Maritime Music Around Puget Sound
Maritime music can be sung and heard at many venues around Puget Sound. Here are some ongoing events. Please check the websites for current dates, times, and locations.
Monthly Free Events
Seattle, WA: Northwest Seaport Chantey Sing
The second Friday of the month, 8 to 10 PM, in the South Lake Union area. Check here for current info.
Olympia, WA: Budd Bay Shanty Sing
The first Sunday of the month, 7 to 9 PM; winter venue is Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2302 Harrison Ave NW) on Olympia's west side near the bowling alley. The summer venue is the Boston Harbor Marina. Call (360) 866-4296 for info.
Port Townsend, WA: Sea Shanty Song Circle and Sing-Along
First Thursday of the month, 6 to 8 PM, at Northwest Maritime Center Cafe, 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA.
Richland, WA: Second Saturday Sea Song Singing Session
The second Saturday of the month, 7:00 PM, at Round Table Pizza, 1435 George Washington Way, in Richland, WA.
San Francisco, CA: Chantey Sing at Hyde Street Pier
The first Saturday of the month, 7 PM to midnight at the S.F. Maritime Historical Park (Hyde Street Pier), usually on the historic sailing vessel Balcluttha. Free, but you must phone ahead and put your name on the list (415) 561-7171.
Annual Events
Port Townsend, WA: Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival Chantey Sing
Weekend after Labor Day: The Chantey Sings occurs on the Friday and Saturday evenings from 8 PM until about midnight. Other musical acts including some maritime concerts during the day.
Port Gamble, WA: Port Gamble Maritime Music Festival
Mid-August: A free event on the lawn of the historic district at Port Gamble held in the afternoon on a Saturday in mid-August. Great local maritime acts play during this free event.
Seattle, WA: Northwest Folklife Festival
Memorial Day weekend: A variety of maritime acts play at the renowned and free Northwest Folklife Festival that is held at the Seattle Center in the shadow of the Space Needle. The Maritime Showcase held on Saturday afternoon is the anchor of the maritime acts, but other maritime events occur every day. Schedules are usually posted about a week before the festival.
Whidbey Island, WA: Whidbey Island Shanty Fest
Late January: This day and a half event is put on by the Shifty Sailors.
Astoria, OR: Fisher Poets Gathering
Last weekend of February: Focused on the spoken word, but many original maritime songs can also be heard.
Other Maritime Music Events
Victory Music Review: A great way to see what’s happening is to read the “Martime Musings and News” column by Alice Winship in the monthly Victory Music Review.