Friday 28
Abe Lincoln sang “fasola” and so can you. “Shape note” or “fasola” singing is a native American style of folk music designed to help those who can’t read music sing in groups. Using tunes that date in some cases from Elizabethan times and employing ancient scales and unusual harmonies, “fasola” is notated by shape–different shapes indicate different tones. The Chicago Sacred Harp Singers is holding its annual Midwest Sacred Harp Singing Convention, which is expected to draw musicians from the leading “fasola” families. Rather than a concert, this is an informal event, with the participants facing each other as they sing their unaccompanied harmonies. The public is welcome to drop in to listen or sing anytime between 9:30 AM and 3 PM at the First Baptist Church of Evanston, 607 W. Lake in Evanston, or tomorrow at Ida Noyes Hall at the University of Chicago, 1212 E. 59th St. Potluck lunches are planned from noon to 1 each day. Admission is free; for details call 486-7400 or 486-3962.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
MAY
Wednesday 3
The eras of rock and roll and television go hand in hand, a fact gleefully exploited by the Film Center of the Art Institute in its series Raidin’ the Rock Archives. Tonight through Sunday separate programs will showcase rock and soul on television in the 1960s and ’70s, with special programs devoted solely to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Tonight’s programs are “Rock on TV: The Sixties” at 6, and “Soul on TV: The Sixties” at 8:30. In addition to the videos, there’ll be comments and responses to audience questions by rock archivist David Peck and San Diego Reader critic John D’Agostino. Tickets for each show are $5, $3 for Film Center and Art Institute members; Columbus Drive at Jackson. Call 443-3733.
