PMM is excited to welcome guest chanteyman Stephen Sanfilippo for our August and September Chantey Singalongs. He’ll lead sea songs and chanteys on the concertina, many with catchy choruses for everyone to join in. Drop in for a few songs or stay for the whole evening—sing along or just listen. Stephen will also share stories and background on how chanteys were used as work songs at sea. All ages are welcome, and no experience is needed.

Stephen Sanfilippo has been researching and performing historic songs of the maritime trades since the early 1970s. A U.S. Navy veteran, he earned his Ph.D. in History, and taught Maritime History through Songs of the Sea at Maine Maritime Academy for many years. He has been leading the monthly Chantey Sing in Pembroke, Maine, for 18 years, and has performed concerts and presented lectures from Virginia to Maritime Canada. Stephen has performed many times at the Penobscot Marine Museum, beginning in 1984 when he provided music for the opening of the original “Lobstering & the Maine Coast” exhibit. 

Photo: “A ‘recent’ photo. I still have all the hair, only now it’s white.” —Stephen Sanfilippo