HERMISTON -- The idea of birds as a metaphor in American folk music will be explored during a special talk at the Hermiston Public Library on June 29.
Presenter Jeni Foster will explore the symbolism of birds within the rich heritage of American folk music.
Bird flight and birdsong provide lyrical and potent metaphors for life, love, freedom, death and spirituality in cultures throughout the world, say organizers of the program called "BirdSong: Birds as Metaphor in American Folk Music." It begins at 7 p.m. at the library, 235 E. Gladys Ave.
The poet Sharon Olds said, "To a poet, the human community is like the community of birds ... singing to each other. Love is one of the reasons we are singing to one another, love of language itself, love of sound, love of singing, and love of the other birds."
Foster will weave traditional and contemporary folk songs throughout her narrated program to expand upon the stories of everyday Americans and well-known moments in the country's history.
Audience participation will enhance the experience as Foster, who has had the family nickname of Jeniwren since her childhood, will invite attendees to sing along on the choruses of songs chosen to illustrate her program.
"BirdSong: Birds as Metaphor in American Folk Music" is one of the free programs in the arts, sciences and humanities A Sense of Place series sponsored by Libraries of Eastern Oregon (LEO) at public libraries across the region.
Funding for A Sense of Place has been provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information about the program, contact Hermiston library director Marie Baldo at 541-567-2882 or LEO executive director Lyn Craig at 541-763-2355.
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