2016 Folklife

SPIRITUALS AND SACRED MUSIC Gospel, Kirtan, Shape Note and Chanting Khari McClelland, of The Sojourners: Singing is a primary source for communicating our inner world and has been since the beginnings of human history. We sang or chanted together to understand something about who we are as individuals, but also who we are together. The very nature of song or music is metaphor — there is no direct symbolic reference like with written language and yet music yields understanding and can conjure deep feelings. This is a powerful mode for communicating and healing ourselves, and it is also our birthright. Something very special happens when we sing together. Our breathing and heart rate start to align and we begin to share a similar perspective, a way of feeling and seeing each other and the world. It is a means for strengthening and growing community. I grew up in the African-American tradition and I am a descendant of those that fled to Canada in order to escape the violence and tyranny of slavery under U.S. federal law. The history of survival and thriving within the African diaspora of the Americas cannot be understood without its tether to song. It is the buoy that kept us afloat when most of what we knew was drowning in sorrow. In a world that grows more and more disconnected through movement and technology we need song more than ever. Lift every voice and sing! Catch McClelland and The Sojourners perform in the Power of the Human Voice Concert: Sponsored by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance on Saturday, May 28, from 7-10 p.m. in the Bagley Wright Theatre. BEYOND THE VOICE Throat Singing, Yodeling, Mouth Music and Beatboxing Wylie Gustafson, Yodeler: The power of the voice and its ability to express emotion and transmit feelings is nothing short of magical. The ability of the singer to take the listener to a different state of feeling or perception i s un i que ly human . It is the singer’s duty to take the listener to a different place, express the un-expressible, and get to the heart of life. “I come from the hardy stock of rural Montana. There is a great amount of Northern European blood steeped in our culture and sense of place. I grew up with polka music, yodeling and Hank Williams, Sr. It wasn’t considered “alternative,” “country” or “folk,” it was a just part of the music I grew up with. High Plains Yodeling is unique to our area. It is a slow and lonely type of yodeling that reflects our wide-open spaces of North-Central Montana.” Don’t miss Wylie’s workshop Cowboy, Traditional Country, Yodeling on Sunday, May 29, at 6 p.m. in the Armory Lofts. Become a Friend of Folklife ($50-$249) to support Festival and Cultural Focus programs. CULTURAL FOCUS JOIN US FOR A SING-A-LONG “THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE” This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, Ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day, Gonna let my little light shine. The light that shines is the light of love; Lights the darkness from above. It shines on me and it shines on you, And shows what the power of love can do. I’m gonna shine my light both far and near, I gonna shine my light both bright and clear. Where there’s a dark corner in this land I’m gonna let my little light shine. (oh) This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, Ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day, Gonna let my little light shine. On Monday, He gave me the gift of love; Tuesday, peace came from above. On Wednesday he told me to have more faith; On Thursday He gave me a little more grace. Friday, He told me to watch and pray Saturday, He told me just what to say, On Sunday He gave me the power divine To let my little light shine. (oh) This little light of mine, I’mgoing to let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, Ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day, ev’ry day, Gonna let my little light shine. SING ALONG WITH PASTOR PATRINELL WRIGHT Saturday, May 28, at 1:35 Fisher Green Stage Photo Credit: The Sojourners by Adam PW Smith Pastor Patrinell Wright. Photo by Piper Hanson “I understand who I am, where I come from and where I am going through song.” “Singing is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind.” 5