GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE January 2, 2009

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Ox celebration expands to a full weekend

by Howard Gollop

Cleveland-A newly renovated Chineseowned hotel turns this year's Asians and Friends-Cleveland Chinese New Year celebration into a weekend getaway. "We. have a new location, new menu, new format, and a new lower price," said Rollie Santos, president of Asians and Friends-Cleveland. "We look forward to meeting up with our sister Ohio group in Columbus as well as others throughout the Midwest region to participate in this major annual event, the biggest of its kind between Chicago and New York."

Celebrating the Chinese zodiac Year of the Ox, Asians and Friends-Cleveland has made special arrangements with Hunan Gourmet Chinese Restaurant, 3614 Euclid Ave., for a sumptuous Chinese dinner, Asian entertainment gala and "Drag-on Show," beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 31.

The restaurant is part of the recently renovated University Hotel and Suites (formerly Days Inn and Suites Hotel), where visitors from Columbus, Detroit and Pittsburgh can stay through the weekend, taking advantage of the hotel's $63.75 bargain rate. Asians and Friends-Cleveland welcomes locals to participate in the dinner and spend the evening at the hotel as well.

Members of the local chapter and visitors from sister clubs in Columbus and other cities will enjoy a dim sum brunch in Cleveland's Asiatown the following day and take in the city's other attractions on Sunday.

Special low-price pre-paid tickets are on sale through January 23 for $35 for nonmembers of Asians and Friends ($30 for members). Pre-paid tickets purchased between Jan 24 and 30 are $45. Day-of-event or walk-in tickets (if available) are $55.

Asians and Friends-Cleveland has been serving the gay Asian community and their loved ones in Northeast Ohio for nearly 15 years. It's part of a national network for people of Asian cultures and people interested in Asian cultures. The group has hosted dozens of social events a year, open to the public. Asians and Friends-Columbus serves the Asian gay community in central and southern Ohio.

For more information visit Asians and Friends-Cleveland website at www.afcleveland.org. For restaurant and hotel information, call 216-361-8969 and ask for the rate for Asians and Friends Chinese New Year.

Howard Gollop is the vice president of Asians and Friends-Cleveland.

Concert opens Windsong's new home

by Jan Snow

Cleveland-Northeast Ohio's leading women's chorus presents their first concert in their new home with "Peace Offering" on January 18.

Windsong, Cleveland's feminist chorus, performs at 4 pm at the Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Avenue in University Circle.

The program, conducted by artistic director Karen Weaver and accompanied by pianist Karin Tooley, includes selections as varied as an Iraqi folk song in Arabic and a Kwanzaa piece in Swahili, with works by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Fred Hellerman and Pat Humphries, as well as numbers made

popular by Bette Midler, Holly Near and the Andrews Sisters. The ensemble will be joined by percussionist Janet Pemberton and Gene Epstein on cello and bass.

"This is music about our commitment to making a positive difference in a broken world," says Weaver, “recognizing both the similarities between cultures and the fears that create conflict. We will sing about separation and unity, devastation and healing, insecurity and solace."

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, half-price for students and children. They may be purchased at www.windsongchorus.org, or from any Windsong member. A reception follows the

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This performance will be the first in Windsong's new home. Now a part of the University Circle cultural community, the chorus will be in residence at the Church of the Covenant. Rehearsals for the new season are Sundays, 2 to 4 pm, at the church, beginning January 25. A non-audition chorus, Windsong welcomes new singers. Women wishing to join may visit the Windsong web site or call 216-556-0858 for more information.

Jan Snow is a member of Windsong, Cleveland's Feminist Chorus.

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