2025 Symposium on the Music of the Sea
For over 40 years, international academics, independent scholars, and performer researchers have gathered in Mystic and Essex to share their passion for and original research of the music of the sea.
The Symposium links them with knowledgeable and enthusiastic audiences, providing scholarship that is entertaining and enlightening. Presentations will be videotaped and followed by a Q&A.
The 2025 Symposium on the Music of the Sea, directed for the fourth year in a row by Dr. Faye Ringel, will be held at the Essex Town Hall at 29 West Ave, Essex, CT from 9AM-4:15PM on Friday, June 6th, with a break for lunch. Saturday morning will finish it out with an interactive workshop on the Lay House Lawn at the Connecticut River Museum. The Symposium is free to attend, and Friday’s presentations will be uploaded to our YouTube channel following the festival for those who are unable to attend in-person.
This year, keep your eyes on the festival grid for an exciting bonus presentation and workshop Saturday morning!
Schedule
Friday – Essex Town Hall
9 a.m.
The Blue Penciling Erased: Hugill’s Recovered Bawdy Chanteys
Jerry Bryant
10 a.m.
Contributions of Old Sailor-Poets to the Nautical Songs
Charlie Ipcar
11 a.m.
Symposium presenter Meg Hyland is unable to join us this year. She will, however, be part of the program for 2026. We send our wishes for good health, and we look forward to seeing her in 2026.
For now, we have some surprises for our loyal attendees on June 6, along with our great in-person presentations.
Preview of Waulking Songs Workshop
Linn Phipps
12 p.m. lunch break
1:15 p.m.
A Goddess of His Own: Columbia and American Naval Hyper-identity
Dr. Stephen N. Sanfilippo
2:15 p.m.
Sea Slang: Maritime Influence & Persistence of Vocabulary in Contemporary Culture
Cole Longcor
3:15 p.m.
Singing Chanties and Shanties on Both Sides of the Pond
Fred Winkel
Saturday – John Roberts Stage, Lay House Tent
10:00 a.m.
Interactive Workshop on Types of Scottish Gaelic Tweed-Waulking Songs
Linn Phipps
Symposium Staff
Director
Dr. Faye Ringel
First Mate
Dan Lanier
Moderators
Craig Edwards and Dan Lanier
Reading Committee
Dan Lanier, Dr. Christopher Smith, Sheila Hogg, Craig Edwards, Dr. Faye
Ringel
Technical Director, Video, and Sound
Ben Parker
Refreshments
Kitsie Reeves