Let's sing at the Acoustic Coffee House

On Friday, July 18, let's meet at the Acoustic Coffee House at 6:00 p.m. This is not the type of venue we customarily use, but I am interested in trying new things to expose more people to the tradition. We're listed on their schedule on the right of the page. Scroll down and click on July 18.

Copy the flyer and distribute as you can. Invite folks to join us. Hope to see you there!

Thanks to Jim Benelisha for hosting us.

July 18 report

Julianne and I were joined by three others. One woman had sung once at Sycamore Shoals and two men were complete beginners.

They stayed with it for almost two hours. We worked hard and managed at least three part harmony on "New Britain", Angel Band" and "Prayer Meeting."

If the proprieter is agreeable, I intend to try this again in about a month.

Singing at the Carter Mansion

On Sunday, August 10, 2008, we will sing at the Carter Mansion in Elizabethton from three until four o'clock. (Link requires a pdf reader such as Adobe Reader.

UPDATE:There is a report on the minutes page.

Acoustic Coffee House II

We'll try again on the Friday before the third Sunday in August.  (August 15 at six o'clock.)

August at the ACH

On the Friday before the third Sunday (the third Sunday is our regular monthly singing at Sycamore Shoals) we met for our second get together at the Acoustic Coffee House. As usual, one does not know what to expect as far as turnout;  and at 6:20, the total was three - myself, Julianne and Ellie.

But by seven o'clock I counted fifteen.

One of our singers brought a friend. When I encouraged him to sit in the square, he  consented, but declared that he did not sing. Well, by the time we got to Lenox, he was next to me, leading the fugue with a very credible bass vouce. Hurrah for folks who will venture out of what they feel is their comfort zone. We only had three singers with much experience. But we had willingness and good effort from the class and we made a good sound. I heard many of them indicate they would be back.

I plan to try this again in September and will confirm soon.

Acoustic Coffee House in September

We will sing on the Friday before the third Sunday (Sept 19) at six o'clock. Please download and print the flyer and spread it around.

Let's sing at Exchange Place - Kingsport

Saturday, September 27, 12:00 noon until 2:00.

Exchange Place is an 1850's pioneer farm, actually a working farm. We have been asked to sing the shapes during their Folk Arts Festival. This is a great opportunity to share the tradition. With Headrick Chapel on the next day, this will make a nice singing weekend.

Headrick Chapel

Sunday, September 28. 11:00 - 3:00

As mentioned on the home page, this is the very first shape note singing that Julianne attended. Date is the last Sunday of September (the 28th.) It begins at eleven with dinner at noon; then more singing until three.

Through the efforts of Old Harp singers and friends, the interior of the church has been beautifully refurbished. It is a very fine singing space and an event not to be missed.

We use the "New Harp of Columbia". There will be loaner books available. Contact me if you want more information.

Click on the map to enlarge.

Acoustic Coffee House in October

In October, we will sing on the fourth Friday, October 24, at the Acoustic Coffee House. We start at six and go about an hour and a half. This will be the fourth month we have tried this and the results have been up and down. In September, it was just me and Julianne. We'll see how it goes this time.

Report: It went quite well. People are coming and the owner is very gracious in allowing us to use his space.

Acoustic Coffee House in November

Friday, November 28, beginning at six. Yes, that is the day after Thanksgiving Day. My feeling is that I am going to schedule as much singing as I want to and just hope that other people want to do it as much as I do.

For all upcoming events that I am aware of in the Christian Harmony world, always look to the "calendar" page.