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n Oriental, Memorial Day weekend is usually marked by a day of bands playing the big stage behind The Silos restaurant on Highway 55.

COVID-19 restrictions forced a change of plans. With outdoor gatherings on land limited to 25, a different idea was hatched. The audience could be on boats.

And so, the Pirate Jam was born. A place to play from on land was found. The Silos Chris and Kim Daniels teamed with the Pamlico County Arts Council to make the event happen.

Sunday, May 25, George Bailey, TerryLynn Melody, and Saltwater Gold played to a crowd of boaters, anchored off Teachs Point at the convergence of Greens and Smith Creeks.

Saltwater Gold playing to the floating crowd. (Kirk Hathaway photo)

This work boat provided a loftier viewing experience.

(Kirk Hathaway photo)

These kids had their own ride.

Local restaurants offered Pirate Jam ‘booty boxes’, boxed lunches to take on the water. There were t-shirts to commemorate the event, and audience shout-outs – congratulating recent grads and birthdays, or just saying thanks – read from the stage between songs.

Pamlico County Arts Council President Angie Propst said the event, “far surpassed our expectations… we can’t wait to do it again.” Next year? “Absolutely” said Chris Daniels. “This will become an annual event.”

It won’t be Memorial Day weekend – that’s reserved for Silospalooza – but Chris says it will be a summer weekend.

Flags out for the Pirate Jam and Memorial Day.

A swimmer and her dog find it easier to stand than swim.

Mark Hoff of Saltwater Gold sings to the floating audience. (Kirk Hathaway photo)

Marguerite rafted up to the tiki bar.

Anchored and pointing into the wind.

Ladies’ lunch on the bow. (Andrea Bruce photo)

Not all swimming was voluntary.

When boats don’t keep their social distance.

A sky-writing plane showed up, drew a dramatic line, and left. (Kirk Hathaway photo)

A 60s era runabout cruises through the crowd.

Checking out the anchor in between music sets.

While most of the floating audience was anchored near Teachs Cove, sailboats with masts over 45’ listened to the Pirate Jam from the other side of the bridge. (Andrea Bruce photo)

The scene from above, looking towards Oriental. Philip and Katherine Ra let their Teachs Cove property be the land base for the bands.

There’s more photos to see on the next page. But before you do that, check out the Pirate Jam promo video here:

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River, the dog, came along for the ride.

Cruising around in a hand-built boat.

Scott Finch and Mike Ferrera of Saltwater Gold. (Kirk Hathaway photo)

Sunbathing on deck.

A rubber duck on duty floating above an anchor.

Waving hello.

Listening by the bulkhead.

Anchor deployment in action.

View from the bridge. (Andrea Bruce photo)

One of several groups of rafted vessels. (Kirk Hathaway photo)

Kayakers paddle around anchored vessels. It was the best way to stay in the water and get close to the music.

Watching the show. (Andrea Bruce photo)

The men of Saltwater Gold.

Posted Thursday May 28, 2020 by Allison DeWeese