Unitarian Universalist Congregation In Westport To Host Sing-Along This Weekend

WESTPORT, CT — The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport will host a community sing-along on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., inviting residents to gather for music focused on themes of spirit and freedom.

Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to people of all ages and faith traditions. The congregation said free parking and handicap accessibility will be available.

The program is sponsored by the congregation’s Social Justice Council through its Mending the Sacred Hoop committee. Singer-songwriter Bethany Yarrow will lead the event, joined by musicians Francine Wheeler and Gordon Titcomb.

Organizers said members of the congregation have drawn inspiration from resistance singing in Minneapolis and are opening their sanctuary in Westport to offer a similar opportunity for community members to gather through music.

According to organizers, the sing-along will include songs currently being shared in Minneapolis, traditional protest songs from earlier periods in American history, and original compositions intended to foster connection and hope. No prior musical experience is required, and attendees will be encouraged to participate as they wish.

Organizers cited concern about violence and political developments in the country, particularly in Minnesota, as prompting interest in communal expression through song.

Additional information about the event is available at uuwestport.org.

About The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport and Mending the Sacred Hoop
Programs

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, located at 10 Lyons Plains Road in Westport, is a diverse and welcoming religious community, free of creed and dogma, and open to people of all
backgrounds and beliefs. We welcome all who are in search of a non-judgmental, loving, safe community to come together to explore what it means to be human and alive in today's world, and how we can best serve one another and those around us, near and far.

Mending the Sacred Hoop, one of UU Westport's many social justice action committees, supports activities that reflect the Native American core belief that all of creation is interconnected. It offers opportunities for congregants to come together to share feelings, thoughts, and commitments through talking circles, story-telling, drumming, and similar activities. It is led by Grandmother Nancy, an elder in the Innu Nation, and the Rev. Jim Francek, our Community Minister for Pastoral Care.

About our Sing-Along Leaders, Bethany Yarrow, Gordon Titcomb and Francine Wheeler

Bethany Yarrow is a mesmerizing performer renowned for her rich musical history and deep-seated
activism. She has become a prominent voice in the environmental and social justice movements who uses the power of her voice to protect and heal the Earth and each other. Bethany was born into a family of music and advocacy, with dad Peter Yarrow of the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, and mom Mary Beth McCarthy, the niece of Eugene McCarthy, the iconic Senator from Minnesota who ran for president in 1968 as the anti-Vietnam war candidate. Bethany shares "Singing folk songs together is a such a powerful way to heal and draw courage as we stand together with our ancestors for what is right and good… It feeds the spirit and is full of joy, which we all need so much right now."

Francine Lobis Wheeler, Sandy Hook CT native, is an actor, singer, songwriter, teacher, wife, and mother. She has performed in regional theaters, sung in a children’s rock band, swing bands, and with many recording artists, including Rosanne Cash, Natalie Merchant, Dar Williams, Peter Yarrow and of course, Bethany Yarrow. Francine is the Executive Director of Ben’s Lighthouse, a non-profit organization started after the murder of her six-year-old, Ben, at Sandy Hook Elementary School to promote empathy and compassion for children. Currently, Francine and her creative team are filming a short documentary, Just Five Minutes, based on the music and book written by Francine, Just Five Minutes, her story of grief, trauma, and survival.

Gordon Titcomb, CT born and raised, has been a musician for more than 25 years. Best known for his work on pedal steel or mandolin, Gordon is also a great guitarist, dobro and five string banjo player. Gordon has recorded and/or performed with a stellar set of talented artists, from Paul Simon to Arlo Guthrie, and Blood Sweat & Tears to Jimmy Fallon. Gordon shares … "As a kid, I used to pore over the credits on the jackets of the old 33 rpm records, soaking up the names of all the musicians mesmerizing me with their magical stuff. I've been incredibly lucky to work with many of them... I've never stopped being blown away…"

For more information, visit uuwestport.org or contact UU Westport at 203-227-7205.
Follow UU Westport on Facebook and Instagram.

— Flyer from Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport