The North Kingstown Arts Council and Swamptown Enterprises will host a celebration of songs of the sea and the hale and hearty men who sang them Sat. July 23, 2-4 p.m. This afternoon of fun and sun on the beautiful waterfront grounds of Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown, RI, will feature musical groups such as “Barnacle” and others that specialize in the ancient sea shanties sung by pirates, mariners, and fishermen alike as well as a return engagement of the fabled pirate cabal “The Free Men of the Sea.”
The event will be emceed by local historian Tim Cranston, in costume and character as his kinsman RI Colonial Gov. Samuel Cranston, the longest serving head of state (29 years) in all of U.S. history. He was intimately connected to the pirate/privateering economy of the Narragansett Bay in the late 1600’s – early 1700’s.
The South County Tourism Council notes that historical tourism provides adults and families the opportunity for a well-rounded vacation. Centuries of artifacts, architecture and stories can be found in South County. And after perusing the past, visitors can head to present-day restaurants, beaches and attractions.
This family-friendly event will surprise and entertain. Visitors will learn the whys, hows and wherefores of the Sea Shanty and the reasons behind the longstanding relationship between the Colony of Rhode Island and the pirates of the late 17th & early 18th centuries.
For more information visit www.NKArtsCouncil.org and www.HistoricNorthKingstown.com