Introducing “Civic Sessions”: A Musical Initiative in Carbondale
CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The vibrant city of Carbondale is set to resonate with music as it launches a new acoustic music series named “Civic Sessions.” This series aims to spotlight local musicians and enhance community engagement right before every City Council meeting. Scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, December 9, the performances will be hosted in the welcoming atmosphere of the City Hall lobby at 5:30 p.m., creating a unique prelude to civic discussions.
Proposed by Council member Dawn Roberts, the Civic Sessions are more than just a creative distraction before meetings; they are designed as a celebration of the city’s rich musical heritage. “I introduced Civic Sessions as a way to open City Council meetings with the sound of Carbondale, SIUC, and our region’s renowned and deeply rooted music culture,” Roberts stated. Her vision is to unite residents, students, and their neighbors with local government through song, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the community.
The inaugural performance will feature the talents of William Cernota, a faculty member from the SIU School of Music, and Vincent Jones, a promising sophomore also from SIU. Cernota, who plays the cello, is not just a member of the local music scene but also has a distinguished background, having performed with the Lyric Opera Orchestra since 1982. His impressive resume includes a stint with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his deep commitment to the arts. Currently, he is traveling between Carbondale and Chicago as he performs in the Lyric Opera’s production of The Nutcracker.
On the other hand, Vincent Jones is carving out his niche as a University Excellence Scholar, juggling his studies in both music and zoology. His passion for music shines through his nine years of experience with the contrabass, a unique instrument that adds depth to any performance. With an impressive background that includes early orchestral experience at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville and a performance at Disneyland, Jones currently holds the position of principal contrabass with the SIU Symphony Orchestra.
Both musicians are also involved in the Versa’tile Faculty-Student Chamber Music Ensemble, dedicated to providing free performances in the community. This initiative not only highlights their talent but also emphasizes the importance of community engagement in the arts, making music accessible to everyone.
City officials have expressed their enthusiasm for the launch of the Civic Sessions, viewing it as a ripe opportunity to showcase the exceptional musical talent that defines the region. This initiative reflects Carbondale’s commitment to cultural expression and community involvement, aligning perfectly with its identity of being “All Ways Open.”
For any media inquiries regarding this new acoustic series, interested parties can reach out to Public Relations Officer Eva Fisher at 618-713-0711. As residents prepare to gather for music and meaningful conversation, the Civic Sessions promise to be a harmonious addition to Carbondale’s ongoing narrative of community connection through the arts.