Ahoy Maties! Welcome to Above the Gaff’s Official Website!

If you want to hear traditional Irish folk songs, sea shanties and original pirate tunes played rustically on fiddle with the rich accompaniment of a guitar/banjo, upright bass, and percussion along with captivating harmonies, you’ve come to the right place. Based out of Western Mass, Above the Gaff gigs regularly throughout New England. From Renaissance Faires to Pirate Festivals, Above the Gaff’s piratical-themed comedy and salty sea songs inspire audiences to cast aside their seats in favor of heartfelt, invigorating dance.

Four pirate captains each had a run of bad luck that caused them to be without a ship or a crew. After marooning her ship off the coast of New England, Captain Fiddlesticks ran into Captain Swanhilda Stringbender who had just lost her crew to a siren’s song. Soon after Admiral Bowman and Captain Dixie Whiskey washed up ashore and decided to start a new venture as musical buccaneers. Donning her drums, Captain Fiddlesticks set off to explore Renaissance faires across the coast. Joined by Captain Dixie Whiskey’s fiddle and Admiral Bowman’s upright bass, the Captain convinced Swanhilda Stringbender to cast aside her need for vengeance and take up singing and strumming. With the group fully formed, Above the Gaff now entertains in hopes of saving up for a new ship and crew.

Above the Gaff is sure to amuse audiences of all ages with their upbeat pirate tunes and comedic antics. But don’t take our word for it. Have a listen to our full-length albums: Songs of Warship and The Cape Horn Star!