Current Press Release

BRICK TOWNSHIP – Enjoy patriotic American songs that span generations, learn about their place in US history, and honor men and women in uniform during the Libby Prison Minstrels’ Veterans Day Celebration at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch, 1 PM Saturday, November 12.

The New Jersey-based group celebrates our veterans through songs, anecdotes, and insights that bring context to music that evokes the spirit of many different conflicts in history.

The band traces its roots to Union Army soldiers and officers who endured horrid conditions in Virginia’s Libby Prison during the Civil War. The detainees sang to boost morale and to frustrate their captors. After hostilities ended, the freed prisoners continued to sing. 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, Albert Music Hall in Waretown, and the schooner A.J. Meerwald, New Jersey’s official Tall Ship. Their repertoire also features sea shanteys and songs of World War I.

Registration at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events is required for this free program. For more information, visit the Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, or call (732) 477-4513.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

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