[31th Annual Potomac River Shape-Note Singing Convention]

Previously known as The Potomac River Sacred Harp Singing Convention

A traditional and powerful singing of American shape-note hymns, fuging tunes, and anthems
in unaccompanied four-part harmony from The Sacred Harp and The Shenandoah Harmony

Washington, DC area: April 4 and 5, 2020

2020, 2021, and 2022 CONVENTIONS CANCELLED

Posted on the Facebook page for the 2020 Convention on March 21, 2020: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Potomac River Convention due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. We will miss singing with you, and we wish you all well. With love and in harmony, The Potomac River Steering Committee. Addendum April 16, 2021 (unofficial): Because the pandemic has not subsided, the 2021 Convention was never organized, announced, or formally cancelled. Addendum March 20, 2022: Because of valid concerns about the safety of a large singing convention during the persistent covid pandemic, there will be no 2022 Convention, at least not in the spring.

[photo of Sacred Harp and Shenandoah Harmony tunebooks on grass with fallen cherry blossoms] [leader and singers at 2007 convention]
Photo at left by Steven Sabol. Photo on right taken at the 2007 convention by Rachel Speer.

NEW LOCATION both days: Binns Memorial Hall of the historic Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House, 3900 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207.

The Hall is on the second floor of the Fire House, up a flight of stairs. Enter through the side double-door clearly marked "Binns Memorial Hall" and located near the back of the building. There is no elevator.


All are welcome: beginners, experienced singers, and listeners.
No admission charge -- free-will offering.
Local singers, please bring a substantial meal to share each day that you plan to eat lunch at the convention.

Copies of The Sacred Harp (1991 Edition, successor to the Denson Revision) and The Shenandoah Harmony (first published in 2013) will be available for loan and purchase. Singing at the Saturday session will be limited to The Sacred Harp, 1991 Edition, while singing at the Sunday session will be limited to The Shenandoah Harmony, in order to enhance the musical and emotional momentum.

The Fire House Hall is acoustically lively, with plaster walls and ceiling and a hardwood floor. Unfortunately the space is not ADA-complaint, as it is up a flight of stairs.

2020 Convention Chairpersons: Leyland DelRe, Chair; Nora and Joel Miller, Co-Vice Chairs. See Contacts link below.

Sponsored by The Folklore Society of Greater Washington

The Convention is announced on Facebook!

[partial score of CLAMANDA from 1859 Sacred Harp]

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