Pride Guide 2004 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

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Men's chorus affirms the gay experience through music

by Steven J. Louzos

Cleveland-The music line-up for the North Coast Men's Chorus performances of "Pride & Joy" of June 19 and 20 is the most electrifying and politically charged in its 16year history.

"We're bringing the Cleveland Pride Festival to the proudest and most joyful conclusion we know how," remarked Richard Cole, the chorus' music director, "and I'm thrilled that we have the opportunity to close this season and Pride weekend with such a powerful program."

This show joyfully celebrates GLBT Pride, the rights the community has, the obstacles it strives to overcome, and the very special gifts each other provide. The graphics for “Pride & Joy" reflect this, with hands raised in celebration-accessorized with matching gold wedding bands. The program features "call to action" anthems; a moving tribute to victims of hate crimes; a healthy dose of the Top Ten List of gay icon songs and three spectacular dance numbers.

Arguably the highest profile gay organization in Northeast Ohio, the North Coast Men's

North Coast's 2002 production of 'Putting on the Ritz'

Chorus has grown to over 100 singing members under Cole's direction. Members of the chorus represent the widest possible diversity: from doctors, lawyers and bankers to service workers, and everything in between. The chorus' programming reflects the same level of diversity with singing, dancing, comedy and drama, through music.

Members are frequently asked about the music selection process, which is both democratic and consensual, but above all, it is organic. Chorus members come together to

NCMC

brainstorm suggestions around the theme of the show. After registering the level of enthusiasm for each suggestion, the list is narrowed to 25 or 30 selections. The next step is to make sure that the program will evoke a wide variety of emotions, while reinforcing the chorus'

Improving the Human Condition

values and mission. As a result, the North Coast Men's Chorus has become known for touching hearts and changing lives by presenting high quality entertainment while promoting a positive presence in the gay community and beyond.

"Pride & Joy" will be presented at 8 pm on Saturday, June 19 and at 3 pm on Sunday, June 20. Both performances will be in Waetjen Auditorium in Cleveland State University's Music and Communications Building, 2001 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and are available on the North Coast Men's Chorus web site, www.ncmchorus.org. For additional information, call 216-556-0590 or e-mail the Chorus info@ncmchorus.org.

Steven J. Louzos handles publicity for the North Coast Men's Chorus.

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Good Company singers share a passion for choral music

by Karen Weaver

Cleveland-Good Company is a select group of twenty-five experienced singers dedicated to the study and performance of music from the chamber choral repertoire. The group's size and clarity of sound lend themselves particularly well to the performance of madrigals, motets, and other intimate vocal forms from various style periods.

While many of the singers of Good Company hold degrees in music or perform professionally, it is also true that most of the members are engaged in professions other than music for their livelihoods. Motivated by a passion for choral music, the members share a particular interest in programming and casting a more mature light on a repertoire that is rarely heard outside of an academic setting.

Although the primary focus is music, the group is further unified by the fact that most of its members come from the gay and lesbian community. Good Company is the only mixed openly gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly chorus in Cleveland. The group's first performance was at the interfaith service for Gay Pride weekend in June 1995.

Since its founding in January of 1995 by artistic director Karen Weaver, the ensemble has expanded its membership, established a regular concert series, released a commercially produced CD, launched a web site, and incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.

The ensemble performs two home concerts per year at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, and has also performed as part of the concert series at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, in services of choral evensong at Trinity Cathedral, at the GALA 2000 Festival in San Jose and, this past season, in two performances with Cleveland's newest cham-

ber orchestra, Red. The group has been invited to join four other groups in a Community Chorus Festival in Avon Lake in November.

Good Company rehearses on Mondays at 7:30 pm at Lakewood Presbyterian Church. Members are admitted by audition and are expected to have good sight-reading ability, adaptability to various musical styles, experience singing in foreign languages, and a high level of commitment to attending rehearsals.

For more information or to schedule an audition, please visit www.good-co.org or contact director Karen Weaver at 216671-2596.

Karen Weaver is the founding director of Good Company: A Vocal Ensemble.

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