The Monadnock Folklore Society sponsors a public contra dance every Monday night from 8 to 10:30 p.m. and a regular schedule of Shape Note sings, in Nelson, held on the first and third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m., and the second Sunday of the month at 2 p.m.
The contra dance, held in the Nelson Town Hall, is known for its community spirit. Dancers come from near and far, and visitors are always welcome. Admission is $3.
Shape Note, also known as Sacred Harp, is a tradition that dates back to the late 18th century. Tunebooks were published to assist settlement-era residents to sing in the simple churches of the time, which had no piano, organ, or other instruments.
The shaped notes help singers with no musical background to quickly learn to sing in harmony. This style of singing is participatory music, not performance music. Singers face each other in a hollow square with the parts – treble, alto, tenor, bass – on each side, and singers take turns leading songs.
In November, the sings will be held on Nov. 7 and 21 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Admission is free, and loaner books are provided.
The Shape Note sings take place in the lower level of the Olivia Rodham Memorial Library.
For more, call (603) 762-0235 or visit www.monadnockfolk.org.