Calling all music lovers! Dust off your blue suede shoes and get ready for a toe-tapping good time as the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) presents the “Elvis & Cash Show” at our First Friday: Turn It Up event Friday, April 5 at the Santori Library. This special evening featuring two musical giants is sure to get you singing along. You’ll even have an opportunity to join the band!
An upcoming library program unrelated to First Friday provided the inspiration for the musically themed Turn It Up lineup. “April is national poetry month, and I was inspired by the Lyric & Song Writing Workshop program with Old Town School of Folk Music planned for Saturday, April 13,” said event and program coordinator, Ali Lanthrum. “Poetry and music use language and sound to tell stories and evoke emotions, and artists such as Elvis and Johnny Cash were uniquely masterful performers.”
Bringing half of the Million Dollar Quartet to life are father and son impersonators John and Jonathan Lyons. Joined by John’s wife, Peggy, as June Carter, the Lyons family has been bringing these musical legends to life in appearances across the Midwest. This performance is referred to as a ‘What If?’ concert as it merges Elvis’ jumpsuit era with the country crooning of Johnny Cash and June Carter. This evening of live music will allow audience members the opportunity to have some hands-on fun with instruments!
For those curious about joining the band, Fox Valley El Sistema will bring a variety of string, woodwind, percussion, and brass, instruments for an instrument petting zoo that our community can touch and try. Fox Valley El Sistema, in partnership with the Fox Valley Orchestra, is dedicated to community building and removing barriers to music education for all, but especially young people. These dedicated musicians and educators strive to help future generations find their place in the performing arts. First Friday participants will be invited to add their name to our Hall of Fame, live out their rock star dreams and take photos in front of our gold-sequined backdrop, and decorate a musical instrument-themed ornament to take home. “And because we love a good theme, participants can also enjoy Bugle chips, while supplies last,” added Lanthrum.
If you’d like to spend more time testing an instrument (without spending money up front), don’t forget that the Library loans musical instruments from our Library of Things collection. Aspiring musicians who are APLD cardholders may check out and borrow ukuleles, keyboards, and an electric drum pad! For more information about these items, please visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/libraryofthings
Attending our First Friday: Turn It Up program is a fantastic way to introduce children to the joys of music, ignite a passion for learning an instrument, and connect with fellow lovers of legendary musical artists. First Friday: Turn It Up will be Friday, April 5 at the Santori Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and for more information, visit our events page www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events or contact the library at 630-264-4117. Don’t be a hound dog… see you there!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.