Friends of Fort Trumbull To Celebrate Statewide Connecticut Open House Day

FRIENDS OF FORT TRUMBULL TO CELEBRATE

STATEWIDE CONNECTICUT OPEN HOUSE DAY

On Saturday, June 9, 2012, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism will sponsor Connecticut Open House Day.  On this day, admission to the Fort Trumbull State Park Visitors Center and Fort will be Free.  This one-day celebration has been designed to instill pride in Connecticut’s citizens and encourage them to explore our state’s treasures.

   In support of that goal, The Friends of Fort Trumbull will sponsor Free Musical Events in the Fort from 1-3 p.m.  At 1 p.m., the Lighthouse Kids Sea Shanty Chorus will perform.  This group is composed of students in the 4th and 5th grade in New London Public Schools in the enrichment program, SEMI-Student Enrichment Model Initiative, provided by a partnership with the New London Maritime Society & Customs House Maritime Museum. Geoff Kaufman, Master Chanteyman from the Mystic Seaport Museum, is their music director.   They will be led by Jody Barthel, their SEMI instructor.

 At 2 p.m., the Friends will welcome to the Fort The Blarney Stones, a group led by Rev. Mark O’Donnell, the new pastor at St. Joseph’s Church in New London.  Bruce Tennyson, Matt O’Donnell and MaryRose Mead will play traditional Irish instruments and sing Irish, Scottish, and Maritime music.

 At 3 p.m., Peter Magrane and Eclectia will get the audience singing and clapping.  They will be playing a selection of Jazz , Blues, and Folk.  Peter Magrane began playing guitar at age eight, and his many years of devotion to music and performance have turned him into a premier guitarist and singer/songwriter.  He is the master of folk, blues, country and classical styles.

 June Hoye is the Chairperson of the event assisted by Joyce DeLaura and MaryEllen Hanrahan-Decorations, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hogan-Set-up Supervisors.

 The Concerts will not take place in case of rain. Participants are asked to bring folding chairs.  Please join us and enjoy these exciting programs.  For more information visit www.fortfriends.org