Keystone Sacred Harp Convention 2026

Weather Update:

The weather predictions are for a major storm to hit on Sunday, with snow starting late Saturday night. We will hold the convention on Saturday ONLY. Our Friday event is going forward as planned.

I know this may be a disappointment – it certainly is for me. But we need to plan for what’s possible. I hope to see you soon!

The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

January 24, 2026

Please join us in singing from The Sacred Harp, 2025 Edition, at the twenty-fifth annual session of the Keystone Sacred Harp Convention, Saturday January 24, 2026 at The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 in West Philadelphia. There will be additional singings on Thursday and Friday evenings. All events are free and open to the public.

The convention singing starts at 10:00 AM, with registration at 9:30. It runs until around 3:45 PM with a break for dinner around 12:30. Please bring a dish to share if you are able. There are no kitchen facilities, but crockpots are welcome. Check this page for up-to-date information in case of inclement weather.

Full Schedule (Thursday—Saturday).

Thursday, Jan 22, 6:30-8:45 PM: Sacred Harp Singing School, DuBois-Robeson Center, 4515 Baltimore Ave in West Philadelphia.
Friday, Jan 23, singing from The Shenandoah Harmony, Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust, 6133 Germantown Ave, 6:30-8:45 pm.
Saturday, Jan 24, 10:00 AM-3:30 PM, Keystone Sacred Harp Convention, The Rotunda.
Saturday, Jan 24, 7 PM. Dessert social at a home in West Philadelphia.

Location. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, is in West Philadelphia near the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. It is a short subway ride or a 25-minute walk from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia’s main train station. Paid garage parking is available directly across Walnut Street.

Hospitality. Homewood Suites by Hilton University City Philadelphia is across the street from the Rotunda and there are many other hotels in the area. Contact Patti Davis at (267) 481-1575 or Pmcd1953@gmail.com for housing with local singers. For childcare and other inquiries please contact the chair in advance of the convention.

Public Transportation. Amtrak trains and SEPTA regional rail (including the airport train) stop at 30th Street Station. Exit the station and cross 30th St to enter the subway station at the northwest corner of 30th and Market. Take the Market-Frankford L line west two stops to 40th St. Walk south four blocks to Walnut St and turn right. The Rotunda will be on your left, just past the Cinemark cinema. Enter the Rotunda from the left side door, in the walkway between it and the cinema.

Driving Directions and Food Drop-Off. From I-76 East or West, take Exit 346A – South Street, which is a LEFT exit. Turn away from Center City and continue west on Spruce Street. Turn right on 38th St and left on Walnut. The Rotunda will be on your left, just past the Cinemark cinema at the intersection of 40th and Walnut. The food drop-off point is at the loading zone in front of the Rotunda on Walnut Street. There will be runners to assist you from 9:15-10:15 AM.

Parking. The closest parking garage is across Walnut Street from the Rotunda and has a weekend special rate. For metered street parking, the meterUP app is convenient (alternatively, call 1-877-727-5303).

Accessibility. The Rotunda is an ADA accessible facility. Please see this page for information about all locations.

Contact. Rachel Hall, chair 215-605-1621 or rhall@sju.edu