DeForest Area Public Library

Speaking with Music

Program Description:

HMong music is the last surviving musical language in the world—it is able to mimic HMong speech by using musical intervals, ornamentation, and chords to mimic linguistic tones, consonants, and vowels—allowing musicians to literally speak with music. However, there have not been many opportunities for this unique trait of HMong music to shine. HMong American refugees first arrived to the United States in 1975, after having supported American CIA forces in Laos during the Vietnam War.

The History and Lore of Santa Claus

Many folks know that our modern-day Santa Claus had his start as St. Nicholas, but what happened on the journey to make us think of a "jolly old elf" rather than a pious Christian Bishop? Where, exactly, did Santa Claus come from, and why does his popularity remain so high in modern American popular culture?

This illustrated lecture is well-researched, with details on the journey Bishop Nicholas made to become our current-day Santa Claus. You’ll enjoy recognizing many familiar images and poems in this holiday program.

Wisconsin's Gangster Past- Turning the Badger State into the Crime State

Put on your zoot suit and follow in the footsteps of America's most infamous gangsters as they turn WI into their personal crime vacation land. Filled with deadly bank robberies, explosive shootouts, brutal murders, and daring kidnappings, this presentation lets the audience discover the grisly locations where the gangster history will never die.

Registration required. Click here to register.

Old Befana - A Magical Holiday Musical!

Celebrate the season with Ken Lonnquist and company's adaptation of the ancient Yuletide tale. It delights audiences with an uplifting and inclusive message of hope for peace.

Hearing that a special child is coming to make the world a better place, Old Befana begins a search which continues to this day during the holiday season. She doesn’t know whether the child she seeks is rich or poor, black or white, a boy or a girl.