On Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30 pm: the Camden Opera House Blue Café presents Castlebay.

The folk duo Castlebay will present a concert of both traditional and contemporary songs in celebration of Samhain, the late autumn Celtic holiday known to most people as Halloween. This special concert will explore the many aspects of the Samhain celebration through songs, poetry and stories of harvest and the twilight of the year.  

Autumn is a time of harvest and preparation for the dark, lean time that is winter. Before the industrial revolution, when the vast majority of people lived in a pastoral setting, this time of renewal was a natural part of the yearly cycle. The mythology, music and arts of the ancient Celtic people reflect their belief in cycles and that a cycle began in darkness. The day started at dusk and the New Year, or Samhain (pronounced sah-when), occurred at the end of October when the seed falls to the earth for a time of incubation. This season called Samhain, which means "summer's end" in Gaelic, is a time for both endings and beginnings; honoring the memory of things past and preparing for Spring's rebirth. More than just a celebration of gathering the fruits of our physical labor, it was believed that we should show appreciation for our ancestors and reap the harvest of their wisdom and experience as we prepare for the next cycle. The Cailleach or "Old Crone of Winter" makes her appearance at Samhain. It was also believed that this is a time when the door to the "otherworld" is open and so we have the opportunity to see both past and future. With this door open, the normal and supernatural mingle and all is not as it seems. Disguises and charms are necessary to confound the tricky spirits and treats are necessary to assuage them. Celtic music and poetry are rich with the symbols and imagery of this potent and mysterious time. Come and enjoy an evening of entrancing Celtic myth, magic and music. 

Castlebay members Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee sing and play the music of the Celtic lands and Maine interweaving music and lore in their personable performances. Both are accomplished vocalists who support their singing and stories with guitar, fiddle, tinwhistle and Celtic harp. Their engaging concerts and programs have been appreciated at arts centers, museums festivals and schools throughout the eastern US and Canada. The duo has released 26 recordings of traditional and original music and they have published the first in a series of books called "Bygone Ballads of Maine- songs of Ships and Sailors".  For more information visit www.castlebay.net 

Seating is limited in the Blue Café; doors at 29 Elm St. open at 7 p.m. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor. FREE admission, all welcome. Donations to the Community Arts Fund welcomed.