Christian Cruz, Classical Guitar

Thursday, May 12th @ 7:00 p.m.

Patrons of Crowell Public Library will greatly appreciate the generosity of the Friends of Crowell Library and the San Marino Music Center when classical guitarist Christian Cruz presents a free program on Thursday, May 12 in the Library’s Barth Community Room. Christian received his Bachelor's Degree in Music at California State University, Northridge where he received numerous awards. He is now pursuing his Master’s Degree under William Kanengiser at USC’s Thornton School of Music.

A native of Los Angeles, Christian appreciated the cultural diversity of L.A. and grew fond of the rock and hip hop scene while simultaneously being influenced by the Latin American music of his own heritage. This would translate into his career as a guitarist, where he began playing renowned venues in Hollywood such as the Whiskey A Go Go and the Roxy, as well as performing the music of Ástor Piazzolla in concert halls. He has performed a number of chamber pieces at regional symposia held by the Guitar Foundation of America and has been featured on KUSCs Sundays Live broadcast at the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts.

The Crowell Library concert program will include Sonata Romantica by Manuel Ponce who is regarded as one of the most influential classical composers of Mexico. This sonata is an homage to Robert Shubert and borrows thematic material from the keyboard works of Shubert. Cinco Piezas is written by composer and performer Astor Piazzolla and these are the only pieces he wrote for solo guitar. Balkan Miniatures is by Serbian born Dusan Bogdanovic, one of the most prolific guitar composers in modern day. He has written music for guitar in virtually every variation, from solo to concerto. In 1991, he wrote this set of short pieces for William Kanengiser. The set is dedicated to world peace, as it was created during the separation of the former Yugoslavia.

Don’t miss this special night of free classical guitar music at Crowell Public Library. Seating is limited.

Film Screening: To Climb a Gold Mountain

Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 pm

Crowell Public Library is very fortunate to present a special screening of To Climb a Gold Mountain, a new cultural and educational film that tells the stories of four women of Asian descent who lived in America from the 1850s to the present day. The women came from different backgrounds and lived dramatically different lives. Some of the women featured in the film, such as Anna May Wong, have reached success and fame. Still others, like Sing Ye, a prostitute who lived in the 1800s and fought for freedom, are all but forgotten. Each woman’s story represents a distinct theme of struggle and triumph, and ushers in the succeeding story leading up to the present time. Through these stories, the film tracks the progression, evolution and legacy of the immigrants in America as they integrate into the fabric of America.
In the 1800s, the Chinese called America Gam Saan. It meant “Gold Mountain” and bespoke a myth of treasures waiting for any poor immigrant willing to sweat blood and tears. But for the poor women and men arriving on these shores, it was anything but. To Climb a Gold Mountain relates this 160-year narrative through the stories and voices of a set of particularly iconic women, representing distinct stages and themes in a compelling and dramatic tale. The film’s producers have received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition related to the film, a Golden Award from The World Film Festival, and Best Feature Documentary from the LA Film Festival of Hollywood. In addition PBS has picked the TV version of the film for broadcasting.
The film has a running time of 73 minutes and will be presented by the executive producer and director, Alex Azmi who will discuss the making of the film and answer questions. Dr. Azmi is a filmmaker who is interested in documentaries that deal with social and cultural issues. His most current project is called “Man and Machine,” and is about the impact of technologies on the lives of ordinary people.

Come to Crowell Public Library on Wednesday, May 11th at 6:30 p.m. for a fascinating look into Asian cultural history.