NANTUCKET: He has been called an “agent of magic.” His voice is described as “deep and resonant.” He is said to “captivate, delight and charm.” He is American troubadour Bill Schustik, and he is coming to perform at the Whaling Museum on Tuesday, August 23, at 7 PM.
A long-time island favorite, Schustik is best known locally for crooning well-known sea chanteys that appeal to young and old alike. Schustik’s talent for performing folk music is matched by his love of American history and lore, both qualities he credits his parents with instilling in him. They were history buffs, and on family camping trips during Bill’s childhood, they would sit around the fire and sing traditional folk tunes. He also credits a Burl Ives record given to him by a former girlfriend and the encouragement of a ninety-one-year-old music teacher as inspirations for fostering his love of music and singing.
He has performed in some of the world’s biggest venues – Broadway, the White House, Ford’s Theater – but at his core, Bill Schustik will always be a small-town boy who loves nothing more than to pull up a stool and pluck a few chords on his banjo or guitar, and sing for an adoring audience that sits mesmerized by his talents.
The Nantucket Historical Association this year commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, and they have invited Schustik to kick-off their series of events tied to the celebration. The concert will showcase both Schustik’s musical talents and his love of history, as he recounts the fears, triumphs, dreams and aspirations of those who fought the Civil War through such tunes as “Tenting Tonight,” “All Quiet Along the Potomac,” Goober Peas,” “The Vacant Chair” and many others.
The Nantucket Historical Association hosts Bill Schustik in concert at the Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street, on Tuesday August 23, at 7 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Bill will perform two sets, with a brief intermission between the two. Tickets for the event are $15, and may be purchased in advance by by calling Mellissa Kershaw of the Nantucket Historical Association at 508-228-1894, ext. 117 or
, or they may be purchased at the door.
