Freedom 2011 Festival

Noel Paul Stookey of 'Peter, Paul & Mary' to Perform On Feb. 13 at Montgomery College in Menare Foundation Benefit: Event During Black History Month with Josh White, Jr. and Rev. Elizabeth Stookey to Raise Funds and Awareness for Nonprofit Dedicated to Preserving the Legacy of the Underground Railroad

FROM MENARE PRESS RELEASE: Noel Paul Stookey of the legendary folk trio "Peter, Paul & Mary" is coming to Silver Spring on Feb. 13 for a benefit concert at Montgomery College's Cultural Arts Center. For tickets contact the venue box office Monday-Friday from 11am-2pm at 240.567.5775 or order online at www.tickets.com.

The concert is a benefit for the Menare Foundation, a nonprofit preserving the legacy of the Underground Railroad. Based in Montgomery County, the Menare Foundation operates the 60-acre Button Farm in Germantown, which serves as its education center for school and community groups, as well as the general public.

The event comes as America marks the 150^th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, while February marks Black History Month.

"The idea behind this event was to celebrate how far we have come together, and just how far we can all go if we help each other get there," Stookey says. "That's what folk music has always stood for, and that message remains strong, and still very much needed, in today's times."

Stookey, often referred to as "the tall, funny one" of Peter, Paul & Mary, has been playing music and entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Most of those years were spent with Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers performing such iconic songs as "Puff the Magic Dragon," "The Wedding Song," and "Blowing in the Wind."

In addition to Stookey, who has a new album coming out in 2011, the concert will feature celebrated folk singer Josh White, Jr., who uses music to educate school children across America about the Underground Railroad. White's father, Josh White Sr., was a noted civil rights activist and folk musician who was considered the closest African American confidant to President Franklin D. Roosevelt-so much so, in fact, that Eleanor Roosevelt became godmother to young Josh White.

The Rev. Elizabeth Stookey, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, will act as master of ceremonies; creating a framework for the musical offerings with inspirational readings and quotes from many faiths and spiritual leaders.  Ordained a Congregational minister, Rev. Stookey served for eight years as the chaplain of prestigious Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. Her work focuses on using love and understanding to eliminate the barriers that cause hatred and dissention between races, cultures and religions.

The Menare Foundation is also honored to welcome as a special guest to the event Daniel Rasmussen, author of the critically acclaimed new book "American Uprising: The Untold Story of America's Largest Slave Revolt." Rasmussen's book will be available for purchase and signing at the venue. Read more about this incredible moment in American history brought to light by Rasmussen at www.danrasmussen.net.