.

Jager plays four varieties of saxophone: soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. His trio partners include Fred Dean on keyboard and Andy Papp on drums.  The Memory Laners play tunes that are “influenced by what they have experienced all their lives,” Jager reports.   Jager has lived with his wife in San Marino for fifteen years, which he calls the “second chapter” of his life. Before that, he taught children of military families in Germany and the Netherlands. Then he taught English at East Los Angeles College.  He has always been interested in music, playing with large bands as what he calls an “interesting sideline.”  “Never quit your day job,” he advises.

Enjoy a relaxing and entertaining Sunday afternoon at Crowell Library and listen to some of the best music ever written.

Centennial in Swing: The 100th Anniversary of Jazz on Record

Monday, February 5^th, 7:00 p.m.

Join author and jazz historian Steven Harris for a stimulating review of the formative years of recorded American jazz on Monday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Crowell Library’s Barth Community Room.  This program will cover the first jazz “waxings” made one hundred years ago in 1917, progressing to the 1930s swing era.  With fascinating photos and sounds from Satchmo and Duke, to the Boswells and Bix, attendees will learn about the early musicians who made the music, as well as how jazz served as a morale booster during WWI.  Learn all about -- the surprising impact of jazz had in the church, what some celebrities and world dignitaries thought of the ‘new’ music, the recording advances that developed when jazz went "electric," the effects jazz had on Great Britain and beyond, how Prohibition and jazz worked in tandem and, the misconceptions about jazz––then and now. 

Steven D. Harris is a freelance writer, lecturer, historian, producer, and emcee.  He has presented programs at the Pasadena Central Library, Atherton Retirement Village and the bi-annual L.A. Jazz Institute festivals.  He has also presented a 10-part historical entertainment series, When Swing Was King.

Steven began his career in radio in 1984 at KPCC-FM, leading into future stints at KGRB-AM and KSPA-AM/FM.  He is the author of the well-reviewed biography The Kenton Kronicles and has been a freelance writer for San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group.  He produced the summer series Jazz at the Mansion at Pasadena Museum of History and co-produced Jazz at the "A" Frame, a monthly concert series in Hollywood.

This audio-visual presentation will incorporate historical photos from Steven’s private collection as well as music clips. Come early to take part in a jazz trivia contest and win a CD prize!

Toastmasters Successful Speaking Seminar Series

Four Tuesdays:  February 6, 13, 20, 27   6:00-8:00 pm

In an era where people seem to be communicating strictly with their thumbs, gaining confidence in public speaking does not come easily or cheaply.  Crowell Public Library and the Toastmasters organization are joining forces to present a free series that will be the quickest means to improve participants’ speaking skills and confidence. Four Toastmasters classes will begin Tuesday February 6, and will be offered to 8-12 motivated participants, guided by experienced Toastmasters Leaders.  Each participant will receive a formal Toastmasters certificate upon completion of the seminar.

The seminar is structured like a condensed Toastmasters meeting with short lectures and speeches by the participants during the meeting, with time for coaching from the leaders at the conclusion of each meeting. The seminar's short duration appeals to people with busy lives who still want to improve their speaking skills. Seminar students learn public speaking and evaluation skills in a safe, supportive environment and derive many of the benefits Toastmasters members gain from their ongoing weekly meetings.  Participants will gain confidence in public speaking, communication and language skills, will also learn to think quickly and clearly, becoming an effective listener.  They will gain the ability to evaluate effectively by using body language and visual aids, and also glean advanced social skills and while improving job promotion prospects.

Speech-craft can also help participants improve performance in problem-solving, meeting in larger groups,  motivating people, selling ideas or products, conducting business meetings, impromptu speaking, managing nervousness, introducing a speaker, speech structure and organization, beginning and concluding a speech, body language, vocal variety, and knowing an audience.  Friendships and careers can and do blossom for those experiencing this Toastmasters seminar.  

Louis Lopez, CC, ALB, is an experienced Toastmaster for eight years and has served multiple club officer roles including his current term as President of Edison Loquacious Toastmasters.  Shanon Harmon, ACB, ALB, is the immediate past area director who supported four clubs last year and has been a Toastmasters member for five years.  Both of these leaders have received awards for their leadership and communications skills.  

Sign up today to insure that you receive one of the coveted seats!