Library celebrates Summer Reading Finale with musician Sam Pointer

Published 3:00 pm Thursday, August 13, 2015

As a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Sam Pointer has entertained audiences from coast to coast. He’ll be at the Pell City Library on Wednesday, August 19, at noon to take guests on a journey “Celebrating America,” singing songs about American places and illustrating multiple American music styles on the guitar, and other stringed instruments. Pointer will entertain in the library as the special guest performer for the finale to the Adult Summer Reading Program 2015.

Sam Pointer began playing music at the age of 6. Though he is best known for his finesse as a guitarist, playing acoustic, electric, slide and 12-string guitars, Pointer also plays a pretty mean bass, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and bouzouki (though he could probably play anything that you put in front of him!) As a vocalist, his rich baritone voice is equally at home with everything from ballad to rock. His talent and range, and diversity of style have afforded him opportunities to play solo as well as a part of various bands at top venues across the country. He toured nationally for many years as lead guitarist for the ground-breaking jam band New Potato Caboose.

He was a member of the California bluegrass band Snakes in the Grass, and later led the Sam Pointer Band, a San Francisco-based rock ensemble, before deciding to return to his native Birmingham, where he plays solo acoustic gigs and as part of several other bands and acts. His skill as an instrumentalist led to prizes won on the guitar and mandolin at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and the Ed Bell Blues Competition, which led to numerous invitations to perform as a session player and sideman.

Pointer’s performance in the library will include a pleasing repertoire of beloved songs that celebrate America and American history, incorporating his skill with various instruments and musical styles. Following the performance, the library will draw for prizes in connection with its 2015 Adult Summer Reading Program. Throughout this initiative, registered participants have been encouraged to read books of their choice and to place an entry “in the hat” for each completed book read. Each Friday afternoon, and at the finale, participates have the opportunity to win prizes if their names are drawn from this collection of entries. The prizes are awesome, and include special donations from local businesses, the Pell City Library Guild, and individual sponsors. The Pell City Library staff acknowledges with deepest gratitude, the donations made by these donors. It is through their generosity that the Adult Summer Reading Initiative is made possible.

 The fun-filled event is free and open to the public, and all are invited to attend (even if they were unable to participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program.) Expect spectacular music, fantastic food, and fabulous prizes. You will not want to miss it!