Farmers Night Concert Series: The Enigmatic and Charismatic Alexander Twilight

Middlebury Historian Bill Hart and others pay tribute to Rep. Alexander Twilight of Brownington, elected in 1836 as the nation’s first legislator of African descent—and the subject of the new State House portrait by Katie Runde. Hart and others explore the somewhat murky story behind this energetic and inspired educator, and find ways to enliven this presentation with poignant and rollicking music.

The Farmers Night Concert Series is a longstanding State House tradition which goes back over 100 years to a time when lawmakers entertained themselves in the House Chamber mid-week while away from home. Artists from around the state, in genres ranging from classical music to bluegrass to barbershop, perform in the well of the House Chamber each Wednesday night during the legislative session—and the concerts are free and open to the public.