A latter-day Odetta, with her low, low voice, singer-songwriter Melanie DeMore has shared stages with Pete Seeger, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and John Prine. Now you too can join with her singing.
Island music teachers are bringing Ms. DeMore back for the All-Island Choral Festival next week, when she will give her popular workshops not only to students but also, for the first time here, to adults. The workshop is free and open to any singers, on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the high school chorus room.
A founding member of the Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir, Ms. DeMore weaves her remarkable voice around African American folk music, soulful ballads, spirituals and original tunes. Her band consists, in her words, of “me, my guitar, my flute, pounding sticks and sometimes the pleasure of sharing the stage with folks I love and admire.” She gives vocal workshops and also is a composer, choral conductor and member of the music faculty at St. Paul’s School in Oakland, Calif., where she teaches a cappella singing. Ms. DeMore will be conducting workshops in music classes here.
Choral students in grades 5 to 12 will give a demonstration concert with her on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at the regional high school. Admission to this event is free, and highly recommended by those who saw Ms. DeMore and members of the All Island Chorus rock the PAC in January.
For details, call Roberta Kirn at the charter school, 508-693-9900.
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