Jazz & Swing from A to Z: The Story of America's Music

Six Tuesdays 12:30-2:00 p.m. – beginning April 7

The wildly popular Dr. Thom Mason, USC Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies at the Thornton School of Music, returns to Crowell Public Library with a new six-session course sponsored by the Friends of the Library.  Mason riffs off the popular classes that he taught over the last six years, savoring the stories of famous musicians from the past, and the jazz stars of today.

The series schedule this Spring will be:

April 7:                 Gene Krupa & Lionel Hampton        

      April 14                Women Who Sing Jazz & Swing

      April 2                  Cab Calloway & the Stars of Harlem

      April 28                 Jazz & Swing in the 70s and 80s

      May 5                    Count Basie

      May 12                  Canadian Stars of Jazz & Swing

Thom Mason was chairman of the department of jazz studies at the USC Thornton School of Music from 1983 to 1996. During that period he created the bachelor of music, masters of music and doctor of musical arts programs in jazz studies. He is a saxophone, clarinet and flute specialist and has played with such notable artists as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Jack Sheldon, Louis Bellson, and Ernie Watts.  His multimedia presentations are filled with music excerpts:  rare photos, film clips, humorous stories and live demonstrations that stimulate, educate and entertain.  They are not to be missed!  No reservations are required.

Thanks to the sponsors, the Friends of Crowell Public Library, the music keeps coming!

Reducing Stress Through Meditation

Saturday, April 4, 11:00 am

Long-time meditator Doug Frankel will discuss the extraordinary effect of meditation in reducing stress when he comes to Crowell Library on Saturday, April 4^th at 11:00 am.  Participants will learn how to improve concentration and enhance clarity of thought and mental equilibrium. Doug will present a simple, time-tested and effective meditation technique. There will be a short meditation sitting as well. Meditation can bring about a sense of calm and balance that benefits both emotional and physical well-being, which in turn will impact overall health and reduce stress. It is easy to learn and can have many lasting and beneficial effects. And the benefits don’t end when the session ends.

According to the Mayo Clinic^* spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore calm and inner peace.  Anyone can practice meditation. It's simple and inexpensive, and it doesn't require any special equipment. One can practice meditation anywhere — out for a walk, riding the bus, waiting at the doctor's office or even in the middle of a difficult business meeting.  People have been practicing meditation for centuries and today there has been a surge in its popularity as new benefits continue to be discovered. Incorporating meditation into one’s life has many positive effects. Now more than ever in today’s modern world with all the stresses, meditation is needed. Learn a simple meditation technique that can help you in all aspects of your life.

Douglas Frankel is the founder and president of an innovative marketing and media company
and has been in the broadcast business for over 25 years. He became interested in meditation while attending UCLA, and began studying meditation over 30 years ago. He has given a plethora of workshops on this topic all over the country.

This promises to be an engaging and lively lecture so mark your calendar for Saturday April 4^th and come to Crowell Public Library.