Sing the Bay Fantastic! Celebrating Chesapeake Traditions in Song
PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II LAUNCHES 2026 SEASON WITH ARTIST SAIL AND SING THE BAY FANTASTIC FUNDRAISER!
Celebrating Chesapeake Heritage in Advance of America’s 250th Anniversary
Pride of Baltimore, Inc. announces the launch of its 2026 sailing season with two back-to-back programs that highlight maritime heritage, artistic expression, and the living traditions of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information on Pride of Baltimore II, visit https://pride2.org/event/sing-the-bay-fantastic.
The season begins on April 22, 2026, with a special Artist Sail in partnership with the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Eight Maryland artists will sail aboard Pride of Baltimore II and witness the raising of the Star-Spangled Banner over Fort McHenry, drawing inspiration for new work exploring Maryland’s role in the nation’s 250-year story. (For Press interested in covering the kick-off sail from the water: The sail departs from Baltimore Peninsula at 11 AM on April 22. Free parking is available at Port Convington Marina, 321 E Cromwell St, Baltimore, MD 21230. Boarding starts at 10:45 AM. The ship will return to Port Convington Marina by 1 PM)
As Maryland’s sailing ambassador, Pride of Baltimore II brings history to life through immersive experiences like this. Built in 1988 as a reproduction of a Baltimore Clipper, she carries forward the legacy of the fast privateering vessels that helped define the War of 1812.
“This is an extraordinary way to begin our sailing season,” said Pride of Baltimore, Inc. “It reflects exactly what Pride was built to do: connect people to history in a way that is immediate, relevant, and inspiring.”
The following evening, Pride of Baltimore, Inc. presents Sing the Bay Fantastic! on April 23, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
Featuring acclaimed folk duo Janie Meneely and Rob van Sante, the performance brings the Chesapeake Bay to life through story and song. Drawing from years spent among watermen and maritime communities, Meneely’s work captures the voices, humor and hardships of those who make their living on the water.
Her repertoire ranges from lively tales like “Nasty Nell” to poignant ballads such as “Claud W. Somers, 1977,” recounting the loss of a Chesapeake Bay skipjack. Her connection to Pride of Baltimore runs especially deep: she wrote a song about the ship months before the original vessel was lost at sea, later revisiting and reshaping it ahead of the launch of Pride of Baltimore II.
Performing alongside Dutch-born musician Rob van Sante, whose harmonies and musical arrangements bring depth and warmth to her work, the duo offers an evening of music, storytelling, and shared experience.
“I use my art to preserve the resource,” says Meneely. “The same way a painter might capture a lighthouse on canvas.”
Audiences can expect music, merriment and the chance to sing along, celebrating the culture and traditions of the Chesapeake Bay.
Event Details: Sing the Bay Fantastic!
Sing the Bay Fantastic! Celebrating Chesapeake Traditions in Song
Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Baltimore Museum of Industry
1415 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230
Tickets:
• Privateer Society & Donor Admission: $20
• General Admission: $25
• Door Admission: $35
Buy your tickets today.
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410.539.1151
About Pride of Baltimore II
Pride of Baltimore II is a globally recognized sailing ambassador for the State of Maryland. Launched in 1988, she is a reproduction of a Baltimore Clipper, sleek and fast vessels known for their role in the War of 1812. Operated by a professional crew of twelve, Pride II preserves maritime heritage through education, outreach, and international goodwill. The vessel continues the mission of her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore, which was tragically lost at sea in 1986.
