Song Swap on December 2 at Oasis
What is a Song Swap?
A song swap (also called a song circle) is a musical get-together at a central location where everyone sits around an imaginary campfire and takes turns choosing music to play. Sometimes there are refreshments like coffee and tea, or wine and cheese. Song swaps usually happen in the evening, lasting as long as there are enough people who want to stay and play, or perhaps three hours. (It’s really up to the host location.) Dress is atonal country chic, non-designer coifs, what you wore to work that day, or whatever the cat dragged in. Preferably the latter.
Song Circle Etiquette
- Come prepared to play and/or sing. Generally, guitars and acoustic string instruments. Woodwinds, percussion or other instruments that may be appropriate for enjoyment and accompaniment. Light percussion is fine.
- When your turn comes around the circle, you may present a song, either an original song, a traditional song, or something popular or eclectic. Or you may decide to pass.
- Songs with choruses are usually encouraged as sing-alongs. Please let everyone in on the sing-along lyrics.
- If the presenter requests instrumental and/or vocal accompaniment, please join in. Be mindful of drowning out voices with loud instruments. Solo singing is fine, too.
- Feel free to bring music or lyric sheets, perform from memory, and/or provide handouts for group participation.
- No pressure, just have fun. All songs are good!
- Bring a snack or drinks, or contribute to refreshment costs.
Song swap songs can be of any ilk—cowboy songs, protest songs, folk, historic tomes, bluesy, schmaltzy, rhythmic, novelty tunes, show tunes, or songs about coal mining disasters.
If you would like to participate, please sign up at Oasis Coffee and Tea on Main Street. The event will begin after the Tree Lighting ceremony (at 7 p.m.) and end when there are no more songs to swap.