photos by Caro Stamm-Reusch

2026 Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention

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

March 7 and 8, 2026
10:00am to 3:30pm

Registration opens at 9:30am

Reminder: Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8

 

Please join us for the 2026 Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention! For two full days, we will gather in fellowship to sing from The Sacred Harp (2025 edition), with potluck lunches both days. No experience is needed, there is no cost to attend, and newcomers are warmly welcome to drop in, listen, and sing.

Convention Officers

Host Housing

Contact Christine Andrews:

If you are interested in staying with a local singer, please complete this inquiry form. If you are a local singer and can offer housing, please complete this host volunteer form. We cannot guarantee 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 event

Friday, March 6, 2026, 7:30 pm:

Lily Hammond, voice: thesis performance with participatory Sacred Harp singing, and more singing afterwards. And/or, come help us set up the square and sing a few at Bombyx at 9 pm. If you're looking to sing Friday night, and can't make either of these events, check or write to the wmshc email list to see what else is going on. (Or just start something yourself). 

Bezanson Recital Hall, UMASS Amherst: https://www.umass.edu/music-dance/student-recitals-performances

 

Saturday evening social

There will be a social on Saturday evening. The time and location will be shared at the convention.

 

Accessibiltiy at Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity

Front door has 1 step, then 3 steps inside. Accessible entrance has ADA compliant ramp and door (42"). The door does not have a push button and needs to be propped. Direct entrance to sanctuary has no steps. Hallways are at least 44" and there are double doors between interior spaces. Multi-occupancy bathrooms have narrow doors 27" entrance, 22" stall), temporary grab bars around the toilet, and pedestal sinks. Single-occupancy bathrooms have 25" doors but no grab bars. There are 3 marked handicap parking spots near ramp, though not all with buffer space on the side. We are working on renting a wheelchair accessible portable toilet and will update this info when we work out the details. 

 

No Covid or other testing is required for these events

Masks are welcome, of course!