• Home
    • Recordings
  • Schedule
  • Press
    • BIO
    • Photo Gallery
    • EPK
    • Robert Burns, Man, Myth, Music
    • Irish Bards & Blarney
    • Music of the Maine Coast
  • Contact
  • News
  • The Grand Design
    • Grand Design Audio
    • Grand Design Video
  • Weddings
  • Song of Ships & Sailors

    Castlebay

    • Home
      • Recordings
    • Schedule
    • Press
      • BIO
      • Photo Gallery
      • EPK
      • Robert Burns, Man, Myth, Music
      • Irish Bards & Blarney
      • Music of the Maine Coast
    • Contact
    • News
    • The Grand Design
      • Grand Design Audio
      • Grand Design Video
    • Weddings
    • Song of Ships & Sailors

    The book is done! 160+ songs with complete lyrics, melodies, and historic notes.

     You can hear midi files of all the melodies at this link: http://castlebaycds.com/bygone_ballads_1_sound.html

    "One of the very best books on historic songs of the sea. There are many such books, but few achieve such a high level throughout, with such attention to musical detail and such precise writing. The lengthy introduction itself is invaluable to anyone interested in historic music, the sea, and Maine. "

    Dr. Stephen Sanfilippo, Ph.D. Maritime History, educator, performer, author & editor

    You can order your copy here!

     

    "Not since Joanna Colcord published Roll and Go in 1924 have we seen such a comprehensive compilation of songs from the sea as this one. Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee have brought forth not just the songs, but so much important contextual information, such as a map of the location of singers, the source of the song, the melody to which the song is sung, and editorial notes that compare songs with other known versions, or similar songs known by different names.

    "This is a book that will be a treasure to singers, but also to folklorists, ballad scholars and historians. The authors have exceeded their goals to create a song book. They have created a volume that will stand proudly on library bookshelves next to books by Phillips Barry, Fannie Eckstorm, Joanna Colcord and other ballad scholars." 

    Pauleena MacDougall, Ph.D., Former director Maine Folklife Center, author & editor 

     

    Softcover edition is $29.95 plus s&h.

    Hardcover edition is $39.95 plus s&h

     

     

    Castlebay has been musically weaving together the heritage of New England and the Celtic lands since 1987. Members Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee have loved and researched traditional music for most of their lives and blend history, legend and experience into their personable performance style. Their concerts feature poignant ballads sung in Lane's ethereal soprano and Gosbee's rich baritone interspersed with joyous dance tunes played on Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle and tin whistle. Castlebay treats the audience to a musical journey through time and across the Atlantic. The duo also presents special theme concerts on various aspects of Celtic lore, nautical life or Colonial America.

     

    "What captivated [the audience] were Julia and Fred's musicianship, the apparent casualness with which they weave their listeners into magical worlds of storytelling, song, and harp, and their down-to-earth (and sea) Maine coast and Celtic tunes, tales, and salty humor".

    Castlebay has toured the Eastern U.S., Ireland, England and Scotland playing at festivals and arts centers, as well as on radio and television. The duo maintains a commitment to cultural education, exchanging music and lore with colleagues. They provide folklore and music programs for schools, museums, libraries and Elderhostels exploring Celtic lore and tradition throughout the eastern US and the British Isles. Castlebay has released 35 recordings including both original and traditional songs, Christmas harp recordings, and the "Tapestry" collection, a 6-part instrumental series.

    None of this would be possible without the help and support of many friends. Our thanks to you all.

    Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee are members of American Federation of Musicians Local 1000.

    Why Tradition?
    The people who inhabit a region resonate to their environment, working with it to survive and even to enrich their lives. Work habits and social behaviors arise according to their relationships with seasons, weather and the condition of the land. From these come belief systems, folklore, art and music. Immigrants carry the ancient traditions of their race as well as internalizing the influences of the new place.

    In the drive for "progress and success" awareness of connections and responsibility for each other and our environment has been obscured. One of our biggest needs is to understand and appreciate community and resources, both environmental and spiritual. The knowledge of these relationships is paramount in Celtic tradition and has relevance in modern society.

    The music and lore of both the Celtic lands and New England is alive with imagery associated with our relationships to each other and the natural world. The stories and songs are a vehicle for explaining them and attempting to transform, or be transformed by them. Hearing and understanding ancient stories and music inspired by elemental experience can help us refill our own wells of creativity and reweave the web of connection. They are timeless, and provide revelation, and even healing, for both the bard and the audience.

    Castlebay is eligible for funding support from NEST Roster - New England Foundation for the Arts and is listed in the Maine Arts Commission Artist Directory

    Julia and Fred are members of American Federation of Musicians Local 1000 and are eligible for funding through the Music Performance Trust Fund

    google-site-verification: google88b1af2f651b0f9a.html

    Recordings Catalog
    Buy Me A Coffee

    About the Newsletter

    We send out the newsletter 6-12 times a year. You will get a bit of news about our adventures, pre-release info about our recordings and a summary of upcoming concerts. You can opt out of our mailing list any time.

    Add message No messages

    CONCERTS

    Previous events

    Aug13

    Blue Hill Maritime Heritage Festival

    Saturday, August 13 @ 12:00PMSat, Aug 13 @ 12:00PM

    Blue Hill Public Landing, Town Center, Blue Hill, Maine

    We played at this great little festival last year. Come on down - there will be lots of music and crafts.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Castlebay concert

    Castlebay concert

    Friday, August 12 @ 7:00PMFri, Aug 12 @ 7:00PM

    New Harbor Methodist Church, 6 South Side Road, New Harbor, Maine 04554

    This is a fund raiser to help replace the steeple (which has been off the tower for a couple of years. Here's more about that: https://lcnme.com/currentnews/new-harbor-umc-to-restart-fundraising-for-new-bell-tower/

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Aug10

    Castlebay concert

    Wednesday, August 10 @ 4:00PMWed, Aug 10 @ 4:00PM

    Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Road, Freeport, ME 04032

    We'll be doing some of our favorite songs, old and new. This is an outdoor concert. Bring a chair or blanket, and a picnic.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Aug9

    Castlebay Concert

    Tuesday, August 9 @ 6:30PMTue, Aug 9 @ 6:30PM

    Lighthouse Museum, Monhegan Island, ME

    This concert is after the last boat to the mainland, so if you come you'll have to stay the night.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Aug6

    Songsof Ships & Sailors

    Saturday, August 6 @ 2:00PMSat, Aug 6 @ 2:00PM

    Ridgefield Public Library, 472 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877

    We'll be performing songs from our book "Songs of Ships & Sailors" for the Oceans of Possibilities summer reading program.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Aug4

    Castlebay concert

    Thursday, August 4 @ 6:00PMThu, Aug 4 @ 6:00PM

    Robinhood, 340 Robinhood Road, Georgetown, ME

    We'll be playing on the lawn beside the Osprey restaurant - maybe within sight of "Ramona" (whose real name is Mary F. Barret)

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul31

    Church Service

    Sunday, July 31 @ 11:00AMSun, Jul 31 @ 11:00AM

    Vinalhaven, ME

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul30

    Castlebay concert

    Saturday, July 30 @ 7:00PMSat, Jul 30 @ 7:00PM

    Union Church, 25 East Main Street, Vinalhaven, ME

    This is always a great time for us. Getting on/off the island is always an adventure but worth the hassle. This concert will be whatever suits our fancy at the time.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul29

    Private Event

    Friday, July 29 @ 3:00PMFri, Jul 29 @ 3:00PM

    Wilson Memorial Chapel, 229 Shore Road, Ocean Point, ME

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul27

    Private Event

    Wednesday, July 27 @ 4:00PMWed, Jul 27 @ 4:00PM

    Bar Harbor, ME

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Songs of Ships & Sailors

    Songs of Ships & Sailors

    Tuesday, July 26 @ 6:00PMTue, Jul 26 @ 6:00PM

    Kennebunk Free Library, 112 Main Street, Kennebunk, Maine 04043

    We'll be presenting some songs from our book, Songs of Ships & Sailors as part of the Oceans of Possibilities summer reading program.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul24

    Castlebay book release party

    Sunday, July 24 @ 4:00PMSun, Jul 24 @ 4:00PM

    Sail, Power & Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic Street, Rockland, ME

    This is a party to celebrate the publication of our book "Bygone Ballads of Maine, Vol I, Songs of Ships & Sailors" The book was published the first of the year but due to Covid concerns we are waiting until we can have an outdoor event. We have invited singing friends to choose a song from the book to share during the afternoon. Our hope is that 15-20 singers will each perform a couple of songs, giving their own spin. The celebration will be in a large tent next to the museum. Folks are welcome to bring a picnic, this event is free and open to the public.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul22

    Private Event

    Friday, July 22 @ 3:00PMFri, Jul 22 @ 3:00PM

    Bradley Inn, 3063 Bristol Road, New Harbor, ME

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Castlebay book discussion

    Castlebay book discussion

    Thursday, July 21 @ 5:00PMThu, Jul 21 @ 5:00PM

    Bristol Area Library, 619 Old County Road, Pemaquid, ME 04558

    We'll be talking about our songbook, "Songs of Ships & Sailors," why and how it came to be. No doubt there will be some music involved!

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul18

    Maine maritime music

    Monday, July 18 @ 4:00PMMon, Jul 18 @ 4:00PM

    Jay-Niles Memorial Library, 983 Main Street, Jay, ME 04239

    Library contact info: (207) 645-4062 | info@jaynileslibrary.com

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul17

    Church Service

    Sunday, July 17 @ 9:30AMSun, Jul 17 @ 9:30AM

    Wilson Memorial Chapel, 229 Shore Road, Ocean Point, ME

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul15

    Children's Program

    Friday, July 15 @ 10:30AMFri, Jul 15 @ 10:30AM

    Bristol Area Library, 619 Old County Road, Pemaquid, ME 04558

    We'll be doing songs, maybe a story or a dance suitable for the young 'uns.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Maine Music Cruise

    Maine Music Cruise

    Sunday, July 10 — Thursday, July 14Sun, Jul 10 — Thu, Jul 14

    Schooner American Eagle, North End Shipyard, Rockland, ME

    Four days of songs, food, tunes, food, sailing, food and an island lobster bake.

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Books in Boothbay

    Books in Boothbay

    Saturday, July 9 @ 1:00PMSat, Jul 9 @ 1:00PM

    Boothbay Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay, ME

    This is a book fair for Maine authors. The fair starts at 9:00; there is a morning session until noon and an afternoon session 1:00–4:00. We will be there with Songs of Ships & Sailors starting at 1:00

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    Jul9

    Private Event

    Saturday, July 9 @ 11:00AMSat, Jul 9 @ 11:00AM

    Wilson Memorial Chapel, 229 Shore Road, Ocean Point, ME

    Share
    View on Google Maps
    « First ‹ Prev 1 2 … 42 Next › Last »
    • Log out

    notes
    0:00/???
    1. 1
      Bound Away 3:15
      Info
      Your price

      Bound Away

      Fred Gosbee/Castlebay

      Please choose a price: $ USD ($0.95 or more)

      Please pay at least $0.95

      Out of stock
      0:00/3:15
    2. 2
      The Winter Moon/Huron Carol 5:26
      Info
      0:00/5:26
    3. 3
      The Mary L. McKay 4:57
      Info
      0:00/4:57
    4. 4
      John, Come Kiss Me Now 4:37
      0:00/4:37
    5. 5
      The Banks of Newfoundland 4:45
      Info
      0:00/4:45
    6. 6
      The Dark Eyed Sailor 3:26
      Info
      0:00/3:26
    7. 7
      The Boxer and the Enterprise 5:04
      Info
      0:00/5:04
    8. 8
      The Irish Rover 3:58
      Info
      0:00/3:58
    9. 9
      The Green Bed (or Pretty Polly) 0:30
      0:00/0:30
    10. 10
      If I were a Blackbird 5:38
      0:00/5:38
    11. 11
      The Schooner Fred Dunbar 4:29
      0:00/4:29
    12. 12
      Mary's Dream 5:31
      0:00/5:31
    13. 13
      The Capture of the Crown 3:55
      Info
      0:00/3:55
    14. 14
      Blow Ye Winds Aye-O 4:36
      0:00/4:36
    15. 15
      McLeod's Welcome 1:03
      0:00/1:03
    16. 16
      Miss Hamilton 1:17
      0:00/1:17
    17. 17
      March of the King of Laois 1:06
      0:00/1:06
    18. 18
      All In a Garden Green 1:01
      0:00/1:01
    19. 19
      Castle of the Faerie Queen 1:38
      0:00/1:38
    20. 20
      Arms Around My Jo 1:48
      0:00/1:48
    0:00/???