The James Prendergast Library will play host to Glenn Colton of Orchard Park at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, in the Fireplace Room.
The musician will be the featured performer for the finale to the library's Summer Reading program. Refreshments and activities from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will precede his performance.
"This event has been designed as a special treat for everyone who participated in Summer Reading. It's also an opportunity to showcase the library's materials and services at the start of the school year," Valle Blair, Prendergast Library children's librarian.
The program is made possible in part by support from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County Projects Pool Grant Program.
"Glenn was inspired as a young child to become a professional musician; maybe the same thing will happen to someone in the Jamestown audience," Mrs. Blair said.
Colton makes about 300 appearances each year and has performed more than 6,000 live, educational concerts for children. Shows by this versatile performer range from patriotic tunes to music through the decades. Some focus on a theme such as summer fun or cyber safety.
The performer received School Administrators Association of New York State Don Munson Friend of Education Award in 2011, and was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
He has released 10 full-length recordings of original material and e-books called "Bark" and "Thinkin' Lincoln."
Colton remembers listening to his father play an old nylon string guitar. He started taking guitar lessons at the age of 9. He played guitar in a high school jazz ensemble and formed a three-piece rock band. As a student at Buffalo State College, he performed in various groups and as a solo act. After earning a bachelor's degree in business and certification in elementary education, he continued writing songs and honing his skills as a children's entertainer until 1993, when he founded Glenn Colton Shows - Educational Concerts for Kids.
For more information about his Jamestown appearance, which is free and open to the public, call 484-7135, ext. 234. The library is located at 509 Cherry St., Jamestown.