Music educator Brendan Slocumb will discuss his debut novel that follows Ray McMillian, a young Black man from rural North Carolina, who is focused on becoming a world-renowned professional violinist. Ray’s journey leads him to the vaunted Tchaikovsky Competition, where on the day prior to his performance his family violin is stolen and placed under ransom. The musician must not only rescue his violin but also prepare himself for the most significant performance of his young career. Brendan Slocumb will be joined in conversation by Judith Krummeck, an author and evening drive time host for Maryland's classical radio station WBJC 91.5 FM.

A performance by members of the Mount Vernon Virtuosi will precede the author program starting at 6:30pm.

Brendan Slocumb has taught music in public and private schools for over twenty years. A violinist, he has performed with orchestras in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia.

Judith Krummeck is an author and evening drive time host for Maryland's classical radio station WBJC 91.5 FM. She also hosts WBJC’s Booknotes, a monthly author interview and book review segment.