Fine works of inquiry

Dr. Bob Mielke, Truman State University's “walking encyclopedia of pop” celebrates his 50-plus years of musical adventures at the official launch of Adventures in Avant-Pop. a book about seven edgy artists—Yoko Ono and Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young,  Sun Ra, James Brown, and Sigmund Snopek III.  The book took a decade to write; its lift-off  into your listening space is a four-stage affair, beginning on the morning of Nov. 1.  Stages 2-4 feature appearances by one of Mielke's seven stars--Sigmund Snopek III, of the Bloomsbury People and the Violent Femmes.   Stage one: Dr. Bob will read from and discuss his new book as part of Truman's New Horizons Music Festival at 11:30 in Ophelia Parrish 2340.  Stage two:  launch party Nov. 2 at the Du Kum Up from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m.  with music written by Snopek  and performed by himself and his mates, Michael Woods and Denise Goetsch.  (Opening acts by locals—Dogbrain and I Would Die For You.)  Stage three:  Sunday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m., Snopek's Miasma Fragments: New Music for Pipe Organ-- performed by Milwaukee organist Jayne Latva on the First Presbyterian Church's wonderful pipe organ. Stage four: that evening at 8 p.m., Snopek accompanies soprano Emily Wolfersberg who performs his song cycle:  The Ancient Rhythm and Agp (Azure, green, purple) based on translations from Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.  All events are free and open to the public.  Come join Dr. Mielke and Naciketas Press in celebrating an amazing book and hearing some delightful music.