News release from Forbes House Museum

Forbes House Museum will hold its 2nd annual Civil War Concert featuring the band, Dixon’s Gold,  comprised of lead musician, Donn Scott Shetler, along with Jill Gross, Bruce Millard, Mitch Nelin and John Moriconi, will cover songs sung by Civil War troops, both north and south.

“The music can be traced back to ballads from the old country, England and Ireland,” says Donn Scott Shetler, “since many conscripts were immigrants or descendants of those countries.”

During the Civil War, the 69th Infantry, for example, was comprised entirely of Irish immigrants, known for their legendary fearlessness and courage in battle.

Dixon’s Gold will perform with mandolin, mandocello, string bass, trumpet, penny whistle, clarinet, banjo, and guitar along with vocals. They will play favorites such as The Valiant Conscript, The Battle Cry of Freedom and Lakes Of The Pontchatrain. The audience will be encouraged to sing along.

“So far, we have put together a list of 17 songs,” says Shetler, “and we are researching more songs to add to the set. This genre of music is dear to my heart, and the band is really looking forward to its gig at the Forbes House.”

“It’s so special that my father, a musician and a retired music educator, will visit from North

Carolina to attend the concert,” says Shetler.

Tickets are available in advance; $10 per person for adults; $8 per person for members; $25 for a family of four; $20 for a member family. Children under 5 are free.

Arrive at the Museum between 3-4pm for a free tour the Museum and the FHM Lincoln Cabin, whose restoration is almost complete. See the cabin’s brand new roof and freshly applied red mortar chinking.

Concert goers should bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Food items will be on sale in limited quantities; guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages.

For more information, on special events, programs, membership and group tours, call the Museum at 617- 696- 1815. Visit our website or our Facebook page.

For more information on Donn Scott Shetler and Dixon’s Gold, visit the website.