FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mark Weiss ‐ 845 528‐8569 (H) or 646 567‐6185 (C) or [email protected] On Friday, May 13, Tompkins Corners Cultural Center will present Sacred Harp Singing with Tim Eriksen, an evening of community singing and a performance by the Tim Eriksen Trio. Mr. Eriksen will be at the Putnam Valley High School in the afternoon at 1 pm to lead a singing session with students; he will then hold a Sacred Harp Singing Workshop from 5 to 6 pm at Tompkins Corners followed by an evening performance at 7:30. Sacred Harp Shape Note singing is non‐denominational American choral music from the 19th century. This way of singing started in New England and spread through the South. It was communicated through songbooks at community gatherings. It is a powerful musical experience that emphasizes participation, and the workshop that will be held prior to the concert will encourage members of the community to learn and be part of this unique musical event. This program is made possible, in part, through the Putnam Arts Council's Arts Link Grant Program, which is funded with public funds through the NYS Council on the Arts with support from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature and with public funds from Putnam County. The presentation promises to be a remarkable opportunity to join with the text, the sound, the style and the feel of special American music. We invite the public to join a musical happening that is unlike anything else. Reading music is not required. There is a special “shape note” system, in which the sounds of fa sol la are represented as squares, triangles and circles that can be applied to any singing key. This music is often referred to as “Fa Sol La” singing. Some of the songs were composed in the 1790s and make special religious references. Tim Eriksen is a great exponent and teacher of Sacred Harp. He was a consultant and performer in the film, “Cold Mountain”, and led the film to a great session in rural Alabama whose singers eventually performed on the Grammy awards. He is a musician, musicologist, and professor. He is also a powerful performer, ballad singer, and was leader of the punk/folk band “Cordelia’s Dad”. The band has released nine full‐length albums, played festivals, including The Newport Folk Festival, and toured with notable bands Nirvana, Uncle Tupelo, and Weezer. T‐Bone Burnett calls Eriksen “one of the best voices in music.” At Tompkins Corners, besides the Sacred Harp, The Tim Eriksen Trio will give a performance of ballads, Appalachian music, instrumentals and vocals. Their music is an expansive and moving experience. Tompkins Corners Cultural Center is located at 729 Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam Valley, NY. Suggested donations for the workshop and performance are $10 each, but both together are available for $15. Tickets are available for either or both the workshop and the performance at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2542004. Or call 845 528‐7280 to reserve a place at either workshop or concert or both, or email [email protected] for more information. -- Tompkins Corners Cultural Center 729 Peekskill Hollow Road Putnam Valley, New York 10579 www.tompkinscorners.org (845) 528-7280 .