The Horseshoe Crab and the Red Knot Great Marsh Starts Here! program is a multimedia performance that tells the story of two remarkable creatures: the horseshoe crab and the red knot, both threatened by human impacts on their habitat. The ancient horseshoe crab, a living fossil that experiences time as a slow and steady cycle, has witnessed the evolution of life from before the dinosaurs. The tiny red knot relies deeply on the timing of horseshoe crab spawning and production of protein-rich eggs to fuel their long-distance migrations from Tierra del Fuego to the Arctic via the eastern seaboard. Both species’ survival are threatened if they and their habitats are not adequately protected.

The narrative, created by 2024/25 Great Marsh Artist Susan Quateman and 2024 Manship Artist Resident musician and co-director of Arpeggione, Andrea LeBlanc, will be enhanced by original silk paintings by Susan Quateman, and an original musical score arranged by co-director of Arpeggione, Thomas Carroll.

The performance will include music scored for harpsichord, flute, and clarinet. The score will include music from contrasting musical eras depicting eras of time since the horseshoe crabs first appeared 450 million years ago. Arpeggione musicians perform on historical instruments to evoke the ancient journeys and present-day threats facing horseshoe crabs and red knots. Original silk artworks, photographs and video segments will be projected onto a screen. The narration, artworks, and music will weave the remarkable stories of horseshoe crabs and red knots.

Parts of this performance were recorded earlier and will be shared through video.

Donations are requested to pay the presenting artists individually and to support The Great Marsh Artists Fellowship Program.

Photo credit: @Maina Handmaker (cropped image)