Shhhh is one thing you won't hear this Sunday (December 14th) at the Veterans Memorial Library branch of your Chippewa River District Library system. Jazz and More at the Library returns with a free performance by David Schock and Bernie Meltsner at 3pm in the CRDL Annex Meeting Room.
Bernie Meltsner brings with him a 75-plus year playing tradition. Although initially schooled in classical piano, Bernie broke the mold, watched and listened to the greats in New York City (his hometown), and honed his talents. His stride left hand is reminiscent of Art Tatum’s performance. Before helping to form the Usual Suspects, Meltsner played at Vanelli’s, once a popular nightspot in downtown Detroit. And while Meltsner has always performed, his vocation for most of his life centered around chemistry. He holds a bachelor’s degree from CCNY and a master’s from Brooklyn Polytechnic. Before his retirement, he worked as a chemist for Ethyl Corporation. Since his retirement, he’s served as a volunteer researcher with Dr. Tom Delia in Central Michigan University’s Chemistry Department.
Trumpeter David Schock is a frequent performer on the west side of the state, where he now lives. Schock grew up in Midland and, from high school, moved into playing professionally with small groups. In the legitimate field, he has performed with the Saginaw Symphony, the Midland Symphony, and has taught at the Conservatory of Lebanon. Schock holds a bachelor’s degree in Religion from Albion College, a master’s in Journalism from Central Michigan University, and a doctorate in Creative Writing and Literary Criticism (under the tutelage of the late Dr. Russell Kirk) from International College. He is a writer and film producer. With saxophonist John Nichol he started the Jazz at the Library series eighteen years ago.
Jazz and More at the Library is made possible by the Friends of the Library, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and Art Reach of Mid-Michigan.
