I haven't been "singing" very long but a good chantey commmands awful respect anywhere in the world. I sing unaccompanied cos I can't read music and haven't figured out the concertina yet. Whenever I do an open mic there is an awesome silence ... you can feel people actually listening; an amazing sensation.
I currently sing solo only because nobody knows the songs out here in Chicago -- I do wish they'd join in.
I haven't given up on Chicago yet -- too much good blues and jazz to distract the locals I fear.
Any local 'Catters wanna give this a push?
Cheers,
Brian