Come Listen to Songs of Compassion from the Agate Pass Threshold Choir April 19; Second Saturday at Seabold Hall Tomorrow Evening

The Agate Pass Threshold Choir invites you to sample an hour of simple melodies and heartfelt songs on Sunday April 19 at Grace Church, 8595 NE Day Road. Part of a worldwide community of nearly 200 Threshold Choir chapters, local singers offer music that brings calm, comfort, and connection. Many choirs, including the local Agate Pass chapter sing at bedsides for the afflicted and dying people nearing the end of their lives.

“I have had the privilege for the last five or six years of being a member of the Agate Pass Threshold Choir,” says Charlie Sharpe, a local musician and artisan. “We sing songs specifically written for this purpose, and some of it is calming, some energizing, but all of it is uplifting. The music is not religious, but I would say it is spiritual. It is mostly written by threshold choir members, and our Agate Pass choir has the benefit of having two talented songwriters in our ranks.”

There is no accompaniment to the music the choir sings, Sharpe notes, “for it is meant to be sung a cappella. … The music is not performative, it is an offering, and our intention is to be in service to those who need comfort and light in what can be a stressful time. The music we sing goes beyond medicine and words and seems to have healing properties, bringing together everyone in the room, be it the afflicted, their caregivers and family, or us as singers,” he adds.

Sharpe says the upcoming April 19th concert at Grace Church – which is free and open to the public – is a somewhat rare opportunity for the general public to experience what it is that the choir does. “Words can’t convey the feeling of peacefulness and comfort that results from the music, which is usually three-part harmonies and simple melodies.”

There are 15 or so Agate Pass Threshold Choir members, and when the choir sings at bedsides it typically divides into groups of three or sometimes four. “Give yourself the experience of hearing us and learning a bit about what it is that we do and the service we provide,” Sharpe continues. “It can be profound.”

What: The Agate Pass Threshold Choir

When: Sunday, April 19, 3 p.m.

Where: Grace Church, 8595 NE Day Road, Bainbridge Island

This is a free event. Reception follows. Donations are welcome. For More Information Email: agate_pass@thresholdchoir.org Web: thresholdchoir.org/agatepass Threshold is a partnering organization with Island Volunteer Caregivers

It’s motto:  Step away from the troubles of the world as voices in harmony create space to pause, breathe, and replenish your spirit. Threshold singers also bring this
same gentle presence to the bedside of those who are ill, in pain, or nearing the end of life. Reset your day. Join us for a spirit-filled afternoon.

Second Saturday Mostly Acoustic Music Event at Seabold Hall Saturday April 11

Seabold Hall’s open music Second Saturday is tomorrow evening, April 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. with open mic sign ups. Second Saturday is an almost all-acoustic open stage venue on Bainbridge Island. 

Participants perform with minimal or no amplification in the “sweetest, most resonant little one room schoolhouse you’ve ever seen,” says organizer David Hagar.  “The setting is perfect for our special blend of folk, blues, Celtic, jazz, and original material.  But we also welcome almost any genre, as long it does not require earplugs for the audience.  If you want to use amplification, please contact us in advance.,” Hagar notes.

There is a piano at the hall but be warned: “it’s a little bit ragged and a little bit quirky and isn’t always perfectly in tune.  Bring your own digital piano if you wish.”

Everyone’s welcome!  “We are kids and adults, professionals and amateurs, hams and shrinking violets, old-hats and newbies.  We’re also the most attentive and supportive audience you may ever find,” Hagar further adds.