Take 20+ teens ages 13 - 19, bring them together for a week of singing, eating, singing, more singing, clogging, and some sleeping, then take them on a concert tour through New England. That's what Larry Gordon, founder of Village Harmony does, along with other energetic musical adult leaders. The result, lucky for me, was a wonderful wall of sound at the Northfield Mount Hermon's Rhodes Arts Center this evening. Exuberant voices sang songs from South Africa, England and Bulgaria, as well American shape-note music and Appalachian ballads. Several of the young folks were instrumentalists as well: fiddlers, a saxophonist, and one guy of 14 who rocked wailed on the harmonica and trumpet.
It was an unexpectedly marvelous evening. I went knowing it would be good, but was blown away. I apologize for using that somewhat trite phrase...but it's pretty darn accurate.
If Village Harmony is coming to a church or community center in your area, go! I implore you! For a listing of New England concerts this summer click here.
Picture from: http://www.villageharmony.org/images/summercamps/09brochure/JumpingoversignLG.jpg
