As the summer doldrums set in (aren’t we hot enough already?), The Otter’s Holt Concert Series is pleased to welcome a performer from Washington state to our liven things up in Merville, July 22at 7 p.m.
Hank Cramer is one of the best-known folksingers on the West Coast. Boisterous songs of the sea are his forte, though he is equally versed in Celtic ballads, railroad tunes, and cowboy songs.
He is no stranger to Vancouver Island audiences. He and his band Constellation’s Crew gave welcoming concerts for Tall Ships Victoria in both 2005 and 2008. Hank has performed for both the Saltwater and Island Folk Festivals, and has sung for folk clubs at Sooke, Victoria, Deep Cove, Nanaimo, Lantzville, Qualicum Beach,Highlands, Mill Bay, and Brentwood Bay for over twenty years.
His travels have brought many Canadian songs into his repertoire – fans of Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Tyson, Stan Rogers, and James Keelaghan will find favorites to sing along with.
Cramer is also well-known in maritime circles as both a musician and historian.
He has served for years as the “shantyman” (work-song leader) aboard the historic brig Lady Washington, and has given educational presentations at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Columbia River Maritime Museum, USS Constitution Museum, and Lunenburg Folk Festival.
Sing Out! magazine described Hank’s Songs of USS Constellation album as “the most beautiful and accomplished album of sea music we’ve ever heard.” So far, Hank has recorded twenty albums, three music videos, and three movie soundtracks.
The concert takes the format of Merville’s Gardener’s Green house concert series – two 45-minute sets with an intermission between, and all proceeds go to the performers.
For complete information on the Merville show or concert series (ticket availability, location, and directions) contact Barbara or David Denz at 250 923-6361.
For more on Hank Cramer’s musical stylings, find him on YouTube or call 509-996-3528.
