Heaving and Hauling Since 2019!

The Mahone Bay Shantymen sing both acapella and with accompaniment and focus on traditional shanties and songs of the sea.

Their repertoire ranges from raucous, energetic work songs to somber ballads of seafarers’ dreams and longings. Much of this music originated decades or even centuries ago and also includes more recent compositions popular in pubs and bars throughout Nova Scotia.

The group’s home port is Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, and with all hands-on deck there are typically ten singers. Crew members share a wide range of musical experiences. Some have been singing in choirs or have played in music groups for some time. Others bring with them endless enthusiasm and years of singing in the shower.

The Shantymen perform mostly at social events in their neighborhood and occasionally appear at the Lunenburg and Mahone Bay waterfronts and in local pubs. They take great pride in supporting fundraisers for local volunteer fire departments and various charitable organizations. Highlights of past activities have been the annual roadside pre-Christmas concerts which have raised thousands of dollars for the Mahone Bay Food Bank.

The group was launched in 2019 by Uwe Wittkugel, an avid sailor from Martins River. He has coordinated the Shantymen’s tacks and jibes since they left port. The group’s tenor and choir music enthusiast, Peter Ferguson, is Musical Director. Occasional accordion and coaching support is provided by Miranda Lever, singer-songwriter and music instructor from Mahone Bay.  

Contact: Uwe Wittkugel | 902 531 2335 | uwittkugel@eastlink.ca