If you’ve ever wanted to be a musician, and you own a set of spoons, this could be your big break! Maritime Music Sessions is being billed a “sea music get-together” for both the musically inclined and the musically inept. I fall into the latter category, which is fine, because when it comes to celebrating Buffalo’s maritime musical history, it’s as easy as showing up, gathering ’round, and joining in for a story or a tune… most of the time it’s both when there are seafarers on-hand.
Landlubbers are welcome too. Local musician Dave Ruch is an experienced hand when it comes to getting your feet wet with song… or spoons… or even hambone! After all, the point of the musical get-together is to share the history of the city’s waterfront with the people who live so close to it. There was a time when Buffalonians were in tune with Lake Erie and the canals. A time when sailors and seafarers were integral parts of the city. It’s time to tell those stories once again, and what better place to do it than the Central Wharf? Come share a song, or a tune during two consecutive Saturdays in August. Learn about the history of the Buffalo waterfront through song…
*The first event in the series will take place on Saturday, August 21, from 6:00-7:45pm, and will be followed by a workshop from 8:00-8:30pm called “Learn to Play the Spoons”. The second event is scheduled on Saturday, August 28 from 6:00-7:45pm, to be followed by a “Learn to Hambone” workshop from 8:00-8:30pm. There is no admission charge for any of the events, and chairs will be available for musicians and listeners. Dave Ruch, who makes his full-time living researching and performing music of the region and beyond, will also perform a free concert at the Central Wharf on Friday, August 20 from 6-8pm with his trio, The Canal Street String Band.