SHORT TAKES : McFerrin in 24-Hour Songfest

Vocalist Bobby McFerrin lined up hundreds of people to hum and sing through a 24-hour event billed as “Singing for Your Life.”

McFerrin, whose songs include “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” kicked things off Sunday night at Grace Cathedral.

McFerrin, winner of nine Grammy Awards, lined up about 300 singers, including members of his all-vocal ensemble, “Voicestra,” to participate for several hours each, said Lauren Artress, canon pastor at the Episcopalian cathedral.

McFerrin, who lives in San Francisco, said he hoped to show how music could help people deal with everyday problems.

“I’ve become very fascinated with religious and spiritual significance of music in Third World countries, where everything is celebrated and honored,” he said.