The 781s: ICPL House Band

About:  

MEANING OF THE BAND’S NAME: 781 is the Dewey Decimal number for music.

WHY IT MATTERS: The 781s are drawn from staff who work at the Library, representing every part of ICPL, and together, cover a lot of musical ground.

THE DEEPER LOOK: Still very much in its early stages, The 781s began as casual conversations and short chats made in passing that soon lead to a general call out to all staff to gauge interest in meeting outside of work to play music. Seven answered (one has since pursued their dreams by moving out of state). After six months of navigating varied schedules and pressing duties they had their first practice. A little less than 4 months later they played their first gig as one of the early acts at the Longfellow Neighborhood Front Porch Fest.

MEET THE 781s:

Hanna Busse: Library Aide, Adult Services. Has been making music her whole life and has been playing the violin since age 4, and fiddle since age 8 (these are the same instrument, but with very different techniques and cultural histories.), Hanna was involved with “America’s favorite show choir” as per Parade Magazine while in high school and has studied classical voice and music theory. As part of 781s: Vocals and Violin.

Alyssa Hanson:  Web Specialist, builds and maintains ICPL’s website, assists with catalog development, helps people on the Info Desk, and much more. She has many years of vocal practice and experience. As part of 781s: Vocals, of course.

Amanda Ray: Supervising Librarian. Played school orchestra all through grade school, Founding member of wizard rock band The Cheering Charms, Former regular at Metal Mondays (hair metal karaoke) at Cumberland’s bar (R.I.P.) in Charleston, SC. As part of 781s: Electric Guitar, Accordion, Kazoo, and some Vocals.

Brent Palmer: IT Coordinator. As part of 781s: Acoustic Guitar. He’s the quiet one.

Peter Fegley: Senior Development Assistant. 25 years of music experience playing drums/percussion, piano, bass, guitar. As part of 781s: Drums (his other musical talents tapped into as needed)

Paul Bethke: Cataloger, Children’s librarian, Bookmobile driver. Has been involved with a number of local bands over the last 25 years, most currently with: Arthur Itis and the Decrepitones, Wandering Pint, and SloMoBop, doing rock, blues, pop, alt, and jazz covers. As part of 781s: Bass, general enabler and keeper of forward motion.

Contact Information:

Web:
Other links:

Summer of the Arts Festivals:  

• 2023 Iowa Arts Festival