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State Symbols

The official state symbols represent the cultural heritage and natural treasures of each state or the entire United States

Connecticut Symbols

Connecticut Symbols

Animal, Bird, Cantata, Composer, Fish, Flag, Flower, Folk Dance, Fossil, Hero, Heroine, Insect, Mineral, Motto, Nicknames, Poet Laureate, Seal, Shellfish, Ship, Song, Tartan, Tree, Troubadour

Connecticut State Troubadour

Pierce Campbell

(2007-2008)

Adopted in 1991

The honorary position of State Troubadour was established in 1991 by the Connecticut Legislature. The State Troubadour functions as an ambassador of music and song and to promote the State of Connecticut through song during public performances. The Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT) designates a resident singer/songwriter to serve as the State Troubadour every two years.

The State Troubadour for 2007-2008 is Pierce Campbell.

Pierce Campbell

Pierce Campbell is a versatile singer/songwriter who plays acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, bass and harmonica. As a solo artist, his musical style includes original folk, Celtic, sea song, American folk, pop classic and jazz influences. Campbell has released five solo CDs, including his latest, Songs of the Sea, and appears in more than 260 shows annually at a variety of venues throughout the Northeast. He also performs with the Irish group The Kerry Boys for which he writes, sings and plays mandolin, banjo and guitar; and with The Funky Butt Jazz Band, a traditional New Orleans style ensemble.

Campbell consistently receives high praise for his talent and diverse musical background. "Pierce Campbell writes memorable, engaging songs, sings with a deep, resonant voice, and plays melodic finger style guitar," wrote Steve Givens in Acoustic Guitar magazine. "[His most recent release] ranges from touching ballads and sing-alongs to ragtime numbers and … spine-tingling instrumentals."

A reviewer for the New Haven Advocate wrote, "For years he's been one of the area's preeminent folkies. Campbell's an accomplished guitarist … his introspection, which is amplified by his subtly detailed playing style, is his fortune."

Past State Troubadour

2005-2006 Thomasina Levy
2003-2004 Dennis Waring
2001-2002 Kevin Briody
1999-2000 Hugh Blumenfield

State Symbols

State symbols represent things that are special to a particular state.

symbol \ˈsim-bəl\
noun

Etymology:
in sense 1, from Late Latin symbolum, from Late Greek symbolon, from Greek, token, sign; in other senses from Latin symbolum token, sign, symbol, from Greek symbolon, literally, token of identity verified by comparing its other half, from symballein to throw together, compare, from syn- + ballein to throw — more at devil
Date: 15th century

1: Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible.