Stara Kuznia

Stara Kuznia (English:  “Old Forge”) is a Polish maritime-themed folk band that performs in-country.  They have three albums available on Apple Music, released in 2016, 2019 and 2023.

The Stara Kuźnia band was formed in early 1997. We sing classical shanties, pub songs and original songs. The first serious performance in front of an audience took place in Węgrów (the hometown of most of the band members) during SHANTYNOCKI ’97. Two weeks before the festival in Giżycko, the band slightly changed its lineup and began preparations for the competition at that festival. Later, we participated in the KEJA ’97 festival, but generally our activities were limited to performances at various cultural events in Węgrów and the surrounding area.

1998 started quite busy. During the first week of February, we participated in the Shanties ’98 pre-festival workshops.

And finally, the Shanties festival. Then a few more events and festivals. We visited Białystok, Łódź, Węgorzewo, gaining further awards and experiences. We also played at another Shantynocka in Węgrów. In July, we performed in Giżycko – this time as a winner of the previous festival. In August, we attended the Gdańsk Shanties Festival, and right after the event we went to the Summer Shanties Festival at Lake Charzykowskie. It was great. We met many friends and acquaintances from other bands.

Shanties ’99 is also a meeting place for many friends from the previous festival. We could remember our time together at the workshops and festival. It was during Shanties ’99 that our first cassette was released. What’s next? We’ll see.