"Thank you so much for coming to the Ridgefield Library to share the fascinating life and work of Robert Burns with our audience. What a wonderful evening of music, poetry, and song. You can't get a better combination than that!
Everyone I spoke to afterwards really enjoyed the show, especially the Scottish contingent. I think you probably made a lot of people yearn for the "old country!"
Good luck and thanks again,
Leslie Lambton
Adult Programming Director
The Ridgefield Library and Historical Association
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Your Performance at Crandall on April 7th was everything I hoped it would be‹delightful, entertaining and inspiring. It seemed to me you invited us into a world of music and poetry that was very special. We all had a wonderful time with you, as you shared your knowledge of the life and times of Robert Burns.
I can't remember when I heard a person's life described so truthfully and with such sympathy. Burns is a completely human and flawed character, yet you helped us warm to him and admire him. Your own enjoyment of the music and poetry is infectious. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us.
Many people in the audience that night came up to me later to thank me for this program, but the thanks goes to you. Let us know when you are next playing in this area."
Katherine Chansky
Crandall Public Library
Glens Falls, NY
The poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) collected and wrote new lyrics for hundreds of traditional Scottish folk tunes which he felt were falling into obscurity. Working in the Scots language of the "lowlands", which is distinct from the Gaelic of the highlands and islands, he produced many masterpieces of 18th century poetry and song. Among these are My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Comin' Through the Rye and Auld Lang Syne, popular even today at New Year's celebrations. His short but colorful life has become the subject of both legend and scholarly documentary.
The duo Castlebay (Julia Lane & Fred Gosbee) have studied the man,the myth, and the music. They have presented lecture/performances for elder hostels, libraries, and schools in New England, New York, Georgia, and South Carolina. In their program romantic love songs are interspersed with lively dance tunes as well as poems and anecdotes about the Scotland's National Poet.
Castlebay is well known for their sensitive arrangements of traditional Scottish music. Both Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee are fine vocalists and support their singing with a variety of instruments including Celtic harp, 12-string guitar, fiddle and woodwinds. They have toured the British Isles annually since 1993 playing at folk clubs, art centres, and festivals.
Castlebay's Celtic tours have inspired the duo to create much original music, including a collaboration with Scottish musicians in the southwest of Scotland, where Robert Burns lived and worked. This work, The Sang O the Solway, combined original instrumental compositions written by the duo with traditional songs from the region. Castlebay has performed this work with Scottish colleagues several times in 2000 and 2001 throughout southeastern Scotland, and in 2002 at the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow. They have recorded several albums of both traditional and original work including Ae Fond Kiss(2003) which features seven compositions by Robert Burns. In 2009 they released Rantin' Rovin' Robin in celebration of Burns' 250th anniversary.
In addition to their concerts and recordings, Castlebay has a commitment to cultural education. They maintain an on-going exchange with Scottish musicians and folklorists and present educational programs about Scottish music and folklore. They are listed in the Maine Arts Commission touring artists roster, the New England States Touring Roster, and the Connecticut Library Association Presenters roster.
How does it sound? We have sound samples from a live concert (34 minutes mp3) We have also have a 30 minute live concert demo CD available for those seriously considering bringing this program to their venue.
For information about our touring schedule and fees please contact us.
We are eligible for grant funding from the New England States Touring Roster. Contact NEST for more information.