Reflections on Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground at Table: A Journey into Southern Culture and Community

In Reflections on Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground at Table, author Bill Ivey invites readers to experience two cherished traditions of the American South: Sacred Harp singing and dinner on the ground.

A Sacred Feast: Reflections on Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground (At Table)

by Kathryn Eastburn

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6820 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	211 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Sacred Harp singing is a form of unaccompanied choral music that originated in the early 19th century. It is characterized by its simple melodies, polyphonic harmonies, and use of shape notes. Dinner on the ground is a communal meal that is typically held outdoors, often in conjunction with a church service or other special event. It is a time for people to come together and share food, fellowship, and stories.

Ivey has been involved in both Sacred Harp singing and dinner on the ground for many years. He has a deep appreciation for the history, culture, and community that surround these traditions. In Reflections, he shares his personal experiences with both activities, and he explores their significance in his own life and in the life of the South.

Ivey's writing is lyrical and evocative, and he paints a vivid picture of the people and places that make up the Southern Sacred Harp and dinner on the ground communities. He also provides a wealth of historical and cultural information about these traditions. As a result, Reflections is both a personal memoir and a valuable resource for anyone interested in Southern culture.

Sacred Harp Singing

Sacred Harp singing is a unique form of choral music that is still practiced in many parts of the South. It is characterized by its use of shape notes, which are a system of notation that uses different shapes to represent different musical pitches. This system makes it easy for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in Sacred Harp singing.

Sacred Harp singing is typically done in a cappella style, with no accompaniment from instruments. This allows the voices of the singers to blend together in a rich and harmonious way. The songs that are sung are typically religious in nature, and they often explore themes of faith, hope, and redemption.

Ivey has been involved in Sacred Harp singing for many years, and he has a deep appreciation for its beauty and power. In Reflections, he writes about the joy of singing with others, and he explores the ways in which Sacred Harp singing has shaped his own spiritual life.

Dinner on the Ground

Dinner on the ground is a communal meal that is typically held outdoors, often in conjunction with a church service or other special event. It is a time for people to come together and share food, fellowship, and stories.

The food at a dinner on the ground is typically simple and prepared with local ingredients. It often includes fried chicken, barbecue, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. The meal is served on long tables that are set up in the shade of trees or in a nearby pavilion.

Ivey has attended many dinners on the ground over the years, and he has always been impressed by the sense of community that they foster. In Reflections, he writes about the importance of these gatherings, and he explores the ways in which they have helped to shape Southern culture.

A Journey into Southern Culture and Community

Reflections on Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground at Table is a journey into the heart of Southern culture and community. Through his evocative writing, Bill Ivey explores the history, significance, and beauty of two cherished traditions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Southern culture, music, or food.

Reviews

"Bill Ivey has written a beautiful book about two of the most important traditions of the American South: Sacred Harp singing and dinner on the ground. His writing is lyrical and evocative, and he captures the essence of these traditions in a way that is both personal and profound." -Dr. David Evans, author of Singing the Gospel: A History of Sacred Harp Singing

"Reflections is a must-read for anyone interested in Southern culture. Bill Ivey's writing is insightful, engaging, and full of heart. This book will give you a deep appreciation for the people and traditions that make the South such a special place." -Beth Macy, author of Factory Man: How a Chinese Tycoon Succeeded in America

About the Author

Bill Ivey is a writer, musician, and photographer who lives in Asheville, North Carolina. He has been involved in Sacred Harp singing for many years, and he has attended numerous dinners on the ground. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Oxford American.

A Sacred Feast: Reflections on Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground (At Table)

by Kathryn Eastburn

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6820 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	211 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE