Matthew Dodd, Performer
Songs & Stories of the Civil War
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Dressed in period soldier's clothing, Matthew Dodd takes listeners back in time to feel what it was like to be a soldier, civilian, loved-one-at-home or escaped slave in the Civil War Era. Through period songs, excerpts from actual letters, and anecdotes (humorous and poignant) Matthew evokes the feelings and passions of that pivotal era of American history. Matthew bypasses the stories of the generals and the battle movements and concentrates on the feelings and stories of the individual soldier (North and South) , the mother, father, or sweetheart left at home, and of the men and women who "followed the drinking gourd" to freedom.
Matthew sings and plays acoustic guitar, harmonica, banjo and mandolin.
The 69th Pennsylvania Irish Volunteers
A Civil War Band
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Since 1999, the 69th PA Irish Volunteers Band has been performing at Irish Pubs, Barnes & Noble, elementary & middle schools, Celtic Festivals, The Friends of National Park at Gettysburg and elsewhere with all proceeds going to benefit Irish & American history preservation (including the Philadelphia Irish Memorial & WWII Memorial), tombstone dedications on Veteran's Day (close 60 to date) as well as Civil War battlefield preservation projects. The first battlefield monument at the Battle of Glendale, VA (dedication: June 2010) was the result of these efforts along with their long-term partnering with the Civil War Trust. Jim Lightheiser, the president of the 60,000+ member CWT, has noted "that there is no group in the hobby like the 69th PA Irish Volunteers." The 69th PA Volunteers Reenactor Regiment, with the help of the 69th PA band and their CD sales, have raised over $90K to date. Their two musical CDs of 19 songs each were released in 2002 -"Rock of Erin" and in 2006 -"In Their Honor" which have received excellent reviews with a number of songs on each CD being written by band members George Levins and Brian Rock. The band is featured in the movie and sound track of "Placebo" (released in 2008- Anomaly Films).
Visit them at www.pa69Irish.com.
Nancy Shill & Charles Pellegrino, Performers
Fiddlesticks
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Nancy and Charlie have a tight sound, with vocal harmonies, fiddle, guitar and mandolin playing honed over years of performing around the Delaware Valley. Nancy learned her rhythmic fiddle style in West Virginia where she played with such old timers as Melvin Wine and Wilson Douglass. She called square dances and belonged to a clog dancing troupe. Charlie's guitar playing and singing have been well known in the river towns between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His quality baritone singing voice and upbeat guitar style are a treat for all listeners.
Nancy and Charlie have performed at many area parties, socials, music festivals, and for other cultural and public exhibitions.