Two internationally renowned performers — cellist Evan Drachman and pianist Richard Dowling — will perform at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
Drachman received his BMA from The Curtis Institute of Music in 1988. In 1997, at the invitation of Mstislav Rostropovich, Drachman traveled to Russia to perform as soloist with the St. Petersburg Symphony under Maestro Rostropovich. He established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather, Gregor Piatigorsky, who believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music.
Dowling has been a member of the artist roster of The Piatigorsky Foundation since 1994 and has performed nearly 1,200 recitals in 23 states, both as a soloist and in collaboration with Drachman and other Piatigorsky artists. Career highlights include a sold-out New York orchestral debut at Lincoln Center, solo recitals at Carnegie Hall, and a special award from the National Federation of Music Clubs recognizing his outstanding performances of American music.
More December music events include:
- 7 p.m. Dec. 13: The Piatigorsky Concert. Internationally renowned performers Evan Drachman, cellist, and Richard Dowling, pianist.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 14: American Legion Post 377 Band. The band performs standards as well as holiday music.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 15: New Aurora Saxophone Ensemble. This small group, consisting only of saxophones, performs a variety of tunes.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 19: Mike Scorsone Presents. Musician and teacher Scorsone presents a night of music from young performers.
- 1 p.m. Dec. 20: Memory Lane. Jean, Richard and Sam perform holiday music and popular tunes.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 22: The Jefferson Parish Community Band. The band of about 50 musicians returns with a full program of music for every age.
KIDS’ BOOK FESTIVAL: “Writing Louisiana for Everyone” is the theme for the 2022 Holiday Children’s Book Festival that will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the East Bank Regional Library.
The theme reflects the growing diversification of characters and plots in children’s literature by New Orleans authors and why it’s important for children to experience characters, plots and dialogue that are different from what they already know.
Susan Larson, host of WWNO’s ‘The Reading Life’
Susan Larson will moderate a panel featuring three local children’s authors: Chris Clarkson, Marti Dumas and Johnette Downing.
Larson is host of the WWNO-FM radio show “The Reading Life” and author of “The Booklover’s Guide to New Orleans.” She was the book editor for The New Orleans Times-Picayune from 1988-2009.
In 2007, she received the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the literary community.
Children’s book author Marti Dumas in New Orleans on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Dumas is a mother, teacher, writer and creative entrepreneur from New Orleans. An expert in childhood literacy, Dumas has worked with children and teachers across the country for the past 15 years to promote an early love of reading. Her best-selling “Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest” series combines literacy with STEM skills, and humor.
Chris Clarkson
Clarkson, whose debut novel is “That Night on Frenchmen Street,” earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature at the University of Maryland. He works as an outreach coordinator, where he regularly assists with the implementation of diversity initiatives.
Johnette Downing, roots musician, is an author of a children’s book series.
New Orleans native Downing is an award-winning singer, musician, composer, author, and poet presenting Louisiana Roots concerts and author visits for children, as well as keynotes and workshops for educators globally.
Her presentations speak to a child’s interests in an engaging, interactive, educational, entertaining and culturally respectful way, earning her a reputation as the “Musical Ambassador to Children” and the “Pied Piper of Louisiana Music Traditions.”
Many other children’s authors will be present to talk about and sell books. They include: Karen Konnerth, Denise Walter-McConduit, Shannon Kelley Atwater, Laura Roach Dragon, Gary Alipio, M.H. Herlong, Leah Eskine, Laura Michaud, Michelle D. Jackson, Gideon Hodge, Anthony Figaro, Louie Duet and others.
FREE COMPUTER HELP: Northstar Digital Literacy is a service that defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online, and library patrons have access to its guided modules.
“People without basic computer know-how are at a disadvantage when it comes to finding a job because employers expect basic computer skills for most jobs, including many entry-level positions,” said Jessica Styons, director of the Jefferson Parish Libraries. “We joined Northstar because it will help our patrons have a better chance at getting jobs and getting ahead.”
Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:
- Essential computer skills (basic computer skills, internet basics, using Email, Windows, Mac OS).
- Essential Software skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Using technology in daily life (social media, information literacy, and creative job search).
JPL patrons can take the tests online at digitalliteracyassessments.org. At the end of each test, the user receives a page of results, which lists the skills that have been mastered and the areas that need improvement.
The modules are based on a set of basic computer competency benchmarks. These standards help ensure that computer classes are teaching adult learners the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
To earn a certificate for one or more of the modules, adults must take the tests in a supervised setting at an approved test site.
Essential computer skills classes at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, include:
- 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7: Internet basics
- 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 12: Basic computer skills
- 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 14: Basic computer skills
- 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 19: Microsoft Excel
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 19: Microsoft Word
- 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 29: Internet Basics
Essential computer skills classes at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, include:
- 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9: Microsoft Word
- 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 16: Microsoft Excel
- 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 20: Basic computer skills
DECEMBER BOOK CLUBS: Here’s a rundown on upcoming book club discussions at libraries on both the east and west banks.
“I’m Not Crazy” by Lakisha Johnson: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Belle Terre Library, 5550 Belle Terre Road, Marrero.
“Wild Seed” by Octavia Butler: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Rosedale Library, 4036 Jefferson Highway.
“Gigi and The Cat” by Colette: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12, East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
Reader’s Choice: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 14, West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey. Read any book, bring it to the event, and come ready to discuss.
“The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 20, Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road.
“Look Homeward, Angel” by Thomas Wolfe: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 20, East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
“Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Gretna Library, 102 Willow Drive, Gretna.
“Catherine de Medici” by Leonie Frieda: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 27, Live Oak Library, 125 Acadia Drive, Waggaman.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library.
