GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE Pride Guide 2009

www.GayPeoplesChronicle.com

Small ensemble brings fun evening to Brecksville church

by Jon K. Thompson

Brecksville-Ready or not, the Coastliners, the celebrated small ensemble of the North Coast Men's Chorus, are coming to Brecksville.

Under the direction of music director Richard Cole, and accompanied on piano by Patrick Wycliffe, the Coastliners perform as the official ambassadors of the chorus at events throughout northeast Ohio. The Coastliners have appeared in concert at events at Playhouse Square, and they were a part of last summer's Cleveland Cabaret Project at Cain Park. Earlier this year,

they opened for illusionist Jim Bailey at the Palace Theater in Canton. They have performed at international festivals in Miami and Montreal.

This concert will include songs ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, from the finger snapping sounds of Jersey Boys to the beautiful melody of "Home" from The Wiz. Costumes, dancing, and a salute to weddings that you simply won't believe are all a part of this funfilled, musical evening.

Richard Cole is in his 11th season as music director of the North Coast Men's Chorus. He is a native of Fremont, Ohio, and a graduate of

Bowling Green State University. Patrick Wycliffe holds a master of music in piano performance degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a bachelor of music from Oberlin College Conservatory. Members of the Coastliners include Don Ferenz, Bryan K. Fetty, Mark P. Malloy, Gary Mueller, Daniel T. Reynolds, Bruce Tillberg, and Jerry Zak.

The concert will take place at 7:30 pm, on Saturday, July 11, in the sanctuary of Brecksville United Church of Christ, located just east of Central School at 23 Public Square in Brecksville (about a mile east of the Ohio 82 exit off Interstate

The Men's Chorus loves the '80s

by Barbara Ragon

Cleveland-Join the North Coast Men's Chorus as they present, as the finale to their 21st season, "Totally Awesome '80s: A Conversation with the Chorus."

This light hearted look-back, directed by Richard Cole and written by Dan Bobeczko, will bring back memories of the ten years known for its unforgettable top 40 hits, big

hair, boom boxes, Trivial Pursuit, and totally outrageous fluorescent attire as the chorus members look back on what they were doing during the 1980s. They will also bring their personal stamp of fun and frolic that will have you rolling in your seat.

It's a concert that will evoke great memories and, because this is the North Coast Men's Chorus, there will be some stunning surprises, some quiet poignancy, and lots of fun.

Plus, while you are there, take a chance to win a fabulous "Backyard Escape Package" including a deluxe three-burner gas grill, Omaha Steaks, Great Lakes Brewery beer, Jack Daniels grilling sauces; grilling accessories and more, valued at $750.

The concerts will be held on Saturday, June 20 at 8 pm and Sunday, June 21 at 3 pm at Waetjen Auditorium in Cleveland State University's music building, 2001 Euclid Ave.

77). Parking is behind the church off Arlington Street. A free-will offering will be taken. Funds raised will go to support the Chorus and the church's ONA outreach. For further information, call the church at 440-526-4364 or Jon K. Thompson at 216-741-2314. Information about the North Coast Men's Chorus can be obtained by going to www.ncmchorus.org.

Jon K. Thompson is Open and Affirming Outreach chair for Brecksville United Church of Christ.

Advance tickets are $10 to $35 at Big Fun on Coventry, Big Fun's new location on Clifton and at Borders in Westlake. They will be $15$40 at the door. For reservations call 216556-0590 or see www.ncmchorus.org.

Barbara Ragon is the acting executive director of the North Coast Men's Chorus.

Mixed chorus seeks new voices for their 20th season

by Karen Weaver

Cleveland-Nineteen years ago this June, Cleveland's first openly lesbian, gay, and gay-friendly mixed chorus had its first "out" performance-at an inter-faith service hosted by Congregation Chevrei Tikva at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland, on Lancashire Road in Cleveland Heights.

Nine talented, lusty singers, under the direction of Karen Weaver, presented an offering in song, leading

hymns and adding beauty to the inspiring service.

Since that first performance, the group has incorporated as a non-profit organization, released a commerciallyproduced CD, established a regular concert series, collaborated with some of the area's best instrumentalists, appeared in some of the area's best concert series, and practically tripled in number. The twenty-five member ensemble is dedicated to the performance of a wonderful, challenging repertoire

from all style periods with a focus on music by living composers.

Highlights of the past season were Respighi's "Laud to the Nativity," sung in Italian with an instrumental ensemble including several principals from the Akron Symphony, and several works by Lakewood native David Conte, who coached the singers and conducted his own music at the May concert.

Good Company is presently seeking experienced singers with good sight-reading ability, an ear for foreign languages,

and sensitivity to style. Openings exist in all voice parts for the upcoming season. The group rehearses on Monday evenings from September to May at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 14502 Detroit Ave., and presents two or three concerts per year.

Contact director Karen Weaver at 216-525-0520 to schedule an audition. More information is available at www.good-co.org.

Karen Weaver is the director of Good Company.

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You are cordially invited to

THE GARDEN PARTY

20th Aniversary

a hot party on a cool lake!

July 12, 2009 2PM 6PM

At a private home on Lake Erie located in the Shore Acres Neighborhood

Valet Parking Heavy Hors d'oeuvres Open Bar Auction

Live Music

Honorary Hosts

CLEVELAND CITY COUNCILMAN

Michael Day

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