Join us for a “Concert of Summer Celebration” with the Highlands Classical Chamber Ensemble on Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 pm, outdoors on the library lawn.

The program will include tangos, waltzes, and ragtime, as well as favorite classical selections. Solos, duos, piano duet and piano trios will be played, with works by John Williams, Mozart, Debussy, Saint Saens and others.

Outdoor seating will be provided for up to 50 people, with generous spacing allowed. This concert is free and open to the public. We ask that all guests wear a face covering. In case of rain, the concert will occur on Friday, July 17 at 6:30 pm.

Highlands Classical has performed masterworks of classical music in the towns of Central Maine for over eight years. These well-received concerts have normally appeared in spring. However, to celebrate summer life in the community, this new program of light music will also be offered.

Members Susan Ramsey, violin and guitar, Ruth Fogg, cello, Katherine Hunter, flute, and Margery Aumann, piano, will be joined by guests Evelyn Marston, flute, and Evan Viera, piano.


A Celebration of Maine’s Natural World through Poetry and Music

Two poets and two musicians will come together to celebrate Maine’s natural world through poetry and music on Sunday, November 17, 2:30-3:30 pm at the Dexter Universalist Church and Tuesday, November 19, 5:30-6:30 pm at the Thompson Free Library. This special Poetry & Strings program will feature poets Kristen Lindquist and Paul Corrigan reading their work, with musicians Susan Ramsey on violin and guitar and Ruth Fogg on cello.

There is something wonderful about the recitation of poetry and the performance of music that allows each art to stand on its own. But the cross-fertilization that arises when the two are combined is something even more special and uplifting, as these four performers have discovered with their unique program. Inspired musicians can make poetic images soar, transporting the audience by evoking thoughts and feelings beyond the words themselves and adding layers of thought and meaning.

Kristen Lindquist is a poet and naturalist from Camden. Her poetry and other writings have appeared in Down East and the Bangor Daily News, as well as many literary journals and anthologies. She writes a monthly Maine natural history column for PenBayPilot.com and has published three poetry collections; her book TRANSPORTATION was a finalist for the 2012 Maine Literary Award.

Paul Corrigan, from Millinocket, is a poet and essayist who has worked as a Baxter Park Ranger, a high school English teacher, and a whitewater rafting guide. His poems, essays, and stories are inspired by his lifelong love of the Maine woods. His poems have appeared in such publications as the Maine Times, Yankee, and the anthology MAINE SPEAKS, which is used statewide in the public schools.

Susan Ramsey shares her love of music around New England with folksinger/songwriter David Mallett and as the violinist for the touring chamber ensemble Highlands Classical. She also composes and arranges sacred and secular music for the North Country Strings. With a degree in music from Smith College, Susan directs the Foxcroft Academy String Program, operates a private music studio, and serves as Music Director for the Methodist Church in Dover-Foxcroft. The beauty of Maine inspires her to teach, perform, and compose music.

Ruth Fogg is also a member of the Highlands Classical ensemble and performs regularly with Susan as the North Country Strings Duo and the Arts Exchange Cello Ensemble. She currently teaches cello in addition to tuning pianos. She started playing the cello at the age of nine and has played in many groups since then.

Join us on Friday, October 25 at 6 pm for a special screening of the 1922 silent film NOSFERATU, directed by F.W. Marnau and starring Max Schreck as the mysterious Count Orlok.

The screening will feature an original soundscape and live piano accompaniment by Jason Curran.

For more details about the many fun events happening during Halloween Boonanza, visit: www.boonanza.info

For a different take on TFL’s 101 series join our guide, poet and library guy Tom Lyford on a unique magical mystery tour of surprising songs and lyrics he’s mined like rare minerals over the decades. An original presentation, the emphasis this month is on pure listening entertainment, ranging from audio “fireworks” (with printed lyrics) that will touch your heart to those that will tickle your funny bone. Be prepared to groove on unexpected gems from the likes of Peter Sellers, Johnny Cash, and more!

Thursday, September 12 at 1:30 pm!