A Night Out on the Town at the Millbrook Public Library

MILLBROOK — Sweet music and visual art filled the Millbrook Public Library Saturday, Feb. 11, when the library and the Millbrook Arts Group presented their second of three programs called, A Night Out on the Town. The events welcome the public to the Millbrook library to enjoy classical music concerts and a gallery talk free-of-charge. On Saturday there was music with Julie Martyn on flute and Laura Majestic on the harp, along with artwork displayed in the library by budding photographer Bill Wiegelman. Refreshments were provided by Millbrook’s Coach’s Food and Spirits. The library was packed with people excited to experience the combined talents of visual artists and musicians in one location.Wiegelman started the evening by giving a talk about his photography, which is currently displayed in the library. Wiegelman is a firefighter and EMT, but has had a passion for photography since taking a photography class in college. He recently decided to exhibit his work publicly. His subjects range from nature and animals to city-scapes — all offering a different point of view.“I love how a subject that may look like nothing to one person can become a beautiful photograph for another,” he said.After Wiegelman spoke about his work the concert began. Martyn told attendees to sit back, close their eyes and enjoy the music. Martyn and Majestic then played songs that were well-known to many, such as “Song of the Black Swan,” by Heitor Villa-Lobos and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” by George Gershwin. Majestic, who along with playing the harp is also a freelance artist, has been teaching music privately to students of all ages for 30 years. She has performed with the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra and the West Point Military Band. Martyn is the founder and director of the Flute Ensemble at Marist College, as well as being an adjunct faculty member there. Martyn also performed with the Greater Newburgh Symphony and was the music director of Trinity Episcopal Church from 2000 to 2006. Martyn and Majestic were on “An American Christmas” in 1999, which aired on CBS and the Odyssey Network.Those who attended A Night Out on the Town said they enjoyed sharing an intimate concert with Martyn and Majestic. For their part, Majestic said, “The thought of sharing what we do with the community is a blessing, I think.”Martyn agreed. “It keeps art as something that people aren’t distant from; it’s right there and they can experience it, and to be able to do that for people in our community I think it’s great for every age.”Development Coordinator for the Millbrook Library Lorraine Hartin said that the Night Out on the Town programs have been very successful thus far. “The first program we did we had over 100 people attend,” said Hartin. “People want this. We do a lot of programs and we try things out and we try to serve the community. When you see this kind of enthusiasm it makes you want to do more. Every single person was engaged tonight.”Wiegelman’s photography will continue to be displayed in the library throughout the month. Martyn’s and Majestic’s next concert is planned for Sunday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m., at The Fountains retirement community in Millbrook. The next Night Out on the Town at the Millbrook Public Library will be Saturday, March 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., and in spirit of St. Patrick’s Day there will be a Celtic Fest with music by the Julie Berman Quartet, along with textile artists and their quilts.