Music Sandwiched In: A mom's point of view
by Melanie Coblentz
Are you looking for a fun, free activity to introduce your children to a range of music? Or for a place to enjoy live music with a friend over lunch? While the library might not be your first thought for food or live music, the Spartanburg library has been supporting the Upstate art community for the last twenty years through the “Music Sandwiched In” series.
The offering to the public was initiated to celebrate the Spartanburg library headquarters’ new building, but despite being a feature of the community for more than two decades, many people have yet to experience it. I was unaware of the offering until one day my young son and I heard music flowing through the library – selections from the local production of The Music Man being performed. What a treat! Since then, I’ve found that you can see jazz, traditional German music, musicals, and even artists who have collaborated with Dolly Parton for free!
A performance in the spring I'm especially looking forward to is a newcomer to the Upstate. She is a performer with the Spartanburg Philharmonic, and just happens to be married to the Maestro Stefan Sanders. I was privileged to be in the audience during their Philharmonic debut, and I am very excited to see her perform solo.
Young or old, you are welcome to come enjoy lunch and music together, at the Music Sandwiched In events. Did I mention lunch? Do not worry if you forget to pack a lunch, you can purchase lunch once you get there. One of the best chicken salad sandwiches I've had in a long time plus live music, all for under $10. Where else can you get a deal like that?
I hope you join my daughter and I at the upcoming events. She'll be that happy one dancing her heart out, off to the side.
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Melanie Coblentz is freelance writer, currently living in the Upstate. She is a regular contributor to the family blogs Kidding Around Greenville & Kidding Around Spartanburg. She enjoys sharing her love of the arts with her children, and in her youth was a member of the West Coast Symphony’s Youth Orchestra in Sarasota, Florida.