Newnan’s historic courthouse in downtown Newnan will be the site of a Sacred Harp Singing Convention next month when the Coweta Visitors Center hosts the event from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, with dinner on the grounds at noon.
As a prelude and introduction to the art form, classes on sacred harp singing are planned at the center this month.
“In our time there has been ever more interest in ‘Sacred Harp’ music in many places including here on the Southside,” a spokesperson said. “In recognition of this interest, the Coweta Visitors Center in the historic courthouse in Newnan is holding classes this month, and next month will hold a convention on this musical form.”
This style of singing stems from singing schools in the colonial period. Preserved in the rural South, Sacred Harp singing (also called fasola singing or shape-note singing) is making a major resurgence in cities and campuses throughout North America and beyond.
Newnan’s courthouse is in the center of downtown Newnan at 200 Court Square. For additional information contact John Plunkett at bildad12@hotmail.com or 770-356-7523; visit atlantasacredharp.org; or contact Mark Puckett at 770-251-4951 (home) or by email at mspjmp@dishmail.net.
