Singing?

Why do I (and others) enjoy being with small groups where we can sing songs we may not have known before? What enables us to do this and derive significant satisfaction even when most participants may be strangers to us?

 I experienced some of the answers to such questions at a recent event where the love of singing was contagiously present and coupled with leadership that distributed enabling texts for the songs and provided an expertly played button-accordion accompaniment. None of the singers had copies of the "music" and a good number of them sang in a language or dialect that was not a part of their everyday life. This singing was not directed to an audience. It was for the singers themselves and this is one of the hallmarks of such singing. It is particularly special when it is lead - and sung - by individuals who bring their heart and sole to these songs. 

I am not mentioning names or details because I do not want this to read like a promotional piece. In part, however, this is intended to be a very public and very personal and heartfelt thank-you to those involved in this event.