Maine Sea Shanty Concert – Songs of Sea, Ships, and Sailors
July 29th, 2021
**This concert has been RESCHEDULED to Tuesday, August 10 at 6 PM!**
The Castine Historical Society will host a free evening celebrating Maine’s rich tradition of seafaring songs and shanties with the musical group Castlebay. The outdoor event will take place on the Castine Town Common at Court and School Streets on Thursday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Tuesday August 10 at 6:00 p.m. People are encouraged to bring a picnic.
Castlebay consists of singers Julia Lane, who also plays the Celtic harp, and Fred Gosbee, who plays the 12-string guitar, violin, and woodwinds. The two have spent years researching the rich archive of Maine maritime music which they will perform at the concert. Of special interest to the area, included will be songs written by Amos Hanson, a 19th century sailor whose family once lived in Castine.
Castlebay regularly tours throughout the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. Their CDs will be available for purchase at the concert. They will also be taking pre-orders for their book to be published in September, Songs of Sea, Ships, and Sailors. The book will have 164 transcribed maritime songs collected in Maine from traditional singers dating from 1885-1950. Included will be historic contextual notes for each song.
The Castine Historical Society serves as a window into Castine’s extraordinary past. The Historical Society preserves local history and hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as lectures, education events, town walking tours, and house and garden tours. Exhibits are on display in its Abbott School gallery at 17 School Street, Castine. The Grindle House offices and research library are located at 13 School Street, Castine. Research appointments are limited at this time and should be made by emailing research@castinehistoricalsociety.org.
The Historical Society exhibits are free and open June 11 – October 11, Friday, Saturday, and Monday from 10 – 4; Sunday from 1-4. Free one-hour walking tours of Castine are offered Friday, Saturday, and Monday at 10:00 and Sunday at 2:00. For further information about exhibits, events, and the Historical Society visit castinehistoricalsociety.org, call 207-326-4118, or email info@castinehistoricalsociety.org
