Contains Rum and Mild Bawdry (with Pirates for Sail)

This week, our interview is with Pirates for Sail's Jim Everett (Strinalong Jim Smudgebottom), Annie Lysen (Lucky Annie LeBlanc), Kathy Michau (Captain Molly the Crympe), and Tim Michau (The Last Mate).

What's "avast" mean, exactly? (image by Pirates for Sail)

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Although only four members were available to regale us with tales of piratical exploits, Pirates for Sail has over fourteen total crew members. During the best festivals (I hear August is the height of Pirate Season), even more come out of the woodwork, "members, former members, significant others, insignificant others, kids, pets…" Depending on space, usually around six of the crew make it out to the tavern each week.

Which, of course, is where you most likely know them from. Pirates for Sail performs every Friday night at the Piratz Tavern (match made in heaven really). What you likely don't know is that the band did not in fact form at the tavern or even, at first, as a band. Kathy decided that the best present for one Mother's Day would be for her and her friends to hit a thrift shop, dress like pirates, and board the Clipper City for a sail around Baltimore.

They were so entertaining that a quick deal with the bartender turned into a hired weekly gig from the owner. Entertainment and working with kids evolved into songs and a band as they accrued (pun intended) more members. Now, more than seven years later, they have three CDs, weekly concerts, and a year-full of festivals all over the East Coast. (Note for those of you with kids: the CDs are probably PG-13 -ish. Note for the rest of you: Go to the Tavern on Friday, buy them a beer, and ask for the extra bawdy songs.)