July 29: Fifth Wednesday Special
Lingo & Labour of the Sea: Form & Function in Your Favourite Shanties
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Trinity-Grace United Church, 803 East 16th Ave., Vancouver, BC
Venue is wheelchair accessible.
This 5th Wednesday will be led by Seattle’s own Shantyman, sailor, and folk song instigator/organizer extraordinaire, David Kessler.
In his words: “Maritime vocabulary isn’t opaque, it’s just very specialized. Come hear more about what the words of chanteys mean, what singing different chantey rhythms and speeds is meant to do, and how the wind, waves, and words all line up. Does that song mean something different to a sailor? Is it more important to start or to stop at the right time? …And why is a “reef tackle fall” bawdy?”
David’s presentation will include some hands-on demonstrations (with rope!), and of course, be followed by a bunch of shanty singing!
David Kessler learned to sail and canoe as a teenager in the Boston area. In high school he discovered sea chanteys, and found that understanding each of those pursuits helped him understand the other. He’s been at it ever since – mostly sailing on 30–50’ boats and occasionally on larger, mostly singing at chantey sings, pub sings, and ballad sings. He helps organize several music events in the Pacific Northwest and has been Staff or Performer at various music and dance weeks, weekends, and festivals.