Boating and the maritime lifestyle have been a major industry on the North Shore for centuries, actively playing a large role in the area’s economy, and they continue to be so today. In Duluth, a musical group gathers each month to celebrate that history in a unique way. They do this through the songs of the seafaring people who worked on those boats. The All Hands Sea Shanty Crew is a group of singers who explore the stories behind the music and come together to share them with others.
The group’s leader and one of the co-founders, Paul Webster, says this has been in the works for several years. “We realized there are not enough places around Duluth where adults can go and make music together in a casual, informal way,” Webster said. He explained there have been a couple of different approaches to try to make this happen over the past few years. The crew has now partnered with the Duluth Folk School, which seems like the perfect fit.
During the winter season, which runs through March, the crew gets together on the first and third Sunday of each month. All are welcome; there is no cost to participate, and no pre-registration is required. The first session, held last fall, drew a crowd of nearly 100 people and continues to grow each month. Singing along is optional; however, Webster said, “Nearly everyone eventually joins in, even if they weren’t planning to.”
Sea shanties (American) or chanties (British) are a genre of traditional folk songs that aided in the timing of various tasks on seafaring vessels. Workers used the songs to accompany rhythmical labor aboard large merchant sailing vessels, while working the pumps or hauling, for example. Shanty songs functioned to synchronize and thereby optimize labor in what had become larger vessels with smaller crews and stricter schedules. The lyrics might reference the task at hand or depict life at sea, including missing loved ones or the dangers of the job.
The All Hands Sea Shanty Crew provides lyric sheets for each session, and participants can choose to watch, sing the chorus, or be part of the quiet harmony. Webster also encourages those interested to bring their favorite songs and lead the group. The sessions last just an hour, with a loose program, the goal being an opportunity for the community to come together and make music. Webster said the partnership with the Duluth Folk School is “just perfect. We finally found the ideal venue, and their assistance with outreach and marketing has made it possible to make this a success without limits.”
The Duluth Folk School was created in 2015 to fill a need in the Duluth community to help people learn how to make things. It was also created to be a “third place” where community could actually happen—where folks could gather to learn, network, and enjoy. The school became a nonprofit in 2021 with a mission that builds community through joyful experiences of handcrafting, art, and gatherings. Its focus on providing opportunities with instructors from the Twin Ports and surrounding communities also supports this mission. Having local instructors gives students the chance to meet and support local craftspeople. This keeps more money in the area, in addition to supporting the hard work and creativity of local artisans. The Duluth Folk School provides people with the opportunity to use their heads, hearts, and hands to improve their lives, blending traditional skills and tools with modern-day techniques to deliver fun, engaging classes. It’s all about helping individuals discover their creative abilities and develop skills.
In addition to hosting the sea shanty singing sessions, the Duluth Folk School offers fiber art classes, printmaking, writers’ open-mic events, and game nights. Youth programs are also available, and regular music performances are offered, including the popular Old Time Jam. Most events and classes are free with a purchase at the Dovetail Café, located in the facility. The full calendar of events and classes can be found on the school’s website: duluthfolkschool.com.
The All Hands Sea Shanty Crew meets from 3-4 p.m. the first and third Sunday of each month. Duluth Folk School is located at 1917 W. Superior Street in Duluth. The café is open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
