JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — A celebration commemorating the life of Malcolm Brown will take place on Saturday, September 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Brown, known locally as the co-founder of WJFF Radio Catskill, Jeffersonville Hydroelectric and the Good Earth health food store, was a retired classics professor who also ran a robust beekeeping operation. Elsewhere in the nation, Brown led the installation of 2.4-megawatt wind-power turbines south of Boston, and was known around the world for his continuing scholarship on Plato’s Academy.

Malcolm passed away on November  3, 2021; he was 89.

The event will begin with a short New Orleans-style second line march from the Backyard Park, 21 Lovett Ln., to the Jeffersonville Fire House.

Musicians and marchers are asked to gather at 1 p.m. Step-off will be at 1:30 p.m.

All are welcome to join the march with whatever instruments they may have—tambourines, bells, kazoos, whistles, etc. Colorful umbrellas and beads are also welcome.

Liberty saxophonist Larry Ravdin will lead the march. Ravdin, noted for his years as a featured performer with many famed Catskill hotel orchestras, was also a frequent contributor to jazz programming at WJFF. Selections for the procession will include “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans” and “What a Wonderful World.”

Once at the firehouse, at 2 p.m., food, drink, photo displays and memorabilia of Brown will be shared.

The Thurman Barker Quintet, assembled especially for this event, will play at 3 p.m. Barker is an internationally known jazz drummer, composer and bandleader who has recorded with his own groups as well as those of Anthony Braxton, Muhal Richard Abrams and many others.

Following coffee and desserts, the event will wrap up at 5 p.m.

The celebration is open to all. Musicians wishing to play in the procession may simply show up, but are encouraged to RSVP to malcolmbrownevent@gmail.com.