PORTSMOUTH - Common Fence Music will present the 10th anniversary of A Gathering of Fiddlers and Fisherman Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Common Fence Point Community Hall, Anthony Road. This event is CFM’s “open mike tribute to the sea.” Calls to play have been brisk and this year’s schedule of performers is set with a boatload of area talent. The Irish Session begins when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Stage performances begin by 7:30.

Master of Ceremonies will be Paul Geremia, an internationally acclaimed acoustic blues artist. Liam Nary, MC of the ninth Gathering, will be on board to pass the ceremonial bull-rake to Geremia. Jack Wright, long-term session leader, is again on the bow with fiddle in hand for this year’s fishing expedition. Newcomers to the gathering include area talents Paul Pasch, Jacob Haller, John Fuzek, Sandra Hammel and The Spindle Rock River Rats. Veterans of the event include Tiffany Rozenas, Ed McGuirl, Mike Fischman, Gary Fish, Barnacles, Tom Maguire and Rhode Island’s comic chronicler, Jon Campbell. Returning after several years will be the accomplished picker and singer, Josh Schurman - this time in a trio formation.

The galley stays open throughout the evening serving up bowls of Sakonnet River Chowder, Flaherty Charter Chowder and Kissing Gate Corn Chowder; as well as soft drinks and freshly baked desserts. This year, Sapo’s Freaky Chile, a recent entry sailing in from the Nutmeg State, will be added to the menu. So no need to pack you picnic basket too tightly for this one.

Tickets, which are $12 per person, can be purchased through Ticket Web or at the box office which opens at 3 p.m. on the day of the show and at 6:30 p.m. when the doors open, if not sold out. Advance purchase is recommended. The safest bet is to call Ticket Web’s toll free number, (866) 468-7619 or contact them via www.commonfencemusic.org.