Hallelujah Hootenanny Hymn Sing

On May 15, 2025, at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, over 300 parishioners and guests came together for an event unlike any other—The Saint Michael Hallelujah Hootenanny. Designed as a celebration of bluegrass music, hymn singing, and community spirit, the event united the Saint Michael Contemporary Musicians, Saint Michael Choir, and Cherub Choir for a high-energy, heartwarming night that combined faith, music, laughter, and togetherness. Set in a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the Grand Ole Opry-meets-Hee Haw, the Hootenanny was more than a concert; it was a variety show with toe-tapping tunes, knee-slapping jokes, and deeply meaningful moments. With help from environmental projection, the sanctuary transformed into a stage filled with banjos, fiddles, mandolins, and joyful voices, radiating with the warmth of old-time bluegrass charm and sacred storytelling.

From the very first strum of a banjo, the audience knew they were in for something special. Familiar hymns such as “I’ll Fly Away,” “Amazing Grace,” and “I Saw The Light” filled the air, inviting the crowd to sing along with songs many had known since childhood. These beloved tunes, reimagined through the lens of bluegrass, carried both nostalgia and spiritual weight, creating a powerful worship experience through music. But it wasn’t all serious—far from it. The evening also leaned into light-hearted joy, with a Pickin’ and Grinnin’ segment lifted directly from the classic TV show Hee Haw. During this segment, Justin Brooks and Rector Chris Girata traded playful, family-friendly jokes in a back-and-forth comedy routine that had the audience laughing between every punchline. Chris, with his charisma and good humor, delivered zingers with pastoral charm, while Justin’s comedic timing added to the fun. The Pickin’ and Grinnin’ section captured the wholesome entertainment vibe of the Hootenanny perfectly—a reminder that faith doesn’t always have to be solemn to be sacred.

Though the night was packed with fun, its foundation was deeply spiritual. The choice to center the Hootenanny on bluegrass wasn’t random—it was a thoughtful nod to the earliest forms of faith expression through music. In times when churches were few and hymnals scarce, people turned to what they had: their voices, their hands, and homemade instruments. Bluegrass, with its accessible melodies and rich harmonies, became a vessel for teaching theology, telling stories of redemption, and sharing the Gospel in everyday language. The Hallelujah Hootenanny honored this legacy by showing how sacred music can still feel fresh, relevant, and deeply moving today. I said to people afterwards, “Bluegrass felt like the perfect genre because it’s raw, authentic, and rooted in storytelling—just like the early traditions of church music. Our ancestors used whatever instruments they could find or make, gathered on porches or in fields, and sang about God’s love. This evening brought us back to that spirit.”

As the final song faded and the applause echoed, it was clear that the Saint Michael Hallelujah Hootenanny had achieved something beautiful: a sense of shared joy. People lingered afterward, reluctant to leave the magic behind. Some chatted about their favorite songs; others laughed about the jokes. But more than anything, there was a sense of deep connection—to one another, to the music, and to God. This event wasn’t just a night of entertainment; it was a celebration of who we are as a parish family— diverse in taste but united in purpose, creative in our worship, and joyful in our faith. Saint Michael’s Coordinator for Music and Choristers and choir member, Catherine Seveney, shared that “The Hallelujah Hootenanny was easily the most fun I’ve ever had in a service at Saint Michael. It was a wonderful way to bring people together in a setting that felt relaxed yet still worshipful. I especially appreciated that children were free to be themselves, without parents needing to worry about them disturbing others. I’m already looking forward to the next one!” Through collaboration across musical traditions, ages, and roles, we lived out the very spirit of the Church. Here’s hoping it becomes a cherished tradition for years to come.

Missed the Saint Michael Hallelujah Hootenanny Bluegrass Hymn Sing or want to rewatch it? Watch the recording below!

**This article was written by Justin Brooks and was featured in the 2025 Fall Archangel.