Mary-

There are always secret parties. One just has to listen, and then follow the sounds to wherever it is happening, being careful to avoid the "drop off places."

However, one should attend the dancehall shanty shouts after the scheduled evening concert. They are wondrous, although it's somewhat intimidating to raise a song there if one is shy are less aggressive. I have seen experienced shanty singers crash and burn, as they chose the wrong key. But I've also seen people lead a quiet ballad, and the whole hall listen in rapt attention. Generally the scheduled performers attend the dancehall as well, and some are injudicious enough to lead songs there at full throat, risking permanent injury to their vocal chords, tonsils, and things too fierce to mention.

I'll be there, at the dancehall, and I'm not sure what I'll do, but I'll have a great time.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble