By Steven Rosen
Under Steve Kemple, music reference librarian in the Popular Library, downtown’s Main Library has begun doing some fascinating free programming to highlight the depth of its music collection — and just music in general. It already has an Experimental Music at the Library series, featuring live events such as a band from Oakland (Horaflora) that plays grapefruit, electric toothbrushes and balloons. At 7 p.m. on March 20, Hadron Collider will pair psychedelic light projections with feedback and drone noises.
But coming up first, the spotlight is on another of Kemple’s ongoing music programs at the Main Library — Listen to This! — for which an audience is invited to listen to and discuss albums from the Library’s collection.
Past sessions have been devoted to Iranian music and Marvin Gaye. Next Wednesday, March 13, from 7-8:30 p.m., Listen to This! features the traditional music of North Korea. So far, Kemple has only found one relevant album in the collection — North Korean Folk Songs — but it’s a good one. And the hunt is on for more.
No word if Dennis Rodman will attend with or without his new best friend, but you’re sure to have a good time — and become well-versed on North Korean music — if you do. The program will be held in the first-floor Popular Music Lounge.
