frances mcdormand and early shaker spirituals

'Tis the gift to be simple, 

'Tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
It will be in the valley of love and delight

When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed
To turn, turn, will be our delight
'Til by turning, turning, we come round right

~ "Simple Gifts" by Elder Joseph Brackett

(photo source)

(photo source)

(photo source)

I adore Frances McDormand and I read about this intriguing event in the Los Angeles Times.  I'm not a follower of any particular organized religion (choosing to find my own path on this journey) but I've always found the Shakers fascinating. A Frances McDormand and Shakers convergence, combined for an absolute must-see!

The performance piece was only an hour long ... twenty spirituals by the ladies and a few dances at the end - the five ladies dancing in the inner circle and four young men in the outer circle.

So hard to describe! For the most part, the singing was so very subdued and soft and gentle, with the occasional foot stomping and sternness for emphasis. The dances were fun, with some of the famous Shaker movement, shaking about.

It was a lovely way to pass the afternoon, to get to see one of my favorite actresses and to hear some of the Shaker spirituals, so very charming.