Music, history intertwine in free programs

SANDUSKY — When people came from all over the world to settle in Sandusky, they introduced a wide variety of music to the area, as a prominent local historian plans to explain. "They Brought Their Music With Them: A History of Early Music in Sandusky" is the title of the program that Ron Davidson, special collections librarian at Sandusky Library, plans to present. The free program will occur at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the library, 114 W. Adams St., in Sandusky Davidson's presentation is one of two lectures planned this month on music and history that are tied into the ongoing U.S. 250 celebration of our nation's birthday. People can also learn about the history of the cello in a program later this month. The library's program note for Davidson's program explains, "Join us to learn how migrants to Sandusky brought their music culture with them and how it developed here. German brass bands, African American jazz, opera and traditional Western music are among the many styles brought to Sandusky." Davidson maintains the library's collection of historic documents and photos and works to make that information available to the public, including giving many presentations at the library. He is the author of "Sandusky, Ohio," a photo book available at the library and throughout the CLEVNET system. Davidson has three university degrees connected to his job. He has a: • Bachelor's degree in Chinese history from Michigan State University • Master's degree in library science from the University at Buffalo • Master's degree in public history from Kent State University He's been with Sandusky Library for 26 years. Learn about the cello The cello takes the spotlight for another program that will be presented in Sandusky. Brian Shifflet, a cellist with Firelands Symphony Orchestra and a presenter for North Coast Narrative, a local history group, will discuss the cello's history at a talk scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at Shores & Islands Welcome Center, 125 E. Water St., in Sandusky. The program is free, and no registration is required. Shifflet will explain how the cello went from being a supporting instrument in an orchestra to a star instrument in its own right, boosted by works written by famous composers.