Our country’s 250th anniversary is coming right up, and the Franklin County Community Chorus is getting a head start on celebrating the occasion.
The chorus’ annual spring concert will take place on Sunday, May 3 at 3 p.m. at Greenfield High School. The theme of the show is “Celebrating the Music Reflecting the Spirit of America,” but there is a sub-theme to the concert: unity, peace, immigration and the fact that everyone here who is not Indigenous is an immigrant.
“It’s about the spirit of America, the sound of America,” wrote Paul Calcari, director of the chorus. “It’s a celebration of us: who we are as a people and where we’ve been. It’s also about diversity, what it means to be an American. Because if you are not Native, your family immigrated here!”
Calcari started the chorus in 2013, shortly after retiring as director of the music department at Greenfield High School. The group now includes more than 50 members of all ages from across western Massachusetts, united by their love of singing and the community they share.
Given the show’s theme, Calcari is bringing in brass players to enhance the usual accompaniment. Hannah Cherry, the music director of Greenfield High School, will play clarinet on a couple of tunes.
Another very special aspect of this spring concert will be paying tribute to our veterans.
Calcari said he always planned to hold a concert in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. He explained that it took four months to create the program because there was so much music to choose from.
“The music for this concert is very meaningful,” he said. “I have chosen a mix of patriotic songs, songs of inspiration and hope, American folk songs and spirituals, and songs about being and becoming an American. I worked hard to program a concert that had something for everyone.”
The program includes patriotic songs like “God Bless America,” inspirational pieces such as “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and the World War II classic “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” as well as the Pete Seeger folk song “If I Had a Hammer.”
There will also be a medley from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit, “Hamilton.”
To recognize the diversity in our country, the chorus will perform songs like “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” and Neil Diamond’s “America.” Calcari chose “America” in particular because he feels it speaks to everyone.
“It’s things like that chorus that bring us together at a time when politics are so divisive,” said brass section member Victor Darmenchev, who emigrated to Greenfield from Moldova.
“Neil Diamond’s ‘America’ is so true for my family and me,” he said. “We are forever grateful to this country that allowed us to join this endeavor, the American Dream.”
Not all chorus members were immediately comfortable with the idea of a concert celebrating America and patriotism during these turbulent times.
“There was hesitancy for some people, myself included, until we started rehearsing and hearing about Paul’s vision for the show,” said Tamara Grogan of Greenfield who sings with the chorus. “It is harder than usual to feel patriotic right now. When I found myself tearing up singing the words of ‘Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor,’ I knew I had to do this show, whatever my feelings are about ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic.’”
Another member, Nicole Wrisley of Greenfield echoed Grogan’s feelings. “At first, I wrestled with whether or not I really wanted to do this show. I’m not exactly feeling very pro-America in the current political climate,” she said. “Every day, events make me feel like the world is on fire and there’s no coming back from it. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that is exactly why we need this.”
And Calcari hopes it’s what others need as well.
“This concert is truly designed to educate, inspire and reconnect us to our country. From being an immigrant, to building our nation, to loving and supporting each other, this concert represents us throughout our 250th,” he said.
“We like to think that everyone will walk out feeling better about themselves than when they walked in!” Calcari said. “The chorus sounds great and the fantastic instrumentalists that are accompanying us add a layer of warmth and excitement. We are very proud and excited to present this concert.”
Tickets may be purchased at the door via cash or Venmo for $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 12.
Lara Herscovitch and the Highway Philosophers to perform at Great Falls Coffeehouse
The monthly coffeehouse at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls usually features local musicians. In May, however, they will welcome Lara Herscovitch and the Highway Philosophers from Connecticut who will perform on Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m.
Herscovitch is a singer-songwriter and poet known for her smooth, clear voice and lyrics full of authenticity, humor and heart. She and her band, Highway Philosophers, will bring an evening of Americana music to the coffeehouse, drawing on their backgrounds in jazz, pop, rock and folk.
Herscovitch has made a name for herself as a folk-inspired singer-songwriter, writing honest lyrics often shaped by her long career in social work. Her work in that field exposed her to issues involving children and to social and environmental concerns. Her albums and performances have received widespread critical acclaim.
Herscovitch was awarded the title of State Troubadour of Connecticut in 2009, acting as an ambassador of music and song who promotes cultural literacy.
She describes her latest album, “Highway Philosophers,” released in 2020, as “an album of adventure, authenticity, courage and freedom.” Soon after the album’s release, she formed her band, Highway Philosophers, naming it after the album.
“Partly the name was inspired by the myth and meaning of the Philosopher’s Stone — healing and transforming lead into gold — and partly by the many late-night-into-early-morning post-concert conversations on life’s deep questions while traveling on U.S. interstates,” she explained.
She also mentioned that the band’s lineup can change.
“In Turners Falls we will be a four-piece, including western Mass. favorite Jim Henry on electric guitar, David Childs on keyboard, and fellow former State Troubadour Pierce Campbell on bass,” she said.
As an alum of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Herscovitch knows western Massachusetts and has performed here a few times. She is excited to make her debut at the Great Falls Coffeehouse.
When Herscovitch and her band take the stage, you can expect an evening of inspired, uplifting and entertaining music.
Suggested sliding scale donation $7-$20. No one is turned away. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Donations help the Friends of the Discovery Center provide free nature and historical programming for the public.
For more information, call the Discovery Center at 413-863-3221 or visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org.
Sheryl Hunter is a freelance writer who resides in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national publications. She can be reached at Soundslocal@yahoo.com.