You didn't say how long you'll be in New England, but if you are going to be around the end of September, plan on coming up to Portsmouth (NH) for the Maritime Folk Festival, details here:

http://home.earthlink.net/~pcontrastano/folk_horizons/performers.htm

In addition, I host a Friday evening session at the Press Room, also in Portsmouth, where shanties are known to be sung.

Hope to be seeing you -- Tom