Dressed in the clothes of 18th-century itinerant musicians, Deirdre Sweeney and Al Petty will perform an extensive repertoire of historical dance music, as well as marches and laments, including 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health.” Their instruments include the flute, penny whistle, recorder, and fife. The music was gathered from manuscripts printed between the 17th and 19th centuries and arranged in counterpoint.

The two musicians, who sometimes appear with a third musician as the Colonial Minstrels, have long been active in related musical cultures, including American fife and drum and traditional Irish music. They are popular performers at the Paul Revere House Museum in Boston.

DATE: Sunday, May 18th

TIME: 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Doors open at 2 PM for a social period and refreshments; 2:15 PM Announcements and Annual Meeting, followed by the Guest Speaker

LOCATION: Bedford Old Town Hall, Great Room (3rd Floor), 16 South Road, Bedford, MA 01730

ACCESSIBILITY: There is an elevator to the 3rd floor, where the program will be held.

This program is offered by the Bedford Historical Society as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!