An acclaimed musician and presenter will make a visit to Tamaqua on Monday, October 25, in a presentation offered free to the public by the Tamaqua Public Library.

Ray Kamalay of East Lansing, Michigan, will present 'Freedom, Slavery and the Roots of American Music' from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ, 150 Pine Street, Tamaqua.The event came about at the April meeting of the library when it was announced that a We the People Bookshelf grant had been awarded to the local library from the National Endowment for the Humanities.Locally, the program is being made possible through funding generated by a benefit bus trip with proceeds donated to the library by Karen and Pat Davison of Hometown.The programming is provided to highlight the theme 'A More Perfect Union' as featured in books and other items that have been received.Young readers, and adults, are encouraged to explore these works at the Tamaqua Public Library and to expand their knowledge of America's historical events by attending the program.A Detroit native, Ray Kamalay is well known for his presentation, which traces the development of early American music from its links to slavery up to the early jazz age.Kamalay has a degree in philosophy from the University of Detroit. He has been a professional musician since 1974. Even then he showed an unusual interest in both folk music and jazz.He has performed at some of the most prestigious venues including the Edunburgh Festival, Interlochen and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.In 1998, his work with Howard Armstrong was nominated for the W. C. Handy Award.More information is available at (570) 668-4660.