2024 Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention

BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, 130 Pine Street, Florence, MA 01062

March 9 and 10, 2024
10:00am to 3:30pm

Reminder: Daylight Savings Time begins on March 10. 

 

Please join us for the 2024 Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention! For two full days, we will gather in fellowship to sing from the Sacred Harp (1991 ed), with potluck lunches both days. No experience is needed, there is no cost to attend, and newcomers are warmly welcome.

Convention Officers

Public Health Precautions

Please stay home if you are feeling sick with any flu/cold like symptoms. Proof of a same-day negative COVID test will be required at check in. A time stamped photograph of your negative test is fine. FREE test kits will be available. Masks will not be required or provided.

Host Housing

If you are interested in connecting with a local singer to host you during your visit, please complete this inquiry form. If you are a local singer and can offer host housing, please complete this host volunteer form. We cannot guarantee host housing, but we're happy to try! 

Lodging

The Ellery (1.9 miles from venue)
259 Elm St, Northampton, MA
866-539-8430

Hotel Northampton (2.8 miles from venue)
36 King St, Northampton, MA
800-547-3529

Fairfield Inn and Suites (3.3 miles miles from venue)
115A Conz St, Northampton, MA
413-587-9800

Quality Inn and Suites (3.3 miles from venue)
117 Conz St, Northampton, MA
413-586-1500

Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst Area (4.2 miles from venue)
24 Bay Road, Hadley, MA
413-586-4851

Transportation

Driving: Get directions to BOMBYX. Please see The BOMBYX website for parking information. 

Local Public Transit: PVTA busses serve the cities and towns surrounding Northampton, including Easthampton (no service on Sunday), Hadley, Amherst, and Holyoke. The Pine Street stop on the R44 route will bring you very close to the venue. If the return schedules don't match up with your needs, please ask for help with rides at the convention welcoming table. 

Long-Distance Transit: Florence is a village of the City of Northampton. Northampton is accessible via Peter Pan intercity bus and Amtrak train service. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport (about 40 miles away) — there are several options for transport from Bradley to Northampton.

Friday night Shenandoah singing

Friday, March 8, 2024, 7-9 p.m.: Folks arriving on Friday afternoon are warmly welcomed to join us at the BOMBYX Center’s Peacock Room for a welcome singing from the Shenandoah Harmony (and maybe some other tunebooks if they show up!). Do not enter the church through the front door; there will be a concert going on. Upon arrival you will see a ramp to a door to the right of the main entrance; signs will direct you to the Peacock Room.

Saturday evening social

There will be a social on Saturday evening at the home of some local singers in Northampton. The specific time frame and address will be shared at the convention. If you have questions, you can contact the chair at wmshc.chair@gmail.com, and you will be put in touch with the hosts of the social.