During the heyday of the Historic Erie Canal, canal boats plied the waters ferrying cargo and passengers from Buffalo to New York City. Vibrant communities sprang up along the waterway to serve these boats and the needs of the crew and passengers. The influx of goods and people moving through central New York forever changed the region. Life along the canal and onboard the boats was anything but quiet. Songs and rhymes helped pass the time for those who worked and traveled on the canal boats. Lyrics were changed to fit the location, sometimes with hilarious results.

Musicians Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle take us on a musical journey down the Erie Canal. Cosby and Tom blend history, science, story, and song to give us a robust picture of life on and along the Erie Canal.

Part 1 of this virtual pre-recorded program will debut on Youtube at 6:30 pm, June 10th. Part 2 of this musical journey will debut on Youtube at 6:30 pm, June 17th. Both concerts will be available on Youtube to view after the debut. If you have questions, please call or email Mary Alexander, Curator of Education and Public Engagement at 518-673-2314 ext. 113 or at malexander@mvls.info