The West Medford Community Center begins a new season of its Words and Music program with “A Changing of the Guard,” introducing the City of Medford’s second poet laureate, Vijaya Sundaram, who began her two-year term on July 1. In the first hour’s Words segment, Vijaya will join her predecessor, Terry E. Carter, for a lively and lyrical conversation about her life as a teacher, artist, musician, writer, and the city’s new ambassador of poetry.

The Music segment will feature a performance by Erin Hogan, a singer, songwriter and musician whose extensive training includes heavy influences in classical music, opera, jazz, folk, and the Great American Songbook. She’ll be accompanied in her first WMCC appearance by bassist Ike Sturm.

Seating is limited and masking is welcomed. The program also will be carried live on the Medford Community Media YouTube channel, and on MCM community access television (Ch. 3-Comcast, Ch. 47-Verizon).

The West Medford Community Center launched Words and Music in 2017. Usually presented on the first Friday of every month, the event starts off with a discussion on a valuable aspect of the community, followed by a performance by a local musician or musicians. For more information on this or other WMCC programs, visit the center’s website.