If you recall, in my Rogue review for the “Fringe Factor: Rogue Edition” game show, I mentioned the in-between musical act. Two musicians, one folk artist and one accordionist, entertained the audience while the Rogue contestants prepped for the next round. Well, the thrill of Rogue is that shows are cancelled and venues/slots open up at a moment’s notice. One of these cancellations allowed for Aaron Shay and Strangely to collaborate for a brand new, mainly-improvised musical jamboree of sorts. The show, hands down, was the most fun I had during the 24 Rogue shows I caught this year.
Shay and Strangely have a bromance which transcends beer jokes and enhances their complimentary duo of musicians/comedians/singers. These aspects, combined with an energetic audience who was ready to laugh and clap, made for an outstanding evening of songs, jokes, and Aaron Shay’s first-ever crowd surfing experience. Shay and Strangely performed an eclectic set list containing drinking songs, nautically themed songs, and even a few originals. I have never clapped louder, smiled bigger, or laughed harder during a music performance, and I doubt a future show will come close. Shay and Strangely can sing, play, and entertain at a level that makes it looks easy and fun, making them worth every cent of the ticket price. I am proud to have been in the debut audience of the “…Ship Show,” and I hope to catch future collaborations from this dynamic pair.