Courtesy Photo Tom Ferguson, A.K.A. “Dr. Tom,” plays a lunch-hour show on the second Wednesday of the month at Alpena County Library.

ALPENA — Words and Music with Dr. Tom is coming up again on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Alpena County Library.

Tom Ferguson, also known as “Dr. Tom,” shares his musical talent at the library on the second Wednesday of every month, and all his tips go directly to the library and the READ Program.

This unique stew of piano and vocals and musical anecdotes promises to, in Dr. Tom’s words, make your toes tap and your ears smile. It’s a laid-back lunch-hour show (you’re encouraged to brown bag it, or grab something from the drive-through of your choice) from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.

Most everything Dr. Tom plays comes out sounding like jazz to most ears, or, as he puts it, “Saturday night at the Owl Cafe — not the old Owl, but the old, old Owl.” November’s show is “Dr. Tom Goes to the Movies!”

Dr. Tom is an Alpena native and retired newspaper editor (Detroit Free Press, Cleveland Plain Dealer), magazine publisher (Michigan Music) who still misses his days playing piano in saloons and township halls from the Tawases to Cheboygan.

The Words and Music show is free. Tip jar proceeds go entirely to the Alpena County Library and the READ adult literacy program.

The READ Adult Literacy Program provides free, confidential tutoring to adults needing reading help, learning English as a second language (ESL), or studying for their GED.

For more information about the READ program, call 989-356-6188, ext. 15.