HOULTON — The Heavenly Harpers of Houlton will present a program including Celtic music and traditional Christmas music on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, UCC, 45 High St., Houlton.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
MUSICAL PRESENTATION — The Heavenly Harpers of Houlton, pictured here, will be presenting a free musical program to include Celtic and traditional Christmas music on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. Also performing will be the vocal group Border Harmony. Pictured, from left, are: front, Lynn Tweedie, Marilyn Roper, Dorothy Burnham, Bingo, Judy Kilpatrick, Marlene Lawlor, Dale Holden and Leigh Griffith; back, Karen Mead, Lou Ellis, Jeannie Cunliffe and Barbara Hogan.
Also performing will be the vocal group Border Harmony. The church is handicapped accessible, and all are welcome. There is no charge for the program, but a donation basket will be available.
The harp group was first organized under the direction of Nancy Harris who has since returned to her home state of Oregon. Dale Holden currently directs the group with valuable input from other members.
During the past year, five members of the larger group have formed a separate ensemble calling themselves “Kindred Harps.” Members of this group have been active locally, performing for various functions and at local restaurants. They can be heard on Monday, Dec. 10 at Courtyard Café, beginning at 11 a.m. and again on Thursday, Dec. 13 at a women’s coffee offered by the Church of the Good Shepherd at Watson Hall from 9 to 11 a.m.
Several members of the larger group also play regularly for church worship services. It is a proven fact that playing and listening to harp music is healthy and healing. Harp music provides comfort and an inner calm. One of the harpers, Lou Ellis, is currently enrolled in a “Music for Healing and Transition” program and is currently doing her internship at Houlton Regional Hospital, Hospice of Aroostook and Mt. Heights Health Care Facility.
In addition to the Dec. 8 Christmas program, the Heavenly Harpers will be presenting a children’s program at a local pre-school early in the new year and a special “Country Garden” Tea sometime next spring.
