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Born in 1886 in Illinois, Alice Barnett pursued advanced musical training in both Chicago and Berlin. Her diaries, correspondence, and surviving manuscripts from this formative period reveal a spirited and determined young musician whose talent was evident from an early stage. This lecture explores Barnett’s educational experiences, her travels throughout Europe, and the broader musical and cultural contexts that shaped her development. Selected performances of her early compositions—many unpublished and indicative of her evolving voice as a composer—offer insight into the foundations of her later, more mature work. About Dr. Katina Mitchell Dr. Katina Mitchell is a native of San Diego. She has sung with the San Diego Symphony; lautten compagney BERLIN; MicroFest, Los Angeles; Monday Evening Concerts, Sing-Akademie zu Berlin, Volti, San Francisco; Bach Collegium San Diego, The Da Camera Society, Los Angeles; and more. A favorite engagement was performing with Ensemble Vocatrix in fully staged productions of Hildegard von Bingen’s Ordo Virtutum in Los Angeles and Berkeley. Recently Mitchell has sung as both soloist and chorister with San Diego Master Chorale, Sacra/Profana, and the Schola Cantorum of St. James-by-the-Sea. Her work has been featured at the Velaslavasay Panorama, Los Angeles and the Medieval History Center in Azincourt, France, and in media outlets including the BBC, NPR’s Life in Berlin, and the Los Angeles Times. In 2023, Mitchell began presenting her extensive original research on composer Alice Barnett, giving lectures with the San Diego History Center; the Western History Association, Los Angeles; National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), San Diego chapter, at San Diego State University; Palomar College; and Society for American Music, Tacoma, Washington. Katina holds degrees in music from Rice University and the University of Southern California (USC). She is a member of the music faculty at Palomar College, teaches voice at Grossmont College, and maintains a private studio. About Dr. Yewon Lee Dr. Yewon Lee is a frequently sought-after conductor and collaborative pianist on the operatic and concert stage. Prior to relocating to San Diego, Lee was Assistant Music Director of Opera at Baldwin Wallace University and Adjunct Professor at Kent State University. In the operatic world, she coached at Baldwin Wallace Opera Theater, National Opera Center, Aspen Opera Theater Center, and International Vocal Arts Institute in Israel, France, Italy, and Japan. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee received a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Seoul National University, completed her Master of Music in vocal accompanying at Manhattan School of Music, and earned an artist diploma in collaborative piano from The Juilliard School. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in choral music at USC. Currently, she is a music director of the San Diego Festival Chorus and the San Dieguito United Methodist Church. She also serves as the Far South Representative for the California Choral Directors Association. Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/events/mitchell-25-0616 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

The co-founding member of the band was known as the Spaceman and had a hit single of his own in "New York Groove."

Susan Stamberg, an original National Public Radio staffer who went on to become the first U.S. woman to anchor a nightly national news program, has died.

We join a whirlwind birding trip through San Diego — one of the top birdwatching destinations in the U.S. — where devoted birders set out at sunrise to spot 100 species in one day. The result? A surprising mix of meditation, curiosity and high-speed nature chasing.

A fun way to experiment with different mediums, this workshop will strengthen important drawing fundamentals that are often skipped (or forgotten). Refresh your skills—or learn some new ones while you play! Materials: Mixed-media paper (no smaller than 9” x12”); scissors; glue stick (preferably not washable). Max students: 13 Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/class/summer-55 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

NPR's Adrian Ma plays the puzzle with YPR listener Bill Hoffman of Helena, Montana, and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.

The Dragonfly Music Festival takes flight once more—this time at the stunning TERI Campus of Life in San Marcos. On Saturday, October 4, join us for a one-day, outdoor celebration of rhythm, culture, and community. Born in Sedona in 2021 as a post-pandemic gathering of hearts and sounds, Dragonfly has grown into a vibrant, traveling festival that brings people together through music, joy, and connection. This year’s lineup features seven powerhouse San Diego-based bands, spanning West African drums, Latin Cumbia, Celtic, Rockabilly, Blues, Soul, and Rock & Roll. There’s something for everyone—and dancing is encouraged! Come hungry for more than music. You’ll find delicious food (with vegan options), craft beverages, and artisan vendors set against the backdrop of rolling hills and golden skies. Please note: No outside food and beverage allowed. Limited unreserved seating available. Beach chairs and blankets welcome. Parking is included. Want the VIP experience? A VIP ticket includes: -Preferred Reserved Seating -Access to Private Indoor Lounge Areas & Restrooms -Exclusive Chef Curated Food Stations -2 Drink Tickets -VIP Collectors Badge with Lanyard -Collectors Poster -Invite Only VIP Pickup Party -Artist Meet & Greet Gates open at noon | Music until dusk Reconnect. Celebrate. Soar. Everyone is welcome. Always. Need more info on the featured performers and the Dragonfly Music Festival? Learn more at https://dragonflymusicfestival.com/home. TERI Campus of Life on Facebook / Instagram

Chris Pierce is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of folk, blues, and Americana has earned him worldwide recognition. In 2023, he was handpicked to open for Neil Young’s Coastal Tour and continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances. His song “We Can Always Come Back to This”, featured on NBC’s "This Is Us," hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, and his album "American Silence" was named the #1 Best Folk Album of 2021 by PopMatters. Pierce has shared stages with legends like Neil Young, B.B. King, Steve Earle, Seal, Al Green, Allison Russell, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Jill Scott, Keb’Mo, Blind Boys of Alabama, Aaron Neville and many others. He has performed at major festivals including Newport Folk, AmericanaFest, Folk Alliance, Bottlerock, Rancho La Puerta Folk Fest, Four Corners Folk, MerleFest and NC Folk Festival. Despite developing significant hearing loss from a rare disorder in his youth, Pierce persevered to become one of America’s most affecting artists. His latest album "Let All Who Will" (2023) has drawn praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, No Depression, and American Songwriter. Alongside his solo work, he collaborates in projects like War & Pierce with Sunny War, the CSNY tribute band Our House, and the Black Opry Revue, further cementing his place as a vital voice in contemporary roots music. Chris Pierce on Facebook / Instagram

Step into a rich, resonant world of jazz when the Rob Thorsen Trio brings their signature blend of swing, soul, and sophistication to the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room on Friday, August 22, at 1 p.m. Led by acclaimed bassist Rob Thorsen—a mainstay of the Southern California jazz scene and a passionate jazz educator—the trio features the expressive, rhythm-savvy drumming of Richard Sellers and the eloquent, genre-spanning pianism of Melonie Grinnell. Admission is free, and seating is open— come early, settle in, and let the music carry you away. Whether jazz is your passion or a new discovery, this concert offers a welcoming space to unwind and experience something truly special. Bassist Rob Thorsen maintains a diverse and busy schedule in Southern California as a performer, educator, clinician and composer. After playing classical guitar, flute, saxophones, tuba and electric bass as a youth, he found his true voice in the upright bass. He performs regularly as a leader, and with artists including the Gilbert Castellanos Quintet, Mike Wofford/ Holly Hofmann Quartet, Charles McPherson, Steph Johnson, Voices of Our City Choir and others. He has released six recordings as a leader, the most recent "Bass is the Space - Solos and Duos" featured an array of jazz talents including Gilbert Castellanos, Marshall Hawkins, Joshua White in duo settings as well as solo performances of originals and more. Rob is also involved in several educational programs including the "World of Jazz" and is also an educator at the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory in addition to teaching privately. Pianist Melonie Grinnell is active as an educator and performer, she began studying piano at an early age and has since been recognized not only for her versatile skills as a pianist, but also for her abilities as a vocalist, music educator, and musical director. Melonie received her Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education with jazz emphasis from the University of Miami and a Masters of Music performance degree in Jazz Studies from SDSU. Melonie has been a music educator at the collegiate level for 24 years and is an Assistant Professor at Grossmont College where she serves as director of piano studies and the vocal jazz ensemble. Additionally, she is on the faculty for the Francis Parker/KSDS 88.3 Summer Jazz Workshop where she teaches jazz piano and co-directs middle school to high school student ensembles. Richard Sellers has been playing drums professionally for over thirty years. In that time, he has performed with countless groups and ensembles in a variety of styles, including straightahead jazz, avant-garde jazz, Brazilian, Latin, funk and hip-hop. Richard recorded with the Internationally acclaimed Mike Wofford/ Holly Hofmann quintet for their 2014 release "Turn Signal" which featured trumpeter Terrell Stafford. Richard has become one of the premier drummers in Southern California, and finds himself sharing the stage with world class artists such as Hubert Laws, Terrell Stafford, Kenny Rankin, Kamau Kenyatta, Mike Wofford, Bob Magnusson, Marshall Hawkins, Clare Fischer, Andy Simpkins, and Jackie and Roy. Coronado Public Library on Facebook / Instagram

As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems increasingly permeate our daily lives, we face new questions about trust, dependence, and the erosion of critical thinking. University of San Diego's Dr. Darby Vickers explores the the psychological and ethical consequences of offloading human judgment to machines. Coronado Public Library on Facebook / Instagram