Tom and Chris Kastle (formerly known as Privateer)[1] are a maritime music performing duo based in Chicago.[2][3] They first began performing maritime music in approximately 1977.[4] In the mid-1980s they were known for running "whale watching" concert cruises on Lake Michigan on the sailing schooner Charlotte Ann.[5][6]

The Kastles have been associated with various maritime-themed festivals and music festivals in Chicago over the years, including the "Chicago Maritime Folk Festival" also in the mid-1980s.[7][8] They were also involved in the various Tall Ships festivals in Chicago from at least 1994.[9] They have also been artistic directors of the Chinquapin Folk Music and Storytelling Festival since its beginnings in 1995.[10][11][12] In 2003 they founded and became directors of the Chicago Maritime Festival.[13]

The Kastles have also appeared on numerous radio shows including The Midnight Special and television shows and have toured internationally, appearing at the Shanties Festival in Poland as well as at the National Maritime Museum in New Zealand. They have also performed at numerous tall ships and maritime music festivals around the United States.

Tom Kastle's song, Cold Winds was covered by Midwestern folk musician Lee Murdock on Murdock's 1991 album Cold Winds.[14]

Around 2010, Tom Kastle relocated to Madison, Wisconsin[15] and Chris Kastle relocated to St. Augustine, Florida,[16] each pursuing a solo career; but they also continue to perform together.

Discography

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Tom and Chris Kastle

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  • Let the Waves Roll High (1981)
  • O'er the Stormy Sea (1983)
  • Helm's Alee! (1986)
  • Work and the Waterways: An Aural History of Midwestern Workers (1987)
  • Burnham Harbor (1989)
  • See the Sea: Songs for Younger Sailors (1991)
  • Earthways Waterways (1993)
  • Strike the Bell (1995)
  • That Time of Year: Songs and Stories of Christmas (1995)
  • Stories and Songs of Simple Living (with accompanying book) (1997)
  • Me For the Inland Lakes (1999)
  • Rivers (2000)
  • Familiar Waters (2005)

Chris Kastle

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  • Some Here and Some Now Gone (2011)
  • Down Below the Waves (2011)
  • The Roaring Rhinoceros and Friends (2011)

Tom Kastle

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  • Across the Centerline (2008)
  • Tommy's Gone to Hilo (2010)

Video

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  • The Mermaid and Other Sea Songs (1995)
  • Chicago Stories: The Race to Mackinac, WTTW Channel 11 Chicago (video soundtrack) (2000)
  • Ted Ashbey: Big Rig of the Gulf, Gaffrig Productions, Auckland, New Zealand (video soundtrack) (2003)

Notes

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  1. ^ June Sawyers. 1988. FOLK LIVES! DESPITE SETBACKS, LOCAL SCENE STILL STRONG :[SPORTS FINAL, CN Edition]. Chicago Tribune, January 22.
  2. ^ Lynn Van Matre. 2000. SUPERIOR MUSIC COUPLE SINGS SONGS OF THE GREAT LAKES LONG BEFORE THE EDMUND FITZGERALD :[Chicago Sports Final, N Edition]. Chicago Tribune, December 14.
  3. ^ Official website
  4. ^ Sharon Barrett. 1985. Chicago's old salt story 1st maritime festival to be held tomorrow :[FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]. Chicago Sun-Times, December 13.
  5. ^ Steve Dale. 1985. SET SAIL IN SEARCH OF GREAT LAKES WHALES :[SPORTS FINAL Edition]. Chicago Tribune, June 7.
  6. ^ Steve Dale. 1986. GREAT LAKES WHALE WATCH TO PLAY OUT FISH STORY AGAIN :[SPORTS FINAL Edition]. Chicago Tribune, June 27.
  7. ^ Steve Dale. 1986. FOLK FESTIVAL TO DELVE DEEP INTO GREAT LAKES HISTORY :[SPORTS FINAL Edition]. Chicago Tribune, November 7.
  8. ^ Lynn Van Matre, Pop music critic. 1986. FOLK FESTIVAL TO FEATURE SONGS IN KEY OF SEA :[SPORTS FINAL Edition]. Chicago Tribune, October 30.
  9. ^ Lynn Van Matre, Tribune Staff Writer.. 1994. WIND JAMMING MARITIME CHANTEYS AWAIT POLISH SAILORS AT NAVY PIER :[DU PAGE SPORTS FINAL, NED Edition]. Chicago Tribune, July 28.
  10. ^ JILL M. MOULTHROP. 1995. Youngsters get a taste of folk tales School children hear songs, stories at storytelling festival :[All Edition]. Journal Star, September 9.
  11. ^ JOHN O'CONNELL. 1996. A tapestry of tales Two-day event at outdoor amphitheater features performer throughout central Illinois :[All Edition]. Journal Star, September 5.
  12. ^ The Kastles resume on official website.
  13. ^ Chicago Maritime Festival official website.
  14. ^ June Sawyers.. 1991. Murdock goes deep into Great Lakes lore :[NORTH SPORTS FINAL, CN Edition]. Chicago Tribune, June 14.
  15. ^ Official website for Tom Kastle.
  16. ^ Official website for Chris Kastle.
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  • [1] Official website
  • YouTube video of the Kastles performing their original song "Cold Winds" at the 2008 Chicago Maritime Festival.