Upcoming events in Wall-to-Wall series

Nothing illustrates the creative openendedness of Symphony Space's management more than the Wall-to-Wall music series. Once or twice a year, the hall is filled for 12 straight hours for a program of music on a theme or by a certain composer. Last year it was the music of Richard Rodgers. This year, the theme is American Song, and if you want to be there, better line up early because the admission is free. It starts at 11 a.m. on Sat., March 22, and continues until 11 p.m.

Throughout the day more than 30 groups will sing everything from native American songs to Tin Pan Alley favorites, including the blues, gospel, barbershop, Hispanic, klezmer (or Yiddish music), and children's songs.

Highlighting the program are Oscar Brand, Odetta; and Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Phyllis Newman, Cy Colemen, and Jule Styne in a musical theater tribute. Musical groups include the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, the Big Apple Chorus (specializing in barbershop music), the Institutional Radio Choir (known for their gospel renditions), and the Western Wind, a vocal ensemble that sings early American songs. Admission is free, no reservations. Symphony Space is located on Broadway at 95th Street.