This is part of our Libraries After Dark series, where we highlight some of the “hidden talents” of our librarian members. Do you have an interesting hobby or artistic talent that you’d like to share with CMLE members? Let us know, we’d love to feature you!
This week we’ve featuring CMLE member (and Vice President of our Board, as well as frequent podcast guest) Susan Schleper! Susan is the librarian at Centracare Health hospital library in St. Cloud, as well as an accomplished musician!
You can see her perform with her band the Vista Jazz Club (pictured above) this Thursday, November 16th at the Olde Brick House Irish Pub in downtown St. Cloud from 7:00 – 10:00PM!
We wanted to find out more about Susan’s interest in music, so she kindly agreed to tell us a little about what got her interested in music growing up. She says she’s always loved music and her brother played a lot of classical music growing up. “He also introduced me to jazz through one of my favorite artists Sarah Vaughan. I also love Latin music. I spent a year in Brazil and was exposed to Samba and the music of Carlos Joabim and Elise Regina and Gal Costa. Music for Brazilians isn’t a “nicety” it’s a necessity – everyone plays an instrument and sings.”
Susan has played with several different musical groups, and the longest running is a group called Random Road. “It’s a seven piece group that plays Irish, Americana, Folk, Latin, Jazz, you name it, we’ll do it :)”
She also plays a number of different instruments, including the harmonica, accordion, Irish drum, flute, and in high school played the French Horn. Plus, she sings! Susan’s favorite part of performing is the creative outlet that it provides. “I know that in the moment, I’m creating something that really can’t be replicated or happen again. It’s there and it’s gone and either it’s had an impact or not. Maybe that’s one reason I’m not too keen on recording because then it’s fixed or static.”
We are so grateful to Susan for her involvement with CMLE and for letting us share her musical history with our members! Make sure to go support Susan and the Vista Jazz Club this Thursday and enjoy some delicious Irish food at the same time!