By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on August 24, 2019
A NEW casual singing hotspot has arisen on the outskirts of Albany and current frequenters of the venue are encouraging others to come out and join in.
The Albany Shanty and Folk Club sets up camp at the King River Hall on Millbrook Road on the last Friday of each month for a social get-together and sing-song.
Next weekend’s August 30 event will be the third meet since the group began meeting at the Hall and shanty singer Nicky Guretti hopes more people will attend.
“There used to be a folk club that was very well attended at the King River Hall, so they asked us to try and get it up and running again,” the Shantylilly said.
“We try and keep the music traditional and encourage people to put their name on the board and get up and sing a song or two or three, or play an instrument, or both.”
The Shantylillies singing group is pushing for more families to attend their Hall event to improve community connectivity.
During regular club proceedings, The Shantylillies sing a range of shanty songs and songs about the sea, and people are encouraged to join in with these songs or get up on stage and sing their own.
The youngest to grace the stage so far has been Darcy Hamilton, at just two years old.
“There’s no need to get up and sing if you are shy,” Guretti said.
“Just come along and enjoy the entertainment and bring the whole family.”
There is no age limit for people interested in coming along to an Albany Shanty and Folk Club meet.
Entry is $5 per person or $10 for a family, and free tea and coffee is provided.
Bring your own drinks and snacks before the singing gets underway at 7pm.
