Armstrong Browning celebrates poetry, love

Armstrong Browning Library’s seventh annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza will feature music from the minds of artist-in-residence Carlos Colón and singer Jonathon Burleson. Courtesy Photo
Armstrong Browning Library’s seventh annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza will feature music from the minds of artist-in-residence Carlos Colón and singer Jonathon Burleson. Courtesy Photo

By Rae Jefferson

A&E Editor

Love is in the air. It is also in the library.

Armstrong Browning Library’s seventh annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza will celebrate the love of poets Robert and Elizabeth Browning with music and a dessert reception. The event will take place from 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday in the library’s McLean Foyer of Meditation.

“This is an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of superb music, on a day that is dedicated to love – all taking place in a beautiful setting,” library director Rita Patteson said in a press release.

The extravaganza will include classical and contemporary musical arrangements created by Carlos Colón, the library’s artist-in-residence. A string ensemble will accompany vocalist Jonathon Burleson for each song. The program’s theme, “Angelic Remembrances,” influenced the song selection, he said.

“It’s always a time that evokes memories for everyone,” Colón said. “Jonathon selected the music very carefully.”

Colón said he has performed with Burleson in the past for other events at the library.

“He has a lot of energy,” Colón said. He is a very great guy to perform with.”

The musicians will perform various songs including the theme song to PBS show “Downton Abbey.”

The program will also feature original songs composed by Colón.

“We have a string ensemble that uses more of a movie sound, and then we have someone with a very powerful pop singer voice,” Colón said. “It’s a sort of crossover.”