Southern Maryland Arts & Culture
 
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Next Waldorf West Library Gallery Exhibit to Feature Horticulture Theme

Submission Deadline Extended to May 20!

You still have time to submit your artwork! Computer issues delayed on-line submission, so the date has been extended to May 20, 2013.

The multimedia exhibit will be held from July 2 - September 30, 2013. The galleries are located in the new Waldorf West Library.  

The upcoming show will center around a horticultural theme. According to Webster's Dictionary, "horticulture" is the art and science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants.  This upcoming art exhibit seeks to explore the breadth and depth of nature's bounty and beauty in Charles County.  Charles County's heritage has rural roots, with traditional farming a focal point of the local economy.  In addition, gardening is the number-one hobby today in the United States, and is increasing in popularity every year.


Local artists are invited to submit a maximum of two artworks to the Charles County Arts Alliance for consideration (there is no submission fee). 

Artwork entries must be submitted electronically as low-resolution digital images (jpegs) attached to an email sent to waldorfwestgallery@gmail.com. Entries should include artist's name, title of artwork, medium/materials used, size/dimension, year created, and price if applicable.

Artists who have previously shown in the gallery are invited to submit new work for consideration.  

For more information on the Waldorf West Gallery, the Charles County Arts Alliance and joining its membership, visit the website at www.CharlesCountyArts.org or call 301-392-5900.


 
 
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Chautauqua Opens Series at La Plata Campus July 9, 10, 11

The College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) Twilight Performance Series returns this summer with a new line-up to include history, music and theater. The free, family-friendly, outdoor series will feature local artists performing a variety of country, traditional bluegrass, Latin jazz and folk music, as well as musical and one-act theater programs at campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick.

This year CSM will host Chautauqua at the La Plata Campus July 9, 10 and 11. Twilight performances will continue at the Leonardtown Campus on Tuesdays, July 16, 23 and 30; at the La Plata Campus on Wednesdays, July 17, 24 and 31; and at the Prince Frederick Campus on Thursdays, July 18, 25 and Aug. 1. All performances will begin at 6:45 p.m.

The annual Chautauqua program includes interactive, family-friendly presentations and is an educational program of the Maryland Humanities Council, presented in partnership with CSM. This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History,” and  will feature Chautauquan actors who will portray the historical figures of Rachel Carson, the mother of the environmental movement; Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean; and Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson, the first African American player in Major League baseball. For background on the figures, visit http://www.csmd.edu/Arts/TwilightSeries/index.html. Chautauqua will open at 6:45 p.m. with a short concert by local musician Steve Hickman. Beginning as a dancer and musician in the Potomac Country Dancers, Hickman has performed at the Kennedy Center and on a regular basis in Williamsburg and in Alexandria, Virginia at Gadsby’s Tavern. He also performs at dance and music events nationally and abroad. 

Twilight performances continue the subsequent weeks with local bands Jackson Murphy Band and Sam Grow; theatrical productions of “HONK!,”  “The Fisherman and His Wife,”  “Sure Thing” and “The Actor’s Nightmare”; and local Latin ensemble, Ritmo Caché.

The band Jackson Murphy, with former Fitzmaurice band members Maria Fitzmaurice, Brandon Snellings, Mike Simms and Jeff Covert, has opened for country music heavyweights such as The Band Perry, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley and others. They’ve formed a new band to expand their ever-growing style. Joined by Mark Willis on drums, the band performs everything from traditional country and bluegrass to original songs written by the band. Preview the band at http://www.jacksonmurphymusic.com/about.html  or on its Facebook fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/JacksonMurphyMusic. .

Sam Grow is a musical jack-of-all-trades—a singer-songwriter, guitarist, pianist, bassist and drummer—who grew up in Southern Maryland. He discovered a passion for music by the age of 5 while watching his father and sister singing and playing the piano. Grow’s father introduced him to artists such as The Righteous Brothers, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding and Elvis Presley, who would influence him throughout his musical career. After singing in the choir at his family’s church for several years, Grow headed into the studio in 2007 to record his debut album. Grow has singles which have earned success on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts as well as the album “Reveal” which as a whole record charted at No. 11. He is currently touring the U.S. with a schedule that consists of more than 250 shows a year. Preview Sam Grow’s music at http://www.samgrowband.com/fr_home.cfm or on its Facebook fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/samgrowfans.

Under the direction of CSM Music Coordinator Dr. Stephen Johnson, Latin Ensemble, Ritmo Caché, consists of CSM students and Southern Maryland community members who share a love of Latin-American music. Ritmo Caché plays in a variety of styles including salsa, Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, Latin pop, bossa nova, merengue and Tejano.

“HONK!” is a musical about a goose named Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. When Ugly is separated from his farm and family, he embarks on a rollicking and harrowing journey where he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance.

 “The Fisherman and His Wife” is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm about a poor fisherman who catches a golden flounder that claims to be an enchanted prince. The fisherman kindly releases it but when he tells his wife of the event she says that he should have asked the flounder to grant him a wish. The fish does grant a wish, and many more that the greedy wife demands until she goes too far with her requests.

“Sure Thing” is a one-act classic of contemporary comedy—two people meet in a café and find their way through a conversational minefield as an offstage bell interrupts their false starts, gaffes and faux pas on the way to finding love.

“The Actor’s Nightmare” is a one-act play that follows George who casually wanders into a theater and is suddenly pushed on stage to replace an ailing actor. Unsure of what play is being performed, George stumbles his way through a scene from “Private Lives,” “Hamlet” and “A Man for All Seasons,” until make-believe gives way to reality.

The Twilight series will take place outdoors on the La Plata Campus Fine Arts Building Lawn, the Leonardtown Campus Great Lawn, and on the Prince Frederick Patio. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic, or purchase food on site. No alcoholic beverages are permitted. In the event of inclement weather, performances will move indoors. On the La Plata Campus performances will move to the Fine Arts Center, on the Leonardtown Campus to Building A, Auditorium, and on the Prince Frederick Campus to the Multipurpose Room in Building B.

Gold, silver and bronze sponsorship levels are available for this year’s Twilight Performance Series. For information on sponsorships call 301-934-7649 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-550-6169, Ext. 7649 or visit www.csmd.edu/Foundation. Current support for the series is made possible through Bronze Level sponsorships with Bayside Toyota, CSC, and Research and Engineering Development, LLC; and partnerships with the Leonardtown Business Association and the Maryland Humanities Council; and grant funding from the Arts Council of Calvert County, the Charles County Arts Alliance, the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council.

For information on the Twilight Performance Series call 301-934-7703 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499, or 443-550-6169, Ext. 7703 or visit www.csmd.edu/Arts.

Chautauqua is a program of the Maryland Humanities Council presented in partnership with the College of Southern Maryland. The Maryland Humanities Council, Inc. is an independent non-profit organization which receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Maryland Division of Historical and Cultural Programs, corporations, foundations and individuals.

CSM’s campuses are accessible to patrons with disabilities. Audio description for the visually impaired and sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired are available with a minimum two-week advanced notice. Contact the academic support/ADA coordinator at 301-934-7614.


 
 
Do YOU want to PROMOTE the ARTS?

The Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA) wants you!  If you are a leader and want to help promote the arts in our county, nominate yourself to serve on the CCAA Board of Directors!

What the CCAA is looking for:

CCAA is accepting self-nominations for the (3) Officers and (9) Directors of the CCAA for a two-year term of office, starting on July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015. The (3) Officers are President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer.

Deadline:

Nominations will be accepted from February 15, 2013 through March 15, 2013.

Do you qualify?

Nominations for Officers must be CCAA current members (dues paid) as of January 1, 2013. 

Nominations for Directors must be CCAA current members (dues paid) by no later than the time the nomination is submitted.  

Not a current member now, no problem!  Become a member online here: www.charlescountyarts.org.

I DO qualify!  How do I submit a self-nomination?

Please submit a typed brief written statement indicating:  (1) why you are interested in serving as a CCAA Officer or Director;  (2) your qualifications;  and (3) which specific CCAA committee you are interested in leading or serving on.  Send this written statement (not to exceed one page) to:  info@charlescountyarts.org with the subject-line to read:  Nomination for CCAA Board of Directors.

Here is what the CCAA Board job entails:

  1. Commit to the mission, goals, and objectives of the Charles County Arts Alliance.
  2. Commit to being a leader; CCAA Board positions are leadership positions.
  3. Commit the personal time required to:
    • Attend monthly Board Meetings (12/year)
    • Attend Board Retreats (2/year for full-day meeting), and participate in CCAA-sponsored cultural and membership events throughout the year.
    • Serve on a "hands-on" Board;  it is not an advisory group.
    • Serve in a volunteer capacity;  Board positions are not compensated.
    • Chair or serve on one CCAA standing committee:  Membership Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Grant Committee, Events Committee, Outreach and Marketing Committee, Education Committee, ArtsFest Committee.
What can you expect after you self-nominate?

  1. The CCAA Nominating Committee will accept all self-nominations via email through the deadline of Friday, March 15, 2013.
  2. All nominations will be reviewed by the CCAA Nominating Committee.
  3. The final recommended slate of Officers and Directors will be presented for election and approval at the CCAA Annual Membership Meeting & Reception in May 2013 (specific date and time TBD).  Please note that nominations will not be accepted from the floor at this meeting.  


Thanks for your consideration!
 

 
 
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Charles County Arts Alliance is currently accepting applications for the following position:

OFFICE MANAGER

(Part-time, 25 hrs/wk) La Plata, MD

The Charles County Arts Alliance promotes all the arts: music, visual art, drama, dance and literature. We are currently seeking an experienced Office Manager to support the Board of Directors and provide excellent customer-service to our members and citizens. Duties include managing databases, grants, website, email/phone/correspondence, action tracking, scheduling, notetaking, newsletters, and filing.

Excellent organizational, oral/written communications, IT, and interpersonal skills required. Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office, and be willing to learn Constant Contact. Prior experience in producing newsletters and database/website management required. Must be a team player -- proactive, results-oriented, able to work with minimal supervision. Prior office management required, nonprofit experience preferred. Prior grantwriting/fundraising a plus. Bachelor's degree preferred. Some nights/weekends required. Must have own transportation.

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:info@charlescountyarts.org.

CLOSING DATE: March 1, 2013

 
 
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The College of Southern Maryland's Theatre Company production of the musical "Urinetown” will be performed 8 p.m., Nov. 8 -10, 15 - 17, at College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Fine Arts (FA) Center, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Penelope Pennyswise played by Alyshia Bradley, front right, signs people in to use the facilities as Officer Lockstock played by Jeremy Hunter, back left, keeps order amongst the crowd.


The College of Southern Maryland’s Theatre Company presents its cast for the musical production of  "Urinetown,” a play inspired by the  works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill.

Director Keith Hight describes “Urinetown” as a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he’s had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

CSM’s cast includes Derek T. Pickens of Washington, D.C. as Bobby Strong; Charles Watley of Charlotte Hall as Caldwell B. Cladwell; Matthew Jones as Cop and Dr. Billaux, Jhonni Jones as Josephine “Ma” Strong and Sarah Jones as RICH, all of Welcome; Aimee Bonnet as Hope Cladwell, Stephen Bonnet as Tiny Tom and Taylor Scott Hines as Mr. McQueen, all of White Plains; Greg Kenney as Hot Blades Harry and Shannon Hartfield as POOR, both of Accokeek; Ken LaClair as Joseph “Old Man” Strong, Jeremy Hunter as Officer Lockstock, Katie Fischer as POOR, Lisa LaClair as Soupy Sue and Alex LaClair as Senator Fipp, all of La Plata; Emmeline Jones as Little Sally, Hallie MacDonald and Devon-Marie Pettie as POOR and Jamie Burroughs as Mrs. Millennium, all of  Mechanicsville; Rami Essa as Robby the Stockfish, Simone Hanna as RICH, Emma Veteto as POOR, Jordan Prince and Kenneth L. Waters as POOR and Cops, Jaimie Green and Xavier Prince, both as Cops; all of Waldorf;  Mitchell Landon of Great Mills as Officer Barrel; Alyshia Bradley of Lusby as Penelope Pennywise; Francis Ford of Prince Frederick as Billy Boy Bill and Cop; Danielle LeDoux of Indian Head as Little Becky Two-Shoes; and Alexis Miller of Crofton as RICH.

Performances are at 8 p.m., Nov. 8 through 10 and 15 through 17, at the College of Southern Maryland, Fine Arts (FA) Center, Theater, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 seniors, military members with ID and youth in high school or younger. For reservations contact bxoffc@csmd.edu301-934-7828, or
www.csmd.edu/arts.

The Fine Arts Center is accessible to patrons with disabilities. Audio description for the visually impaired and sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired are available with a minimum two-week advanced notice. If you are interested in these services contact the Box Office at 301-934-7828 or by e-mail at bxoffc@csmd.edu.




 
 
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Call for entries for the annual Mattawoman Creek Art Center's  "Holiday Salon: Shopping Days at MCAC", scheduled to run November 2 to December 16, 2012.  Artists may rent a 7'x8' booth space in the Center to sell original artwork and prints for the holidays.  Tables, easels, etc may be used for displaying works in allotted spaces.  Artists are responsible for set up and take down of their booth areas and are requested to attend the reception for the exhibit on Sunday, November 4, 2012.  Entries may be brought to MCAC between Thursday, November 1st and Saturday, November 3rd, at which date spaces must be completely set up.  An entry fee of $30 for members and $45 for non-members is required.  For more information visit www.mattawomanart.org.    

About Mattawoman Creek Art Center   Mattawoman Creek Art Center (MCAC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1986 to encourage the practice and appreciation of the visual arts in the Southern Maryland community.  Located in Smallwood State Park in Marbury, Maryland, the Art Center is open Fridays - Sundays from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. for exhibit visitors. It is also open whenever workshops or special events are taking place and by special arrangement. MCAC receives support from Charles County Commissioners, Charles County Art Alliance, Maryland State Arts Council, Benefactors, and MCAC's membership fees.  Donations are gratefully accepted.   Follow us on Facebook!

 
 
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People’s Choice Award via annmariearts on Facebook


Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center (Annmarie Garden) congratulates Anya McCullough, 7, and Dennis Halcomb (Anya’s Grandpop), 77, winners of the People’s Choice Fairy and Gnome Home Contest!   Anya and Dennis will receive a Gift Certificate to Wentworth’s Nursery and a Family Membership to Annmarie Garden for their beautiful 2 foot hexagon shaped cedar fairy home, titled Fairy Wishes.    

Fairy Wishes, the perfect title for this perfect home, was inspired by a fairy home made from cardboard and leaves on a rainy day.  Anya and her Grandpop developed this idea that created this magical home, complete with a loft, stone fireplace, furniture, removable roof (for easy cleaning and interior decorating), staircase with railings, and landscaping to follow once the house is returned (currently on exhibit at Annmarie Garden through October 8, 2012).

“Whether you are 7, or 77, fairy and gnomes are for everyone” states Anya’s mom, Gina McCullough.  The Best in Show Competition via Annmarie Garden’s Facebook page, created a lot of positive energy and interest!  McCullough and Halcomb’s home received 134 likes, 25 comments, and 25 shares!  

The 3rd Annual Fairies in the Garden exhibit is on display until October 8, 2012...don't miss all the magic and fun! Be sure to look through one of the five windows of Fairy Wishes, you will be pleasantly surprised and may even wish that you were a fairy!


 
 
Come beat the heat with a weekend of fun in Leonardtown Square! A special First Fridays event on August 3rd from 5 – 8:00 p.m. kicks-off Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square event the next day, August 4th from 4 – 9:00 p.m.  

On the first Friday of each month, the Leonardtown Business Association celebrates First Fridays from 5 – 8:00 p.m. with a variety of specials offered by our Town businesses in downtown and uptown Leonardtown, the Leonardtown Arts Center, Port of Leonardtown Winery, the Maryland Antiques Center complex, the Shops at Breton Bay and Breton Marketplace. 

The August celebration of First Fridays will be a great evening of art, entertainment, food, and special offers.  Have a bite to eat with friends and family, buy your raffle tickets before it is too late, and drop off your used cell phones to benefit Hope Phones. Then come to the Square for the live music starting at 6:00 p.m. featuring the talents of Miles from Clever, or just listen to the tunes as you browse from store to store. 

Join the crowd in the Square at 7:30 p.m. for the Summertime Raffle Drawing to see who wins First prize - a gorgeous, hand-crafted coffee display table built by artisan carpenter Rob Seltzer of Herring Creek Furniture.  Ticket holders are also eligible for a variety of Gift Certificates from local businesses – like Port of Leonardtown Winery, Good Earth Natural Foods, Big Larry’s Comic Book Café, Brewing Grounds, and Fenwick Street Used Books and Music.  Summertime Raffle tickets will be on sale through August 3rd at Port of Leonardtown Winery, Fuzzy Farmers Market, North End Gallery, and Fenwick Street Used Books and Music  -  $1 each or 12 tickets for $10. 

Get some rest Friday night, because you’re going to need the energy for great family fun at Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square the following day, Saturday, August 4th from 4 – 9:00 p.m.   This action-packed event is sure to provide a good time for all!   Highlights include the fantastic tunes of The 25th Hour Band, the high-stepping jump ropers of Greenbelt Sity Stars, energetic line-dancing with Pam Veitch, The Daughters of Veda Mid Eastern Dance Troupe, Zumba dance with Robyn Butcher, strolling juggler Philip DePalo, and scientific magic and hands-on experiments with Mad Science!  Take the free shuttle to Tudor Hall where you and your children will learn about the culture surrounding the War of 1812 with engaging activities and historical re-enactors.

The fun continues throughout the evening with a tug-of-war in the sand hosted by the College of Southern Maryland, fire truck hose-downs provided by the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, inflatable Velcro sticky wall and Bungee Football, moon bounce, kids’ sand pit, hula hoop, jump rope and limbo contests, face painting, crafts, informational displays, games, prizes, food and much more! Both for the young and the young-at-heart, is a display of antique cars and classic corvettes.  Returning to the Beach Party this year is the Running of the Balls, at 7:00 p.m. on Fenwick Street Hill.  Get your prepaid balls from any Leonardtown or Lexington Park Rotary member, at any businesses where you see the Running of the Balls signs, or at the Beach Party event.

If  you’re looking for the water slide, it isn’t in the Square this year, it’s been moved to the Leonardtown Wharf to join the kayaks and stand up paddle boats, as well as the new Giant Basketball Hoop.  Stroll down the hill or take the Hillside Ride shuttle to enjoy the picturesque scenery on beautiful Breton Bay and talk to Mike McWilliams, a waterman and representative of the National Waterman Heritage Foundation.  

Admission to Leonardtown’s "Beach Party" is FREE, but please note that the inflatable Velcro sticky wall and Bungee Football will require wrist bands, which can be purchased for $5 each and allow for unlimited use throughout the event.  Food from Town restaurants, as well as local food trucks and non-profit organizations will also be available for purchase.     

On Beach Party day, Saturday, August 4th, from 12 Noon until 11:00 p.m. several streets in the downtown Square area will be closed to thru traffic.  You are encouraged to park at the College of Southern Maryland and take the free shuttle bus, provided by Carter’s Bus Service, into the downtown area.  Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square is held in historic downtown Leonardtown in the Town Square, on Washington and Fenwick Streets.  This event is sponsored by the Commissioners of Leonardtown and the Leonardtown Business Association.

A special thank you to our Beach Party financial sponsors:  Quality Built Homes, Inc., MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Two Guys Collision Center, College of Southern Maryland, Loiderman Soltesz Associates, Inc., Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, Salsa’s Mexican Café, St. Mary’s Macaroni Kid and a grant from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Maryland Arts Council.

For more information on Leonardtown’s August First Fridays or the Beach Party on the Square events, contact the Office of the Commissioners of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791 or email us at leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net.  You can also visit First Friday on the web at www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com and Leonardtown on the web at www.leonardtown.somd.com.  

 
 
Sotterley Plantation is pleased to announce open auditions for this year’s the Ghosts of Sotterley - “1918:  Influenza, War, and Restless Spirits” and Sotterley Holiday Candlelight - “From This Day Forward.”

Saturday, August 4th    10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, August 7th    6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, August 21st    6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 25th   10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

 
Ghosts of Sotterley roles available for the following:
3 Females age 10-15
1 Female age 16-20
2 Females age 20-35
1 Female age 45-55
6 Females and age in good physical condition to be tour guides (guide is a speaking part)
3 Males age 12-15
11 Males age 20-35
1 Male age 30-55
2 Males age 30-55 (Non Speaking)
1 Male age 55-65

Important Production Dates:

Tuesday, August 28th - First General Meeting.

Beginning August 30th - Rehearsals scheduled for Tuesdays &  Thursdays.
Oct 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27th – Show Dates.

Sotterley Holiday Candlelight roles available for the following:

1 African American Female age 20-30
1 Caucasian Female age 8-12
4 Caucasian Females age 16-22
3 Caucasian Females age 24-34
1 Caucasian Females age 35-45
1 Caucasian Female age 48-58
1 African American Male age 20-25
1 African American Male age 35-45
3 Caucasian Males age 38-48
2 Caucasian Males age 50-65

Important Production Dates:

Last week of October TBA – First General Meeting.

November 3-17, TBA - Rehearsals one week night and one weekend afternoon per week.

November 26, 6-9 p.m. (full cast) - Tech Rehearsal.

November 28, 6-9 p.m. (full cast) - Dress Rehearsal.

November 29, 30, and December 1, 6-9 p.m.

Also needed: Lighting, and Costume assistance! For more information, contact: Linda Tucker Jones, Event Manager at: events@sotterley.org or 301-373-2280.

 
 
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Friday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m.

The Calvert Marine Museum’s Maritime Performance Series presents Pint and Dale on Friday July 20 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Wine, beer, and “lite bites” by Lotus Kitchen on sale starting at 6:00 p.m.

With vocals and guitar, mandola, Irish pennywhistles, percussion and the exotic sounds of the vielle-à-roue or hurdy gurdy, the Seattle duo William Pint & Felicia Dale bring an energetic and contemporary spirit to their performance. Drawing on several cultures, Pint and Dale perform traditional and modern music and songs reflecting the immense vitality of those who live and work on the sea. Their music fits into the world of modern folk, rock, and popular song, but is rich with the myth, narrative, rhythm, rhyme and lyric associated with the days of the tall ships. They have won an ardent following across the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands with their recordings and appearances at festivals and concerts.

Felicia Dale grew up in an environment steeped in the traditional lore of the sea. Born on and raised on Vashon Island in Washington State's Puget Sound, she spent her childhood sailing Northwest coastal waters and cruising Canada's “inside passage.” Her father was a sea captain who brought back tales and treasures from exotic ports of call. Her mother is a transplanted Parisian; Dale learned French as her first language and acquired a lifelong love for the songs of the French seafaring tradition. Felicia’s striking vocal harmonies are matched by her creative use of the hurdy-gurdy and Irish pennywhistles, taking these traditional instruments far beyond their usual roles as she blends them into the texture of a song or departs on improvisational romps with equal ease.

William Pint was wooed away from his early rock and roll influences by the folk/rock sounds of Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention in the 1970s. In 1977 he headed west to escape the cold Wisconsin winters of his native Milwaukee and to pursue music. The salt air of Puget Sound and the rich, seafaring history of the Pacific Northwest soon led him to explore the song and lore of the deep water sailors. With his band Morrigan he recorded an album of Irish tunes and nautical songs “By Land or By Sea,” for Folkways Records in 1979. Along with composer Paul Ely Smith and Robert Kotta in the group Ellipsis, he investigated the unusual combination of minimalist, folk and classical music. Flying Fish Records released their 1984 self-titled recording produced by Mícheál Ó Dhomhnàill. The same trio also performed and recorded as Copperfield, a popular Northwest band specializing in British Isles and Celtic music. The trio opened concerts for Richard Thompson, Martin Carthy, Silly Wizard, John Renbourn, David Bromberg and others.

In performance, William Pint’s emotionally expressive singing is complemented by his powerful guitar and mandola work with which he can supply settings of great delicacy or wild, driving rhythms.