- Registration is required for this event.
- Registration will close on June 24, 2026 @ 6:00pm.
Program Description
Event Details
This program is part of our year-long celebration of 'America 250,' the Semiquincentennial of our country's founding.
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Connecticut with "Tunes and Tales from Connecticut," an hour-long musical program that weaves together the state's rich tapestry of history, folklore, and legend.
This unique performance blends engaging storytelling with beautifully crafted songs, each one a window into the lives of fascinating characters, significant historical events, strange and unexplained occurrences, and the myths and mysteries that have shaped Connecticut's identity.
From local heroes and forgotten figures to eerie encounters and whispered legends, you'll discover the hidden stories behind familiar places and uncover the secrets that lie just beneath the surface. The evocative melodies are brought to life with the warm tones of acoustic guitar, the bright twang of the 5-string banjo, and the delicate shimmer of the mandolin, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Join us for an evening of music and storytelling that celebrates the unique spirit of Connecticut.
About Kent Besocke
Kent Besocke is a singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who performs solo and in various groups. Alone and with a band, he regularly plays for local festivals, breweries, historical groups, private gatherings and events. A performance from Kent involves homespun stories, original songs, well-chosen cover material, and accompaniment that includes guitar and other stringed instruments. He frequently performs music that blends folk, bluegrass, old-time, country, and rock in a celebration of the unique characters who bring to life a bygone era. Currently, he has written a cycle of songs, “Tune and Tales from Connecticut,” that celebrate unique people and stories from the Nutmeg State.
The President's Series
Welcome to the President's Series —an engaging collection of special events hosted by Darien Library in collaboration with the President of the Board and members of the Library Board of Trustees.
On July 4, 2026, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This act, which formally separated the 13 colonies from British rule, shook and reshaped the world. The “American experiment” rested on the revolutionary idea that legitimate government rests on the consent of the governed. Independence did not come easily or without grave cost. The American Revolution last seven long years, with tens of thousands of lives lost.
Today, historians, philosophers, and people worldwide continue to study the Founding, the principles of democratic republicanism, and its evolution over the past 250 years. Darien Library joins museums, libraries, educational and cultural institutions nationwide in commemorating the semiquincentennial, known as “America 250,” through a series of public programs that celebrate American history and reflect on our nation’s continuing pursuit of a more perfect union.
We invite you to join us for this 6-part special series featuring films, history talks, folk music, and more.
Recommended for families with children age 4 and up. Please register each person who plans to attend the program!
Need to Know
Reminder: Evening Parking
Parking is available in Darien Library's parking lot. If the lot is full, there may be parking available behind Nielsen's on Thorndal Circle (view parking map).
