Getting Cultured at the Library!

I am pretty sure that mostly every one has heard the saying “the best things in life are free.” Well, have you been to your local library? They might offer some pretty cool things for free, other than books of course! In today’s digital age, libraries might feel that they need to compete with the Internet. To do this some libraries offer great, and often free, events for the community.

The other day I found out that my local library; The Orland Park Public Library was having a “mini” concert. When we arrived the instruments were in place there was an excited buzz in the room with lots of friendly chitchat! The showcase was from musician Tom Sharpe. To be completely honest I had no idea who he was. According to his website,

“Tom Sharpe's music is a percussive symphony - a sonic and visual feast for the senses. A classically trained musician, Tom has dramatically blended his orchestral background with world music instrumentation and cinematic imagery to create an experience that invites the listener into the heart of the musical moment.” 

After hearing him play I’m inclined to agree with that statement, he did not disappoint!  He was just excellent! In the beginning he played a song that gave me goose bumps all over.  Right after that song he encouraged the audience to be present and forget their worries. In his wisdom, he told us that all our worries will be waiting for us after the concert is over and that we should put them aside and just enjoy the moment.

The total experience was amazing. My wife and I took the opportunity to discuss our experience after the show. I liked that he was pretty much a one-man band. His instruments were all around him and he played them all, just how a full band would have if they had been on stage. We really enjoyed this evening out!

Check out your local library to see if they have cool events like Tom Sharpe. Check out the Chicago Public Library eventspage!  If you don’t live right in Chicago you can goggle your own local library and check out the events that are closer to you. The best part is that most events at libraries are free!