Bay Chamber Concerts

It was during the period of 1820 to 1920, and mainly in America, that 'chanteying' really flourished. Chanteys were used by sailors to lighten certain backbreaking tasks and to enliven their leisure hours. The words and music have been described as simple and direct, wild and spirited, salty and rough as a North Atlantic gale. In fact, they were a reflection of the sailors themselves. These songs, with a few exceptions, were not those current and popular ashore at the same period. Rather, they were traditional, not written down, and evolved as all folksongs do out of the experience and needs of men.

- Howard Hornstein

Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Rockport Opera House
Most tickets $20. Prime seating $40, discounted up to 50% with subscription.
$8 for Youth ages 18 and under, limited availability.
Co-sponsor: The Edge Oceanfront Dining
$20 Ticket Underwriter: Brewster Point

brubeck brothers Ahoy! The Ancient Mariners Fife & Drum Corps has a passion for the sea and for traditional maritime music. Built around the wood fife and the rope tension drum, the Mariners’ traditional music brings to life a vivid display of the colonial seaman. Haunting sea chanties will be performed along with up-tempo popular jigs and work songs used aboard ship.

Listen to The Ancient Mariners perform:
John Kanakanaka
Southern Cross

Education Extras
Ancient Mariners Pub Sing
Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Gilbert’s Publick House, Camden
Raise your voice, and your glass, with the Ancient Mariners chanteymen. From Haul Away Joe to The Lakes of Sligo, these work and fo’c’sle songs will bring out the sea dog in everyone! Free.

Sea Chantey Lecture & Sing-Along
Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Childrens' Area at the Rockland Public Library
and
Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Marine Room of the Rockport Public Library
and
Thursday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Picker Room at the Camden Public Library
Join Bay Chamber's own Allison Lakin as she sets the scene aboard working ships, with history and background on sea chanteys - including participatory sing-alongs!