Bytown Sea Shanty Collective

About Bytown Sea Shanty Collective

Bytown Sea Shanty Collective is a quartet from Ottawa, Canada, born out of a love of the East Coast. With the call of the high seas in their bones, the group formally began their adventure in July 2022, after having organized livingroom singalongs since 2019. 

 Since launching, BSSC has been offering free, accessible monthly Sea Shanty singalongs in Ottawa. What started with a first evening bringing in 30-40 people, now regularly sees 200+ attending, with lineups out the door. BSSC is committed to giving back to their community and regularly engage in fundraising, bringing in over $8000 in 2023. 

 A key focus of BSSC has been giving people without musical training an opportunity to sing in a group - there are so many benefits that come from group singing, but opportunities are few! With that in mind, BSSC has worked to remove all barriers at their singalongs: there is no cover, no need to read sheet music, no need for perfection. All are welcome and encouraged! 

 Bytown Sea Shanty Collective is currently working on original material, planning recording sessions, and booking concerts both in Ottawa and out of town. This summer they will participate in the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival in St. Martins, New Brunswick.