The 156th Session of the Union Musical Sacred Harp Singing Convention

Decatur, GA

May 30 & 31, 2026

(The weekend after Memorial Day)

Singing from The Sacred Harp, 2025 Edition
"What to Expect at a Sacred Harp Singing"

Chair: Shawn Taylor
Vice-Chair: Andy Ditzler

Singing Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Holy Trinity Parish Episcopal Church

Singing Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Hawkins Dining Hall, Legacy Park

Doors open at 9:00 AM

Singing starts at 9:30 AM both days

Dinner on the Grounds at Noon

Both venues have accessible parking, with entry ramp and/or elevator, level access throughout, and ADA-compliant restrooms

Public Facebook Event:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1XPHfB4Sic/

Contact Shawn (shawn -at- mapsandapps -dot- net) or Andy about housing with a local singer during the weekend.

Poster for the Union Convention

Extra events around the convention:

Friday evening, May 29, 2026:
SONGS ABOUND: The Social Harp

Songs Abound is a periodic singing series in which we take a deep dive into the different versions of a well-known Sacred Harp song, sing some new compositions, and sing for one session from an alternate tunebook, led by an expert. For this edition, David Smead will teach us about THE SOCIAL HARP, a tunebook published in Georgia in the 1850s. David is the current Secretary of the annual Social Harp singing in Athens, Georgia.
The event starts at 7 pm with different versions of a beloved tune in the Sacred Harp (selection TBA). It takes place at the home of David Brodeur and Andy Ditzler. PM for address.

Saturday afternoon, May 30:
MARKET TOUR
After the Saturday singing, our own Cathy Bonk leads a tour of Your DeKalb Farmer's Market — come experience this mammoth, legendary, and beloved food space in Decatur, not far from the singing venue. Saturdays are always lively at the Market!

Saturday evening social, location to be announced

Sunday morning, May 31, pre-singing:
CHEERFUL WARBLERS: Birding for Singers
Legacy Park, site of our Sunday singing, is one of the metro's finest bird-watching spots. Singer and longtime bird photographer Shawn Taylor will lead a morning nature walk in the park, finishing in plenty of time to sing. Beginning birders welcome! Bring binoculars if you can.

Sunday afternoon, May 31:
Weather permitting, a visit to the gravesite of B. F. White in Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery.

Post-singing social, location to be announced

Last updated March 12, 2026.