Sea Music Festival
Sea Music Festival
The festival offers performances of chanteys, or sailors' work songs, as well as "forebitters"—songs sung for entertainment. Most of the lyrics and melodies are of British or Irish origin, although many incorporate American fiddle tunes, African-American minstrel ditties, older ballads, and the popular music of the time. Chanteys helped the sailor maintain the rhythm of a tedious job. In fact, it was considered bad luck to sing a chantey when no work was being done.
The event features daytime and evening concerts Thursday through Sunday, symposia, workshops, and a dance. There is also a special preview concert for museum members that highlights a well-known performer each year.
Mystic Seaport-Museum of America and the Sea
75 Greenmanville Ave.
P.O. Box 6000
Mystic, CT 06355
888-973-2767 or 860-572-5315
www.mysticseaport.org