The Veterans in a New Field crafted a playlist to please young and old while teaching, through the music of those times, the history of the Civil War, the emancipation of enslaved people and the preservation of the Union. The program had some of the older audience members signing along to the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “O Columbia Gem of the Ocean” while the younger folks tapped their toes and even danced to the “The Monitor and the Merrimac” and “Old Abe Lincoln Came Out of the Wilderness”. Our “food medley” that features the meals that Civil War soldiers ate, both tasty and not so much, was well received as always, and even more so with the recent addition of some particular sound effects. The sounds of a 19th Century rail road train also added to the spirit of the abolition song; “Clear the Track!”

A book signing was held after the concert and The Vets wish to thank the Library Board for having us. Special thanks to staff member Regina Johnson and Mr. Johnson for helping us to set up and break down our show and for their invaluable assistance in helping us to lug and tote our stuff in and out. Also a special shout out and thanks to Board member Janet Reale for her support and very kind words to us at the show.

We were particularly happy to have Gary Whittaker and his excellent mandolin playing for his second appearance with us. Welcome aboard Gary!

Parts of our performance can be seen on and liked on our Veterans in a New Field Facebook page.

This represented the 45th program of Civil War and Irish Brigade music we have presented since our first show at the Inquiring Mind Book Store in Saugerties in August of 2010 and we are still going strong! HURRAH! HURRAH! HURRAH! Grrrrrrrr!