We started GISC because singing sea shanties is just plain fun! Once sung by sailors on the high seas and the Great Lakes, these songs connect us to the past. Through shanties, we celebrate the history of seafaring and our own community's ties to the water.
Best of all, anyone can sing a shanty—no talent or experience required! The call-and-response style makes it easy to join in, and the energy of the group carries the tune. Inspired by other clubs that celebrate folk music and maritime traditions, we’re here to keep these songs alive, honor our heritage, and, most importantly, have a great time belting out some rousing tunes. Come sing with us!
All are welcome! Whether you're a history buff, a folk enthusiast, or you just like to sing, all you need to do is show up.
But if you want to get more involved, join our private Facebook group or send us a note at grandislandshantyclub@gmail.com.
Our founders were in Wellington, New Zealand (Pōneke, Aotearoa) when they stumbled into a local bar and found the coolest thing ever - a bunch of people enjoying a brew and singing together. Inspired, we did the same at home. Today, we're the proud karapu tuahine of the Pōneke Shanty Club.
From south to north and sea to lake, together we're carrying on the tradition of group song.
Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Superior, Munising, Michigan has a rich maritime history shaped by treacherous waters. A hub for shipping and trade in the 19th and early 20th centuries, today visitors can view intact shipwrecks in the Alger Underwater Preserve. Grand Island, with its unique shape, dramatic cliffs, and two light houses, serves as both protector and refuge. Across the East Channel lies Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where both dramatic scenery and vestiges of industry are preserved. We celebrate our home and history through song - check out our songbook for historical shanties and GISC originals about our area.