How did songs sung by sailors to support their work and for their entertainment (see Maritime Music 101) come down to us over the years. How do the maritime songs and shanties sung today relate to the songs as sung long ago? Come and learn a little bit more about the songs we sing. (Chuck Lentz, Mike James)
Helen Gilbert has been around folk music from Britain and America all of her life. She will sing unaccompanied songs of the sea – focusing on sad songs but interspersing them with singalong-able shanties which have easy choruses that attendees may join in on.
Peter Rothbart is a Seattle based, award winning folk singer and songwriter. He will present maritime themed songs with emotionally resonant lyrics, powerful vocals and a commanding guitar style.
Gather Round is a Seattle based a capella vocal ensemble headed by Peter Rothbart. Drawing from a range of musical traditions, they blend close harmonies, deeply-rooted folk sensibilities and a spirit of shared song into music that feels vividly joyful and alive.
Have you wanted to attend the very popular evening shanty singing sessions at the Festival but hesitated because singing in public is something you have never, ever done? All of us have had this experience at one point or another. Come to this workshop and get introduced to how a shanty session works, how you might participate and, most importantly of all, pick up some tips about delivering a song. Oh, and practice out loud right in the workshop! (Chuck Lentz, Helen Gilbert, Peter Rothbart)
Two of the most popular events at the WBF every year are the Friday and Saturday evening Shanty Sessions that get going in the Marina Room at 7:00 p.m. A crowded and friendly hall full of people singing with enthusiasm is an experience you don’t forget easily! We call these “Shanty” sessions but the songs that get sung go well beyond the simple work songs that are true shanties. There are also traditional songs sung by sailors for entertainment in the days of sail and there are more recently composed songs that evoke all aspects of the maritime life. All of these songs and music fall under the umbrella of Maritime Music and the WBF, in conjunction with Maritime Folknet, is proud to present programs and performances of Maritime Music as a part of the culture and history of the sea.
