Popular Newfoundland musicians Jim Payne and Tickle Harbour with Fergus OByrne will headline the Boston Barrel Benefit Concert here in the "Boston States." Proceeds from the event will go to the endowment fund for the Memorial University of Newfoundlands Folklore and Language Archive, an international folklore resource.

The concert, a la an "old Newfoundland time," will held at the Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington, Mass. The all is one of the best venues in the area, located near major highways and with free parking. The event is called the Boston Barrel Benefit, based on the barrels that resettled Newfoundlanders here in what they call "the Boston States" would send home filled with clothing and household goods, and sometimes food. This time the goods going up to Newfoundland will be in the form of a "cheque" and it will be conveyed by airplane, but the bulk of the largesse will again come from Newfoundlanders in eastern New England, as well as from fans of Newfoundland music, which combines the best of Irish, English, and French music in northern North America.

A favorite in Boston, JIM PAYNE is perhaps best known as an ambassador of Newfoundland culture, a reputation that sometimes overshadows the fact that he is a world-class songwriter and dancer. Working in a traditional vein, his songs so well fit with songs from the past that it is difficult to notice whats new and what s old. He has recorded many CDs, some with traditional Newfoundland musicians, and written songs for numerous stage productions.

FERGUS OBYRNE is known for his maritime music as well as his multi-faceted solo work. Before settling in Newfoundland, he was a member of Ryans Fancy, a trio of Irishmen whose weekly television show was broadcast across Canada.

TICKLE HARBOUR, from St. Johns, compares favorably with the best bands from Ireland. Created and led by guitarist Don Walsh, the band has been graced over the years by some of the finest players in the world. Their CD, "The Brule Boys in Paris," with Irish fiddler Seamus Creagh, won numerous awards.

Make checks payable to the FSSGB, local sponsor of the event, and send a SASE [otherwise tix will be held at the door] to: Millie Rahn, 11 Evens Street, Watertown, MA 02172. Checks should be made payable to "FSSGB"

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