Concert at the Saugerties American Legion Hall 2/12/11

    What do St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland; feast day March 17th, Robert Burns, the Poet Laureate of Scotland; born January 25, 1759 and Abraham Lincoln, perhaps America’s greatest President; born February 12, 1809 have in common?
What they have in common is that they were all honored in song and in story in a concert by the Civil War musical ensemble; Veterans in a New Field at American Legion Post #72, 30 John Street, Saugerties, 12477 from 1 to 3pm on Lincoln’s birthday; February 12, 2011.
The Veterans in a New Field was founded by well known local folk singer Bob Lusk and local author Bill Payne after they met at the Saugerties Historical Society History Day at the Kiersted House in October 2009. Bill was having a book signing in conjunction with a display of items from the Post’s Veteran’s History Museum. Bill’s book, The Veteran in a New Field, isa Civil War mystery novel set at the Mountain House and in Saugerties in 1866, when the hero, Seamus Delaney, a veteran of the Irish Brigade, returns from the War and becomes involved in solving a murder mystery. Bob read the book and suggested that he and Bill could perform some of the many songs; the greatest hits of the sixties; the eighteen sixties, referenced in the book. The Veterans in a New Field was formed, including Bob, Bill, singer/soloist Dale Welwood and RJ Butler, and has presented at the Inquiring Mind Bookstore, the Kiersted House and the Hootenanny at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
As America enters this, the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the first year of the Civil War, it is appropriate that our community remember those who sacrificed 150 years ago for the advancement of freedom and the preservation of the nation. Many of those who served, particularly those who fought in the ranks of the Irish Brigade and the New York 79th Cameron Highlander Regiment, were born in Ireland or Scotland or were of Irish and Scottish decent. Many of the songs we associate with our Civil War; Marching through Georgia, Lincoln and Liberty and Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the Boys Are Marching, for example,were adapted from Celtic tunes. Other songs our soldiers and their loved ones sang, were brought directly from the Gallic tradition; with music, words, instruments and all, including; When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Bonnie Charlie, Annie Laurie and Flow Gently Sweet Afton.
The Veterans in a New Field present these songs, both rousing and poignant, played on traditional instruments; guitar, banjo, concertina, accordion, penny whistle, harmonium, bodhran drum and bones. At the presentation on February 12th, “The Vets” were joined by special guest artist, Peigi Mulligan, (The Piper Laureate of Saugerties) on the bagpipes. Also, Bill Payne will had a signing of his book and the Legion Veteran’s History Museum was open to audience members before and after the concert. A portion of the proceeds from the book signing and the concert were donated to the Post for continued support of the museum.
Many folks came out and enjoyed an afternoon of music they probably won’t hear very often on the radio, and honored  those who served and helped support the preservation of our local heritage.