A debilitating disease certainly isn't something to sing about, but why not sing on behalf of those afflicted by it? That's what the Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series is doing by having Caroline Herring take the stage this weekend at 7:30 p.m. at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall on Thach Avenue to raise epilepsy awareness.
This performance is part of a nationwide music tour put on by the nonprofit candlelight Concerts for Epilepsy Awareness called 50 Concerts, 50 States, One Weekend dedicated to educating people about epilepsy; and, yes, you read that correctly. This tour will consist of 50 shows performed by 50 different artists in all 50 states in one weekend, and Sundilla was chosen to represent Alabama.
According to Bailey Jones, president of the Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series, proceeds from the ticket admission of Friday's performance will not go to the epilepsy awareness organization or those working the event. Instead, the money will go straight to the performer, no matter how large or small that amount may be.
However, volunteers will be present to distribute information regarding epilepsy, answer any questions attendees of the concerts may have, provide access to various services, and raise donations.
"There will be somebody there with literature from the epilepsy foundation, and they'll accept donations, but nobody is under any obligation," Jones said. "They're mostly trying to spread awareness and get money, if they can."
Southern hospitality does not fall short here in Auburn, and it's at its best when musicians come to perform at Sundilla.
Like the volunteers raising awareness of epilepsy, the Sundilla Concert Series is a nonprofit run by local volunteers who set up the equipment, tables with food and beverages, coloring stations for the kids, and some even host the musicians in their home.
"When musicians come, they come to my house, and I feed them and give them a place to stay and take them to sound checks and radio shows if they need me too," said Rachel Sharpe, a Sundilla board member. "It's a great way to meet people and make new friends."
And it's not just the volunteers that get to make new friends. Sundilla is unique in that the performances are small and intimate, and the performers take the time to interact with the audience off stage.
"After the concert and at intermission, the performers are usually hanging out with the audience, talking, signing autographs," Jones said. "They [the performers] act like old friends."
Because of this intimate setting and closeness the audience feels with the performers, Sundilla as held strong since it began 20 years ago. However, it doesn't have a strong student following, and according to Kelly Walker, another Sundilla volunteer and host of its radio show, they're missing out.
"As with the students, I always recommend that people attend Sundilla for the simple reason that I believe they will enjoy the experience," Walker said. "The artists we bring to town are some of the most respected in folk music because their music speaks to people. Sure, there might be a great truth to be found in the lyrics, and we've certainly presented some musicians who are impressive instrumentalists, but first and foremost, a Sundilla concert is enjoyable."
Sharpe said she fears the phrase "folk music" may be what's turning students off of Sundilla, but according to her there's nothing "hokey" about these concerts.
"It's something to do on a Friday that is not the norm, and it's not just folk music," Sharpe said. "It's a great opportunity for people to hear any kind of great music for a very reasonable price. If you get tired of going to the bars where it's loud and 'yacky', come on over."
Like all concerts put on by Sundilla, students are admitted for a $12, and general admission is $15, and patrons are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages if they so wish.
According to Walker, the coming together of people that Sundilla offers plays a huge role in the tight-knit community found on the Plains.
"A thriving arts scene is essential to the health and vitality of any community and I think Sundilla has been an important member o the local arts scene throughout its existence," Walker said. "The Auburn Unitaria Universalist Fellowship Hall is acoustically one of the most beautiful rooms I've had the pleasure to work in, so the sound quality is extraordinary and nothing compares with the experience of hearing music live and sharing that experience with your friends and your neighbors. The experience of being an audience member is a communal experience that reinforces our ties to one another as human beings."
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