On Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. the Edgecomb Community Church will host the folk duo Castlebay performing songs and stories from the Celtic and maritime traditions. Through timeless songs, spritely dance tunes, and haunting aires they treat the audience to a musical journey across time and the Atlantic. Exuberant and expressive vocals are supported with Julia Lane's award-winning Celtic harp style, and Fred Gosbee's expertise on 12-string guitar, fiddle and woodwinds.

For many years, Castlebay has been exploring the traditional music connections between the Celtic lands, Maritime Canada and Maine. These regions share in the richness of this heritage as revealed by the many variations of songs, tunes and stories carried by families moving through the area by land and sea. Julia = and Fred collect and interpret this music through the lens of their own Anglo-Celtic cultural legacy blending history, legend and experience into their personable performance style.

In addition, they have created new songs in the traditional style inspired by their own heritage and environment. As one audience member said, “What captivated us 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.”

In concert, the duo presents these musical stories of romance, ramblers, and rogues, interwoven with history and humor. Castlebay’s wide knowledge and deep cultural roots, their vocal and instrumental skills, and engaging rapport have been appreciated in museums, libraries, schools, arts centers and festivals in the US, Canada, the British Isles and Ireland.

Castlebay has produced over 24 recordings. Their newest albums include "Bound Away" and "The Maid on the Shore," which feature songs from Maine’s archives of traditional song many of which are included in their book “Bygone Ballads of Maine; Volume 1 - Songs of Ships & Sailors.” Both the book and recordings have received international attention.

For more information, please visit www.castlebay.net. Edgecomb Community Church is located at 15 Cross Point Road in Edgecomb. Tickets are $10 for adults; students are free. A Meet & Greet social will follow the concert downstairs in the church vestry with light refreshments. All are welcome.