Datebook

"The Rock" closed on this day in 1963. The prison served as a military garrison during the Civil War, then became a military prison, and eventually a federal penitentiary housing some of the most notorious criminals in the country, like Al Capone, the Birdman (Robert Stroud), "Machine Gun" Kelly, "Whitey" Bulger, among others. No prisoner successfully escaped.

It’s Thursday, March 21

The Puppy Party offers 6- to 16-week-old puppies the opportunity to learn basic obedience skills and to socialize with other dogs.  Murray State University animal behavior students lead three sessions at Carmen Pavilion on Monday nights in April, beginning on the 15th.  The cost is $25.  To register, call the Humane Society of Calloway County at 759-1884.

We wish Marian McPartland a happy 95th birthday today. Marian fell in love with jazz at an early age, touring Europe during WWII entertaining troops. In 1964, she began a weekly radio program on WBAI in New York, paving the way for Piano Jazz on NPR in 1978. The long-running program featured music and guests until Marian stepped down in November, 2011. In 2004, she received the Grammy Trustees' Lifetime Achievement Award for her work as an educator, in 2007 she was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2010 was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

It’s Wednesday, March 20

Acclaimed musician and fiddle scholar John Harrod presents “Kentucky’s Diverse Fiddling Traditions” tomorrow night at 7 at the McCracken County Public Library.  Hear the story of the old fiddlers, their personalities, their eccentricities, and their exploits.  For more information about the free presentation, call (270) 442-2510.

On this day in 1962, a 20 year-old Bob Dylan released his first album, simply titled Bob Dylan. The album featured folk standards like "Man of Constant Sorrow" and "House of the Risin' Sun" along with two originals, "Talkin' New York" and "Song to Woody." The album received little notice, but was good practice for his breakthrough, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.

It’s Tuesday, March 19

“Herb Appeal” is Friday at 11:30 at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Office.  The luncheon offers a four-course meal prepared with different herbs and the opportunity to learn more about growing, preparing, storing, and cooking with herbs.  Purchase $20 tickets from any PAMGA member or at the Extension Office.

German inventor and mechanical engineer Rudolf Diesel was born on this day in 1858. He developed the Diesel engine, which became an  important replacement for the piston engine, and more fuel efficient than gasoline engines. Although, he may not have known the significance of his own design. In 1913, Diesel suffered a mysterious death on the passenger steam ship SS Dresden.

It’s Monday, March 18

There’s an informational meeting tonight about the Paducah Parks Services Department softball leagues.  The meeting is tonight at 6:30 at the Parks Office, and the deadline to register teams is March 29.  For more information, visit paducahky.gov.