Christchurch Folk Music Club

Sacred Harp Singing Workshop

2.00pm – 4.00pm, 16 August 2026

$10- Members
$15 – Non Members

An Introduction to Sacred Harp Singing

19th Century Heavy Metal, Gregorian Chant meets Bluegrass, The old growth forest of American music. These descriptions of Sacred Harp Singing might intimidate, but don’t let them. At its heart is a musical notation created to simplify the learning process, and a tradition that warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to join in.

Sacred Harp is a tradition of singing unaccompanied four part harmony from a song book of centuries-old hymns, anthems, and other tunes.

This workshop will briefly cover the history of the Sacred Harp tradition, as well as how the tradition is currently observed through weekly and annual singings.

The majority of time will be devoted to reading and singing the distinctive shapenotes used in the Sacred Harp, the tradition of beating time, and working through several songs.

Your instructor:

Mark Bedard moved to the area last year from western Massachusetts, where he was an active member of a Sacred Harp Singing community for several years. His goal in promoting this music is the establishment of a well attended weekly Sacred Harp Singing in Christchurch.

Links:

Ōtautahi Christchurch Sacred Harp Singers Facebook Page

The tradition of ‘Sacred Harp’ music lives on in the South – ABC News

Doors open 7pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm,

VENUE: Irish Society Hall, 29 Domain Terrace, Spreydon The hall is situated up the long driveway, directly next to Domain Park, and there is plenty of well-lit off-street parking..

How do I get tickets to concerts?

In advance: Book your tickets online. Select the concert you wish to attend and click on the link to book your ticket.
On the day: Purchase tickets at the venue from 7:15pm on the day of the concert if not sold out prior.

PLEASE BRING CASH For: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break and the club raffle. Bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility.
Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your membership card for licensing purposes. Non-members sign in at the bar if making purchases.

Blair Morgan & Jessie Shanks

2 August 2026

Russell Gillies – The Night of the Melomaniacs

9 August 2026
Russell Gillies is leading this group of passionate music lovers.
Expect to see and hear Lynne Hurley, Sophia Bidwell, Simon Musgrave and David Evison, all accomplished musicians based in Otautahi.

Southriver

6 September 2026
Pairing the heartfelt lyrics of Sarah August with the slick skills of Brendan Schenk, these two have been performing and writing together since 2021 creating a repertoire of troubled tunes for troubled times.

Saffron Sisters

20 September 2026
The three voices of the The Saffron Sisters – Kristina Godfrey, Mary Ruston and Frances Caldwell – blend in three-part acapella harmonies, and frequent accompaniment by Mary on the keyboard and Kristina’s percussion.

Kameleon

30 August 2026
With a new name, new energy, and some great new material, Kameleon are ready to share their love of music with a patiently waiting world.

Port Hillbillies

27 September 2026
Emerging from the shadows of the Port Hills, Christchurch. One American, Justin Rogers on mandolin, guitar and vocals, one Aussie Gary Elford on guitar, acoustic bass and vocals. They meet up with a six-toed Kiwi singer, banjo and guitar player Steve Stern to share their love of Bluegrass, Old Time and Americana music.

Liz Braggins

11 October 2026
‘Liz Braggins’ has been a familiar name on the Christchurch music scene. She has a unique style developed from many years of immersion in the music industry. Her highly original versions of well-known songs are an eclectic mix of genres highlighting her background in most musical styles.

Celtic Caim – Pauline Vallance (Scotland) and Heather Innes

8 November 2026
Celtic Caim concerts have been described as “hauntingly beautiful harmony singing,” a capella and accompanied by clasarch, flute or bodhrán. An eclectic mix of Celtic songs, songs written by various songwriters, including Pauline & Heather, plus jigs or reels on flute and bodhrán to get your feet tapping!