OTTAWA – Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is organizing a new set of fun online singalongs with local musicians and singers – especially for adults 55 years and over, though open to anyone who likes to sing.

These singalongs are part of Ottawa Public Library’s Aging Well Together initiative that leverages the expertise and offerings of various community partners to provide a rich resource hub to enhance life after 55.

These events are a chance for the Ottawa community to make music with new friends and raise their voice in song to well-known classics from the English and French and Canadian folk and oral traditions. It’s an opportunity to learn songs from that North American repertoire and create that feeling of togetherness and harmony that so many people are missing during this period of social and physical distancing.

Led by lively local musicians who have the knack for making it easy for anyone to share in the joy of singing together, there is no need for perfect pitch or to know the songs in advance. Lyrics will be provided upon registration. Everyone is welcome.

Friday May 22, 11 a.m. – Join local musicians Lee Hayes and Rob Cosh from 613 Casual Choir. Lee and Rob will lead attendees in a singalong of well-known tunes – in English.

Friday May 29, 11 a.m. – Join traditional folk singer Maura Volante and be inspired and uplifted by oral traditional songs that were once widely sung in Canada, the British Isles and the U.S. – in English and French.

Friday June 12, 11 a.m. – Let’s sing with Sébastien Lemay, a multi-instrumentalist performer using storytelling, song, showmanship and a dash of humour to create interactive musical entertainment for all ages – in French.