The Sailor treasures many things-his God, his family, the sea, clean air, good humor, the mountains of home, a good drink, and that special girl that waits for him in home port. This is the "Stuff of a Sailor's Song". About us....... For many, a leisurely stroll to the Anchor's Pub in Rocky Harbour can be one of those defining moments. Here, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night during the summer a group of local musicians get together and entertain tourists and locals alike with a three-hour show. Filled with renditions of popular Newfoundland and Labrador songs and tunes, sprinkled with one-liners and wit and occasional display of culture, this group of five has become one of the most widely-attended acts in the whole province. Almost by accident, and practically overnight, the ANCHORS AWEIGH band has found its way onto the list of "things-to-do" for local residents and visitors alike. It's worth exploring how it all came about. The story of most successful groups begins with a chance meeting, perhaps, or a coincidental crossing of paths. Often youthful friends grow up together and pursue their dreams of forming musical groups. The members of ANCHORS AWEIGH tell a similar tale. It all began in the summer of 1997 when three of the band's members (Reg Williams, Paul Barry and Wayne Parsons) contemplated getting together to entertain guests at a family wedding. Thinking of old style love ballads, especially in the Irish sense, the trio performed, much to the delight of those in attendance, into wee hours of the morning. Being so well-received, they instinctively knew that they would find even more appeal with a wider audience. However they knew, too, that additions would have to be made to the group to truly make the group attractive on a continuous basis. Long-time friend, Don Fudge was invited to join the initial trio and Anchors Aweigh was launched. The group became an instant success, not only with visiting public who toured Gros Morne National Park, but with local people of all ages as well. No visit back home to Rocky Harbour-Norris Point area was complete without a visit to what became known as "Pub Night". The little pub, neatly located at the Ocean View Motel, became everyone's gathering place, their watering-hole, their place to meet friends and discuss the day's events. It seems celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, family re-unions, even honeymooners, make "Pub Night" a part of their celebrations. Naturally, the spin-off benefits for restaurants, hotels/motels, Bed and Breakfast establishments, cottage and cabin rentals is immeasurable. As their popularity grew, the music, too, became more fine tuned. The traditional sound of the accordion, the strumming of rhythm guitars, the deep lull of the bass guitar and especially the harmony of voices all blended together to produce a comfortable presentation. However, a strong lead guitar player was needed and when Wade Jones accepted a teaching position at the local school and subsequently joined the group, the band was now complete. Consisting of five members, each with his brand of showmanship and musical uniqueness, ANCHORS AWEIGH set into their three-nights-a-week routing of laughter and music, performing to sold out crowds who blocked the local pun night after night. After three CD's and a few out-of-province tours, Anchors Aweigh continue to succeed in what they do best. Not only do they perform at "Pub Night" but you can also catch them sometimes performing on the M.V. Emm-Cat in Bonne Bay during an evening cruise hosted by BonTours. What is it that makes ANCHORS AWEIGH so appealing? What is it about the group and their music that draws locals back night after night and convinces those who drop in to stay until the final set is over? The music, obviously, is the big attraction, but it is more than that. It is that sense of being part of the audience; that sense that no one in attendance is a stranger; especially that sense of being welcome. What makes it all come together, of course, is the unique characters that make up the band and the chemistry among them that blends together on stage to present such a well-received show. A closer look at each individual and the special talent he brings to the stage is worth examining.