Yankee Frolics: Or: Another Bloody Nose for John Bull
An Evening of Songs Regarding the War of 1812 Bicentennial
with
Peter Brice
Judy Cook
&
Lisa Null
with guest appearances from
Donna Long, Jesse Winch, George Stephens, and Catherine Marafino
Saturday, February 25 ? 8 pm
Three of the area?s best-loved singers, Peter Brice, Judy Cook, and Lisa Null share a program of some of their favorite historical songs and music from and about the War of 1812. They have invited some of the musicians with whom they are recording an album of this material to join them in premiering their wonderful collection of the era?s songs and tunes.
To the citizens of the early Republic, the gallant actions of American commanders, servicemen, and citizen soldiers were tremendously inspiring and fortified the fledgling union against dissolution. ?Don?t give up the ship!? The songs, which speak of issues, battles, and personalities from this era, are given interpretations here that refresh the words and meanings for today?s audiences. Some were sung at banquets, taverns, and the theater. Some of them have been collected from oral tradition within the last fifty years. These songs of 1812 are about valor and desertion; press gangs and swashbuckling battles; love, honor, heroism, fear, and ingenuity. Peter, Judy, and Lisa have been singing a cappella ballads for years with careful attention to ways of telling a story or conveying a vivid turn of phrase. Their immersion in traditional vocal styles helps them breath new life into old songs that have lain too long in books and field recordings.
Judy Cook tours throughout England and the United Sates, and is especially well known for her entertaining programs about 19th Century American history.
Peter Brice is a ballad singer and button accordionist from Annapolis, Maryland, where his family has lived since the 17th century. His great-great-great-great grandfather, Nicholas Brice, took part in the Battle of Baltimore, and was Special Judge Advocate on the staff of Major General Samuel Smith, who commanded the defense of Baltimore and Fort McHenry. Peter learned from two great traditional singers known to FSGW audiences: D?nal Maguire of Drogheda, Co. Louth in Ireland and Louisa Jo (?Lou?) Killen. He holds a B.A. in Irish Traditional Music and Dance from the University of Limerick. Peter is the director of The New Century American Irish-Arts Company and The Baltimore Singers Club.
Lisa Null combines an extensive performing background with academic credentials in history and folklore. For several years, she taught courses in ?American Musical Life? at Georgetown University. She has a deep interest in what she calls the soundtrack of Early American history and works hard to communicate the cultural and historical contexts of the songs she sings.
Washington Ethical Society. 7750 16th St.,NW, Washington, DC (near Silver Spring Metro). Free to members; $18 non-members. Info at 301.717.4641 or glen.echo@erols.com
