University Times

"Roll on Monongahela," a cassette tape featuring arrangements of 19th-century river songs from Pennsylvania, has been released by Dear Friends, the ensemble-in-residence at the Stephen Foster Memorial.

The recording includes music about the Monongahela, Allegheny, Ohio and other rivers of Pennsylvania. Selections on the cassette reflect both the peaceful, romantic aspects and the turbulence of river life in the 19th century.

Among the songs on the cassette are "Forks of the Ohio" and "Monongahela Sal" by Robert Schmertz, a Pittsburgh balladeer. His songs recount the adventures of historical and fictitious characters along Pittsburgh's rivers.

The Dear Friends performing on "Roll on Monongahela" include Kate Young, Guy Russo, Andrea Doyle, James Ferla and Jean Thomas.

The cassette costs $10 and is available at the Stephen Foster Memorial, Borders Books, The Landmarks Store, Classical Tracks and other local music stores.

For mail order information, call 361-5188.