Shanty Fest

Yo ho— Shanty Fest turns hearty choruses into medical miracles.

Whidbey Island’s own Shifty Sailors will once again be the sponsors and main attraction for the 3rd annual Whidbey Island Shanty Fest, to be held Saturday, February 18, 2012.

The Shifty Sailors specialize in performing sea songs for entertainment. These include traditional shanties (the working songs from the days of tall ships) and both traditional and contemporary songs of the sea.

Their performances are a mix of a cappella harmony singing and songs with instrumental accompaniment (accordion, guitar, banjo, harmonica, and percussion).  Audiences enjoy joining in the choruses, listening to the stories in the songs, and smiling at the irreverence of the Shifty Sailors’ attitude to life.

The Shifty Sailors formed in 1993 with the primary purpose of entertaining supporters of the Island County Historical Society located at the museum near the Coupeville Wharf.   Having just released the book Sails, Steamships & Sea Captains, a group of men were needed to sing songs of the sea.  Thus, the Shifty Sailors were formed.

Four trips to Europe, one to New England Seaports, one to Hawaii, and five CDs later, the Shifty Sailors are still entertaining around the globe.

Last year’s Fest raised over $3,000 for Whidbey Island’s three medical support groups—South Whidbey’s Friends of Friends, Coupeville’s Small Miracles, and North Whidbey’s Medical Safety Net of North Whidbey.

Shanty Fest 2012 is sponsored by the Shifty Sailors, The Whidbey Marketplace, Whidbey Island Bank, Ace Hardware, Greenbank Farm, and Greenbank Cheese and Specialties.  The Fest is a completely volunteer-run event.

The concert is indoors in Barn A, and beer, wine and refreshments will be available.

Joining the Shifties this year at the Fest:  Seattleite Chris Roe, a favorite two years ago; the Whateverly Brothers; Watch the Sky, and the Shifty Sailors.  During the day on Saturday, a number of song sessions will be offered by the musicians starting at noon. There will be sessions for children and themed instruction.  For more information on the free daytime sessions, view the  Saturday Sessions Flyer.

* Saturday Song Sessions (from 1 to 5 pm.)

* Saturday Night Concert (6:30 to 9:0 p.m.)

Price per ticket:  $20

Ticket Outlets:

Oak Harbor: Wind and Tide Books

Oak Harbor & Coupeville:  Bayleaf

Greenbank Farm:  Wine Shop

Freeland:  BookBay

Langley:  Moonraker Book Store

Brown Paper Tickets: 1-800-838-3006

or www.brownpapertickets.com