Sea Chanteys with Handsome Molly: Kate McCann and AJ Wright

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Bennington College Music presents Handsome Molly—sea chantey virtuosi Kate McCann ‘14 and A.J. Wright. They’ll sing and talk about their work as chantymen at the Mystic Seaport Museum, and also discuss the history of the sea songs and work songs they perform.

Handsome Molly is Kate McCann and A.J. Wright, playing a range of traditional and modern folk. The duo met while working as chanteymen as Mystic Seaport Museum, and love to teach audiences about the rich history of the music as much as they enjoy performing it.

Kate McCann (she/her) is a folk singer and banjo player who grew up in coastal Connecticut and now resides in Belfast, Maine. Having studied a variety of musical traditions as well as classical voice, her playing incorporates a variety of influences ranging from old time, sea chanteys, Irish music, and rock ‘n’ roll. More at www.princesspinemusic.com

Anayis (AH-nah-ees) “A.J.” Wright (they/faer) is a distinctive voice in traditional folk who captivates audiences and scholars alike with their connection to maritime music, English folk, and shape note. A.J. has played English concertina for eighteen years, cello for over twenty, and incorporated ukulele, mountain dulcimer, whistle and more into the rotation over the years. More at anayiswright.com

When not playing as a duo or solo, Kate and A.J. can be found as part of Skylark Trad Band. 

COVID Protocol: Online streaming event is free and open to all. Bennington College students, faculty and staff are invited to join this event in person in the Deane Carriage Barn. Guests may also attend in person by arrangement. Bennington College requires that all guests be vaccinated and have the appropriate vaccine booster. To enter into a building on campus, guests are asked to complete a visitor form—ideally 24 hours before their arrival. Visitors who have not completed this form must show their ID & vaccination card before entering any campus buildings. Masking indoors is required in all shared spaces.