John Malveaux: MusicUNTOLD programs at Long Beach Main Library including recitals by CSULB Professor and pianist Althea Waites and pianist Lara Downes

Glenda Williams

(Media News Group, Orange County Register via Getty Images)

John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

The old Main Library in the former Long Beach Civic Center opened in April 1977 and closed its doors January 18, 2019 at 5:00 PM. The new futuristic state of the art Billie Jean King Main Library grand opening was September 21, 2019 in the new Long Beach Civic Center. Attendance at the old Main Library was impacted by a homeless population in adjoining Lincoln Park. 

MusicUNTOLD, the event production arm of the Long Beach Central Area Association, presented a variety of arts and education programs in the old Main Library 286 seat theater.  The new beautiful Billie Jean King Main Library does not have a theater. 

On October 26, 2010, MusicUNTOLD initiated Community Cinema at Long Beach Main Library Auditorium. Community Cinema is produced by the Independent Television Service (ITVS). The free monthly screening series featured documentary films from the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens followed by a discussion.  The series season was October to June.  MusicUNTOLD presented Community Cinema at the Long Beach Main Library during the 2010 and 2011 seasons before withdrawing the series which was picked up by CSULB for the 2012 season. http://musicuntold.com/index.php/community-cinema-20102011-scheduled-films/

The old Main Library Auditorium housed a wonderful Steinway Piano.

On January 29, 2011, MusicUNTOLD secured Alysha Del Valle, ABC 7 Eyewitness News, to host the 2011 kick off event for Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal annual Gandhi King Season for Nonviolence. Additionally, MusicUNTOLD donated two songs by the MusicUNTOLD Chorale. http://musicuntold.com/index.php/gandhi-king-season-of-nonviolence-kick-off/

On October 22, 2011, MusicUNTOLD presented a piano recital by acclaimed pianist David Rubinstein. http://musicuntold.com/index.php/david-rubinstein-piano-recital/

On February 4, 2012 MusicUNTOLD presented recording pianist and CSULB professor Althea Waites in recital. http://musicuntold.com/index.php/althea-waites-piano-recital/

On August 4, 2012, MusicUNTOLD presented a lecture, Q&A, and book signing with Stephanie McCurry Ph.D., author of CONFEDERATE RECKONING:  POWER and POLITICS in the Civil War South. http://musicuntold.com/index.php/confederate-reckoning/

On March 7, 2015 MusicUNTOLD presented Steinway pianist Lara Downes ‘BUT BEAUTIFUL’ biographical recital honoring 100th anniversary of Billie Holiday. http://musicuntold.com/?s=lara+downes

On August 29, 2015 MusicUNTOLD presented pre-concert talk and concert featuring Watts-Willowbrook Youth Chamber Orchestra conducted by Joseph Taylor commemorating the 50^th anniversary of Watts Riots (aka Watts Rebellion). http://musicuntold.com/index.php/50thanniversarywattsriots/

Much appreciation to Glenda Williams, Director of Long Beach Public Library Services