by Terese Kaptur and Theresa Quiner
The Kuskokwim Consortium Library, in partnership with Healing Through Music and Dance, is excited to announce a series of weekly programs for kids starting February 12th with harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens. Mike is an internationally acclaimed harmonica virtuoso who founded ArtsCan Circle, which links creative artists with indigenous youth in the Arctic. The purpose is to teach new skills and to promote self-esteem and creative self-expression.
Well known for his groundbreaking work in the Bluegrass field with legendary Grand Ole Opry members “Jim & Jesse” (with whom he performed at the Grand Ole Opry over 300 times), Mike composes, performs, records and appears in many films internationally. He is recipient of many awards for his recordings and films and recently received the Meritorious Service Medal and Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Government of Canada and the YMCA Canada Peace Medal.
Through motivational talks and engaging harmonica lessons, Stevens inspires youth to express their feelings in healthy ways. Students work individually and in teams to create stories and musical works that give them strength and inspiration. The programs with Mike will be on Zoom February 12th, 19th, 26th and March 5th. Harmonicas will be provided for each kid that participates through the Healing through Music and Dance fund with Bethel Community Services Foundation. Quyana BCSF! Call the library at 543-4516 to sign up for the program and to get your harmonica!
If you would like to support programs like these, donations are always accepted through either the Friends of the KuC Library or the Healing Through Music and Dance funds with Bethel Community Services Foundation http://www.bcsfoundation.org.
Terese Kaptur is Program Director of Healing through Music and Dance and Theresa Quiner is the Library Director of the Kuskokwim Consortium Library.
