Music, music, music is the theme of Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest. There is so much music to enjoy you have to clone yourself to hear it all.
On Sunday, March 6 at 4 p.m., Several of our local music groups are performing on the same day at the same time! I chose Opus 3 Piano Trio and GSM Cello/Piano Duo to tell you about.
A recital featuring Sara Gasse on violin, Hulya Alpakin-Luethi on piano, and Dr. Daniel Gasse on cello will be performed at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 305 Circle Ave. at 4 p.m. These internationally known and loved musicians have graced Forest Park by opening a music school right here on Polk Street and are training young (and some not so young) musicians to make music a part of their lives. The study of music has been shown to enhance other parts of the brain and thus make smarter students out of the kids. So instead of driving all over Oak Park and River Forest to hear some other music groups, just walk over to St. John and hear a multi-talented local group play.
Speaking of local talent, Michael Teolis Singers gave us “A Potpourri of Songs” last Sunday afternoon. Teolis concerts are always a joy and always full of surprises. Some exciting spirituals were performed, one with text by James Agee, one arranged by WC Handy. Another traditional American song, “Wondrous Love,” arranged by our local, now deceased, James Mack, was also included, but my favorite, “You Bring Me Happiness” by Sir David Willcocks was my favorite. All the words in this one seemed to be written by the composer about his dog. Who brings you more happiness than your dog? Unfortunately, everything that brings you joy will break your heart.
Doesn’t everyone feel he (she) should write the story of his life? Augie Aleksy engaged Diane Pirone Gelman to speak to the Sisters in Crime meeting at the bookstore last Saturday about just such a venture. Ms. Gelman, herself a much-published author, had many points of interest to offer the group. Many of those authors present have published works. There are so many facets of publishing, narration, contracts, etc., to be looked into. But if you’re interested, don’t give up; there are lots of people willing to help you.
Birthdays this week include Abigail Fletcher, Ava Scollard, Victoria Osborn, Suzie Fishman, Jim Breseman, Billy Brown, Heather Babcock, Dianemarie Williams, Grace Spence, Edith Scheiwe, Jill Smentek, Rich Green, Brandon Thompson, Barbara Coleman, Isabella Calenzi, Tevian Russell, Tara Cassiani, Grant Heyer, Gina DiJulio-Swan, Corwin Lindell, Jennifer Deering, and Ed Martinski.
Happy anniversary to Lucy and Joe Gianelli.
See you at the parade?
Jackie is a former Chicago and Elmwood Park schoolteacher with an undying love for music, friendly pets and a host of life’s other treasures too numerous to list. She was born on the far southwest side of Chicago in a great neighborhood when it was a great time to be young.
