Jefferson County Festivals and Events
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration (January)
- Black History Month Celebration (February)
- Martin Robison Delany Birthday Celebration (May)
- Juneteenth Celebration (June)
- Don Redman Jazz Concert (June)
- Page-Jackson Alumni Association Reunion (July)
- Storer College Alumni Association Reunion (August)
- Murphy Farm (Pilgrimage Walk & Ceremony) (August)
If you were unable to attend the book signing this past December, but would still like a copy of the book, please contact the author, Ed Maliskas at jbfsmusic@gmail.com or by phone at (305) 807-5785.
The Music Scene at John Brown’s Farm
“I just love this story!” Author Ed Maliskas brims with delight at every opportunity to share the precious tale of one historic little farm in nearby Washington County, Maryland, and its matchless role in fostering racial equality in America.
In a saga spanning over a century, that farm hosted the abolitionist John Brown as he prepared to lead the raid on Harpers Ferry that precipitated the Civil War.
A century later, it was utilized as the National Shrine of an influential fraternal organization, the Black Elks, during the height of the Civil Right Movement.
From 1950 to 1965, the Elks rented out their auditorium for dances that featured the giants of R&B: Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Dionne Warwick, the Coasters, the Drifters, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Chubby Checker, and a host of others.
Come and learn more about the music scene at John Brown’s Farm as Ed presents selections from his book, “John Brown to James Brown – The Little Farm Where Liberty Budded, Blossomed, and Boogied”