Brendan Slocumb will join us to discuss his book, The Violin Conspiracy, the riveting story of a young Black musician who discovers that his old family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius. When the violin is stolen on the eve of the world’s most prestigious classical music competition, he risks everything to get it back. The book is a largely autobiographical account of challenges faced by aspiring African American musicians, from wedding gigs to instrument dealers and repairers, to airport security and police, to competitions and program committees. It also provides historical reflection on black-white relations during the ante-bellum period, told through an inheritance dispute over the Stradivarius. Mr Slocumb will discuss the novel's themes and his motivation for writing. A book signing will follow.