All are welcome to this powerful and poignant celebration of the proud heritage of African-American poets and composers in words and music. With poetry interwoven among the songs, this recital explores the “gift of song” through the voices of 15 composers and 15 poets, male and female.
The six gifted musicians and actors in this program include baritone Robert Honeysucker, internationally renowned opera and concert singer; reader Samuel Martinborough, performer and theater educator; tenor Antanas Meilus; soprano Kynesha Patterson; organist Andrew Soll; and pianist and artistic director, Beverly Soll. An interfaith choir will also participate in the performance.
The program will include songs of freed slaves as presented to the world by the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University in the years immediately after the American Civil War. In addition, there will be lullabies, spirituals and art songs, including those influenced by the blues. Also, reflections and poetry dating from times of slavery, the civil rights movement and the present day are among the literary works presented in this special performance.
This concert is presented by the First Church Soli Deo Gloria Concert Series, and funding is provided by the Kay Jauron Fund, audience donations and a grant from the Swampscott Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
The concert is free and open to the public; free-will donations will be accepted. Child care will also be provided. In the event of a snowstorm, the concert will be rescheduled to Sunday, Feb. 26. For more information, call 781-592-6081 or visit thefirstchurch.org.
More to Love yoga
LYNN — Curious how to make yoga work for your unique body? Want to explore a variety of poses safely and comfortably? Soul City Yoga, 271 Western Ave., Lynn, will host a “More to Love Yoga Essentials” workshop on Saturday from 1-2:30 p.m. A series of classic postures and practical modifications will help you practice yoga with confidence, no matter your size. Lynn native Rachel Estapa will share her award-winning More to Love lessons on body acceptance — these refreshing perspectives will help you appreciate your body on and off the mat. This class is excellent for beginners, those working with injuries/limitations, as well as those seeking more depth in their practice. For details, go to soulcityom.com.
Art show at the Cloister Gallery
MARBLEHEAD — The Cloister Gallery at St. Andrew’s Church, 135 Lafayette St., is featuring an exhibition by renowned Boston-based artist Bren Bataclan. The show will open with a reception on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and runs through March 30. Gallery hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, please call 781-631- 4951 or visit standrewsmhd.org/cloistergallery.html.
Sachimes and friends at Saugus High
SAUGUS — The Saugus Sachimes, Saugus High School’s coed a cappella group, will host a fundraising concert tomorrow at 7 p.m. The Sachimes will be joined by Salem High School’s Witchpitch?!, Wakefield High School’s She Major and Fermata Nowhere from UMass-Lowell. The Sachimes are fundraising to complete efforts in purchasing new sound equipment. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, available at the door. The performance will be at the Lemoine-Mitchell Performing Arts Center at Saugus High School.