Listen to the World: Music Returns to the Orinda Library
By Moya Stone
Ramana Vieira Photo provided
It's live, it's free, and it's music at the Orinda Library. This summer marks the second year of the Orinda Library Summer Music Series sponsored by Friends of the Orinda Library. Starting in June and running through September the library will host a different musical offering the last Wednesday evening of each month, commencing on June 30th with the traditional Irish group, Celtic Sands.
After the phenomenal success of Orinda Library's inaugural music series in 2009, Adult/Teen Services Librarian Ian Richards is pleased to bring the music back. "It was very well attended last summer," says Richards. As many as 70 people gathered each month around the fireplace area to hear various local musicians. Richards says summer is a good season for the series, as people have more time off and like to spend it in the library. Last year the series attracted all ages and even people from outside the Lamorinda area made the trek. "Parents brought their kids, our regular patrons came and friends and fans of the musicians, too," says Richards.
Richards makes sure to select music groups that work well within the quiet space of a library. "Nothing amplified," he explains. Signs are posted around the library well in advance and if a patron is disturbed by the music, the use of a study room is offered.
The title of this summer's season is Listen to the World and Richards' selection is intentionally eclectic. "I want to offer a variety of music," says Richards, "to expose our patrons to cultures that they might not otherwise know about."
Some locals will recognize the last performer in the series, Ramana Vieira. She is a fitness instructor at Orinda's In Forma as well as a singer and composer of Portuguese folk-root music. Her five piece band blends traditional Portuguese music with contemporary world and Latin rhythms. Vieira says she is grateful to the Friends of the Orinda Library for giving her and other musicians a platform. "I think it is important for our community to recognize that art is still alive, says Vieira, "and that music transcends all boundaries regardless of race, color or status."
Listen to the World
Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way
7:00 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month, June through September. For more information, call (925) 254-2184
Celtic Sands: Wed., June 30
Japanese Koto Performance by Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto and Brian Mitsuhiro Wong: Wednesday, July 28
Amethyst Chamber Quartet: Wednesday August 25
Ramana Vieira & Ensemble: Wednesday September 29
After the phenomenal success of Orinda Library's inaugural music series in 2009, Adult/Teen Services Librarian Ian Richards is pleased to bring the music back. "It was very well attended last summer," says Richards. As many as 70 people gathered each month around the fireplace area to hear various local musicians. Richards says summer is a good season for the series, as people have more time off and like to spend it in the library. Last year the series attracted all ages and even people from outside the Lamorinda area made the trek. "Parents brought their kids, our regular patrons came and friends and fans of the musicians, too," says Richards. 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA