Busy Fall for Puget Sound Welsh
By EIFION WILLIAMS
The Puget Sound Welsh Association (PSWA) has a number of activities planned for this fall. Members of the PSWA and the Vancouver Welsh Society frequently attend each other's functions, although recent border tie-ups have curtailed cross-border visits to a certain extent.
The PSWA will present a Gymanfa Ganu on October 14 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 111 NE 80th Street, Seattle. The traditional congregational singing of Welsh hymns, in both Welsh and English, will be directed by Mari Morgan, with special music by Nerys Jones. The singing will be followed by tea and cookies and there will also be a Welsh Crafts table.
Admission to the Gymanfa is free, though donations are welcome. A potluck supper and Noson Lawen hosted by Alan and Gretta Upshall at their Kenmore home will be held on the Saturday evening preceding the Gymanfa. For information on both events contact Ellen Webber at (206) 522-9853.
Mari Morgan, the Gymanfa's guest conductor, is a Welsh-born mezzo-soprano and conductor who is well known to audiences across North America. She is currently the artistic director and conductor of the North American Welsh Choir (Cor Cymry Gogledd America).
Among other events in the Puget Sound area are the monthly Harp Circle and Welsh music sessions held on the first Sunday of each month at the Dubliner Pub in Fremont. The Harp Circle, featuring Celtic music, is hosted by Andrew Anderson and begins at noon. At 2 PM there is a Welsh music session.
The present emphasis is on traditional dance music, although some interest has been expressed in singing. The Dubliner Pub is located at Fremont Avenue North and North 36th Street in Seattle's Fremont neighbourhood.
A "Night Out of Hwyl," hosted by Karyn and Malcolm Davies, will be held on October 21 and November 11 at the Ram Restaurant and Brewery in Lakewood. Participants can enjoy dinner, dessert, drinks or just conversation at these regular gatherings, often accompanied by some spontaneous Welsh singing.
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