January 18, 2002
Family Fare: A Joyful Noise
By LAUREL GRAEBER
Children often make up their own lyrics to popular tunes. But they may be surprised to learn that adults do the same.
They will hear examples on Sunday at the annual children's concert of Sweet Honey in the Rock, the all- female a cappella group. Freedom riders "took a song they knew and changed the words and told the story of what they were doing," said Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of the group. Harry Belafonte's "Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" became a freedom ballad; "I'm on My Way to Freedom Land," another civil rights song, was based "on an old church song," Dr. Reagon said.
The group will also sing songs from its most recent children's album, "Still the Same Me" (Rounder), which includes "Oh My Goodness, Look at This Mess," a ballad children love (and with which parents identify). Audience participation is encouraged, so get your "day- O's" ready.
Although the concert commemorates the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it will touch on recent history as well, including Sept. 11. "We don't just do freedom songs because it's not a museum show," Dr. Reagon said. "We use them to talk about the courage, principles and strength to change something in your life that's wrong."
Sweet Honey in the Rock Sings to the Children, Sunday at 2 p.m. at Washington Irving High School, 40 Irving Place, at 16th Street, Manhattan. Tickets: $12 in advance; $14 at the door. Information: (212) 274- 1948.
Copyright 2002 The New York Times Company
