10. It is hot outside. It is cool inside. Very cool!

9. It’s FREE!

8. I’m thinking about unveiling the world premiere of my new composition 4:34, a tribute of sorts, based on Cage’s own 4:33. So show up early! My composition is one second longer, and therefore, one second better!

7. See number 4.

6. The first film on the first night features Rahsaan Roland Kirk. You might not know his name but you probably know his music. When you think of the Austin Powers flicks what song do you think of? Soul Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones? That catchy melody played on flute, that’s Kirk. Imagine a large African American male in a top hat playing three saxophones at the same time. He is also playing a flute with his nose. By using the circular breathing technique he plays continuously without stopping to take a breath. He is also blind. Sound like something out of a dream? Described as a “supernatural one-man vaudevillian freak show,” Ronald Kirk was born on August 7, 1936. Sickness at the age of two left him blind. A dream compelled him to change his name from Ronald to Roland. Years later he heard the name Rahsaan (also in a dream) and he added that one too. He never really received the credit or attention his contemporaries received, in part due to being labeled a gimmicky multi-instrumentalist. But he was no gimmick. He was the real deal.

5. The Jefferson Market Branch is easy to get to, in the heart of Greenwich Village.

4. See number 9.

3. John Cage was born on Sept 5, 1912 so you can come and celebrate (one month early) what would have been his 96th birthday.

2. John Cage once asked, “Which is more musical, a truck passing by a factory or a truck passing by a music school?” Come to our Monday night film screenings in August and you might find out.

1. Did I mention, like all the great events and programs at NYPL, that it is free? That is very cool. Very cool indeed. See here for a complete listing of our August film schedule.