Spirituals, gospel music and jazz will bring a joyful noise to the Burlington County Library auditorium on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. Pastor Tony C. Evans, Sr. will sing the old African-American spirituals that helped to guide slaves to freedom, while the Band AyA will play gospel hits and jazz selections, all to benefit the Dr. James Still Office Historic Site in Medford. Admission will be $12 for adults and $7 for children at the door. The library is located at 5 Pioneer Drive in Westhampton, NJ.
In addition historian Paul Schopp will sign copies of Dr. Still’s autobiography, “Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still,” recently released as a new edition by the South Jersey Center for Culture and History at Stockton University. Schopp is the associate director of the Center. “The Underground Railroad” by William Still, Dr. James Still’s younger brother, will also be for sale.
Pastor Tony C. Evans has been preaching the gospel since 1993. For the past 15 years he has ministered at Tenth Street Baptist Church in Camden. He also serves as regional Chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice. He is active throughout the community in many civic organizations. .
The Band AyA is composed of guitarist and vocalist Keith Worthington, drummer and percussionist Jose Claudio and bassist and vocalist Ward Durham. All three participate in songwriting and arranging. Vocalist Linda Lee adds soulful and sultry sounds to the performances. The band is known for its unique blend of jazz, R & B and gospel music.
The Dr. James Still Office Historic Site is located at 209–211 Church Road in Medford. The concert will support its many programs, which range from school group tours and history and genealogy lectures through herbal classes and holiday teas. Dr. James Still (1812–1885) was a renowned herbalist and homeopathic healer born at Indian Mills. A son of slaves born into poverty and mostly self-educated, James Still became one of the wealthiest men in Burlington County. The state of New Jersey purchased the Still office and grounds in 2004 including the farmhouse next door, which the Medford Historical Society has restored into an education center.
For more information on the Jazz & Inspiration Concert or programs at the Dr. James Still Education Center call (609) 654–6485 or visit www.medfordhistory.org/drstillcenterforeducation or check us out on Facebook at Dr. James Still Historic Site & Education Center.
