PORT GAMBLE — The setting seems perfect for the Port Gamble Maritime Music Festival, a celebration-in-song of our connection to the sea, of how our lives and our marine environment are intertwined.
S’Klallam canoes travel upon the waters here, just as they did before the first schooner arrived here under sail in the 1850s.
S’Klallam people and others harvest salmon and shellfish from the bay, just as they have since humans first set foot on these shores.
For more than 150 years, lumber was milled and shipped out of here, and was a mainstay of the local economy. Today, the town of Port Gamble’s future is still tied to the water — the beauty of the bay, the accessibility to this resort town that the water provides to recreational boaters.
Some of the Northwest’s best performers will bring songs of the sea to this mid-1800s mill town — a National Historic Landmark — from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 8, in a natural amphitheatre by the waters of Port Gamble Bay. The music, a blend of modern and traditional sounds, appeals to all ages with its upbeat tempos, dramatic lyrics and haunting refrains.
This is the festival’s 10th year. The songs appeal to people of all ages “because they tell a story that connects with people, the connection that we have to the water,” said Alice Winship, an organizer of the festival.
“The songs capture our imagination, because of the stories of the sea that are contained in the songs.”
The repertoire will undoubtedly include sea shanties, a type of work song that was once commonly sung to accompany labor on board large merchant sailing vessels.
Winship describes the music as “modern folk” which has taken in strains from other music. You’ll detect blues and rock influences; shanties still carry Celtic and Caribbean influences.
— William Pint and Felicia Dale return to Port Gamble with more songs from their wide repertoire. These international performers are known for their well-crafted vocal harmonies and diverse instruments.
— The Whateverly Brothers share the fun of maritime music with their listeners. Their spontaneity arises from well-rehearsed and carefully arranged material, performed with energy and musical expertise.
— J.W. Sparrow uses his songs to tell stories of people and places, ships and trains, everyday people and extraordinary lives. His dramatic vocals and expressive guitar keep audiences enthralled.
— Kessler & Perasso are new to the festival. They combine songs well-known in the Northwest with fresh material from the Northeast coast. Their voices blend to create something very special.
— Spanaway Bay are perennial favorites at the festival, and bring a warm, humorous connection that unites the festival with a cozy, down-home feel. They will act as announcers, as well as performing some of their hilarious songs.
— The winners of the Robert Kotta Memorial Songwriting Contest will present their songs. This year’s contest theme is — fittingly — “Voyages.”
The festival site is a grassy lawn with sunny spots and shady trees, overlooking Port Gamble Bay. Sit at a picnic table or bring a chair or blanket; food and ice cream is available next door at the Port Gamble General Store café. Children (and adults) can color pictures of boats and marine life in a free activity area. Free parking is available along Rainier Avenue NE next to the amphitheater.
In case of inclement weather, the festival will move to the historic Port Gamble Theatre across the street.
The festival is free, although donations will be collected to help pay the musicians. The non-profit organization Maritime Folknet, organizer of the event, will sell music CDs recorded by the festival performers.
Sponsors include CenturyLink and Port Gamble. Pilgrim Media Services will provide professional sound — well-balanced and not too loud or too quiet, Winship said.
