How Can I Keep From Singing?

The New Hope Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama has a long tradition of gospel choir excellence. In this episode Pastor Clarke, Minister of Music Michael Mays, and Glennie Dotson, president of the mass choir, discuss the power of gospel music and the tradition of improvisation, praise, and uplifting spirit that are the hallmarks of the church. For more information, https://thehopebham.com
 

Ruth Pelham is a songwriter, activist, and community organizer. Ruth spent over thirty years bringing music to street corners, libraries, festivals, and other neighborhood spaces in her hometown of Albany. In the process, she created songs that are instantly singable and adaptable, and she learned daily about the power of singing to build relationships and community. 
Ruth's website.

Matt Watroba has spent most of his adult life sharing his knowledge and passion for folk music. As a performer, Matt has delivered thousands of shows in every kind of setting. As a song leader, he is committed to facilitating at least 100 community sings every year. Matt is inspiring as he talks about his passion and experience in community singing. www.MattWatroba.net
 
 

Rhiannon is a vocal artist with a vision of music as a vehicle for innovation, healing, transformation, and social change. A vibrant, gifted singer, performance artist, composer, and master teacher, Rhiannon has been bringing her unique and potent blend of jazz, world music, improvisation, and storytelling to audiences for over five decades.
From her stellar collaborations with the all-women jazz ensemble Alive! to a cappella ensemble SoVoSo’ to Bobby McFerrin  - Voicestra, and Gimme5, to her groundbreaking solo and ensemble performances, Rhiannon has paved a unique path as an independent artist. In recent years she has continued to refine her improvisation work by performing in other cutting edge ensembles.
Rhiannon’s long-awaited book about her life and teaching methods, Vocal River, The Skill and Spirit of Improvisation, was published in 2013. Read more about Vocal River.When she is not touring, she lives and works at Leo Nani Farms on Hawai’i Island, growing food and "cultivating the arts through farming." In 2016, Ha Lau Leo Nani, The Gathering Place at Leo Nani Farms, was built. This singing barn hosts Rhiannon’s workshops and teacher trainings, as well as gatherings with other selected teachers from Rhiannon’s extensive group of colleagues around the world.
For more info. Rhiannon Website
 

Reggie Harris has been singing and telling stories for over 50 years. He's a powerful educator about the history and the current state of civil rights, and, among other things, he is the musician for the Living Legacy Project, which offers pilgrimages to explore the history of civil rights in the South. In this episode Reggie explores how music feeds a culture that faces difficulty and discrimination. At the same time, he offers a lot of hope for the power of singing to get us through hard times. More information at Reggie's Website.
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A new podcast that explores the power of group singing. Stuart Stotts interviews song leaders, choir members, authors and a range of people who provide insight and advice on this ancient human activity.