An all-star ensemble of early American music performers present a concert featuring lively Abolitionist psalmody, spirituals, dance tunes, and chamber music from the repertoire of regional African American composers and band leaders. This includes the music of Greenfield’s own John Putnam (c. 1817–1895), “the father of contradance music,” and selections from a newly discovered manuscript of music by early Connecticut composer and fiddler Sawney Freeman. The ensemble will perform on period New England instruments and be joined by local “shapenote” singers, led by Historic Deerfield musician in residence Tim Eriksen.
Patrick Dailey: Countertenor
Benjamin Hunter: Fiddle
Loren Ludwig: New England viols
David McCormick: Baroque violin
Clay Zeller-Townson: Bassoon, tenoroon
