Harvard in Hamilton for Habitat

by US Consul General Gregory W. Slayton
March 26, 2007

Three of Harvard University’s finest close-harmony signing groups are giving a free concert tomorrow from 12 noon to 1:30 pm at the Anglican Cathedral. Why are they doing it? There are three good reasons:

1)      Raising money for Habitat for Humanity, one of Bermuda’s excellent non-profits. (Although the concert is free, donations to Habitat Bermuda are very welcome.)
2)      Helping to build yet another bridge between the United States and Bermuda – this one of song.
3)      Talking to Bermuda students (all of whom are very much invited) about the importance of hard work and dedication in high school – and how that will help them prepare for a successful life no matter what they choose to do after they graduate.

The Harvard Krokodiloes, the Din and Tonics, the Radcliffe Pitches and Hasty Pudding Theatricals will burst onto the Bermuda scene this week, bringing their whimsy and choral talents to venues around the island. I encourage you to grab your whole family and take in one or more of the shows at venues across the island - like the Bermuda National Gallery, Coral Beach Club and the Reefs - this coming week. A complete schedule of performances is available on the American Consulate’s website at http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov.   It is a guaranteed good time for one and all.

But this year’s Bermuda tour has a little something extra.  This year, in participation with the American Consulate, the Harvard Glee Clubs will sing in aid of Habitat for Humanity Bermuda – an opportunity for which they are grateful.  And an opportunity not to be missed!

The Anglican Cathedral on Church Street, Hamilton, is the venue for this first-ever benefit performance scheduled for Tuesday, March 27^th.  The program has been arranged in an open-house format and scheduled for the lunch hour – from noon to 1:30 p.m. – to enable people to drop in on their lunch break. Come for 15 minutes or the whole show – all are welcome.

Admission is open to one and all.  No tickets.  No admission fees.  But if the music provokes a smile and a feeling of good will, please consider offering a donation to Bermuda’s own Habitat for Humanity on your way out. 

There is no doubt that Bermuda is fortunate in having a thriving not-for-profit culture that is sometimes called the third pillar of the island’s economy.  The people of Bermuda – whether Bermudian or expatriate, government or private sector – are incredibly generous in giving their time, energy and financial resources to help others.  The Harvard Krokodiloes, Radcliffe Pitches and the Din and Tonics are happy to be part of this charitable tradition, giving back to Bermuda in the way they do best – with song.

As a Harvard alumnus, it is a great pleasure for me personally to welcome the Harvard glee clubs while they tour Bermuda. As the U.S. Consul General to Bermuda, I am especially proud that these young men and women – goodwill ambassadors from the United States – were clear in their determination to incorporate a benefit performance into their schedule.

We do hope to make this an annual tradition when they visit Bermuda.  For now, please come out to enjoy the fun, both at the wonderful venues where the groups will be singing all this week – and of course at the Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday in support of Habitat for Humanity.

See you there!!