Colonial Williamsburg Visit - Suggestions?

Subject: Colonial Williamsburg Visit - Suggestions?
From: Lesley N.
Date: 14 Jul 99 - 10:11 PM

I'm planning a three day, two night visit to colonial williamsburg and figured they must have some great musical activities. There are lots of taverns - no doubt full of music. Anyone have a recommendation as to which are best?

Subject: RE: Colonial Williamsburg Visit - Suggestions?
From: Murray on Salt Spring
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 03:52 AM

I think all the taverns feature (at some time of day/evening) strolling players--balladeers and sundry minstrels playing fiddles, lutes & whatnot, singing pop songs of the 18th century. Look out for "Nottingham Ale", to the tune of Lilliburlero. I think for one reason or another I frequented Chowning's Tavern when I was there a few years ago. -- There's also actual concerts (without meals, that is), of harpsichord/viol da gamba/recorder/ etc. stuff, and you can attend an 18th-c. style dance (& join in on one or two). Music is all over the place, of course, what with parades by the fife & drum corps most days, I think -- I had the odd experience of hearing them on the green in front of the courthouse playing "God Save the King", which I expected the introducer to call (if not that title) then at least "My Country, Tis of Thee", but of course it was called "God Save Great Washington". See if anyone remembers Murray, who played Governor Gooch in a film shot there.

Subject: RE: Colonial Williamsburg Visit - Suggestions?
From: Lesley N.
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 05:50 PM

It does sound as though there is music everywhere. I'll check out Chowning's. Thanks governor gooch!