An Evening of Sacred Song

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intricate braid through the audience. When the lights are turned on for the next song, the multi-ethnic choral group, Sacred Song, is gathered behind a beautiful display of seashells and candles, a centerpiece for the world as much as for the stage.

"An Evening of Sacred Song" is an annual benefit concert of a cappella and accompanied vocal music and more. It calls itself "A Celebration of Peace, Community, and Spirit." The group's director, Laura Machida, writes in its blog: "These evenings gather the community and provide a time to share and generate energy together, giving voice to the sacred power within. The singers, who live locally, believe that the conditions of our current times can be improved if we open to the spirit of loving sister- and brotherhood within us all."

Members of this ensemble are well known throughout the community, and just as diverse as the chorus members themselves is the eclectic variety of musical styles, encompassing folk, gospel, sixties songs, rock, world music, funk, and cowboy songs.

Yep, that's right. Cowboy songs. Complete with yodeling. I told you--diverse.