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Johnston headlines library friends meeting

May 3, 2010

KALAMAZOO--Arnie Johnston, popular local entertainer and professor emeritus of English at Western Michigan University, will be featured at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at WMU's Fetzer Center.

Johnston's "Burns, Brel and Serendipity" will combine anecdotes from his career as a novelist, playwright, performer and educator spiced with snippets of songs and readings from his work. The event is open to the public and costs $25 per person, which includes dinner.

Reservations are required by Friday, May 7, and may be made by writing friends@kpl.gov or by calling (269) 553-7821. Menu choices are Pecan Crusted Chicken or Cheese Ravioli. Dessert and non-alcoholic beverage are included.

Dr. Arnold Johnston retired from WMU in 2008 as professor and chair emeritus of English, following a distinguished 40-year career. His translations of Jacques Brel have enjoyed long runs and sold-out performances in Chicago and other cities, and he is acknowledged by many, including Brel's widow, for the authentic quality of his translations of the famed Belgian-French singer.

Johnston and his wife, Deborah Percy, have extensive resumes as playwrights and actors and frequently collaborate. They are longtime writers and performers with Kalamazoo's All Ears Theatre, which airs on public radio WMUK.

For more about the May 11 program, visit kpl.gov/friends

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Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

WMU News
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