On Saturday, January 17 from 2:00 to 3:15pm take a journey through the roots of American popular music at the Sawyer Free Library in the Community Room.

A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music is a program of songs and stories about the origins of the blues, rock, and country music presented by singer and songwriter Jon Waterman. In the show, Jon is joined by Li Waterman on bass. The program, which also features an accompanying slideshow, explores some of the fascinating characters and events that are part of the history and the role of music in our lives. Register at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

The program has been described as, “a unique performance experience combining music history, storytelling, and original songs inspired by his research.” And “A must see for anyone interested in American history or American music!”

Musician and songwriter Jon Waterman has been performing his original songs along with blues, rock and country standards throughout his life. His music is influenced by intriguing characters and stories from history, the roots of the music he loves, and the diversity of the human experience. His song “Sultana” which tells the story of the Civil War steamboat disaster was selected to be featured at the Sultana museum in Marion, AR. Waterman has presented his programs “A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” and “Cro-Magnon Blues: History and Legends Through Song” in venues around the country, both in person and virtually. He has an M.A. in Popular Music History from Prescott College. Li is a classically trained guitarist and singer who formerly fronted the Rhode Island band Alien Tesh. She is also an artist and graduate of Museum School in Boston.

For more information or to register for this exciting program go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.