Shape note singing is one of America’s oldest musical and social gathering activities. All are welcome to sing, regardless of experience or ability. Portland Sacred Harp events do not have any membership requirements or religious or political affiliations. Come as you are and sing for yourself!
Full calendar
Portland Double All-Day Singing
Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6, 9-3 p.m.
The Little Church, 5138 NE 23rd Ave, Portland, OR (map)
All are welcome, loaner books available, big potluck at noon both days!
Event flyer
OTHER UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
- April, 2018: Golden Gate All-Day Singing
- September, 2018: Cape Meares All-Day Singing
- October, 2018: Pacific Northwest Sacred Harp Singing Convention (in Portland, Oregon)
- February, 2019: Pacific Northwest Sacred Harp Singing Convention (in Seattle, Oregon)
- March, 2019: Olympia All-Day Singing
listen
More videos and audio recordings.
Learn ABOUT THE TRADITION
Watch the OPB feature, practice singing online, and visit fasola.org.
PRESS
“It was a strange sound, raw and wild and hoary, yet at the same time, familiar somehow – a great, aching lamentation that stopped people walking by in the hallway outside cold. It was as if voices from a previous century had started speaking again.” The Oregonian
“…six times better than a night at Chopsticks,” “way more raw and rustic than gospel,” and a “mind-bogglingly beautiful music style.” The Portland Mercury
“‘…penetrating sound that gets under your skin…that primal scream of music that is Sacred Harp singing at its best.” The Willamette Week
Contact us
Find Portland Sacred Harp on Facebook or write to Ana Tighe.
Oh, AND did we mention the FOOD?
Our potlucks were praised in The Oregonian’s “Food Day”: Read the short and sweet article.
RESOURCES
Short list of local resources
- Sign up to get on the email discussion list.
- What’s Going On Here? A two-page introduction to sacred harp singing.
- Quartersheets: A bookmark, cheat sheet, and schedule of all our monthly singings.
- Email sign-up sheet: Sign up sheet for the monthly announcement of local singings and events. You can also sign up online.
- PoSH Facebook page: If you’re on Facebook, it’s a good way to keep in touch with other singers and the PoSH group.
- Most important resource? Other singers. Ask them questions. At singings, sit up front next to someone who knows what they’re doing – they were beginners not too long ago and will be happy to help.
Longer list about everything sacred harp
A four-page selection of links from around the world — includes sections on: Tradition and culture, singing fundamentals and good habits, how to find songs you’ve sung, how to find and learn new songs, leading, conventions and all-day singings, dinner on the grounds, connecting to the international community, Camp Fasola, teaching, arranging, keying, composing, and recording singings.