POTSDAM - Potsdam Public Library will play host to a concert celebrating the moon in one of its major roles, the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, on Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.

The Lunar New Year will start the year of the Dragon, and Crane School of Music Visiting Assistant Professor Tim Yip, who organized the concert, said community members attending the performance can anticipate a culturally enriching experience, bending traditional and contemporary New Year music.

"Including a contemporary piece by Professor Ziyu Wang from SUNY Potsdam inspired by a mythical monkey, and musical selections from Asian cinema by Joe Hisaishi," Yip said. "The event aims to celebrate Asian cultures, foster cultural appreciation, and provide a unique musical and literary experience in honor of the Lunar New Year."

The Year of the Dragon, more specifically, the Wood Dragon, runs from Feb. 10, 2024 through Jan. 28, 2025.

The Lunar New Year is the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar or lunisolar calendar. The lunar calendar follows the lunar phase while lunisolar calendars follow both the lunar phase and the time of the solar year.

February 10th's concert will consist of an ensemble made up of students from the Crane School of Music, some of whom are also members of the Orchestra of Northern New York, as well as professional musicians and faculty members Tim Yip, Risa Okina, and Ziyu Wang.

There also will be a literacy component, led by Potsdam Public Library's family literacy specialist, Maria Morrison, who will read several children's books that celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Free children's books on the Lunar New Year will also be available to bring home.

This is a free family event, suitable for all ages.