COMMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
“Dulais has presented several programs to our community, and they've all been delightful crowd-pleasers. His precise knowledge of music history, dry wit, and penchant for eliciting audience participation make for a uniquely entertaining experience” — Chris Gray, Adult Services Librarian, Lafayette Library & Learning Center
'My deep and sincere thanks for your talent and time so generously shared with all of our cast during the show! We could not ask for better leadership and we are all in your debt.'
—Gary Treglown — Director, Funny Girl, NOVA Center for the Perfomring Arts, June, 2023
'Thank you so much for everything you have done over the whole course of this show. You are so patient and kind and supportive. ...I wouldn't have been comfortable enough to do it without you.'
— Meadow N. — Rodgers & Hammerstein Tribute, NOVA Center for the Perfomring Arts, February 5, 2023
'Thank you for playing dots and transporting all of us to another time, I'm truly going to miss my days having a Rodgers and Hammerstein Soundtrack. ...I sing sporadically these days so often there's dust and a little insecurity. ...That was quickly brushed away by your kind words. ...I feel lucky to have had your accompaniment.'
— Katelyn H. — Rodgers & Hammerstein Tribute, NOVA Center for the Perfomring Arts, February 5, 2023
'It was engaging and informative. ... All general comments were positive and people were happy you were able to give the talk.'
Bode M., Historic Site Administrator, Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, "Allan Jones: From the Dark Coal Mine to the Silver Screen," July 16, 2017
'Thank you for another delightful & informative presentation! The community loved it, and I hope to have you back at Lafayette in the future...'
Chris G., Lafayette Library & Learning Center, CA, "A Child's Christmas in Wales, December 15, 2016
'It was a pleasure to hear about the life of Allan Jones, a tenor of Welsh descent who had a colourful career on American stage and screen. Many episodes were supported by extracts from recordings and films making it an evening of entertainment as well as a lecture. Dr Rhys’ own musical brilliance informed the research about this talented tenor, giving us an insight into Jones’ life and the entertainment business of the 1930s and 40s.'
Sian R., audience member, "Allan Jones: O Ddyfnderau'r Pwll Glo...," Aberdare, Wales September 22, 2016
'[Dr. Rhys] managed to condense superbly into an hour the fascinating life of a somewhat forgotten star of 20th Century American radio, film and television. The amount of detail conveyed reflected a thorough research and knowledge of the subject. Yet the style of delivery was relaxing, and excellently interspersed with carefully chosen sound and film extracts. ... [Allan Jones's] fascinating career in Hollywood was superbly brought alive through Dr. Rhys blending of details of the individual with discussion of the context, including amusing anecdotes on the role of the movie moguls and rivalry between the stars.'
John L., audience member, "Allan Jones: O Ddyfnderau'r Pwll Glo...," Aberdare, Wales September 22, 2016
'I had the privilege of attending a lecture given by Dr Dulais Rhys, on the life of Allan Jones, the outstanding tenor of Welsh descent, born in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, who became a legend in the world of opera, musicals, and musical films, in America. ...Not surprisingly, Dr. Dulais Rhys's research into the life and achievements of Allan Jones was incredibly thorough and revealing...attributable to Dulais's brilliant delivery, supported by...extracts from both soundtracks and film that portrayed the remarkable singing and acting talent of Allan [Jones]. I would unhesitatingly delight in attending Dulais's outstanding lecture again.'
Geraint P., [Head of Education at the National Museum of Wales (Retired)], audience member, "Allan Jones: From the Dark Coal-Mine...," Aberdare, Wales September 21, 2016
‘Thank you for such a wonderful presentation...our community fully enjoyed themselves! I think your style is unique in that you weave many cultural threads into your lecture, yet you keep it light and fun and have a gift for eliciting audience participation.’
Chris. G.: Adult & Teen Services Librarian, Danville Library, Contra Costa County Library, June 25, 2015
‘Your lecture was great. I really enjoyed your exposing the musical structure of their songs, as did very many in the audience. That is, by the way, the largest Noontime lecture I've ever seen during the summer at the Club. And they were all so happy they'd come.’
George H.: Chair of Humanities Program, The Commonwealth Club, San Francisco, August 19, 2014 (a recording of the lecture is available via its website)
‘Are you ready for these numbers??41 adults and 4 children attended the Beatles program tonight. We heard lots of positive feedback from those who attended. A few are going to attend the program again on Saturday at Agave. We left the door open so staff and the customers could enjoy the music. We heard one person at the computer singing along quietly. It was such a great program. I am still smiling.’
Sabrena A.: Librarian, Yucca Library, Phoenix AZ, September 11, 2014 (to Kathy H. – see below)
‘I'm writing to thank the library for sponsoring "The Beatles A Musical Revolution" presentation. I attended the presentation at the Desert Broom library yesterday morning. Dr. Rhys was a fabulous speaker. He was very knowledgeable and also very passionate about the subject. I found the presentation very interesting. Please pass along my thanks to Dr. Rhys and thank you also to the library for sponsoring the presentation.’
Al K.: lecture audience member, Desert Broom Library, Phoenix AZ, September 13, 2014 (to Kathy H. – see below)
‘The Library is very, very pleased with the high audience turnout, quality of your program and the very positive reaction from our customers. Thank you again for a job well done!’
Kathy H., Adult Services C oordinator and lecture tour organizer, Phoenix Public Library, September 16, 2014
‘I really enjoyed your lecture, especially that you concentrated on the musical forms n structures of their writing. Man...I'm right with you on all that. … It's great to meet a fellow Beatle student...I stopped talking so I wouldn't answer all your quiz questions correctly.’
John J.: lecture audience member, Rainbow Library, Las Vegas NV, December 6, 2014
‘It was a pleasure to have had you speak last night. You are a terrific presenter and I enjoyed your program, not only because of the content, but because of the audience participation. ... I would definitely want to schedule you on our 2016 calendar....'
Susan M.: Executive Director, Walnut Creek Library Foundation, CA, December 11, 2015
‘Dulais Rhys’ recent lecture on the Beatles was extraordinary. The enthusiasm of the audience was palpable for weeks before the lecture actually took place and in the minutes before the event one could hear guests happily humming Beatles tunes in anticipation. Dr. Rhys' humorous discussion of Beatles musicology was happily interspersed with short and long samples of the music itself to the audience's delight. The collective singing, toe tapping, and dancing in the aisles made the program as a whole memorable. One often forgets how music – when heard and enjoyed in public – can enhance mood, energize, lower inhibitions, and encourage bonding. Our audience certainly had a great time and Dr.Rhys’ presentation encouraged their understanding of the how and why of the Beatles phenomenon.’
Taryn E.: Member Relations and Marketing Specialist, Mechanics' Institute, March 5, 2015
‘Thank you so much for the delightful program you presented last night at the Merced Branch Library on The Beatles and Their Songs. The audience members loved it!’
Elizabeth T.: Manager, Merced Branch Library, June 24, 2015
‘That was an excellent presentation and I have indeed heard some great feedback, with suggestions that we have more like it.’
Corey V., Reference Librarian, Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library, Oxford, MS, June 25, 2016
‘Wow! I learned a lot. ...What I appreciated about the lecture was that the presentattion let the music speak for itself. What I mean is that the presentation was simple but packed with information. Also, Dulais is quite charming.’
Margo W.: lecture audience member, Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Memphis, TN, June 26, 2016