Community Library to Present Musical Journey to the Moon on October 25

The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library invites the public to experience an imaginative musical journey to the moon on Sunday, October 25, at 1:00 p.m., featuring an original composition by musician and Library staff member JD Verbeck.

The special concert, Songs the Moon Sang to Me, combines instrumental music with a multimedia presentation and gallery display to explore the moon, the Earth, and humanity's place in the universe.

The event will take place at the Library's Main Building, 407 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley.

Inspired in part by the historic Apollo 8 mission of December 1968, when astronauts became the first humans to travel to the moon and witness Earth from deep space, the composition reflects on how seeing our planet from a new perspective can change the way we understand ourselves and our relationship with the world around us.

"There's something extraordinary about imagining what it must have been like to look back at Earth from so far away and see our entire world as one small, fragile place," said JD Verbeck, musician and Librarian Trainee in the Library's Reference and Adult Services Department.

"I wanted to explore that perspective through music and invite people to think about our connection to the planet and to one another."

Through an original instrumental composition, Songs the Moon Sang to Me takes audiences on a musical exploration of the lunar landscape, evoking both the mystery of the moon and the beauty and fragility of our own planet.

"This is a wonderful example of how our Library brings people together through the arts while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and discovery," said Library Director Lonna Castro.

"We're especially proud to showcase the talents of one of our own staff members and provide the community with an opportunity to experience something truly unique."

In addition to the musical presentation, the program will feature a gallery display, multimedia elements accompanying the composition, and refreshments.

The concert is sponsored by Friends of the Arts.

For more information, call the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library at 631-399-1511, extension 2024.

About Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library

Founded in 1974, the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library has served the residents of Mastic, Mastic Beach, Shirley, and Moriches for more than five decades, evolving to meet the changing needs of one of Suffolk County's largest and most diverse communities.

Through its Main Library in Shirley and branch locations in Mastic Beach and Moriches, the library provides access to books, digital resources, technology, educational programs, cultural events, and community services for residents of all ages.

The library continues to serve as a welcoming center for learning, creativity, connection, and civic life throughout the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley area.