CONNECTICUT COMMISSION ON CULTURE & TOURISM ANNOUNCES NEW STATE TROUBADOUR

Pierce Campbell of Naugatuck to Become Connecticut’s Ambassador of Music

{Photo of Pierce Campbell}

HARTFORD, Conn. (December 6, 2006) – The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT) announced today that Pierce Campbell of Naugatuck has been appointed Connecticut’s official State Troubadour, an honorary position established by the General Assembly in 1991. The Troubadour, designated biennially by CCT, serves as the state ambassador of music and song. 

Campbell will serve a two-year term, from 2007 through 2008, and is responsible for promoting Connecticut through song during public performances.  He succeeds current Troubadour Thomasina Levy, who began her term in 2005.

Pierce Campbell is a versatile singer/songwriter who plays acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, bass and harmonica. As a solo artist, his musical style includes original folk, Celtic, sea song, American folk, pop classic and jazz influences. Campbell has released five solo CDs, including his latest, Songs of the Sea, and appears in more than 260 shows annually at a variety of venues throughout the Northeast. He also performs with the Irish group The Kerry Boys and with The Funky Butt Jazz Band, a traditional New Orleans style ensemble for which he writes, sings and plays mandolin, banjo and guitar. 

“It is with great pride that we name Pierce Campbell State Troubadour,” said Jennifer Aniskovich, executive director of the Commission on Culture & Tourism. “His vast experience and expertise in music of diverse cultures will be an asset as he works to familiarize and inspire people of all ages with both existing and new musical compositions.”

Campbell consistently receives high praise for his talent and diverse musical background. “Pierce Campbell writes memorable, engaging songs, sings with a deep, resonant voice, and plays melodic fingerstyle guitar,” wrote Steve Givens in Acoustic Guitar magazine. “[His most recent release] ranges from touching ballads and sing-alongs to ragtime numbers and … spine-tingling instrumentals.” 

A reviewer for the New Haven Advocate wrote, “For years he’s been one of the area’s preeminent folkies.  Campbell’s an accomplished guitarist …  his introspection, which is amplified by his subtly detailed playing style, is his fortune.”

CCT received 10 nominations for the 2007-2008 Troubadour position. Selection criteria included artistic quality of performance and programming, experience with diverse audiences and songwriting ability.

CCT convened a distinguished panel of musicians to review the nominations.  Panelists included:

Thomasina Levy, 2005-2006 Connecticut State Troubadour. She is a singer, songwriter and mountain dulcimer player who performs throughout the U.S. in a variety of venues.  

Don Donegan, a Connecticut folk musician, singer, songwriter, educator and founder of the Connecticut Songwriters Association.  

Aubrey Atwater Donnelley, a Rhode Island-based folk musician and co-author of four books and nine recordings that receive international airplay.

Previous State Troubadours include Dennis Waring, Kevin Briody, Hugh Blumenfeld, Jeff and Synia McQuillan, Sally Rogers, Mike Kachuba, Bill Pere, Phil Rosenthal, Sandy and Caroline Paton and Tom Callinan.

About the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism

The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism brings together tourism, film, history and the arts. Its mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut’s cultural and tourism assets in order to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the state. The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism is located at One Financial Plaza, 755 Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut. For more information, log on to www.cultureandtourism.org.

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