Buffalo's maritime heritage has been ignored long enough!

At one time, Buffalo (at the confluence of the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes) was known as the most roaring port in the country - - some said in the world - - with more immigrants passing through on their way west than would be handled at Ellis Island in a typical year! Lumber, grain, steel, coal, farm products, furniture, you name it - they all helped to make Buffalo the second wealthiest city in the country at the turn of the 20th century, and the fourth largest port in the world.

Thanks to Buffalo Place Inc and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp, we will be holding two informal maritime music sessions at the newly refurbished Central Wharf area of the Erie Canal Harbor in downtown Buffalo.

The dates are Saturday, August 21 and Saturday, August 28, from roughly 6pm-7:45pm or so. Each gathering will be followed at 8pm by a short "how-to" session (learn to play spoons on 8/21, hambone on 8/28).

I have some canal songs and a few things from the Great Lakes to contribute, but we could sure use some help...come join us if you can and bring a maritime flavored song or two, a chantey, a forebitter or a fiddle tune.

Glad to give more complete directions, etc by PM or on this thread for any who might be able to make it!