Oak Ridge Today

Former Sweet Honey in the Rock member to lead music workshop at ORUUC

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Ysaye M. Barnwell

Ysaye M. Barnwell

Ysaye M. Barnwell, a former longtime member of Sweet Honey in the Rock, an a cappella group, is returning to Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church to lead a three-night workshop series: Evolution of African-American Music from Africa to Civil Rights.

The evenings of singing and learning will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 20, 21, and 22 at ORUUC, a press release said. ORUUC is located at 1500 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Those who attend will experience singing in the African-American tradition of music from Africa to the civil rights era, the press release said. The workshop begins on Thursday, Feb. 20, with the chants of Africa and the diaspora. Spirituals and slave songs will be the focus on Friday, Feb. 21. The series will conclude on Saturday, Feb. 22, with songs of the civil rights era. [Read more…]

Sing with Sweet Honey in the Rock vocalist Friday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Ysaye M. Barnwell

Ysaye M. Barnwell

A member of the vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock will lead a Friday evening session of singing songs from African and African-American traditions, a press release said.

The songs will be led by Ysaye M. Barnwell, a composer, arranger, author, and actress who has performed on more than 25 recordings with Sweet Honey in the Rock as well as with other artists.

“Everyone who attends will share the common experience of learning in the oral tradition and singing rhythms, chants, traditional songs from Africa, and a variety of songs from African-American culture,” the press release said. “All are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Come and be moved by the power of the music and community.”

[Read more…]