Celtic duo to perform at library
You will not have to be Irish to enjoy tapping your feet to the Celtic jigs, reels and ballads to be performed next month at the Wheaton Public Library.
As part of the "Sunday Sampler" music series sponsored by the Friends of the Wheaton Public Library, flute-and-harp duo Celtic Harmonies will present the music of Ireland, Britain, Scotland and Wales.
Harpist Jan Remer-Osborn met flutist Laurel Tempas when they were students at Northwestern University. They have been performing together for eight years for weddings, at private parties and in Irish pubs.
"We each bring many instruments, which makes this concert interesting," Remer-Osborn says. "She (Tempas) brings several Irish flutes. I play several different folk harps in the Celtic tradition. The audience will have the opportunity to try the harps and ask questions."
Robert Tempas will act as narrator and will sing the perennial favorite "Danny Boy." The program will end with a singalong including "My Wild Irish Rose" and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."
Assistant Head Librarian Carolyn DeAre booked Celtic Harmonies after hearing them play at a program showcasing acts that received top accolades from other libraries.
"I enjoyed their presentation and I think they will be great for us," she said.
Tempas is on the music faculty of North Central College in Naperville and plays with the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest and the Salt Creek Sinfonietta.
Remer-Osborn was a full-time musician for 15 years and played one of her original compositions at Carnegie Hall. She also plays piano, clarinet and cello. She took up the harp because her high school band director recognized her musical aptitude. But, women didn't play in symphony orchestras back then, so he got a harp for the band. She later returned to school and now is a neuropsychologist at Good Samaritan Hospital.
The 90-minute program begin at 2 p.m. March 8 in the lower-level meeting room of the library, 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton.
"Generally speaking we have had capacity crowds of 125 people for our Sunday Sampler programs," DeAre said, "but we have crammed a few more in there."
Tickets are free, but patrons must pick them up at the library ahead of time. Tickets can be reserved by calling (630) 868-7516.
The Sunday Sampler series is funded by the Friends of the Library through the profits from the group's annual book sale, garden day sale and Book Lover's Calendar sales.
Anyone can join the Friends by filling out the application form available at the library's checkout desk. The fees range from $5 for a senior or student to $50 for a Best Friend.
Information about the Friends of the Library and the Sunday Sampler music series can be found on the library Web site, wheatonlibrary.org, or by calling DeAre at (630) 868-7592.
• Sharon Huck writes about Wheaton twice a month in Neighbor.