The Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble will play a concert, Saturday, Aug. 2, at 4 p.m., as part of the "Live Outside the Library" series on the lawn of the Searsmont Community Center.

"Bring your camp chairs or a blanket and bask in the sounds of music from the eastern Mediterranean and beyond," said the Library, in a news release.

Rain or shine: if the weather is inclement, concert will happen in the Community Hall.

The Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble performs folk, classical, and art music from the Turkish, Arabic, Armenian, and Greek traditions. Led by oud player Eric LaPerna, the group also features 12 string guitarist, Jeremey Zela; percussionist, Dorothy Barker, clarinetist, nay player, and saxophonist, Steve Gruverman; and upright bass player Duane Edwards.

LaPerna is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Middle Eastern hand drums and stringed instruments, and has been a performing musician for over 30 years. He has performed with many of Maine's most celebrated artists and ensembles, including the DaPonte String Quartet and the late Udi Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian, as well as world renowned musicians, Ross Daly and Mal Barsamian.

"If you've never experienced these musical traditions, you'll find them full of grooves and hypnotic rhythms," said the Library. ericlaperna.org

Live Outside the Library is presented free to the public by the Friends of the Library, the library Board of Trustees, and the Onion Foundation.