Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???

Subject: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 08:44 AM

Well I think something has shifted. I think I have to start thinking about getting out there to play.

Gospel music of many genres continues to be what I find interesting, what I learn, what I DO. A number of Mudcatters have written that even tho they are not Christians, they love those old gospel songs, spirituals, holy blues, etc..

So my question is: Would it work to take them out of church and into the local small, struggling, poorly-attended coffeehouse on a Sunday evening? Would my church friends who don't attend our Saturday service come out of curiosity and absorb some fun? Would non-church-goers enjoy singing these in a low-impact setting where no one messes with their heads?

Or would I be the only one sitting there? *G*

(And no, I would not want to do a "folk" set and then sneak in a bunch of gospel.... it wouldn't sit right with me, or with folks here either. I don't have a problem with people doing that, but it ain't me.)

~Susan

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 09:01 AM

Susan, our monthly song circle (which is devoutly non-sectarian, if that's not an oxymoron) often does gospel and Hebrew songs, simply because those are what people choose when their time comes to pick. Almost everyone in the US sings Christmas carols, regardless of their own degree of devotion. I wouldn't see what you're suggesting as being a lot different...go for it!

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 10:17 AM

Maybe the fliers would say "Low-Impact Gospel Sing"!

~S~

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 12:52 PM

Hi, Susan:

As you know, the Gospel Messengers do it all the time. I think that as long as people realize that they are going to hear gospel, there is NO problem. If they don't want to hear gospel, then they don't come. Last week, we did a program as part of a Black History celebration, singing old spirituals and gospel music. We weren't in a church... we were in a large Center For The Arts. We've sung at Folk Festivals, coffee house concerts, United Way Kick-offs, Peace Rallies, homeless shelters, United Nations Day celebrations.... etc., etc.,etc. I think that the key is very simple. We sing, we don't preach. That does not mean that we deny our faith, as we make it very clear that we are singing out of a love of Christ. And then sing the songs. I have many Jewish friends who love gospel, and we were even asked to sing at a memorial service for a Jewish Woman who requested us, knowing that we sing black Gospel. As long as one respects the beliefs of others, most people are very open to hearing gospel music, and sing along lustily, without believing. I even had an Atheist complain that I hadn't mentioned that God loves Atheists in a song I wrote (about God loving everyone.) He wanted Atheists to be mentioned specifically, despite not believing in God. Everyone wants their faith respected.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: nutty
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 12:53 PM

Many folk festivals in the UK have gospel sessions ..... usually entitled something simple like 'The Sunday Sing'. They are well attended even though they are usually put on early.

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: Dani
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 01:21 PM

Go for it, Susan! And I LOVE the flyer idea. As long as people feel comfortable that you're all there out of love and respect for the music, and not to jump on them and proselytise, it'll be wonderful.

Our music gatherings go in whatever direction the wind blows, and sometimes that turns into a gospel sing, though sometimes you would not have predicted that by looking around the room.

Let us know how it turns out!

BTW, I have always loved Keillor's "Hopeful Gospel Quartet".

Dani

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: Cappuccino
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 01:27 PM

Go out and do it - that's our principle too.

Bit far to come and see you, of course.

- Ian B

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: Hollowfox
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 02:37 PM

Yes indeed, it should work. Curiously enough, I've experienced the other side of the coin a cuple of weeks ago. One of the hymns during the (Methodist) church service was Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. It's a fine song and I've known it for years, but I learned it at a Pick'n' & Sing'n' Gather'n' meeting and always sang it at folk gatherings (usually campgrounds and bars. No, it was never treated with disrespect), so this was the first time I'd ever heard it in church with an organ accompaniment. The tempo was more a march than the more relaxed sort of western swing that I was used to, and no call-and-response singing on the verses. Not bad, just different.

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 02:43 PM

As long as people feel comfortable that you're there out of love and respect for the music, and not to jump on them and proselytise, it'll be wonderful.

If what I do helps them, though, in some way, and if they want to talk after, that's OK with me-- but it will not be my main reason for doing this. If I have any "ulterior" motive at all it's to let music help people heal from past bad experiences in churches... because I think they have no idea how church CAN be, and how we do it in our Saturday Night Service. I describe it, but you really have to experience it to get it. So if they are not coming because it's church-- well I think the music will speak for itself and it's not my job to belabor it. No long heartfelt introductions, either! No testimonies! Jokes, maybe!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Gospel Singalong, NonChurch Setting???
From: Janie
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 05:44 PM

Music, and it's effect on the Spirit are pretty universal. Doesn't really have to have anything to do with a particular faith or denomination or proselytizing. I walked away from a very heavy, guilt and fear based fundamental church many years ago. One of the few good and lasting experiences that I still retain, however, was the music, and today those same familar tunes still uplift me, and enhance my connection to others and to the spirit of creation. I love Gospel music, and think many others like me do also. Go for it. Wish I could be there to hear it.

Janie