Summer, 2018. I wanted to do something to counter the divisiveness and stress so many were feeling, but what could I, one person, do? I decided to start with what I love: Music. I went to the City of Redmond Arts & Culture Commission with a proposal to start a monthly sing along. It would be free, open to everyone, with no agenda but to bring people together to do something completely positive. Thankfully, they agreed! Redmond would provide a venue and support and I would lead the Sing Along. Well, I must not have been the only one who was craving something like this. More than 100 people attended the first one on Nov 1, 2018!
Since then, we’ve met every single month on the first Thursday at 7 pm to sing favorite songs together and I’ve led sing alongs at several city festivals. At least half bring instruments to play along (but don’t worry if you don’t!)
When: Every month on the first Thursday, 7:00-8:30pm
Where: Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village
6505 176th Ave NE, Redmond WA 98052
How does it work?
When you arrive, you’ll have a chance to request a song from this book.We’ll sing as many requests as we can. You don’t need to bring anything –lyrics are projected on a screen. DO bring your acoustic instrument, if you play one. ALL AGES WELCOME and it’s always FREE. This book is frequently updated, so check for a new version here:tiny.cc/redmondsongbook
My favorite song isn’t in the book! Just ask Eva! We can’t guarantee your song will be added. Great sing along songs are: Popular and widely known; Fun and easy to sing without the original track; Suitable for all ages; Short enough to fit on one page.At this time,we can only include songs that are public domain (folk songs) or managed by BMI or ASCAP.(Sadly, this means no Beatles, Dylan or Neil Diamond!)
Is this like Karaoke or an open mic?No! We make 100% of the music ourselves and everyone sings together on ALL the songs. Accompaniment is live on acoustic instruments (bring yours!) – never recordings. No solos.
Do I need to bring the songbook? No! We project the lyrics onto a large screen. The book is provided free of charge for your enjoyment or if you’d prefer to read from your own pages rather than the projection.
It sounds like fun, but I’m a terrible singer! Come anyway! It’s not about how well you sing. It’s about sharing a fun experience and making friends. There are no critiques, no recording, and we promise you won’t be asked to sing a solo! 100% supportive environment. If you want to just listen, that’s fine, though I think you’ll find yourself singing pretty quick!
What about songs from other cultures or languages? We love our international community! If you would like to teach a simple song from your culture, speak to Eva Moon after the Sing Along. Good international sing along songs are short and simple enough to teach in about 10 minutes (Children’s songs are a great choice). You’ll need to provide lyrics (in English characters), a translation and a link to a recording.
Can I bring my guitar (ukulele, violin, mandolin, banjo, kazoo,etc.)? Yes! We encourage you to bring your acoustic (non-electric) instruments to help backup the singing and add to the fun. All the songs include chords so you can play along. Many arrangements have been simplified and keys changed to avoid difficult chords, so don’t be shy, beginners.
Who runs the Sing Along? The Redmond Sing Along is sponsored by the City of Redmond in partnership with Eva Moon, a longtime Redmond esident, musician, performing artist, writer, former Redmond Arts Commissioner and passionate proponent of community arts. She selected and arranged all the songs in the collection. More about Eva: http://evamoon.net
Still have questions? Ask on this page or write to Eva at [email protected]
The Redmond Community Sing Along (and Play Along) is a free monthly event open to all ages and abilities. Come sing (and play if you have an instrument).
