Few genres cross as many styles and cultures as the
pirate-themed rock music exemplified by buccaneer bands
Pirate Jenny through the mid-90s, and currently Captain
Bogg & Salty—now running in the forefront of
Portland's unusual genre that some have come to call
"Pirate Core."
For many years Portland has brimmed with piratical
characters, ranging from the authentic sea chanteys and
ballads of Broadside Johnnie, to the upbeat "deep-sea
blues" and funk of Spinnaker, to the metal-tinged glam of
Sunken Chest. Since 2000 Captain Bogg & Salty's annual
Festival de Piratas has brought together this unusual cast
for an evening of piracy, music, and costumed revelry.
This website further attempts to bring together the pirate
music community, while also serving as my personal outlet
for thoughts, anecdotes, and commentary on the past and
potential future for the pirate core movement. If you would
like to submit your pirate-themed act or recording, please
use the submission form. As far as what qualifies or
defines "Pirate Core," it's not obvious to determine. But
by providing a wealth of information on pirate themed acts,
hopefully you will be able to make that determination
yourself.
