Rogue Reads author presentation: Hannibal B. Johnson

As part of the Jackson County Library System’s “Rogue Reads” program, JCLS will host a virtual presentation, “Tulsa Race Massacre: Historical Through-Line,” by Hannibal B. Johnson, author of “Black Wall Street 100: An American City Grapples with its Historical Racial Trauma,” who will examine what happened in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921 when pre-existing hate and discrimination in the United States erupted and resulted in the destruction of a Black-owned downtown area, and he will explore how it continues to impact our nation today. The event is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, via Zoom. This online program will explore the parallel Black history in Oregon and how events of the past have impacted on the present. Admission is free; registration is required. Copies of “Black Wall Street 100: An American City Grapples with its Historical Racial Trauma” will be given to registered participants while supplies last, and participants will receive an email with more details closer to the date of the program. To register or further details, see jcls.org and click on Programs & Events and then JCLS Calendar or call 541-774-8679.

Queer Coffee House

The social group for LGBTQ+ communities and their allies meets from 10 a.m. to noon the first Saturday (Feb. 6) of each month via Zoom. Ashland Librarian Elanna Erhardt will facilitate group introductions, LGBTQ+ current events, a queer book talk and a roundtable discussion. To register, see jcls.libcal.com. For further information, email at EErhardt@jcls.org.

Book discussion

Readers of the novel “Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson can meet virtually to discuss the book from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb.7, via Zoom. This program is part of JCLS’ “Rogue Reads” program. To register or further details, see jcls.org and click on Programs & Events and then JCLS Calendar or call 541-774-8679.

Historic Jacksonville virtual tour

Three text-based virtual tours of Jacksonville’s historic past, “Walk Through Jacksonville History,” “Beekman Bank Nuggets,” and “Mrs. Beekman Invites You to Call,” can be viewed at historicjacksonville.org. New material is added weekly. For further information, call 541-245-3650 or email at info@historicjacksonville.org.

Medford Teen Advisory Group

Motivated teens in grades 7 to 12 can meet virtually to brainstorm ideas, discuss books and movies, make crafts, and make the decisions on programming and displays and more at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, via Zoom. To register, see jcls.libcal.com or for more info call 541-774-8679.

Medford Library Book Chat

Discuss selected books with others in this reading group at 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month, via Zoom. The book to be discussed on Tuesday, Feb. 9, will be “Dispatches From Pluto: Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta,” by Richard Grant. To register and reserve a copy of the book of the month, see jcls.libcal.com or call 541-535-7090.

Teen Book Chat

Teens and tweens can join Youth Services Coordinator Brystan Strong to discuss “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, via Zoom. There will be prompted questions and opportunities to share what was liked or disliked about the book. This program is part of JCLS’ “Rogue Reads” program. To register or further details, see jcls.org and click on Programs & Events and then JCLS Calendar or call 541-774-8679.

Wine & Words

The virtual book club, Wine & Words, featuring local authors and wines will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, via Zoom. The book to be discussed will be “Lucy Lied,” by local author M. J. Daspit. To register or further details, see jcls.org and click on Programs & Events and then JCLS Calendar or call 541-774-8679.

Mighty Medford Improvers

The local comedy improvisational group will host a free improvisational comedy practice from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays (Feb. 11), via Zoom. All levels of experience are welcome. Sessions are facilitated by Thomas Hartmann, who trained with Second City Chicago. For more information and to attend, email forinfoman44@gmail.com.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Jacksonville’s annual Chinese New Year event will be presented online this year because of COVID-19 restrictions. The 2021 Chinese New Year celebration — marking the Year of the Ox — will celebrate the Metal Ox, also known as the Golden Ox, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. The online program will have several free digital events throughout the day, including four live presentations that require registration, two presentations from San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum and a Southern Oregon University program hosted by SOU’s Laboratory of Anthropology called “Everyday Life Stories of Early Chinese Oregonians.” Other programs will include a cooking demonstration, a children’s puppet show, a history lesson on local gold mining and a talk on the healing arts of tai chi and qi gong. For more information or to register, see the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association website, socca.us.

Gypsy Soul

Folk, soul and roots duo Cilette Swann and Roman Morykit will perform a special Valentine’s Day livestream concert, as part of their ongoing “Front Row with Gypsy Soul” series at 6 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 13. A pre-show will start at 5:45 p.m. with recordings and slideshow. The duo will perform a mix of originals and covers focusing on their more romantic tunes, digging deep into their catalog. They have a few surprises planed as well. A 10 minute Q-and-A time will be given at “intermission.” The concert is available to be livestreamed via Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Instagram and on the Gypsy Soul website (see gypsysoul.com). The show is a “pay-what-you-want” basis. One there you will find a “virtual tip jar,” where you can use PayPal or a credit card to start the show. You do not have to sign up for anything unless you would like to be sent a reminder for the concert or you’d like to be part of the chat/comments during the concert. Gypsy Soul is making plans to return to the stage in the fall of 2021, Swann said. The duo will continue livestream concerts until then.

Chamber Music Northwest concert: ‘Catalyst Quartet: Uncovered’

The Chamber Music Northwest will host a virtual concert, “Uncovered,” featuring the Catalyst Quartet. The show will premiere at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, via livestream on CMNW.org. In recognition of Black History Month, the dynamic Catalyst Quartet’s program includes musical selections by a trio of illustrious Black composers. The concert will be available to be streamed through Saturday, Feb. 20. A virtual, live musical conversation will be held with violist and composer Nokuthula Ngwenyama and hosted by CMNW co-artistic director Soovin Kim, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9. Concert tickets are $20, admission to the conversation is free. To purchase tickets and for further information, see cmnw.org/concerts-tickets/2020-21-season.

Rogue Valley Genealogical Society — local history presentation

Maureen Battistella, Southern Oregon University Sociology/Anthropology faculty member, will present “Nectar of the Gods: The Mysteries and Histories of Rogue Valley, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, via Zoom. Battistella will share the stories, histories and mysteries of local Rogue Valley wineries. A remote tasting is planned as part of this Zoom presentation to demonstrate the evolution and sophistication of today’s award-winning Southern Oregon wines. Participants can join in the remote tasting to understand the nuance of wine, its structure and nose. Admission is free, but registration is required. To register, see rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=19. Once you’ve completed your registration, you will receive an email the day before the presentation with the meeting’s Zoom link. For questions call 541-512-2340, or email at reception@rvgslibrary.org.

Teen Book Club

Teens are invited to join teen librarians Jackie Keating and Andrea Leone as they moderate a discussion around Jacqueline Woodson’s young adult novel “If You Come Softly” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, via Zoom. Following the discussion, a game, “Bring Your Own Book,” will be played. This program is part of JCLS’ “Rogue Reads” program. To register or further details, see jcls.org and click on Programs & Events and then JCLS Calendar or call 541-774-8679.

Prince, Louis Armstrong and Wu-Tang Clan: A ‘Red at the Bone’ playlist discussion

Adults can join in a library staff-led exploration of the role of music in Jacqueline Woodson’s “Red at the Bone,” during a discussion of the historical and cultural impact of the artists featured in the novel at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, via Zoom. This program is part of JCLS’ “Rogue Reads” program. To register or further details, see jcls.org and click on Programs & Events and then JCLS Calendar or call 541-774-8679.

Resilient Reads —Business Book Discussion Group

This monthly book discussion group of business owners and entrepreneurs will meet at noon the third Wednesday of every month (Feb. 17), via Zoom to share inspiration and ideas about how to navigate current and lasting economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each session includes a talk from a guest speaker, a Q-and-A session and a roundtable discussion. To register, see jcls.libcal.com or for more info call 541-774-8679.

Dementia presentation

Sean Connolly, Older Adult Behavioral health specialist for Jackson County Senior and Disability Services, will present “Practical Help for Coping with a Loved One’s Dementia,” at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, via Zoom. Connolly will present practical information about an innovative approach to working with adults who are experiencing dementia — the Teepa Snow method. Admission is a suggested donation of $5, and registration required. Attendees must register no later than Wednesday, Feb. 17, to receive the Zoom access information. To register, see jacksonvillecommunitycenter.org/eventer or call 541-702-2585.

Virtual Paint Night

Adults and teens can join library staff members for a virtual paint night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, via Zoom. Follow along with a step-by-step video suitable for all skill levels to create your own “Whimsical Clovers” painting. Pick up your painting starter kit from the Medford Library, 205 S. Central Ave., during regular library hours between Monday, Feb. 1, through Monday, Feb. 15. Kit includes an 8-by-10 canvas, paintbrushes, paints, chalk, paper plate for paint palette and a paper cup for water. To register or further details, see jcls.org and click on Programs & Events and then JCLS Calendar or call 541-774-8679.