Autumn Sing

A day to draw close in harmony…gently steep in the stirrings of song…remembering the gifts of Autumn’s shedding, the endings of a season’s harvest and what is asked of us in navigating change…some moments of sanctuary together, long enough that we may heed the longings of our hearts towards older tendings of seasonal replenishment.

If troubled times compel you towards the deepening of culture work, you long to step beyond being entertained and instead be involved in music making, you’re moved by the works of Martín Prechtel, Stephen Jenkinson, Vanessa Andreotti, Manchan Magan, Dougald Hine, you’re interested in ancestral skills, permaculture, community building, sustainable living, wholisitc economies…. this may be a fit for you.

But how do these examples connect to singing? Good question.

For me they’re a broth of influences which stir the ways I raise my voice in response to the increasingly polarising and fretful times we’re living into. My experiences in off-grid communities, activism, and deep listening practices, where I’ve seen systemic patterns mirrored in interpersonal relationships, have led me to look wider. Refusing to accept our current trajectory as innately human or inevitable, I’ve sought out existing and historical ways of living that honour limits and accountability as vital parts of a holy fabric of living and loving. Song has been a vital thread through this research: bridging conflict, amplifying ceremony, enabling joy, supporting grief, fertilising planting/harvests, empowering resistance…cultural histories where people have known and lived by its power. Song is in our bones, and throughout turbulent histories, across time and cultures, people have known and lived by it…and continue to.

So this is my invitation to join a cosy, intimate gathering in a simple roundhouse warmed by burning logs.

The shape of our time will look something like this (with a lunch break):

A brief greeting. A physical and vocal warm up bringing our awareness into the connectedness of our bodies and voices. Gradually learning a selection of songs which stir a pot of wonderings like those above. I teach songs step by step, call and response, layering into our collective memory until we’re weaving a rich basket of harmonies and rhythms. Whatever your singing experience or ability, your voice is tenderly welcomed and valued. More confident/experienced singers warmly support and include those who’ve lived with discouraging narratives. In this way, spells (“I can’t”, “my voice is unwelcome”) are de-spelled.

Hearty nutritious lunch option, provided by Tanya o’Gaia:

Dahl and flatbread with slaw and energy ball – £10

Or bring your own lunch

Please note, we need a minimum number of 8 lunch orders for Tanya to go ahead with cooking – I’ll confirm when the minimum number has been met.

Tickets come with sliding scales so you can choose what’s realistic for you. This is my livelihood and I’ve priced according to my costs of offering this day, comfort limits of how many fit in this space and the cumulative costs of keeping up trainings and purchasing songs from writers. The examples are indications only… edges are squishy, so use your own judgement – I trust your integrity and won’t ask questions. If you claim a bursary place (your chosen amount), thank you and I’m glad you can join us. There’s a limit to how many can be in the venue so if you can’t come in the end, please do let me know so your place can be available to someone else.