Fred Dodge brings Down East stories to Heritage Center on April 9

Fred Dodge will tell Down East stories in the “Bert and I” tradition at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center on Friday, April 9, at 7 p.m. The always dry, often vaguely familiar tales range from rambling stories to one liners, many of them punctuated by distinctive low tech sound effects. Admission is $10, $8 for Heritage Center members.

Fred’s November appearance was a sell out so advance purchase of tickets is suggested. The storytelling presentation will take place in the Heritage Center’s Gorton’s Seafoods Gallery, surrounded by the kind of artifacts that fill many coastal New England attics – compasses, foghorns, shipbuilding tools, old codfish boxes and the like. Free homemade cookies and soft drinks are included in the ticket price.

Fred is the brother of the late Marshall Dodge, who together with Yale classmate Robert Bryan originated the “Bert and I” stories over 50 years ago. Specializing in a distinctive Maine dialect, the pair created the roles of two down east fishermen whose boat sunk after being sliced in two by a steamer. Fred honors his brother’s memory by keeping the stories alive. He uses humor to explore the true character of crusty Yankee New Englanders.

For further information or to purchase tickets in advance, call the Center at 978-281-0470.