Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – Hear stirring songs and stories that symbolize more than a century of American heritage when the Libby Prison Minstrels perform an Ocean County Library virtual concert, 7 PM Tuesday, July 13. 

The New Jersey group will don historically-accurate period garb and explore America’s 19th Century through the nation’s most treasured musical works of the era. 

Richmond, Virginia’s Libby Prison held Union Army detainees in horrid conditions. Arrested officers raised their voices in patriotic song each night to boost morale and to frustrate their captors. 

After hostilities ended, the freed prisoners continued to sing, and their fame grew. They were pivotal in popularizing the Battle Hymn of the Republic. 

Today’s Libby Prison Minstrels have performed at the Lincoln Memorial, Ford’s Theatre, Gettysburg National Military Park, festivals, schools, and frequently at Albert Music Hall in Waretown. Their repertoire also features sea chanteys and songs of World War I. 

The group consists of Brian Ross, Jim Kramer, John Suchernick, Ron Kushnir, and Ron Stevenson. 

The event is sponsored by Friends of the Brick Library. 

Registration for this free program is required at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events. Registrants will receive a link by email to join the program. 

Keep up with Library events and programs at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, or visit the Library on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. 

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