By Trish Noack, Supervisor of Public Relations @ Peoria Public Library
“A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965” exhibit and programs are coming to Peoria Public Library in March and April to tell the story of the many Jewish composers, such as Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and George Gershwin, who helped create the great American songbook from 1910-1965. The colorful exhibit opens March 10 at Peoria Public Library Main Library in the Gallery on Lower Level One and is free and open to the public during regular library hours, Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through April 12.
“A Fine Romance” celebrates American popular song during the period 1910-1965. The best musical artists of the time combined a genius for melody, a talent for pairing melody with the perfect words, and an ability to connect with a wide audience. A remarkably high percentage of them were Jewish, from families that had immigrated to America in the 1800s or fled pogroms and persecution in Europe at the turn of the century. “A Fine Romance” tells their story, using lively and striking images from Broadway musicals, classic films, posters, and personal collections.
The exhibit, which is traveling to 55 locations around the country, is highlighted by a variety of programs beginning with an opening program by Dr. Al Goldfarb on Thursday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the Peoria Public Library Main Library Auditorium on Lower Level Two. Dr. Goldfarb will talk about “The Legacy of the Jewish Musical Theater Artists.” Dr. Goldfarb has researched and written extensively on the arts and on the Holocaust, of which his parents are survivors.
On Sunday, March 25 the Java Jews present Klezmer music with a children’s program from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and a performance for all ages from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at North Branch in the McKenzie Room. Klezmer music is the music of Eastern European Jewish communities during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The music emigrated to this country with the influx of European Jews and began to borrow elements from jazz and pop music. Klezmer music is upbeat, tender, hand-clapping and tear-jerking. In the hands of the Java Jews it’s always fun!
Lil’ Rev, award-winning musician and author brings his sizzling fun “Jews of Tin Pan Alley” one man show to Peoria Public Library North Branch on Wednesday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. courtesy of The Friends of Peoria Public Library and The Jewish Federation. “The Jews of Tin Pan Alley” is a unique one man show presented by Milwaukee’s award winning musician Lil’ Rev. Rev traces the Jewish rich heritage as contributors to the American musical landscape. As writers, song pluggers, publishers, singers, comedians, and entertainers Jews contributed and dominated in every facet of American popular music … learn how our immigrant past shines brilliantly in song and dance.
Experience some of the American Songbook for yourself on the big screen with the Peoria Public Library’s state of the art sound systems with two movies. On Saturday, March 31 enjoy Easter Parade at Main Library in the auditorium at 1:00 p.m. Easter Parade is the classic Judy Garland and Fred Astaire musical. After Don Hewes (Astaire) loses his long time dance partner, Nadine Hale (Ann Miller), he’s left on his own. Will Hannah Brown(Garland) fill her dancing shoes? It features a songbook penned by Irving Berlin including popular standards such as “A Couple of Swells”, “Shakin’ the Blues Away” and “I Love a Piano.” Wear your best Easter bonnet for a chance at winning a prize!
On Saturday, April 14 watch Funny Face at North Branch in the McKenzie Room at 1:00 p.m. This classic comedy features Audrey Hepburn as a snobbish bookstore clerk who is asked to model for a photographer, played by Fred Astaire at North Branch. Watch Hepburn, who trained as a ballerina, go toe to toe with Astaire as they dance their way through Paris accompanied by music from George and Ira Gershwin, including the title track, “Funny Face,” and “S Wonderful.” After the film, join our Audrey Hepburn look-a-like contest for a chance to win a prize.
Credit line: A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910 – 1965 was developed by Nextbook Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life.