Would you like to learn something about jazz? On Monday, Oct. 19, Lloyd Kaplan, jazz musician and music educator, will present a program called “Three Pioneers of Jazz Guitar” at the Warwick Public Library at 7 p.m. He will discuss Eddie Lang, Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt, all of whom exerted a profound influence on the development of guitar playing in the jazz field.

Eddie Lang, who lived from 1902 to 1933 is considered by many to be the first important jazz guitarist. He played guitar on the original recording of “Georgia on My Mind” with Hoagy Carmichael and his Orchestra.

Charlie Lang (1916-1942) was an early performer on the electric guitar who is regarded as a major figure in the development of bebop. He became known nationally when he played with the Benny Goodman Orchestra.

Django Reinhardt (1910-1953) was a European jazz guitarist of Belgian and Gypsy descent who first learned to make music as a child in the gypsy caravans near Paris. He formed the group, Quintette du Hot Club de France, unusual in that it was comprised only of string instruments. Because of serious injuries to his left hand in a fire, he played all his guitar with two fingers. He performed with many famous jazz musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

Warwick resident Lloyd Kaplan is a longtime figure on the Rhode Island music scene. After playing tenor sax with the 62nd U.S. Army Band, he attended the University of Rhode Island, receiving a B.S. in Music Education and then Brown University, where he received a Master of Arts. After several years teaching middle and high school, he moved to the Community College of Rhode Island. During his many years at CCRI, he taught music literature classes that ranged in content from the classical and baroque to jazz and contemporary styles. Presently during the winter, he teaches music appreciation at Coastal Carolina University mainly to adult retirees. He is a founding member of The Aristocats, a group of jazz musicians who play classic jazz that appeals to all ages.

This free event is supported by The Friends of the Library. The Library is located at 600 Sandy Lane. Call 739-5440, ext. 126 to register.