Hymns by Hers Benefit Concert: Local Singer/songwriters Share the Sacred in the Secular

CHICAGO - Nov. 3, 2016 - PRLog -- "Hymn" refers to any song of praise or joy, religious or secular. On Saturday, November 26th, local (mostly women) musicians will share their (mostly) original hymns that celebrate the sacred in every-day life.

This concert serves as a three-way benefit: The $10+ (suggested) donation benefits Elevated Songwriter Series; donations of new socks, gently worn blankets, and/or bottled water directly benefit patrons of Dignity Diner; and the gathering of community in song and good spirits benefits all. "Our hope is that the positive energy we release will go out to the world at large and be felt in many ways, by many people," says Chicago musician Sue Fink, the event organizer and emcee.

"I got the idea when I heard a friend's beautiful song of hope in a time of despair," Fink says. "It felt like a hymn to me. Some other friends, coincidentally also female, performed similarly inspired songs, and I thought: 'Hymns by Hers, that would be a fun show idea.' And with all the current tensions in the world, both personal and political, right now seems like a good time to raise our voices against the darkness."

Holy Covenant UMC, where the concert will be held, has an activist history and a small, diverse congregation. The church houses Elevated Songwriter Series (co-hosted by singer/songwriter and congregant Emily White, and Fink), which presents local and nationally touring singer-songwriters in a listening room environment (https://www.facebook.com/elevatedsongwriterseries/).

It also houses Dignity Diner (holycovenantumc.org/ministries/dignity-diner/), whose motto is "where respect is always on the menu." Volunteers serve a weekly dinner to patrons who may suffer from homelessness or poverty and, during the holiday season, provide gift bags to the patrons. Hymns by Hers audience members are requested to bring needed items (new socks, gently worn blankets, and/or bottled water) to the show, which will be collected for Dignity Diner to distribute.

Fink believes most people want to do something for others, and also, to feel part of something greater than self. When she asked her singer/songwriter friends if they'd be interested in performing this show, "the response was a resounding YES. I'm so appreciative of the talent involved.  The time is right. I think people will want to be here, to witness and maybe sing a little, too, and to help others in need. We'll all benefit from this night, and leave the show with uplifted spirits."

There's one "him" among the "hers" in the performers listed below: "I just love Charles' beautiful songs," Fink laughs, " Technically, I guess we're 'Hymns by Hers, plus 1 Him'!"  -- In alphabetic order:

- Donna Adler
- Jenny Bienemann
- Robinlee Garber
- Rebecca Jasso
- Shelley Miller
- Charles Murphy
- Jamie O'Reilly
- Jen Reilly (The New Zeitgeist)
- SongSisters (Amy Dixon-Kolar, Patti Shaffner, Sue Fink)
- Heather Styka
- The Sweet Maries (Amy Shoemaker & Susie Lofton)
- Christina Trulio
- The Tulips (Melanie Budd, Eugenia Elliott, Kathy Greenholdt, Linda Marie Smith)
- Emily White

What:      Hymns by Hers, a Benefit Concert
Where:    Holy Covenant UMC, 925 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago (across street from Brown Line Diversey El stop)
When:      Saturday, November 26, 7:30 - 10:30pm (doors open 7:00)
Cost:      $10+ sug. donation PLUS new socks (adult), gently worn blanket, and/or bottled water
Website:    https://www.facebook.com/events/210480882719729/
Sue at-suefink.com for more info.