Sound On The Sound: The nautical origins of New London music

New London – the Whaling City – has always been intrinsically connected to the waterways that surround it. In fact, it was Connecticut's first official port. And before the European colonizers arrived, the Indian tribes in the region relied on the water to travel and fish, and it was closely tied to their spiritual and cultural traditions. 

UConn's Alison Cross spoke to Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, Mohegan Tribe Medicine Woman and tribal historian, and Steve Manuel, executive director of the New London County Historical Society, about how the surrounding waterways have influenced music in New London.

About the Sound On The Sound series

Under the direction of instructors Gail B. MacDonald, a UConn professor in residence and former Day reporter, and Carlos Virgen, The Day's assistant managing editor for audience development, UConn journalism students worked all semester crafting stories in text, audio and photographs that strive to tell parts of the overarching tale of music in New London. They spoke to musicians, business people, city and regional officials, educators and others to inform their work. These stories will be published in The Day and on theday.com