The Peabody Institute Library has announced its Spring 2024 Performance Series, which is set to begin on March 11.
All concerts are free and open to all. Registration is required and opens one month before the show. Concerts are mostly scheduled to take place in the Sutton Room on Monday nights at 7 p.m.
Patrons may sign up on the Peabody Library calendar or by calling 978-531-0100.
Concerts are sponsored by the Peabody Institute Library Foundation and the McCarthy Family Foundation.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, March 11: Karen Grenier
Somerville singer-songwriter Karen Grenier continues to make her mark as both a gifted songwriter and crafty lyricist. Her music resonates in the heart, leaving listeners anticipating the next song and humming her catchy melodies. A former guidance counselor for Peabody Public Schools, Karen is currently elementary dean of students for Somerville Public Schools.
“You’ve got to reach for your dreams and do what you love,” she says. “It’s an attitude I’ve always tried to inspire in my students.”
Grenier’s concert will feature her original work along with a few favorite songs that have inspired her along her path.
Monday, April 1: Society of American Magicians
Join the Society of American Magicians Assembly #104 for an evening of magic and history. With wands at the ready, they’ll be on hand to dazzle and amaze young and old while at the same time providing a history of the Society of American Magicians, the oldest magic organization in the world. Originally founded in 1902, it expanded under Harry Houdini and seeks to advance, elevate, and preserve magic as a performing art. Information will be on hand on how to join not only SAM, but its fellow organization, the Society of American Magicians Youth Program. A magic show, history, and informational event all rolled into one!
Wednesday, April 24: Susan Hagen and David Heyes
Peabody resident and double bassist Susan Hagen, along with her musical partner David Heyes, present “Koussevitzky Connections.” Susan and David invite you to celebrate Serge Koussevitzky’s 150th birthday with them as they present a concert of his music, played on the double bass once owned by Koussevitzky himself. Koussevitzky was a legendary double bassist and conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra — the shed at Tanglewood is named after him.
Hagen is a lifelong resident of Peabody and worked in the PIL children’s department as a teen. She is now a professional musician, performing as an extra player with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and as principal double bass of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra (the first woman to hold that position). She also teaches at the Berklee College of Music. Heyes is Hagen’s friend and mentor, and will be visiting from London to present this concert with her.
Monday, May 6: Stephanie James
Peabody native and recording artist Stephanie James brings an evocative, fresh experience to the world of pop music. With a voice often described as “stunning” and “soulful,” James is a gifted storyteller who masterfully touches the hearts and souls of her fans. Both raw and refined musically, the songs solidify James’ status as a poised and powerful performer often likened to a revival of legendary Linda Ronstadt combined with modern-day super talents Sara Bareilles and Kacey Musgraves. James released her debut album, “Unbreakable,” in collaboration with Grammy-nominated producers Jorel Corpus and Simone Torres. The album explores vulnerability, self-reliance, themes of growing up, and learning from the past. James is bi-coastal, spending much of her time in Los Angeles where she lives today, and the greater Boston area, where she grew up.
PIL favorite Áine Minogue returns, featuring seasonally fitting harp compositions as well as old Celtic favorites. Come relax with some harp tunes in the beautiful Sutton Room!
Minogue has been a staple of the Irish and Celtic music scene for many years, completing 16 solo albums to date. She is prominently featured on numerous compilations, many of which spent months on the Billboard 100 music charts (World, Folk, New Age, Classical). Minogue is also a frequent contributor to TV soundtracks.
