Now @ MPL...

Central Library is hosting a display in anticipation of the Milwaukee Ukulele Festival, scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at The Coffee House, 631 N. 19th St.

The display features ukulele-related items on loan from Lil' Rev, a local and national touring performer and music educator. The display is free and open to the public during normal library hours.

Come join us this Saturday, December 19, at the Central Library's Betty Brinn Children's Room for family friendly holiday fun! Featuring Ken Baron, this holiday concert includes interactive singing and dancing. The concert begins at 10:30 a.m. Come join us for lively holiday entertainment!

Now that summer is in full swing, are you scrambling for fun, educational activities for your children to participate in? Fortunately, Milwaukee Public Library has a summer activity calender to help you figure it all out! For young children, all branch libraries as well as Central host the Preschool Story Time. Children of all ages have a choice of several programs and activities, including performances, games, and other fun activities! All the libraries also have awesome activities for teens such as Wii gaming, Book Bingo, Teen Jeopardy, ice cream socials and more! So check out the calendar and take your kids to your favorite branch for summer fun!
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Bessie Smith, also known as "The Empress of the blues", was born on April 15. There is conflicting census information about the year of her birth. The 1900 census states Smith was born that year, but the 1910 census states she was born in 1894, which is the year used by her family. The daughter of a part-time laborer and preacher, Bessie had lost her father, mother and a brother by the time she was nine years old. Bessie turned to street performance in order to earn money for the remainder of her family. Bessie sang and danced while her brother played the guitar. She eventually became the biggest headliner for the Theater Owners Booking Association, the vaudville circuit for African American performers.
Pay tribute to the empress by checking out CDs and listening to her rich voice, reading about her tragic life, or watching her perfomances.

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most well known composers in history.Today marks the 217th anniversary of Beethoven's first concert in Vienna. The talented young composer, thought to be around 25, premiered his 1st or 2nd Piano Concerto at this concert. Shortly afterword, he published his piano trios, Opus 1, and gained financial success. He is still regarded as one of the giants of classical music. Read more about Beethoven or listen to his music at your Milwaukee Public Library!

In Mozart's Grove this Saturday, August 4th, we welcome Keith Scott for a concert. Singer, guitarist and songwriter Keith Scott has been a part of the Chicago blues scene since 1981. in addition to working with Johnny Littlejohn, Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Taylor and Hip Linkchain, Scott traveled the world as part of a distinguished lineup of the Jimmy Dawkins Blues Band in the 1980s and '90s. After honing his guitar style and familiarity with the stage behind Dawkins, Scott embarked on a solo career, presenting his trademark heavy blues in the highly amplified Dawkins' style, as well as forms reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix' Band of Gypsys and Johnny Winter. While still gigging with his rocking band, Scott has quieted things down on his most recent studio effort, the 10-song World Blues.

Location: Mozart's Grove near the Media Room in Central Library
Date: Saturday, August 4th, 2012
Time: 1 P.M. to 2 P.M.