Folk Artists Rock the House for Benefit Concert at Montgomery College

Folk music legend Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary  and Josh White Jr. performed in a charity concert at Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center on Sunday to benefit the Menare Foundation. The national nonprofit works with individuals and organizations to use the legacy of the Underground Railroad as a spark for human potential.

Marking the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, the artists performed in front of a full house at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center.  Rev. Elizabeth Stookey read inspirational quotes from  several  genres ranging from the Sufi poet, Rumi, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a Jewish Prayer. These readings between songs framed the musical performance with words of peace and the responsibility to oneself and neighbor. 

Stookey and White alternated taking the lead in encouraging the crowd to particpate with their voices and hands while they played  classics like "Blowin' in the Wind" and also other newer titles like "Love Rules!" by Stookey and "Think "by Josh White Jr. 

In addition to an entertaining and interactive performance on stage, author Dan Rasmussen, author of American Uprising: The Untold Story of America’s Largest Slave Revolt, was present and held a book signing in the lobby. All performers were available for meet and greet at an Artist Reception after the show. 

Menare Foundation founder and President, Anthony Cohen, and Board members were present for the event and were pleased at the huge success of this fundraiser.