The UUFR fellowship includes musicians of all types and talents, from self-taught to
professional. Here are some of the regularly-occurring opportunities to meet up with others and make music together. Unless specified, these are open to a range of instruments: guitar, mandolin, ukulele, bass, fiddle, harp, keyboards, saxophone, flute, accordion, etc. You can also come to sing, or just listen! Contact leaders to be added to their mailing lists and get reminders, or just show up!
Folky Friday
Second Fridays from 7-9pm
Room 201 Peace Hall (upper parking lot)
We sit in a circle and take turns playing tunes together out of a songbook assembled by leader Tom Atkinson (you can also bring your own if you provide about 20 copies). You pick the song and kick it off, or ask others to take the lead. Contact Tom Atkinson for more information.
Song Swap
Second Saturdays from 6:30-8pm (this is part of the Saturday Social potlucks, which
sometimes vary on date, so check with leader in advance).
Generally in Founder’s Hall (where the potluck takes place)
We sit in a small circle and each lead a song or two we’ve brought (you can bring copies to share if you provide about 10 copies). For more information contact Bill MacMillan
Coffee House
Third Fridays 7:30-9:30pm
Founders Hall under the Sanctuary
An “open mic” event where you play or sing a song, read a poem, or tell a story or two for an audience, either solo or with other people. You get one set, 10 minutes in length, and should arrive early (around 7pm) to sign up on a limited list. Instrument plug-ins and microphones are provided. For more information contact Chris Wise.
Ministry of Music (MOM) visits
Selected Sunday afternoons, or as requested
A group of singers and musicians visits a UUFR member at home or in a facility, usually by request of the UUFR Care Committee. We play and sing from a MOM songbook (drawn from the Folky Friday songbook) which is also shared with the person or persons being visited. To join the list and get notices of upcoming visits, contact Tom Atkinson.
Bruce Emery Guitar Salon
Tuesdays 7-9pm
Right corner of the UUFR Sanctuary
Longtime teacher and author of 25+ instruction books shares free guitar training. This includes everything from music theory to ear training. We always make time to play together. All skill levels welcome. For more information contact Bruce Emery.
UUFR Drum Circle
Every fourth Wednesday, 7-8:30pm
Room 201 Peace Hall (upper parking lot)
Stephen Gornick of Drum Together provides the drums and a table full of smaller, exotic percussion instruments and leads a sitting drumming circle for all ages. Previous experience not required. For more information contact Stephen Gornick.
UUFR Choir
The UUFR choir is always looking for new members! They rehearse Thursday evenings from 7-8:30pm and generally sing at services on the first and third Sundays of the month. On alternating Sundays, there are opportunities for special small group singing and playing. And over the summer, “pop up choirs” are a great way to give singing a try. For more information contact UUFR Choir Director Jean Marie Whaley.
