November 16, 2009

The Capstans liven winter with sea chanteys & seasonal music at local libraries

Event moved to Shelton Civic Center due to library closure

Folks in Mason County have two opportunities to catch a free concert with “The Capstans,” a 12-member men's singing group that will perform lively sea chanteys—some with audience participation—and traditional songs of the season.

The Capstans will be at the North Mason Timberland Library in Belfair on Thursday, December 3 at 7 p.m. in the library’s meeting room. A week later, on Thursday December 10 at 7 p.m., the singers will perform at the Shelton Timberland Library (William G. Reed Public Library). Arrive at the Shelton library at 6:30 p.m. for seasonal refreshments.

The Capstans, members of the Harstine Island Community Choir, meet weekly for the fun of singing the 19th century sailor songs known as sea chanteys. From about 1812 to 1862 American clipper ships commanded the seas. It was during this period that “chanteying” flourished. Sailors used the songs to lighten backbreaking tasks and to enliven their leisure hours. The words and music have been described as “simple and direct, wild and spirited, salty and rough as a North Atlantic gale.”

Chanteys followed different patterns according to the tasks for which they were used. There were short-drag and halyard chanteys, there were capstan and pumping chanteys, chanteys for sailing outbound and inbound, and chanteys for camaraderie. They usually consisted of short solo passages by the chanteyman, followed by a chorus roared out in full voice by all hands.

The libraries’ local Friends of the Library organizations are sponsoring the events. Both performances will be held just after closing time; the libraries will be open only for the concerts.

For more information, contact the North Mason Timberland Library at (360) 275-3232 or the Shelton Timberland Library at (360) 426-1362.

Revised 11/17/09