The Washington County Historical Society will present singing duo Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle in concert performing “Songs of the Erie Canal” in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Opening of the Erie and Champlain Canals. The concert will be held at the Fort Edward Canal Street Marketplace at 63 Canal Street in the Village of Fort Edward on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 2 p.m.

The Erie and Champlain Canals were the most important advancement for transporting goods in New York State. Running from Buffalo to Albany and connected to the Hudson River, then the Champlain Canal ran north to Lake Champlain. It allowed New York City to become the largest trade port in the nation. It was born from an idea developed by a merchant who was in debtor’s prison because he couldn’t receive his goods fast enough to pay the bills.

Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle are award winning songwriters and singers. They live near the Adirondacks in Upstate New York. They have been performing together for fourteen years touring both regionally and nationally. Together they play original pieces and old favorites with a variety of instruments such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, and harmonica.

Cosby is Grammy balloted and writes unique acoustic and folk-style songs. Her awards include Best Folk Album in the Capital District, Original Music Awards for 2017 and 2018; Dorn Space Award for Music Outreach in 2019, Best Folk Album 2021, Outstanding Folk Artist 2023,and is a nominee for the Thomas Edison Music Award 2023.

Tom Staudle writes and performs in acoustic, Americana, and Blues- Style with awards in Best Folk Lyrics for the Capital District Original Music Awards in 2018 and Dorn Space Arts Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2021, Outstanding Americana Artist in 2023 and is also a nominee for the Thomas Edison Music Awards 2023.

Both have songs in rotation on WEXT-FM radio. Their special programs include: Historic Songs of the Erie Canal, Adirondack Lumber Camp Songs, Poetry Songs, and History Songs, Songwriters in the Round, Songwriting Workshops and new Labor Union songs.

Visit their website: www.cosbygibson.com

The concert narrated program lasts about 40 minutes and is suitable for older children and adults. The program is free and open to the public. Donations to WCHS are gladly accepted. For more information call the Washington County Historical Society on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m at 518-747-9108