Caroline County Historical Society – Co-sponsor
“A Grand CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental MUSICK with the band Ampersand
– Crooked Shanks, a Tune by a formerly enslaved person
– Revolutionary Tea, to chastise Mother England Liberty, in many versions
– Young Ladies of Town, for Female Patriotesses
– Fish & Tea, a song of Protest
– Here’s to the Maidens, being a celebration of women
– And many more…”
Ampersand’s special Revolutionary War-era program, “Music of the New Nation” focuses on the experience of the home front and everyday people as they faced the battle for independence. Included are songs about the stirrings of revolution; the experiences of colonists in different walks oflife; songs from soldiers on both sides of the conflict; a fiddle tune written by an enslaved person, and protest songs written at the time. This trio of musicians brings guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer, cello, and penny whistles to underscore rich vocal harmonies and great joy in sharing this traditional music with modern audiences.
Ampersand brings together their love of history and music in performances at historical sites, national parks, festivals, and local historical societies. This group focuses on the everyday people in different time periods, playing a wealth of “parlor music” that would have been heard in everyone’s home, as well as the songs that the soldiers would have been familiar with as they used music to help pass the time while they were serving, and songs brought from the African-American tradition and heard in the fields and communities of enslaved peoples.
These musicians explain the history of the songs, where and how music fit into the everyday lives of early Americans and soldiers, and how songs, tunes, and instruments have evolved over time. Participants, including families and children, are encouraged to ask questions, explore areas of particular interest, and join in on the musical portions of the program.