Reggie Harris, folksinger, to Perform for John Brown Birthday Celebration
TORRINGTON, CT — The Torrington Historical Society will present an afternoon performance by internationally acclaimed musician, storyteller, and educator Reggie Harris on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive, Torrington. The concert celebrates the birthday of abolitionist and Torrington native John Brown and is free and open to the public, thanks to generous sponsorship from Thomaston Savings Bank.
Advance registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome if space allows.
Reggie Harris, a powerful interpreter of history through music, is widely known for performances that connect audiences with the stories of the Underground Railroad, the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. Blending acoustic folk traditions with African American spirituals and gospel influences, his concerts are both moving artistic experiences and opportunities for reflection on the nation’s past and present. Harris received the Spirit of Folk Award from Folk Alliance International in 2021 and the W.E.B. Du Bois Legacy Award recognizing his contributions to public understanding of African American history and culture. For more than two decades he has also been affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program. He performs regularly at arts centers, universities, festivals, and schools throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The John Brown Birthday event is held in Torrington annually and honors one of the most significant figures in the national struggle against slavery. The Torrington Historical Society serves as steward of the John Brown Birthplace, recently recognized as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom administered by the National Park Service—a designation that highlights Torrington’s important role in Abolitionist history in America.
The Reggie Harris performance is part of the Torrington Historical Society’s participation as an Affiliate of the America 250 | CT Commission. Throughout 2026, the Torrington Historical Society will host a series of FREE public programs exploring the nation’s history. For more information visit the Society's website at www.torringtonhistoricalsocity.org
