So, every year a batch of us get together and sing Christmas carols, songs & hymns. Been doin' it for years & Dale's got a big book with lots and lots of lyrics. folks pick one & we sing it. Some years we have a piano player, some years guitar or autoharp or something else. Much as I love this, there are a WHOLE batch of songs suitable for the end of the year that don't fit into the Christmassy ambience. I've got several dozen I can think of without resorting to research. Years of listening to Nowell Sing We Clear recordings and I've loved the seasonal presentation of Chicago area musicians first "The More the Merrier" and later the Bittersweet Christmas Band (see Phil Cooper for details). Opened my repertoire and taste considerably. When I get time later, I'll post a list of the sorts of songs I have in mind (with hopes to be introduced to some I don't know by folks who come)

This year I concocted: "Wassails & Whatnot"- a Community Open Sing of seasonal songs

I'm hosting it, Folknet is supporting it & my church is giving us the space in a hall we used to use for a song circle.

Malls and advertising are full of songs repeated so often that they loose their joy. Worship services provide a chance to sing traditional hymns. Yet, there are so many wonderful songs about this season of the year that aren't suitable for these situations.

You are invited to bring songs to share that invite participation: traditional wassail songs, snow shoveling shanties, winter comfort songs, and lots and lots of choruses! Acapella, Instruments or song sheets are welcome. Please join us to sing songs of:
- Tradition - Winter - Solstice - Hanukah -Christmas - The turning of the year

"Wassails & Whatnot"
Potluck Snacks - Bring your own refreshments. (we're Episcopalians, so no problem if you bring something er.. strong)
Saturday December 13         2:00-5:00 pm       Church of the Good Shepherd
23599 Cedar Road Lyndhurst Ohio (between Legacy Village and Green Road)

I'd love to have Mudcatters there, and I'd also love to hear from others who are doing unconventional sorts of singing parties this December.

Joanne In Cleveland Ohio