The Turkeys are Calling at UCSD Library

If you’re walking through the Geisel Library next Wednesday and hear what sounds a lot like turkeys, don’t worry. You’re not coming down with a bout of Thanksgiving fever—or turkey fever. You’re hearing part of a special pre-Thanksgiving performance at the library.

Scott Paulson is the mastermind behind the turkey calling performance.

Artists will be demonstrating instruments hunters use to imitate wild turkey calls. And everyone is invited to an exhibit of turkey-related items and a performance at the Arts Library, on Geisel’s lower level. Scott Paulson, the project’s mastermind, said he expects an overflow crowd for the event.

“A lot of my outreach projects are designed for children, but it’s the adults that keep coming back,” he said.

Wednesday’s exhibit will feature many items made out of turkey feathers, including quills and dusters. It also will include unique items, such as a recording of Truman Capote reading his short story “The Thanksgiving Visitor.” Visitors also will be invited to take part in the day’s performance, modeled on an old-time radio show. Audience members will receive kitchen tools, bells and other “instruments” to help the orchestra perform a Thanksgiving-themed tone poem.

The event also includes a turkey-calling instructional demonstration by Glen Motil and Matt Swagler and songs by library songbirds Katie Spencer and Robin Chandler. Melanie Treco, also known as the story lady, will read a Thanksgiving themed book. Finally, all audience members also will receive free vegan wishbones.

The performance starts at 12:30 p.m. Paulson advises coming in earlier to snag a seat. “The target audience are staff members who are stuck working all day the day before Thanksgiving,” he joked.