32 Years of Musical Memories
The Shifty Sailors
By Russell Clepper • Photo by Dennis Browne
One fine September day in pre-COVID times, the Coupeville Ferry took off for Port Townsend and the Wooden Boat Festival. People left their vehicles and clambered up to the passenger deck, which was soon crowded with festivalgoers, commuters, and vacationers—travelers of all sorts.
In the middle of the crowd, a group of men assembled. They stood out not only because of their identical striped shirts, but also their rather boisterous camaraderie and ready laughter. A few of them were carrying musical instruments. The other passengers eyed the group of men surreptitiously. But some had seen this group before and knew what was about to happen.
An accordion struck a note, a banjo rang out, and a chorus of male voices filled the large cabin with a rousing sea shanty. At first, some of the passengers tried to ignore the musical outburst, while others were thrilled with the harmonious intrusion and heartily applauded the singers after the last notes of their first song had faded. Before long, all the passengers were won over, smiling as they joined in on the infectious musical energy. It felt like no one was a stranger anymore.
