“If you are speaking of music…it is of all subjects my delight. There are few people in England I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health would have allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully. – Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice” ― Jane Austen
It’s time to party, folks! For the December meeting, our annual celebration of Jane’s birthday, we are going to be in person and online to enjoy and learn about harp music in Austen’s time with Julia Adams.
Our approximate schedule for the afternoon will be:
- 2-2:30 arrive and partake of nibbles and good company (Zoomers will do the same!)
- 2:30-3:30 program and Q&A
- 3:30-3:40 RC announcements and toast to Jane
- 3:40-4 more nibbles and good company
If you are attending in person, please bring your favorite birthday nibble (sweet or savory) to share. If you will be on Zoom, bring a treat for yourself and a beverage to make a toast!
About our Presenter
Julia’s musical journey may mirror the love Jane writes about, but she did not find her instrument until she was stuck at home during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While navigating the ever-changing healthcare environment for her clients and attending Wake Forest School of Law for my master’s degree in health law and health policy. While watching my friends post lovely pictures of the bread they were making, I decided to purchase my first harp and play music in the evenings. My other saving grace during a very complex time was watching Devoney Looser’s Jane Austen presentations through Great Courses. This began my interest in my harp and my renewed admiration for the writings of Jane Austen.
When Julia is not reading Jane Austen, playing my harp, dreaming about my next Regency gown, or experimenting with embroidery, she is the CEO of Oak City Government Relations, LLC. Julia has worked in healthcare policy and politics in North Carolina for twenty-two years. She has a focus on Medicaid policy for people with disabilities and the aging. Prior to her work in politics, she worked to integrate the arts in North Carolina. Her work included a stint as Community Engagement Coordinator for Raleigh Ensemble Players, wheelchair dance performances at the ADF in Durham, and as an ensemble player with Jelly Education Theater.
Today, she embarks on a new adventure, presenting for the first time as a JASNA event.
The Details
What: Jane Austen’s Birthday Celebration and Harp Music with Julia Adams
When: December 7, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: In the comfort of your home via Zoom or at Gisele’s beautiful home in Cary (address to be shared with the in-person group after registration).
Bring: In person: your favorite birthday nibble to share. On Zoom: your favorite beverage for our toast to Jane and nibbles for yourself.
Attire: Come in your finest Regency wear or your chosen clothing; we’re all here to have fun with no particular dress code!
RSVP: All are welcome! Register for the in-person gathering here by Thursday,December 4th.Register for the online gathering here.
Accessibility: If you’re attending in person, there is street parking, and Gisele’s driveway will be reserved for members with mobility needs. There are a few steps to climb up to enter Gisele’s home. If you are attending via Zoom, we have auto-captions available in the meeting and will do our best to ensure the best video and audio quality we can for Kuldip’s presentation. If you have accessibility needs we have not addressed here, please let us know.
Health Accessibility: If you have any symptoms of illness at all (COVID, flu, RSV, cold, pneumonia, norovirus, or otherwise), please attend via Zoom. You can register for the Zoom meeting up until it’s start, so there is always a way to join the fun. Thank you for helping keep others as healthy as possible.About Our Presenter