"What's Castlebay all about? -- Seafaring, the darkness and lightness of the coast of Maine, the rhythm of the tides"
-- Peter Spectre, marine author
Castlebay treats an audience to a musical journey through time and across the Atlantic as they interweave timeless songs, spritely dance tunes, and haunting aires inspired by the spirit of our rich nautical and Celtic heritage. Exuberant vocals are supported by Julia Lane's unique self-taught, award-winning Celtic harp style and Fred Gosbee's expertise on 12 (or 14)-string guitar, violin, viola, and woodwinds. Their deep appreciation for the unique character of their home state of Maine, as well as the Celtic lands, Castlebay blends history, legend and experience into their personable performance style.
Since 1984, Fred Gosbee and Julia Lane have created a body of work that celebrates Maine's maritime heritage and environment. Known for their arrangements of traditional music, they have also received critical praise for their evocative original compositions: Gosbee for his finely crafted narrative ballads and Lane for her imagery and beautiful melodies.
Castlebay has frequently appeared at sea music festivals in both the United States and Europe They have shared their songs and stories on concert stages from Nova Scotia to Florida, where they have delighted audiences of all ages.
Together, Lane and Gosbee have written, recorded, and produced two albums of original music, Song of the Sea and The Ballad of Cappy John. These songs depict the lives of those who live by the sea, not only the deep water sailors but also the shipwrights, coasters, fisherman and their wives. These are the people who established Maine as a maritime legend and who continue to build that legend with their daily lives of skill, hard work and pride.
In 2006 they released a live concert recording of maritime songs, Islands In Time. This CD was recorded in several venues from Maine to North Carolina between 2004 and 2006.
Castlebay tours throughout the year. Bring a taste of Maine to your locale! For current information on our schedule, travel plans, and fees, please contact us.
May there always be safe haven from the storm
May the sun glow softly on your skin
May the stars shine bright
May the dawn come clear
May you always run before the wind
from Run Before the Wind©Julia Lane
Audio Samples
The Mackerel Jig/Out on the Ocean
We've been doing a concert sponsored by Colonial Pemaquid, usually on Labor Day weekend, and for many years in the parade ground at Fort Frederick. Last year we moved the concert to the education building at the Pemaquid Lighthouse park. While the outdoor event was fun, we don't have to deal with sun, wind, or rain – and neither do you! This is a free concert.
This is a reception for the NH _ Ireland trade conference. There will be two other acts performing as well as Castlebay.
What were people singing in 1640? We'll be sharing songs from the colonial period, 1600-1790.
Past Sea Music Festivals
May there always be safe haven from the storm