An Irish Bostonian uses his musical talent to enact a brilliant idea, celebrating the end of the Civil War with a peace jubilee. The event captures the nation’s mood and earns Patrick Gilmore a place in American music history. Author’s Note, Bibliography.

As I turned each page, I found my self becoming more and more excited like the audience waiting for the Jubilee to start. Partick S. Gilmore, a musician and solider in the army, was a magnificent when it came to bringing entertainment to a crowd. As a young boy he always loved music and throughout his life he played and organized concerts. Patrick never gave up on music even when the civil war broke out and he was called to fight. He used his talent to entertain and inspire soldiers at the camps and throughout battle. Once the war was over, Patrick wanted to celebrate the peace. He built an extremely large building to host what he called, “the National Peace Jubilee”. Everyone thought of Patrick as crazy, but after the show everyone loved him. Potter’s way of creating the story was outstanding; I felt like I was there apart of the show. ( )

The little-known story of the National Peace Jubilee in 1869, the largest and loudest concert the world had ever seen — or heard — and the bandleader who made it all happen. ( )