I just got back from a nice benefit gathering Saturday night in the Washington, DC area at Jane Meneely and Paul DiBlasi's place, A maritime singaround, featuring special guests Bob Zentz, Calilco Jack, and members of Ship's Company, Pyrate's Royale, and Letter of Marque. Some 45 people raising the rafters from 7:30 to midnight at the yet-incompletely renovated home of Jane and Paul (but with lights, heat, and a working toilet, if not much else), and providing a fund-raiser for the Mystic Sea Music Festival from afar.

--Charlie Baum