2023 Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention
Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA 01060
March 11 and 12, 2023
10:00am to 3:30pm
We are thrilled to announce the return of the Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention in 2023, and we would love for you to come sing with us!
For two full days, we will gather in community to sing from the rich four-part harmony tradition of the Sacred Harp (1991 ed), with potluck lunches both days, extra tunebooks to borrow, and childcare provided. No experience is needed, there is no cost to attend, and newcomers are warmly welcome.
The Center for the Arts is fully wheelchair accessible, with a ramp to the front door, an elevator in the building, and ADA-compliant all-gender restrooms.
Convention Officers
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Chair: Ben Sachs-Hamilton, wmshc.chair@gmail.com
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Vice-Chair: Christine Andrews
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Secretary: John Davis
COVID Precautions
All singers must have received the initial series of vaccination against COVID-19, and will be asked to take a rapid test before each day they attend (we will have extra tests available). Masks will not be required.
Lodging
Hotel Northampton (0.3 miles from venue)
36 King St, Northampton, MA
800-547-3529
Fairfield Inn and Suites (0.6 miles from venue)
115A Conz St, Northampton, MA
413-587-9800
Quality Inn and Suites (0.7 miles from venue)
117 Conz St, Northampton, MA
413-586-1500
The Ellery (1.2 miles from venue)
259 Elm St, Northampton, MA
866-539-8430
Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst Area (2.1 miles from venue)
24 Bay Road, Hadley, MA
413-586-4851
Transportation
Driving: Get directions to the Center for the Arts. There is ample parking in the lot next to the building, and unrestricted street parking is available on most streets around the venue.
Local Public Transit: PVTA busses serve the cities and towns surrounding Northampton, including Easthampton (no service on Sunday), Hadley, Amherst, and Holyoke. Some routes stop at the Northampton post office, a 4-minute walk from the venue. For other routes, the closest stop is the Academy of Music, an 8-minute walk from 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: 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, including car rental and Valley Transporter shared van service.