Rutgers University–Camden to Present “Hand Me Down the Silver Trumpet”
Professor Kenneth Elliott's original musical celebrates Camden's rich history of African American musicianship, song, and dance.
Camden, NJ – January 27, 2026: Rutgers University–Camden will present “Hand Me Down the Silver Trumpet,” an original musical conceived and directed by acclaimed theater artist and chair of the university’s Visual, Media, and Performing Arts department, Kenneth Elliott.
The production runs Friday, February 6, through Sunday, February 15, 2026, with performances at the Walter K. Gordon Theater (314 Linden Street, Camden, NJ 08102) on the Rutgers–Camden campus.
The musical honors the pioneering African American recording artists of the 1920s and 1930s, especially those who made landmark "race records" with the Victor Talking Machine Company in Camden, highlighting the city's cultural legacy and Black artists' influence on American music.
The performance will feature classic blues, jazz, and gospel, with a cast of students, alumni, special guests, and a live swing band.
In addition to serving as the chair of the Department of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts at Rutgers–Camden, Elliott co-founded the off-off-Broadway company Theatre-in-Limbo and has directed major productions, including the first New York revival of “The Boys in the Band,” and authored “Beyond Ridiculous,” about his work with American playwright, actor, and director Charles Busch.
About Rutgers University–Camden
Rutgers University–Camden is a hub of academic excellence and innovation, consistently ranked among the nation’s top public colleges and universities. Proudly recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, the university is located in the “eds and meds” district of Camden, NJ—a city known for its cultural and historic attractions, vibrant arts community, renowned healthcare institutions, and headquarters of internationally recognized corporations. The campus offers a welcoming and engaging learning environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Just minutes from Center City Philadelphia—home to a thriving business district and a dynamic cultural scene—the campus also benefits from an array of transportation options for easy access in and around the city.
Home to approximately 6,000 students and more than 1,500 faculty and staff, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community where students enjoy the resources of a world-class research institution. Motivated scholars collaborate with world-renowned faculty, creating an environment defined by discovery and support.
As one of four chancellor-led units in the Rutgers University system, Rutgers–Camden is celebrated as a national model for civically engaged urban universities, earning the prestigious Community Engagement status from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. With its classification as an R2 research university, the campus contributes groundbreaking scholarship and creative output on a global scale.
Ranked among Washington Monthly’s "25 Best-in-Class Colleges", Rutgers University–Camden offers an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and personal achievement, empowering students to reach their highest potential.
-RUC-