Songs of Spirit and Freedom
Drawing Strength Together Through Music - Saturday, February 14th at 4:00 PM
Share songs of spirit and freedom during this trying time in our nation's history. This “sing-along” program, sponsored by UU Westport’s Mending the Sacred Hoop committee (a part of our Social Justice Council), will be guided by singer/songwriter Bethany Yarrow, and joined by musicians Francine Wheeler and Gordon Titcomb. All ages and faith traditions are welcome.
Doors open at 3:30 PM, the event starts at 4 PM, and is expected to finish by 6 PM.
Let us know if you can attend - LINK
Our guest artists will guide us through our sing-along, from the songs now shared on the streets of Minneapolis, through well-known traditional songs of protest from earlier movements in our American history, and other original songs that draw strength and bring hope. No music experience is necessary; all will be invited to join in as they feel moved to do so.
This is a free event. Donations will go directly to the work of Social Justice in Connecticut and Minnesota.
Please be sure to place a message in VENMO Notes that this is a donation to the Songs of Spirit and Freedom event.
Many members of UU Westport have been inspired by the current resistance singing coming out of Minneapolis and UU Westport is opening our sanctuary to offer the same opportunity to share our collective strength and commitment together. Our distress and anguish about the violence and overreach we see in our country, and particularly in Minnesota, has many people searching for ways to channel these feelings and build connections and hope through music and song. This is a community gathering that shares the collective message of sadness and vulnerability, and, importantly, of solidarity, strength, courage, resistance, and purpose.
Bethany a mesmerizing performer renowned for her rich musical history and deep-seated activism in the arenas of the environmental and social justice movements will, through the power of her voice inspire, protect and connect us to each other and the work yet to be done.
Bethany having explored the roots of American spiritual music, and traced their lineages back through time and geographies, says: “Singing folk songs together is a powerful way to heal and draw courage as we stand together with our ancestors for what is right and good,… “It feeds the spirit and is full of joy, which we all need so much right now."
Francine is an actor, singer, songwriter, teacher, wife and mother to three boys. She has performed in regional theaters, sung in a children’s rock band, swing bands, and with many recording artists, including Rosanne Cash, Natalie Merchant, Dar Williams, as well as Peter & Bethany Yarrow. Francine is also the Executive Director of Ben’s Lighthouse, a non-profit organization started after the murder of her six-year-old, son Ben in Sandy Hook CT.
Gordon has been a studio musician for more than 25 years. He is best known for his work on pedal steel or mandolin. He is also a great guitar, dobro, and 5 string banjo player. He has performed with numerous recognized singers and musicians such as Paul Simon, Arlo Guthrie, Travis Triff, Dottie West, Hank Williams and many others.
