Singing in Sign
by Terri Ricci
Three hours of pure
enjoyment and wonder. This is what I experienced at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium on April 23, 2005. I always
buy tickets for a concert or play for my mother around her birthday
and Christmas. This year, Sweet Honey in the Rock was making their
Twin Cities appearance the day before my mother’s 87th birthday
and I was lucky enough to get tickets for this sold out performance.
I sat mesmerized by
the talents of the wonderful singers and how they bring music
together with only their voices and no musical instruments. For
most of the evening, I watched Shirley Childress Saxton sign
the songs in American Sign Language (ASL). Shirley is not an
interpreter. She is a member of Sweet Honey in the Rock. As the
rest of the group is singing, she is signing along with the words,
not waiting for them to sing then sign, she is right on with
the words. If I was unable to hear the words of the singers,
I assure you I still would have felt the vibrant vocals through
Saxton’s signing.
I watched her sign for most of three songs, and even though I
do not know sign language, I was aware when the words were being
sung in different harmony. As her actions and gyrations gained
tempo so did the words that the singers were singing.
The members of the group are community activists, performers,
singers and songwriters. They are dynamic and powerful women. The
songs are about the struggles of African Americans, especially
women and survivors of sexual abuse. Their trip to the Twin Cities
brought attention to Sexual Assault Awareness month, which is April.
My mother says it was the best three hours she has spent lately.
I wish all my time with my mother could be spent like those three
wonderful hours. If you ever have an opportunity to see Sweet Honey
in the Rock, I suggest you go. You will not forget the evening.
