Cultivating Freedom: Choir Concert, Sat. May 20, 7pm

Cultivate the Spirit of Peace and Freedom with the Free Range Folk Choir on Saturday May 20th, 7pm at the VHS Theater.

"Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves. It is a daily practice... No one can prevent you from being aware of each step you take or each breath in and breath out."

"Real strength can be found not in power, money, or weapons, but in deep, inner peace. When we have enough insight, we are not caught by many difficult situations anymore."

~Thich Nhat Hanh

On May 20th, the Free Range Folk Choir will perform "I've Got Love" and "No Matter What" by composer Raymond Wise.  Featuring the voices of the 70-member choir and jazz pianist Thomas Pruiksma, these songs remind us how to seek the inner strength needed to go on when we are facing great hardship: "I never found love 'till I found peace, I never found peace 'till I found joy, I never found joy 'till I found music way down in my soul."

Also featured will be a new choral work, arranged by Shane Jewell, based on Olatunji's Uhuru.  This piece balances the rich acappella voices of the Folk Choir with the nuanced percussion of Gordy Ryan, a long-time member of Olatunji's renowned band, Drums of Passion. The song's title, Uhuru, translates as "Freedom to the World Now", and epitomizes Olatunji's world view:

"I am that I am, I am beauty, I am peace, I am joy, I am one with Mother Earth. I am one with everyone within the reach of my voice. In this togetherness, we ask the divine intelligence to eradicate all negatives from our hearts, from our minds and from our actions. And so be it....Ashe."

~Babatunde Olatunji

Sung in three languages, the piece embodies the journey to freedom. The first cycle of the song is the realization that we are not yet free. The second cycle is the effort and struggle needed to achieve our freedom. Finally, the third cycle is the realization that once our freedom is gained we have to maintain this freedom each and every day. Learn more about Olatunji here.

Join us Saturday, May 20th, 7pm in the VHS Theater for an evening of song featuring the intricate rhythms of drummer Gordy Ryan, the gospel jazz piano of Thomas Pruiksma, and vocal harmonies of Africa, America, and Europe. This is a family-friendly show, so bring everyone for the audience sing-along. Songs of freedom from South Africa and the US civil rights movement will round out this evening.

Suggested donation $5 - $10 (No one turned away for lack of funds.)

Spring Choir Rehearsals begin March 20, @ VHS 6:45pm

This spring, the Free Range Folk Choir will be singing music that has arisen around the world from many social movements -- music that gives us the courage to go forth honestly and do what we see is right and good in our lives to support peace and justice. The music of Babatunde Olatunji and Sweet Honey in the Rock will be featured along with Raymond Wise's gospel arrangement I've Got Love and the premier of a new choral work by Shane Jewell based on The Irish Blessing. See the video below for inspiration!

Spring season choir rehearsals begin on Monday, March 20, 2017 at the Vashon High School band room. Registration is at 6:45pm, with singing from 7-8:30pm. Come sing with the Free Range Folk Choir this spring! 

Spring season meets for nine weekly sessions from March to mid May on Monday nights.  Visit our schedule page for more details on the rehearsal schedule and upcoming concerts.

Under the direction of Shane Jewell, the choir celebrates the ways that music from around the world can lift the spirit and cultivate community. Feel free to come join us! Invite your friends and neighbors. No auditions necessary to join; everyone is welcome.

Thanksgiving Choir Concert Nov. 21, 7pm

Come celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with the Free Range Folk Choir on Monday Nov. 21st, 7pm at the VHS Theater.

"I am that I am, I am beauty, I am peace, I am joy, I am one with Mother Earth. I am one with everyone within the reach of my voice. In this togetherness, we ask the divine intelligence to eradicate all negatives from our hearts, from our minds and from our actions. And so be it....Ashe."

     - Babatunde Olatunji

On November 21st, the Free Range Folk Choir will premier a new choral work, arranged by Shane Jewell, based on Olatunji's Uhuru.  This song will feature the voices of the 70-member Free Range Folk Choir and the percussion of Gordy Ryan, a long-time member of Olatunji's band, Drums of Passion. The song's title, Uhuru, translates as "Freedom to the World Now", and epitomizes Olatunji's world view.

"While his Nigerian homeland fell into the hands of bullies and thieves, [Olatunji] toured the world and spread love and forgiveness, with song, wild bell rhythms, and cracking sticks on the way-way-off beat that sent shivers through a thousand spines and probably through the forests and cities themselves.

"He played for presidents and kings, figured into Bob Dylan lyrics, and his spirit still resonates in the children, who danced in the corners of his workshops and then grew up to fulfill their own dreams of being a real drummer. He was a vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Miles Davis in the body of a giant.

"I still recall that voice that could split the molecules of the air and open some great emptiness that held all our failures and our greatest moments in a wisp of breeze or a crescendo of pure energy.
“Rhythm is the soul of life,” Baba often said. “The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action revolves in rhythm.” Once, when I felt disappointed by the actions of others, Baba told me, “Everyone’s heart is good. Give up your point of view, and you find your heart.”

         -Rex Weyler, Hollyhock co-founder, author and journalist

During his life, Olatunji toured the American south with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr and joined King in the march on Washington. When he performed before the United Nations General Assembly, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev took off his shoes and danced. 

Join us Monday, November 21st, 7pm in the VHS Theater for an evening of song featuring the intricate rhythms of drummer Gordy Ryan and vocal harmonies of Africa, America, and Europe.  This is a family-friendly show, so bring everyone for the audience sing-along. Sweet Honey in the Rock's "Breaths" and freedom songs of South Africa will round out the evening.

Suggested donation $5 - $10 (No one turned away for lack of funds.)