IF YOU GO* What: Sacred Harp Singers* When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7* Where: LaFayette Presbyterian Church,107 North Main St.* Admission: Free* Phone: 706-764-2801
LaFayette Presbyterian Church, 107 North Main St., LaFayette, Ga. will host a Sacred Harp choir from Liberty Church in Henagar, Ala., at 7 tonight, Nov. 7, in the sanctuary of the church.
Sacred Harp is an early American a cappella singing style based on the fa-sol-la shapes of ovals, diamonds, squares and triangles. This old-fashioned music was popular during the Civil War. Sacred Harp singing has faded in other parts of America, but the tradition continues in churches on Sand Mountain.
Grammy winning music director T Bone Burnett produced the soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" with some Sacred Harp music.
He also recorded nearly 40 Sacred Harp tunes at Liberty Baptist Church for the movie "Cold Mountain."
He chose two of the songs for use in the movie. One song, "I'm Going Home," is sung when the Civil War is announced, and "Idumea," is used during the horrific battle scene in Petersburg, Va. Northeast Alabama is where much of "Awake, My Soul," a documentary about the history and traditions of Sacred Harp singings, was filmed.
The event tonight will not be a concert, but a sharing of worship through shape-note singing. The service is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the congregation's outreach ministry. There will be a reception following the service in the church fellowship hall.
For more information, call Dr. David Pat Boyle, 706-764-2801.