The Press Gang is a Sea Chantey and Celtic singing group. We are currently the featured performers at Brickhouse Run in Petersburg, Virginia.
We perform in both staged and roaming settings. Our Sea Chantey, Celtic, Civil War, Robert Burns Day, Scottish, and Victorian Christmas programs have received rave reviews.
Our group sings a cappella or with guitar accompaniment. For programs, the Gang can dress in period costume (1600s-1800s sailor dress and Civil War sailor or infantry) or in plain clothes (our “blue shirt” program).
We perform in both staged and roaming settings. Our Sea Chantey, Celtic, Civil War, Robert Burns Day, Scottish, and Victorian Christmas programs have received rave reviews.
Our group sings a cappella or with guitar accompaniment. For programs, the Gang can dress in period costume (1600s-1800s sailor dress and Civil War sailor or infantry) or in plain clothes (our “blue shirt” program).
Jeff Beatman, a retired elementary school principal, has been singing bass for the Gang for more than 5 years. Jeff is also a children's entertainer (jeffbeatman.com). Jeff enjoyed singing in high school and college and he loves music of all kinds. He has been singing professionally for 20 years. Jeff is married to Patty Beatman and they have two grown daughters, Meghan and Kelly. Their three granddogs and two grandcats (and many fish) keep them on their toes.
Chris Craig has been performing professionally since age ten. Chris has taken the lead in numerous musicals, as well as singing lead for "Fat Ammon's Band" where he toured extensively east of the Mississippi, from Canada to Florida, including Greenland. He has entertained on cruise ships in the Caribbean, South America and Mexico. He has even performed for a former president's inaugural ball. Chris lives in Chester, Virginia with wife Beth, and their three children.
Keith Southall, baritone and founder of the Press Gang, has been a re-enactor and singer since the late 1970s with groups such as Keelnomara, the Dog Watch and Ships Company. His repertoire includes celtic tunes, along with those of war and homefront from many periods. Keith's re-enacting career spans from 1607 to World War II. In his spare time he enjoys travel and history. Keith is married to Robin Southall and they reside in Chester, Virginia with one of his three stepdaughters and Ginny the dog. Keith and Robin also enjoy spending time with their three grandsons when not on the road.
Mark Wenberg, an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher and all-around computer geek, has been singing since he was pressed into service for his high school madrigal ensemble. He has also performed in Europe as part of an American Music Abroad tour, many years ago. In addition to singing tenor he is the Gang's webmaster and technology go-to guy. Mark enjoys reading, racquetball, travel and anything technology-related. He lives in Chester, Virginia with his wife, Sitha, his eleven-year-old stepson, and 3-year-old daughter.