Be prepared to sing along during this evening of lusty songs hosted by local musician Janie Meneely and presented by Wammie-award winning ethnomusicologist Jennifer Cutting and her merry band of music-makers. The one-night-only performance will be held at the Galesville Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 3 from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance ($18 cash); $25 at the door.
Perhaps better known for her Ocean Orchestra, Cutting has spent a lifetime culling through historical archives and resurrecting ancient songs that resonate with today’s audiences. For this performance Cutting strays from the straight and narrow world of traditional folk music and delves into the dark corners of medieval brothels, Colonial taverns, British pubs and public schoolyards to uncover a feistier tradition full of sexual innuendo and explicit lyrics. Count on Cutting to present them at their rollicking best.
Joining her on stage are Dr. Steve Winick, folklorist with the Library of Congress, Craig Williams, a member of the popular Maryland Rennaissance Fair band The Pyrates Royale, and Riki Schneyer, who, growing up as folksinger Helen Schneyer’s daughter, was singing on shows such as Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” from a very young age. But don’t expect them to be using their real names, and, rumor has it, they will be in costume. This is a come-as-you-aren’t gathering, lest your prim and proper neighbors should spy you in the audience (of course, the truly prim and proper won’t be there).
From Friggin’ in the Riggin’ to lesser known ditties like Four Whores of Baltimore, Cutting and her balladeers will offer up verses salacious enough to curdle a librarian’s tea. Expect to hear songs you’ve never heard before (and will doubtless never hear again in polite company) as well as plenty that have the ring of familiarity. Come in good voice (or just a loud one…) and join in on the choruses. No experience necessary! In the low-tech, time-honored tradition of gathering to raise our voices in song, this is community music-making at its tawdry best.
Warning: Do not attend if offended by sexually explicit material. Concert will contain profanity. No recording devices allowed. This is an adults-only performance. Refreshments, beer and wine will be sold. For more information or to order tickets, contact Janie Meneely at 443-786-0463 or [email protected].
