LITTLE CURRENT—“I’m confused,” said Aida, standing at the mic, “I thought you were supposed to be quiet in the library,” the audience laughed appreciably. The audience, an eclectic crowd, was gathered at the NEMI Public Library on Thursday, May 25 for ‘Open Mic,’ which featured a variety of acts, both musical and literary. Aida was one of several young people who took part.
“I was very pleased with the turnout,” said Laurie Cook, the organizer of the event, “and I was especially happy that we had some students share their talents. As well, our resident historian, Sandy McGillivray took part, playing his harmonica and telling history stories. That was great!”
Barry Hamilton got the place rocking right at the start. He had everyone tapping their toes and, at times, joining in on the chorus of such tunes as ‘Hey Good Lookin’,’ ‘Goodbye Joe,’ changing up the tempo with ‘I Can’t Help it (if I’m Still in Love with You)’–definitely a Hank Williams fan and a great entertainer. Barry performed the following night along with others at Café in the Woods.
This writer was up next, reading excerpts from her novel, ‘Caught Up,’ published in 2020. The audience was generous and kind in its response.
Cole Hughson and George Williamson followed with a variety of songs – a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot being part of their set. Their timing, their sound and their combined guitars had the audience thoroughly engaged. Cole and George have been playing music together for about four years (and Cole is just 17). Beginning Friday, June 16, they will take up their summer practice of playing at the Cenotaph in Little Current. Donations are gratefully accepted, and all money donated is given to the food bank; well worth the trip downtown on a summer Friday night.
Interspersed with their music came Brianna LeGree, bravely singing ‘Flowers,’ without accompaniment. She was followed by Aida, Hazel and Morgan, also singing a capella. In addition to their song, they added a few jokes to their repertoire.
The hours flew by and some who were there to read were unable to do so – the dinner hour had come and the audience dwindled. Ellinor Leonard and Laurie Cook herself, both members of the Writers’ Ring, a group of writers that meet at the library on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, were left out of the lineup due to time constraints.
“The music was lovely and very generous of the musicians to share their time with us.” Ms. Cook said. “I’d also like to thank the library staff and committee members who volunteered their time. We are very fortunate to have a great special events committee. There’s just something about libraries that brings out the best in people,” she added.
In addition to all that was going on in the main part of the library, snacks were available in the activities room, where a video played in a loop on the big screen; a project by the Creativity Club – thank you notes they had drawn and written to sponsors and helpers. The snacks were provided by many volunteers.
“I’d very much like to do another just ‘literary’ afternoon where we only have people reading/reciting.” Ms. Cook said. “The problem is with the nice weather, Saturdays are not a big draw so maybe we’ll wait till later in the fall when people aren’t out gardening etc. (although gardening doesn’t stop till the snow flies),” she added with a laugh.
The NEMI Public Library is so much more than the books that line its walls and fill its shelves. There’s a lot going on there. To learn that’s happening, check out their Facebook page which boldly states: “Connecting Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands to information, education, entertainment and one another.” And it’s all true.
