Music of the First Century: From the Old World to Early Virginia

Step back into the bustling taverns, modest homes, and early gatherings of 17th-century Virginia. Long before the elegant ballrooms of the late Georgian era, the earliest settlers of the New World brought with them the vibrant, foot-tapping popular music of Jacobean and Restoration England. Come and experience the rich sonic landscape of Virginia's first century of settlement, spanning from the founding of Jamestown in 1607 through the 1690s.

Through a lively mix of traditional tunes, broadside ballads, and country dances, David Gardner brings this historic repertoire to life using the actual instruments that fueled early colonial entertainment. Experience the versatile, sweet tones of the recorder, the rustic drive of the historic fiddle, and the driving, rhythmic energy of the pipe and tabor. Join us for a musical journey across the Atlantic, tracking the songs, rhythms, and stories that sustained Virginia's early settlers through a century of survival, growth, and community.

More About David Gardner
David Gardner is a celebrated performer, teacher, and judge of traditional Scottish fiddle music, deeply rooted in the historical repertoires of the 17th and 18th centuries. A prominent competitor, Gardner has captured numerous regional titles and is a distinguished prize-winner at the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship. A familiar face in historical music circles, Gardner frequently performs at Colonial Williamsburg and showcases the popular 17th-century music brought to the New World by Virginia’s earliest settlers. He has also toured widely with The Virginia Company, an 18th-century music trio whose appearances include the Kennedy Center.