Cheerily Charlie,
I live in Connecticut so I have no excuse other than laziness that I don't go to Mystic. My interest in maritime was kindled when on my Honeymoon in Nova Scotia, I admit to becoming a total Great Big Sea Fanatic, owning all but the greatest hits "Rant & Roar" CDs and have seen them 5 times in the last 4 years. I had more fun there than at most of the Dead shows I ever went to. I also picked up the pennywhistle as a result of this interest, have about 9 assorted instruments including a few low whistles.

Knowing of them (GBS) led to find out about people like Jim Payne and Fergus Obyrn (sp?), Stan Rogers, Masterless Men, Shannyganock, Ryan's Fancy and many others. I am however almost completely ignorant when it comes to US music makers as they are just a bit harder to find. In Atlantic Canada many of the names I mentioned are almost "mainstream" and even get radio airplay at least from CJYQ out of St Johns, Newfoundlan that I can listen to online. I can see how Maryland would have a vibrant maritime scene but there is no "mainstream" outlet for learning about such groups, so I thnak all those who gave me leads. I'll be looking into them.

Nick