The concert is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited to 100 patrons. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Bedford Library will be served at intermission.

“Ramblin’ Richard” Kruppa is known for his well-received “World War II Songs and Stories” program.  He has presented it at more than 80 libraries, historical societies, and museums all around New England.  

Now, a little more than a century after our involvement in “The War to End All Wars,” he is offering his program on World War I and the music of the time.  While people were singing “Over There” he reveals what was happening at the time and with the music over here.  Richard reviews the major events of the war and sings the songs that were popular in the day accompanying himself on guitar, and baritone ukulele.  Further, he tells interesting stories of how the songs related to the life and the times of Americans in that era.  And the songs have remained familiar and beloved to this day.  Songs like: “Alexander's Ragtime Band,” “Over There,” “For Me and My Gal,” and “How You Gonna’ Keep 'em Down on the Farm.”

This program will relate to Veterans Day on the 11th of November, as the day originally was known as "Armistice Day," established following World War I.

A member of the New England Foundation for the Arts, Richard is professor emeritus from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and he studied American folk and Gospel music as a graduate student.

Concerts & Cookies are hosted by the Friends of the Library.