The Jolly Tars

The Jolly Tars transport audiences back in time with both their appearance and their sound. Attired as nineteenth century merchant seamen, Civil War sailors, Irish immigrant navvies or simply as contemporary folk performers, their claw hammer driven songs and tunes faithfully recreate the sound of young America. Their harmonious vocals and articulately delivered lyrics invite listeners into the heart of the music. If the situation allows, the "Tars" will engage the audience to participate in the songs, inviting them to ask questions, make comments and share observations.

Historical music comes alive with the Jolly Tars
Ken Purcell and Jake Laubach perform historical music of young America, the high seas and Ireland as the “Jolly Tars”, musically transporting audiences back to the nineteenth century in both sound and appearance. Their broad repertoire of historical songs pays tribute to the immigrant seamen, soldiers, miners, navvies and others who forged America. Accompanied by guitar, banjo, concertina, bouzouki, harmonica and assorted percussion, their rousing pub songs, melodious chanteys, and lively tunes have entertained audiences throughout the mid Atlantic region since 2012. The “Tars” have appeared at heritage fairs, maritime festivals, reenactments, museums, historical societies and pubs from coastal Connecticut to tidewater Virginia and look forward to entertaining at your event.

We can perform in very small space (4' x 8')