Monday, March 20, 2000

NOTE: Photos of Mr. Callinan are available by e-mailing brownp@uncwil.edu.

WILMINGTON -- As a special addition to open house celebrations Sunday, March 25, from 1-5 p.m., the UNC Wilmington Center for Marine Science will feature Tom Callinan and songs of the sea. Callinan, Connecticut's first "Official State Troubadour," and one of the Northeast's most popular and enduring folk singers, will present "Songs & Tales Of Ships, Whales, & The Sea," a selection of marine and maritime-related songs, chanteys, and instrumental selections from a variety of historical periods, including some of his original compositions.

In a series of four programs starting at 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, and 4:15 p.m., Callinan will add a cultural dimension to an afternoon of talks by UNCW scientists, ocean-related films, displays, and tours of the new laboratory building. Admission is free.

Parking for the event will be at Myrtle Grove Middle School on Piner Road, and a free shuttle will transport visitors to the open house.

Callinan, a former Connecticut junior high school teacher, has been a full-time creative and performing artist since 1977. Annually, he presents hundreds of programs from Maine to Florida for audiences spanning nursery schools through nursing homes. His concert will feature his extensive repertoire of sea songs, chanteys (work songs), and original songs that highlight his concern for whales and the marine environment, including coral reefs. His presentation of sea chanteys will be punctuated by the primal sound of the bodhran (traditional Celtic frame drum). Fo'c'stle ballads recall the days of wooden ships and iron men. On the lighter side, his participatory songs, spoon-playing, and antics reach out to audiences of all ages, inviting everyone to join in with his performance. Adept at performing the folk music of Ireland and the British Isles, Americana, and a wide variety of songs and tunes from many times and places, Callinan will be self-accompanied on a variety of musical instruments from the wind, string, and percussion families.

Tom's program will include excerpts from his albums, "Saturday Night At Sea" (solo), "Earth Revival" (with wife, Ann Shapiro), and "Soundings For The Whale" (with The Morgans).

For information, contact: CRACKERBARREL ENTERTAINMENTS,168 Shore Road, Clinton, CT 06413; Phone/FAX: (860) 669-6648; E-Mail: crackerbrl@aol.com