Power in a union: Union songs sing-along

“Power in a Union” sing-along in Greensburg GREENSBURG - Community voices will come together during “Power in a union,” a union songs sing-along in Greensburg on Sunday, July 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., by the Pittsburgh Labor Choir. Known for bringing music to pickets, concerts, and community events, the Labor Choir demonstrates unity through song. The sing-along is for community members, and the choir is pleased to have support from the Greater Westmoreland Central Labor Council and Quatrini Law Group. This is a kid-friendly event, so bring your families. Please bring lawn chairs or a blanket. A number of the choir’s songs are local to Western Pennsylvania. Some tunes will be familiar melodies, and others have catchy refrains that are easy to learn in the moment. Singers and “non-singers” find they are comfortable to sing along. Music from the Labor Choir is culturally significant and historically and currently relevant. As local workers organize new unions, take collective action, or strike, like the ongoing strike by unions of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, choir members sing alongside them. The choir performed twice at the Millvale Music Festival, performed in the Carnegie Museum of Art’s “Hall of Architecture,” and the Anne Feeney memorial concert at Mr. Small’s Theatre. Choir member Zach Frenchek grew up in Greensburg. He says the songs highlight “different places and eras, but they almost all focus on compassion, hope, and standing up for yourself. Those are values that my parents taught me.” He added, “I hadn't done anything musical in years when I joined, but the group is open to everyone who wants to sing. Going out to a picket line or a protest can be a real slog, but singing a song together can really change the mood.” Choir Director, Edwin Everhart, said the Greensburg sing-along offers “a rare chance to have a wonderful, big, sing-along. These are meaningful songs and good music.” The timing of July 21 marks another Greensburg occasion: renowned singer-songwriter and union supporter, Billy Bragg, performs a ticketed concert at The Palace Theatre that evening at 7:30 p.m. With songs like “Never cross a picket line,” and “Which side are you on,” Bragg’s music inspires four decades of listeners to find solidarity in the power of the people, for social movements within the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond. The Choir invites concert-goers to start out early for the union songs sing-along, while listeners who are in the mood for more union songs can make plans to head to The Palace Theatre. The 4 p.m. sing-along is free for community members, with a suggested donation to the Pittsburgh Striker fund, the strike fund for union members on strike for 21 months while fighting for a fair contract from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Some striking union members will be on-hand, with union-designed t-shirts also available for a donation. Power in a union: Union songs sing-along Date and time: Sunday, July 21, from 4pm to 5pm Location: outdoors on the lawn at 550 East Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, the Greensburg office of the Quatrini Law Group. Rain site is onsite, indoors. Free parking. What to bring: please bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Extra chairs and water are available. This is a kid-friendly event, so bring your families. Free; suggested donation to the Post-Gazette unions workers’ strike fund: Www.unionprogress.com/donate RSVP, optional: tinyurl.com/unionsongsJuly21 Share the word on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/X6RnRX6xUjbL4ybE/ In the mood for more union songs and workers' songs? Head to The Palace Theatre for singer-songwriter, union supporter Billy Bragg's 7:30pm concert. Billy Bragg's concert is a ticketed event, so be sure to order your tickets from The Palace Theatre.

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