Gettysburg's Music Muster offers day of free music and dance on August 22

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 8/7/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE …

CONTACT:

Evangelina Rubalcava

Ranger, Gettysburg National Military Park

(717) 334-1124, ext. 3251

Performances by authentic Civil War musicians will fill the air on Aug. 22 at Gettysburg National Military Park, during the 15^th Annual Gettysburg Music Muster. This one-of-a-kind performance, much of it played on original instruments, includes songs of balladeers, Victorian dance music and dance performances, along with fifes, banjo, mandolin, and more.

The Gettysburg Field Music Muster will include performances by the Susquehanna Travellers – a band that got its start playing traditional tunes around the campfire at re-enactments. The Victorian Dance Ensemble will call and perform several dance numbers of the era in Victorian dress.

This all volunteer organization performs and provides dance instruction and their grand finale will include audience participation.

Additional performers include the 2nd South Carolina String Band, playing the music that was in the hearts and minds of soldiers in both armies during the Civil War, and the 77^th New York Regimental Balladeers, returning this year with vocalist Gisella Montanez-Case. The 26-member Camp Chase Fifes and Drums specialize in military field music and have been leaders in the historical military field music scene since the 1980s.

New this year will be the 46th Pennsylvania Regiment Band. Also known as the Logan Guards, this 12-member band will perform on the historical instruments of the day, playing the music that kept the men in step while on the march. The Irish Volunteer, David Kincaid, will play the music of the Irish Soldier – appealing to both history buffs and Irish music fans alike. An authentic 12-piece orchestra known as Music American will also perform in the style and dress of the Civil War era.

This full day of free music at five different Gettysburg locations begins at 10 a.m. and continues until sunset. The first performance is in front of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike. Additional performances take place on the back lawn of the Museum and Visitor Center from 10:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m., and at the Dobbin House Courtyard from noon to 4:30 p.m. Later in the day, two memorials on the Gettysburg battlefield serve as performance venues.

Performances take place at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and at the Pennsylvania Memorial from 5:30 p.m. until sunset.

The public is invited to attend all of the performances free of charge. Bring lawn chairs, umbrellas, lunches and blankets to spread on the grass.

For more information or a full schedule of performances call (717) 334-1124, ext. 3251, or ext. 8023.