Classic Boat Festival’s Music Program Highlights

The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), in operation since 1940, is comprised of thirty five professional full-time musicians whose primary role within the Royal Canadian Navy is to support Naval Operations, ceremonial events, and public outreach initiatives. Currently under the direction of Lieutenant (Navy) Ben Van Slyke, the Band performs in a variety of ensembles ranging from parade band and concert band to big band, brass and woodwind quintets, and rock and contemporary ensembles. 

See them Friday 30 August from 12:30 – 2:30 PM on the Causeway.

Bilgewater, featuring Kris Samuels, Eric Eder, Jody Onuma, Norman St Jean and Caroline Hubatka.

Singing primarily vocal harmony with some instrumental accompaniment, the band draws their inspiration and style from the likes of: Great Big Sea, The Dreadnoughts, Stan Rogers, David Coffin and any other historical seafaring songs they can find. Expect theatrics and full costume with Bilgewater on stage! 

See them Friday 30 August from 2:30 – 4:30 PM on the docks.

The Chief and Petty Officers’ Association Band (CPO Band) is a 25-member community concert band associated with the Chief and Petty Officers’ Association in Victoria, British Columbia. 

The band was first established as an ‘alumni’ band for retired Canadian Forces Band system members in the fall of 1987 under the auspices of Branch 91 (Prince Edward Branch) of the Royal Canadian Legion in Langford. The following year, the band moved to Esquimalt and aligned itself with the Chief and Petty Officers’ Association. The band currently has a core group of retired military musicians and welcomes serving military members, base personnel or family members who want to continue to use their musical skills. 

The Hounds of Cuchulain are a high-energy trad folk band from Victoria BC who perform a wide selection of Irish, Scottish, English, and original songs in the Celtic tradition – dating from the 1600’s all the way up to the 1980’s. Stylistically inspired by such folk giants as the Dubliners, Pogues, and the Corries, our performances feature rowdy pub songs, historical ballads, energetic dance tunes, engaging storytelling, and haunting airs on the Irish harp.

See them Saturday 31 August from 12:30 – 2:30 PM on the docks aboard MV Deerleap.

Kouskous, featuring Gary and Amber Cohen, is a World Folk Music Duo with an eclectic repertoire. Our interest in maritime culture stems from our interest in folks songs, along with the knowledge about the history of Victoria. As a port city, Victoria has its share of songs relating to the sea. In addition to a large number of English sea shanties, our program includes songs about the sea in French and Greek. 

See them Saturday 31 August from 3 – 5 PM on the docks.

Spindrift – Mike Fenger and Joy Kruger have been part of the local acoustic music scene for over 30 years and have independently sung and performed in groups such as Lime Bay Mutiny, The Sidewalk Sailors, Spin Drift, The Nautical Song Circle, The Garden City Blueblowers, The Big Weee, and many casual duos and trios mostly connected through The Victoria Folk Music Society.  

Mike and Joy have performed together for the past nine months and have recently taken the name Spindrift for their performances of sea shanties and other songs of the sea. 

See them Saturday 31 August from 5:30 – 7:30 PM on the docks.

Seeking Sirens are a group singing primarily sea shanties and folk music, with occasional accompaniment. All members grew up in Victoria on the coast and have a lived connection to the city’s nautical culture. 

See them Sunday 1 September from 10 AM – 12 PM on the docks.

The Maritime Museum of BC’s Salty Singers is a volunteer shanty choir led by Music Director Janet Rendell. They perform shanties and favourite sea songs at museum and community events.

See them Sunday 1 September from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on the docks.