ST. PARIS – The region-wide One Book, Many Communities program kicks off on Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Paris Public Library, 127 East Main Street, with “A History of Bluegrass Music” featuring Bill Purk and Reed Jones.

From Bill Monroe’s first spot on the Grand Old Opry in 1939, up through Flatt and Scruggs, Jimmy Martin and The Stanley Bros., Jim and Jesse, Mac Wiseman, J.D. Crowe and many other pioneers are given a tip of the Stetson during this program. Using guitar, mandolin, banjo, and vocals the audiences come away with a deeper understanding of America’s bluegrass music.

Raised by two members of the “greatest generation,” Bill Purk has been pickin’ and singin’ since “Ike” was in office. Proficient on six instruments, Bill usually relies on his trusty Martin D-28 to help him entertain.

Reed Jones is an accomplished instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, having several songs published and recorded. Together with Purk, the duo make a perfect fit in presenting nearly 75 years of bluegrass.

This, like all OBMC activities, is free and open to all.

Be sure to pick up a One Book, Many Communities program booklet at any participating library and bring it with you to the opening event as a start on The Widows Library Trail. The Friends of the St. Paris Public Library would like to invite you to go on an adventure by visiting the OBMC programs inspired by The Widows. Once you have your booklet, participate in at least five programs and ask a library employee at the program to sign and date next to the program in your booklet. Once you’ve done this, visit the St. Paris Public library to turn in your booklet and receive your gift. It’s that easy.

Complete information about all of the One Book, Many Communities programs can be found in the OBMC booklet, available at all participating libraries or on their websites.

Participating libraries include: Arcanum Public Library, Champaign County Library, Clark County Public Library, Edison State Community College, Mechanicsburg Public Library, Milton-Union Public Library, New Carlisle Public Library, Piqua Public Library, Selover Public Library, St. Paris Public Library, Tipp City Public Library, Troy-Miami County Public Library and Wornstaff Memorial Public Library.