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Singing and Writing Sea Shanties with Ben Traverse - 14 November 2026
Attendees will be immersed in Great Lakes maritime music. Together, we will explore different types maritime music, from forecastle songs to capstan shanties to whaling ballads. Additionally, we will build vocal techniques for shanty singing and write brand new songs in the maritime tradition.
Shanties were the tune to nautical labor ships out at sea and that includes the Great Lakes. Shanties were used to coordinate tasks and improve efficiency of the work.
Ben Traverse is a young man with a very wide hat who commands a wide array of instruments in his mission to bring the finest traditional folk music into the 21st century. Born and raised in the mystical mitten land, Traverse’s Michigan roots run deep. Steeping in the traditions of American, English, and Celtic folk music, Traverse brings a unique, youthful enthusiasm to an old and rich musical tradition through reinterpreting old songs as well as crafting new ones.
“Ben is the modern day Pete Seeger. He’s a musical archeologist who writes songs that sound like they’re from a hundred years ago.” -The Accidentals
“As a musician, Traverse is rooted in the past, forward thinking, and fully present. His foundation is solid and he cares deeply about music and people” -Seth Bernard
Meet Your Instructor:
Ben Traverse
History and the cultural significance of traditional music has been the center of Ben Traverse’s passion for music since they started playing. In addition to releasing multiple albums that are historical presentations in their own rights, Traverse has brought educational programming to institutions across Michigan and beyond at places like Earthwork Music Collective, the Ann Arbor District Library, Reed City Public Schools, and the Songwriters Summit for Resilience.
Class Details:
Location: Green Door Folk School – 2312 E Kasson Rd, Cedar, MI
Date/Time: November 14th @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
No prior experience required.
Suggested Book
Windjammers, Ivan H. Walton & Joe Grimm (not required!)
Ages 18+
Pricing
Sustainer Price: $150
True Cost: $125
Low Cost: $100
Policies:
Attendees will be immersed in Great Lakes maritime music. Together, we will explore different types maritime music, from forecastle songs to capstan shanties to whaling ballads. Additionally, we will build vocal techniques for shanty singing and write brand new songs in the maritime tradition.
Shanties were the tune to nautical labor ships out at sea and that includes the Great Lakes. Shanties were used to coordinate tasks and improve efficiency of the work.
Ben Traverse is a young man with a very wide hat who commands a wide array of instruments in his mission to bring the finest traditional folk music into the 21st century. Born and raised in the mystical mitten land, Traverse’s Michigan roots run deep. Steeping in the traditions of American, English, and Celtic folk music, Traverse brings a unique, youthful enthusiasm to an old and rich musical tradition through reinterpreting old songs as well as crafting new ones.
“Ben is the modern day Pete Seeger. He’s a musical archeologist who writes songs that sound like they’re from a hundred years ago.” -The Accidentals
“As a musician, Traverse is rooted in the past, forward thinking, and fully present. His foundation is solid and he cares deeply about music and people” -Seth Bernard
Meet Your Instructor:
Ben Traverse
History and the cultural significance of traditional music has been the center of Ben Traverse’s passion for music since they started playing. In addition to releasing multiple albums that are historical presentations in their own rights, Traverse has brought educational programming to institutions across Michigan and beyond at places like Earthwork Music Collective, the Ann Arbor District Library, Reed City Public Schools, and the Songwriters Summit for Resilience.
Class Details:
Location: Green Door Folk School – 2312 E Kasson Rd, Cedar, MI
Date/Time: November 14th @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
No prior experience required.
Suggested Book
Windjammers, Ivan H. Walton & Joe Grimm (not required!)
Ages 18+
Pricing
Sustainer Price: $150
True Cost: $125
Low Cost: $100
Policies: