FYI popped along to Talgarth's Library last weekend to see a very special performance, despite the cozyness of the place, it was packed out. The gig a charming and eloquent acoustic review performed by Juulie Rousseau and Stef Giaccone who has played numerous venues in and around the area for some time was a huge success and a first in the Library. Joining the audience was William Powell, Talgarth County Councillor who has been actively campaigning to keep the Library in Talgarth until it eventually finds a new home at the site of the new Town school.
Mr Powell gave this positive review of the evening:
‘’Tonight’s first ever gig at Talgarth Library was an unqualified success – and I congratulate all involved in bringing it about.
‘’It is difficult to believe that Juulie Rousseau and Stef Giaccone only met recently, as tonight’s gig showed them at ease with each other’s repertoire, in all its diversity. A haunting Mongolian ballad and French Canadian love song were among the high points of Juulie’s set for me. As a Billy Bragg fan, I was delighted at Stef’s rendition of Phil Ochs’ There But For Fortune, as the American rock poet and activist has been so influential over Bragg’s career. The gig culminated in a joint tribute to Juulie’s fellow Canadian, the late Leonard Cohen in singing Hallelujah, which was entirely appropriate, as a shared admiration of Cohen’s work caused them to meet in the first place.
‘’There was scarcely a spare seat in the Library tonight, and everyone commented on the sound quality of the venue for this special acoustic session. I am delighted that people came from Talgarth and well beyond to hear our international line up. Special thanks are due to Dante Giaccone for his tireless efforts in supporting Talgarth Library and in promoting this ground breaking event. We are also, as always, indebted to Jan Shivel, our Branch Librarian, whose efforts over recent years have made Talgarth Library such a hub of community.’’
If you would like to know more about your local Library and how to support it you can always pop in and have a chat, with internet access, and the local Credit Union, it is more than just a home for books! For opening times you can check out the the local Powys Council page :
http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/libraries/find-nearest-library/talgarth-library/
for opening times and information.
Please do support your local library...
A great audience witnessed the gig in our Talgarth Library...
Talgarth Librarian Jan Shivel looks on as the gig gets underway
Local Gwernyfed High School students attended the performance, pictured left, Dante Giaccone who father Stef performed the acoustic review. Dante has led an active campaign from his home to promote and save the Library from closure... well done!
All photos remain ©AnnDierikx
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