Autoharpist Rick Sonder October 20, 2009

Music returns to the Crowell Public Library as Rick Sonder demonstrates the amazing versatility of the autoharp in this special concert. Rick will perform on a number of diatonic autoharps. In his hands, the autoharp is an amazingly versatile instrument, combining melody, chords and textures into a full and beautiful sound. The autoharp is undergoing a bit of a renaissance in popularity, thanks to Rick and a few other performers who take full advantage of the 36 plus strings. If you had a teacher in school who played the autoharp to accompany class sing-a-longs, you will simply be amazing by how expressive and varied this instrument is in the hands of a master. He will also talk a bit about the history of the instrument.

Rick’s repertoire includes a wide variety of American and British Isles folk tunes, ranging from southern fiddle tunes, like Arkansas Traveler, to Irish harp pieces by O' Carolan. He also does a bit of gospel and sentimental ballads, like "Maggie (When You and I Were Young). " He'll likely throw in some surprises, such as "Over the Rainbow" and maybe even a cakewalk or two.

Rick has performed throughout the Southwest with the Close Enough String Band and is also an accomplished banjo player. If we're lucky, there might even be a banjo sing-along as well.

Don’t miss this chance to hear him up close and personal. Grab a seat in the Barth Community Room at Crowell Library on Tuesday, October 20th at 7:00 p.m. for the perfect mid-week entertainment!

1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA 91108-2595 ● Phone: (626) 300-0777

Official Website: http://www.crowellpubliclibrary.org/