"Although I always knew he was good, I was not quite prepared for HOW good." 24 years in the British Royal Navy, "provides him with that vitally authentic stance with which to tackle nautical song" Living Tradition.MAgazine (UK) Tom Lewis' repertoire ­ from traditional shanties to songs fashioned out of his own seafaring background -- casts his audience off for a voyage by turns reflective, dramatic and humorous. Now residing in the Canadian Rockies, Tom was born in Northern Ireland and that Celtic heritage is obvious in his clear, strong voice. Tom accompanies himself on button accordion and ukulel -- but it's that powerful vocal style and infectious humor, that quality of entertaining -- which keeps audiences coming back again ... and again.
• http://www.tomlewis.net/

This dynamic new folk duo from Annapolis hits the deck with maritime music old and new: Janie Meneely and Paul DiBlasi are sheer delight! Sometimes sober, sometimes saucy, they slide easily between old and new. Meneely's strong regional roots have led her to develop a hefty list of Bay-inspired songs, but her ditties are just as apt to poke fun at time-honored traditions. A veteran chanteyman with the colorful Pyrates Royale, DiBlasi can send his mellow baritone over the deck and back. He brings a vast repertoire of classic work songs to the group. Singer/songwriter Janie Meneely (whose own soprano voice, she says, "carries pretty well") has shared the stage with Them Eastport Oyster Boys and, before that, Crab Alley. Her Bay-inspired ballads and nautical tunes have been recorded by artists throughout the country. DiBlasi's mastery of classic forebitters and chanteys will have an audience singing along in no time. Hear the happy results of Calico Jack’s collaboration on their new CD, The Oyster Wife.
• www.janiemeneely.com/cj.html