The Power of Words & Music
Celebrating the Irish Bardic tradition, this concert includes ancient poetry and legends accompanied by harp as well as songs based on old stories and lore with lyrics by modern poets. Mystery, romance and blarney combine with music for a delightful program which includes not only sprightly dance tunes and haunting ballads, but also the legends, lore and engaging rapport with which the duo has always delighted audiences.
The Bardic tradition has always been strong in Celtic societies and the power of words and music held in great esteem. Ancient poetry, stories and songs are filled with mythology and symbolism, wit and satire. During the nineteenth century there was a great resurgence of interest in these themes. Poets such as Thomas Moore, William Butler Yeats, Padraic Colum and John Montague have written romantic, mysterious works based on old stories and lore, many of which have been set to music. This program features those songs as well as ancient folk tales supported with the music of the Celtic harp.
The Celtic lands have provided rich inspiration for many musicians, and Gosbee and Lane are no exception. Both have had an avid interest in collecting and performing this music for most of their lives. In particular, Julia Lane's dedication has won her three awards for her playing of the Celtic harp. Their performances feature poignant ballads sung in Lane's ethereal soprano and Gosbee's rich baritone supported with harp and guitar. Interspersed with songs are stories and joyous dance tunes played on fiddle and tin whistle. The duo will share lore and history associated with the music as well as their own experiences travelling in Ireland.
How does it sound? Try the audio files or watch the concert video on this page.
For information about our touring schedule and fees please contact Castlebay.
Castlebay is eligible for grant funding from the New England States Touring Roster. Contact NEST for more information.
The Harper's Song words by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
O'Rourke's Feast translated from Irish by Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) and Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)
Golden Apples of the Sun (Song of the Wandering Aengus) words by W. B. Yeats (1865-1939)
The Music Makers/Lark in the Morning words by Arthur O'Shaughnessy (1844-1881)
Quotes & Reviews
As you saw from the standing ovation this morning your program was well received. We must do this again. How far in advance do you schedule your Florida visits?
Thank you again,
Allie
Summerfield, FL
Dear Fred and Julia,
I have had so much feedback from your performance last Monday. People from all over the area from the Margarees to Pleasant Bay (north of Cheticamp) have called, interrupted my grocery shopping, sent emails, etc., to say what a beautiful evening they had and would I please let them know when you were coming back.
I¹m sure it became clear to you just how much these people keep their culture alive and are so appreciative of the Celtic stories, music, just everything that you gave them in your performance. Even my 7-year-old granddaughter went home to her Mom, raving about the Irish flute and the beautiful handmade harp "made by Fred, Mom!"
Best regards,
Diana
Belle Cote, Nova Scotia
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. 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
Newsletter and concert summary
About the Newsletter...
Concerts in Brief
Beltane Concert - Spring is here!
Merrimack Public Library, 470 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH
In Northern Europe, the first of May has been, since ancient times, a time for revelry and celebration. The world is finally released from Winter’s grasp and Spring enlivens every living thing. A wealth of lore and music is associated with this time and on May 2 the folk duo Castlebay will present joyous songs and stories in a traditional May Garland.
The evidence left us by the early inhabitants of the British Isles indicates that they viewed the calendar year as a circle or wheel with fixed points determined by solar and lunar activity. In addition to the well-known solstices and equinoxes, the ancients marked the cross quarter days or halfway points between with appropriate celebration. Beltane, also called May Day, is one of these "cross-quarter" days, and is celebrated on May 1st, the midpoint between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice.
The music and lore of the British Isles is alive with imagery associated with the turning points of the year and our relationship to the natural world. In many areas, these traditions are still carried on. The "Queen of May" and her consort the "Green Man" preside over Beltane.The denizens of the Fairy realm travel between the worlds. New life is celebrated in symbolic activities assuring the fertility of animals and crops for the rest of the year. The great fruitfulness of the earth and the exuberance of Spring are honored, beginning the night before, with a carefree sense of playful abandon. Rising to greet the dawn, celebrants sing, gather flowers, and dance around the May Pole.
In olden times a garland was not only a woven chain of flowers, but also a collection of songs and music. In this year's May Garland, traditional musicians Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee (known as Castlebay) of Round Pond, Maine, will join voices and instruments to weave together songs and tunes celebrating the coming of May. These fine singers support their vocals with a variety of instruments including Celtic harps, 14 string guitars, fiddles, and woodwinds. The music will be interspersed with humor and historic anecdotes. Come and join Castlebay to cast off winter's cloak as the music of Spring fills the air.
The 2024 Connecticut Sea Music Festival will take place in Essex, CT on June 7-10th. We’re a traditional maritime folk festival, partnering with the town as well as with individual venues to bring you the music. The daytime events are free, with donations accepted. Evening Concerts are ticketed.
Past Library Performances
Anderson County Library , Anderson, SC 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019
Avon Free Public Library , Avon, CT 2004, 2005, 2010
Bangor Public Library, Bangor, Maine 2021
Camden Public Library , Camden, Maine 2003, 2005
Citizens Library , Washington, PA 2007, 2008
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library , Clifton Park, NY 2005, 2007
Collier County Public Library , Naples, FL 2008
Crandall Public Library , Glen Falls, NY 2005
Fairfax Community Library , Fairfax, VT 2004
Jacksonville Public Library , Jacksonville, FL 2021*
Jay Niles Memorial Library , Jay, Maine 2022, 2023
Kennebunk Free Library , Kennebunk, Maine 2004, 2022
Lake Placid Memorial Library , Lake Placid, FL 2019
Lewis Public Library , Corinna, Maine 2002
Lucy Robbins Wells Library , Newington, CT` 2000
Lynn Public Library , Lynn, MA 2009
Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library , Presque Isle, Maine 2012
Memorial Hall Library, Andover, MA 2009
Newport Public Library , Newport, Maine 2022
Northeast Harbor Library , Northeast Harbor, Maine 2003
Peabody Memorial Library , Jonesport, Maine 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017
Pearl River Library , Pearl River, NY 2005, 2007, 2009
Plymouth Public Library , Plymouth, MA 2008, 2009, 2014, 2019, 2023
Ridgefield Library , Ridgefield, CT 2008, 2016, 2022
Rockport Public Library , Rockport, Maine 2017
Rowan Public Library , Salisbury, NC 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020*
Rumford Public Library , Rumford, Maine 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
Sebring Public Library , Sebring, FL 2013
Simsbury Public Library ,Simsbury, CT 2004
Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME 2022
Smyth Library , Candia, NH 2016
Stewart Free Library, Corinna, Maine 2002, 2008
Topsham Public Library, Topsham, Maine 2023
Warner Library, Sleepy Hollow, NY 2004
Washington County Public Library, Chipley, FL 2014, 2016
Williamsburg Regional Library, Williamsburg, VA 2016
Wilton Library, Wilton, CT 2023
* postponed/canceled by Covid 19