"My interest in American History was born in a two room schoolhouse nestled in the Olympic Mountain logging village of Grisdale during the late 1950's. I'll never forget that faded photograph of a painting of Picket's charge in the World Book. Even at ten I began to feel a deep and abiding affinity for those outdated cavaliers and farmer soldiers. Imagining myself as a warrior in that fabulous insanity, I spent my free time at school pouring over anything remotely connected with the War Between the States. At twelve, I read the Great Locomotive Chase and from that time to present my love of American History consistently returned to that tragic time of the blue and grey."

"Standing before my high school American History class, I unveiled an elaborate paper mache relief map of Gettysburg Battlefield, complete with miniature soldiers and cannons scavenged from dimestores and third grade neighbors. I remembered silent classmates and a beaming teacher who were captivated and puzzled. At a time when traditional history meant sterile reading and answering questions at the end of a chapter, who was this kid making a voluntary presentation of the war for nothing more that internal satisfaction."

"As a college freshman I turned out a short story of a reporter arriving at Gettysburg the day after Picket's charge. Engulfed in the fresh sights and smells of death, my reporter wandered through magnificent destruction meticulously recording this vivid history long since forgotten in a hundred years of stoic texts. Gettysburg came to life in my story - a result of years of imagining in my mind's eye how it must have been."

"Fifteen years as an American History teacher honed my desire to reveal our heritage as a chronicle of human achievement, sacrifice and suffering - human history with feelings and emotion. Eventually, music became a favorite method of humanizing history."

"I began to write songs about significant events - Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence - Francis Scott Key and the Star Spangled Banner - the Westward Movement - World War I - the disaster of the Space Shuttle Columbia. As I shared those songs with my students I watched our country's heritage come alive in their enthusiasm."

"On the fields near Gettysburg during the 125th anniversary reenactment I had the honor to meet hundreds of Americans who personify our country's rich heritage as it can be experienced. Their reverence for the nameless millions who suffered incredible hardships stands as an inspiration to all who wish to really understand the War Between the States. Shades of Blue and Grey is a small step in the rediscovery of the American War. There is so much we have yet to learn - so many paths to retrace to truly comprehend the depth and breadth of this fascinating era of American History."

"Shades of Blue and Grey is dedicated to the thousands of Americans who choose to discover their heritage through reenacting the American experience. They serve as an inspiration to all of us who wish to know the old trails."

Shades of Blue & Gray DVD (19.00)

Fifteen years as an American History teacher honed Dave Mathews' desire to reveal our heritage as a chronicle of human achievement, sacrifice and suffering - human history with feelings and emotion. Eventually music became his favorite method of humanizing history. We are proud to have captured his talent on video. The spectacular war reenactment footage filmed with members of the Northwest Civil War Council and the Washington Civil War Association is combined with the original war songs of Dave Mathews. His songs have captured the emotion of the war in a way that will never be duplicated. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a dry, folksy rendering of history. This recording features outstanding performances from Dave Mathews and the wonderful ensemble of talented musicians. The war footage takes you into the heat of the action with incredible digital clarity. Includes a special rendition of the "Southern Girl" by Susan Jacobson.

Songs include: Farewell to Thee Road to Gettysburg This Hallowed Ground (In To Battle) Southern Girl Muleshoe Tears of a Generation A Nation's Lament

A Nation's Broken Soul CD Only	Shades of Blue & Gray CD Only
A Nation's Broken Soul I Am a Rebel Soldier Aura Lea Southern Soldier Boy Just Before the Battle Mother Shenandoah Daddy Take Me With You My Old Kentucky Home When Johnny Comes Marching Home This Hallowed Ground	Road to Gettysburg Death of Jenny Wade Mule Shoe By the Sword They Lived Farewell to Thee Atlanta You Will Refuse the Line By The Cavalry Carry the Colors Tears of a Generation

Available in CD Only (12.00)

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