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!