2010 Tavern Concert Series Held at Historic Richmond Town

Sing along and slap your knee to fiddles, guitars and banjos played by some of the area's most popular acoustic musicians. Warm yourself by the wood-burning stove and enjoy the glow of candlelight as you sip hot mulled cider served by folk in authentic 19th century dress. Get to know the regulars - or become one as you welcome the cold winter nights with live music and lively company.

Tavern Concerts at Historic Richmond Town begin January 9th with String Fever and end April 17th with Stout. There will be two shows every Saturday evening at 7:30 and 9:00 PM, with an additional performance by Irish Stout on Friday, March 12.

If you're looking for an unusual gift for family and friends, a Tavern Concert Gift Card is a great way to celebrate that special occasion - birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, January graduations; from Valentine's Day to St. Patrick's Day. Gift Cards are available to purchase in the Gift Shop at Historic Richmond Town.

Tickets are $15 per person and a mini-series of 4 concerts are $55. Staten Island Historical Society members may purchase tickets at $12 per person and $44 for a mini-series of four. Call for reservations (718) 351-1611, Ext. 281.

Jan.9-String Fever

A band with bluegrass at its heart, this talented quintet plays folk, country & swing, featuring three and four part harmonies. Their musical virtuosity is matched only by their sense of humor and love of performing.

Jan.16-Wahoo Skiffle Crazies

Hailing from our very own swampy shores, Staten Island's Premier Jug Band"^TM is, in fact, the Island's only jug band. But that doesn't stop these eight zany musicians from creating wildly fun music-ragtime, blues, & many originals-on their homemade instruments.

Jan.23-Vincent Cross & Good Company

Having emigrated from his native Ireland to New York City, Vincent Cross performs his original bluegrass-inspired songs, as well as classics by the Osborne Brothers, Bill Monroe, & the Stanley Brothers. His high lonesome vocals leave audiences wondering whether he may from Kentucky instead of Killarney.

Jan.30-This Old House

This dynamic jazz trio playing saxophone, acoustic guitar, & stand-up bass will light up (and shake up!) the Tavern with tunes by Patsy Cline, Robert Johnson, Louis Prima, and many more. As electric as acoustic can get...

Feb.6-Songs of the Sea & Taverns

Known by the local Townspeople as the "Richmond Tavernacle Choir," this motley assortment of performing groups annually fill the tavern with great sailor sing-alongs, heart wrenching ballads, and tales of life at sea and ashore. Landlubbers welcome...

Feb.13-Linda Russell & Companie

Celebrate Valentine's Day Eve with Tavern veteran Linda Russell-a singer/songwriter deeply rooted in traditional music, playing mountain and hammered dulcimers.

Feb.20-Blue Harvest

Featuring some of New York City's hottest acoustic musicians, this bluegrass band combines rich harmonies and fiery instrumentals to create real honest-to-goodness homespun music that everyone will enjoy.

Feb.27-Johnson Girls

This energetic all-woman a cappella group specializes in maritime music.

Their repertoire includes songs of Afro-Caribbean, Irish, Anglo-American, Italian & French Canadian influence; songs of the inland waterways, of fishing, mining & much more.

Mar.6-Risky Business Bluegrass Band

Tavern veteran Rich Rainey heads up a talented combo that serves up great bluegrass music featuring 5-string banjo, string bass, mandolin, rhythm and lead guitar.

Friday, Mar.12 &

Saturday, Mar.13-Irish Stout

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a lively band of seasoned performers playing traditional Irish songs, ballads, and upbeat melodies.

Mar.20-Triboro

They hail from the boroughs of NYC but look beyond the Hudson to other places and times for songs and inspiration. This acoustic vocal trio applies fine three-part harmony to an eclectic mix of genres.

Mar.27-Point Cross

Named for a village on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, these Tavern veterans specialize in Scottish and Irish fiddle tunes and lively Appalachian and Cajun material.

Apr.3-Harbortown Revue

Award winning songwriter Bob Wright performs songs about our Island and its harbor environs, joined by a coterie of musical friends.

 

Apr.10-Dirdy Birdies Jug Band

The World's Most Dangerous Jug Band! Wandering minstrels that have been together since 1965 (!), their repertoire includes traditional jug band tunes, gospel, folk, and doo-wop with homemade instruments and tight vocal harmonies.

Apr.17-Stout

The Tavern and Stout go together like cats and pajamas! They're a group of experienced folk musicians who combine hearty five-part vocal harmonies with traditional acoustic instruments and create an enthusiastic 19th century musical experience not to be missed.

For visitors who are looking for additional fun, the Staten Island Historical Society is offering several seasonal programs at Historic Richmond Town including:

BOOK SIGNING
Sunday, December 20, 2:00 p.m.
Meet the authors of the newly released book, "Port Richmond" by Dr. Phil Papas, and Professor Lori Weintrob.

DOLL & TEDDY BEAR PARTY
Wednesday, December 30, 1:30 p.m.
Bring your favorite doll or teddy bear to meet other special friends at our Victorian Christmas Tree. Lively, interactive story-telling makes the occasion special, holiday treats round out the fun.
Prepaid reservations required. Call 718-351-1611, Ext. 281.
$8.00/child, $4.00/adult; SIHS members: $7/child, adults free.

NEW! STORY MUSEUM - JANUARY & FEBRUARY, 2010
2ND Saturday - January 9 & February 13 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. for kids ages 3 -6.
$3.00/Child, Adult/FREE.

Friday, January 22, 7:30 p.m.
How to research and find historical documents on Staten Island - an engaging seminar by Barnett Shepherd. Mr. Shepherd, former executive director of Historic Richmond Town, current caretaker of our Judge Jacob Tysen House and advisor to the Staten Island Museum, share stories about extraordinary finds made through the years.
Mr. Shepherd's most recent work, Tottenville: the Town the Oyster Built will be available for purchase.
Free to Members, $10 for Non-Members.
Reservation required. Please call 718-351-1611 Ext. 236.

Saturday, February 6, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Valentine Card making workshop - join our crew of volunteers in making Victorian valentines for local nursing home residents. FREE (Kits may be purchased for personal use).

After-school Book Club
Students in Grades 4 through 8 meet on Wednesday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. in the Historical Museum to read and discuss selected books covering major periods in history. The collections and historic buildings of Richmond Town will enhance the readers' experience of the time periods. Program is FREE, cost of book additional.

English Country Dancing
Every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., through April 26. Learn dances from the courts of England and Colonial America. Beginners welcome and no partners necessary. Third County Courthouse, 2nd floor. $5.00 per person. For information call (718) 351-1611, Ext. 281.

The Story Museum
Preschool children up to age 5. Step inside a world filled with the magic of stories, crafts, music, dancing and singing. Every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Historical Museum. Call for reservations (718) 351-1611, Ext. 280. $3.00 per child, adults are FREE.

EXHIBITS

"BRINGING UP BABY: Children's Furniture & Family Life"
The Historical Museum's new exhibition of objects of childhood illuminates aspects of 19th century childhood that are still relevant to parents today, including children's safety, diet, social skills and hygiene. Regular village admission.
This exhibit was made possible by the generosity of Wendy Shadwell. NEW! Audio tour!

"Third County Courthouse: Center for Civic Life on Staten Island" - This exhibition was funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and can be seen in the Staten Island Historical Society Third County Courthouse.

TOYS!! (ongoing) - Historical Museum

MADE ON STATEN ISLAND - Historical Museum

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Historic Richmond Town

The Staten Island Historical Society operates Historic Richmond Town, New York City's historic village and museum complex. Historic Richmond Town is comprised of more than 25 homes and public buildings, including the Voorlezer's House, a National Landmark building dated to the 1690s; the Third County Courthouse, built in 1837; and PS 28, an elementary school built in 1907. Together these buildings recreate the history of over 300 years of continuous residence on Staten Island. Located in the heart of Staten Island, Historic Richmond Town is a 15-minute drive from all bridges and a 30-minute ride from the Staten Island ferry on bus S74.

Visitors to Historic Richmond Town can tour furnished historic structures as well as the exhibition galleries in the Historical Museum. The museum features the exhibitions Made on Staten Island, which presents the Island's industrial and social history, and TOYS!, which explores the many ways that children learn about themselves and their world through toys.