Ponick promises an irreverent and humorous look at his career. "I'll give a backstage tour of the whole reviewing racket," says Ponick, "the ridiculous coincidence that got me started and interesting stories about the people I've met along the way." He also plans to address more serious issues like what to listen for in the music.

Although primarily a music reviewer, Ponick also reviews theater for the "Times" including the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown. "I'm the only one on staff who was willing to come to West Virginia," he says about that assignment. Ponick has been a part-time resident of Berkeley Springs since 2000 although he and his wife have visited since the mid 1970s.

"I have no background as a critic," says Ponick. "I started as a college English professor." Ponick's eclectic career also includes stints as a teacher of investments at the University of Maryland and a communications specialist for a defense contractor.

"Musical Musings" is the final in the initial series of Cultural Lectures at the Ice House. The program resumes again in the fall.

The Ice House is located at Independence and Mercer. For more information, call 258-2300 or check online at www.macicehouse,org.