Dear Friends,

I was present yesterday at the Orchard Hill United Church of Christ, Chillicothe. The Illuminati was present and did so much to enrich the celebration of this open and Affirming Congregation. Your mission of voices raised and lives changed was fulfilled.

While I appreciated the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus for a long time, Illuminati coming to Chillicothe and providing the service was very meaningful to me. I was pastor of the congregation when they voted to become O & A, but my best dreams did not include such a meaningful day as yesterday.

This congregation has had struggles with being O & A. After yesterday, I am sure they are well on their way to continued success.

Thanks to all who participated.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Dr. Larry Miracle

To some, the American Songbook may seem like a dusty old volume of creaky standards.

But in the hands of BalletMet Columbus with an assist from the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus and the very living voices of two long-departed legends, the three-act show “The American Songbook” makes you laugh, cry, clap your hands and stand up and cheer.

Performed in the company’s black box performance space, the show features three pieces — Dear Miss Cline, Before the Dawn and Simply Sammy.

Dear Miss Cline is a witty melding of poodle skirts and pas de deux, prom night and en pointe, a little square dance and lot of nostalgia.

The piece features the recordings of Patsy Cline, and the simple production design evokes a 1950s dance under the moonlight. But all of that — and the costumes — disguise the fact that Amy Seiwert’s choreography is rigorously classical. With different lighting, music and costumes, much of the piece could have been staged 100 years ago.

Which, of course, is the very shrewd message: Cline’s music may have been performed in a particular time, but the magic of her talent makes it timeless.

The mood shifts to 1930s urbane in the world premiere of Before the Dawn, choreographed by Stella Kane, director of dance at Otterbein University.

Using standards by Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and Cole Porter, and 13 members of the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Kane has crafted a romantic piece in which all the men are dashing and all the women are chic.

The risk that Kane takes in Before the Dawn is that she won’t achieve a good balance. Once the singers are brought on stage, their presence is immediate. The dancers could seem little more than a visual aid for the singers, at times simply illustrating a lyric.

At the same time, even the presence of those singers could fade into background noise once BalletMet’s dancers put their extraordinary talent to work.

Luckily, Kane is careful to showcase a singer — Mark Cooke in That Old Black Magic, Brent Rayburn in Dream-Dancing — as needed, and gives the piece continuity and charm.

The concluding piece, Simply Sammy, had no problem maintaining balance. This stunning, sexy bow to the talent of Sammy Davis Jr. cannot be topped.

While the company performed the entire piece with vigor and truly inspired emotion, solo efforts by Jimmy Orrante and Courtney Muscroft must be applauded. Orrante, dancing to Davis’ recording of What Kind of Fool Am I? literally threw himself into the emotion of the song, twirling as if laboring under the weight of emotion. Muscroft, meanwhile, was jaw-droppingly sassy and sexy to a recording of Davis crooning Bye Bye Blackbird.

But in the hands of BalletMet Columbus with an assist from the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus and the very living voices of two long-departed legends, the three-act show “The American Songbook” makes you laugh, cry, clap your hands and stand up and cheer.

Performed in the company’s black box performance space, the show features three pieces — Dear Miss Cline, Before the Dawn and Simply Sammy.

Dear Miss Cline is a witty melding of poodle skirts and pas de deux, prom night and en pointe, a little square dance and lot of nostalgia.

The piece features the recordings of Patsy Cline, and the simple production design evokes a 1950s dance under the moonlight. But all of that — and the costumes — disguise the fact that Amy Seiwert’s choreography is rigorously classical. With different lighting, music and costumes, much of the piece could have been staged 100 years ago.

Which, of course, is the very shrewd message: Cline’s music may have been performed in a particular time, but the magic of her talent makes it timeless.

The mood shifts to 1930s urbane in the world premiere of Before the Dawn, choreographed by Stella Kane, director of dance at Otterbein University.

Using standards by Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and Cole Porter, and 13 members of the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Kane has crafted a romantic piece in which all the men are dashing and all the women are chic.

The risk that Kane takes in Before the Dawn is that she won’t achieve a good balance. Once the singers are brought on stage, their presence is immediate. The dancers could seem little more than a visual aid for the singers, at times simply illustrating a lyric.

At the same time, even the presence of those singers could fade into background noise once BalletMet’s dancers put their extraordinary talent to work.

Luckily, Kane is careful to showcase a singer — Mark Cooke in That Old Black Magic, Brent Rayburn in Dream-Dancing — as needed, and gives the piece continuity and charm.

The concluding piece, Simply Sammy, had no problem maintaining balance. This stunning, sexy bow to the talent of Sammy Davis Jr. cannot be topped.

While the company performed the entire piece with vigor and truly inspired emotion, solo efforts by Jimmy Orrante and Courtney Muscroft must be applauded. Orrante, dancing to Davis’ recording of What Kind of Fool Am I? literally threw himself into the emotion of the song, twirling as if laboring under the weight of emotion. Muscroft, meanwhile, was jaw-droppingly sassy and sexy to a recording of Davis crooning Bye Bye Blackbird.

For 23 years the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) has been one of the elite musical organizations in Columbus, and this upcoming season they plan to continue that tradition. The main chorus is 80 voices strong, and also produces two smaller ensembles, Vox and Illuminati, that go out into the community for separate performances. Between all three groups, the CGMC will be making a lot of music this year.

Tim Sarsany, in his third year as artistic director, said the he has seen the choir continually improve. “The artistic level continues to increase,” said Tim. “Our position in the community has grown as well.” The choir collaborates with many other performance groups in the city, and this fall the ensemble Vox is working with BalletMet for the show, “American Songbook.” The show will run the weekends of September 21 through October 7 and will be held at BalletMet.

The musical partnerships that CGMC have made in the past have proven to be successful. In March 2011, they performed with the Columbus Children’s Choir and the YouTube video of their version of Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” has over 25,000 hits, and is used by the Trevor Project, an organization that works to prevent suicide for LGBTQ youth. “The guys loved it and the kids had a good time as well,” said Tim.

Also this fall, the choir will give their annual holiday show, “Joy to the World,” December 7-9 at King Avenue United Methodist Church, where they have held the show for 12 years. “It’s almost a tradition for a lot of people. Their holiday starts when they come to the show,” said Tim. “It shows how the community supports us and we support the community.”

In February, Vox will perform a Valentine’s show, “What I Did for Love,” and in March the main chorus will put on “Until There’s a Cure.” The performance will focus on the effects of HIV/AIDS and the songs “will be both inspired by, and insightful of, the history, losses and turning points of this pandemic.” The show will be March 22 and 23 at the Lincoln Theater. “Social justice is a big part of what we do as well. If we can just change one mind it’s worth it,” said Tim.

Illuminati, CGMC sacred ensemble, also performs a spring concert performing spiritual songs. This ensemble was created about 10 years ago and is conducted by Michael Crandall. They sing at various churches around town, throughout the year, and typically per the request of a congregation. “It’s a way we can go out into the community when they can’t come to us,” said Tim. “Those guys love to sing that music, but they also love to do the outreach.” The Illuminati concert is May 19, at Worthington United Methodist Church.

The main chorus plans to wrap up their season with the “Motown in Our Town” show. Tim said this will be one of their liveliest performances with dancing, an aspect that the members always have fun with. “We’ve had to add a more visual element, just because that is the way things are going,” said Tim. The Motown show will be June 28-30.

Tim said that outside of all the performances and practices, the friendship of the chorus is one of the most rewarding. “We are a family, we always help each other. The camaraderie and spirit is just great,” said Tim. “The music is important but the camaraderie and the community is vital. It’s a great bunch of guys to lead. They work so hard at what they do.”

Interested in joining Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus this season? All experience is welcome! Auditions, or voice placements, are Sept. 16 and 23 at Ohio Theater, 5:30p. New singers are invited to sit through rehearsal first and auditions will be held afterward. Visit CGMC.com for more information.

Link to article online: http://outlookcolumbus.com/2012/09/sounds-of-columbus-september-2012/

During a focus group at a Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus membership retreat a while back, I talked about how important being a member of the chorus is to me. Now, over three years later, I’ve been asked by another member, who had attended that focus group, to repeat some of what I said for this blog, He recalled that my words felt moving and sincere. Apparently something I said had made an impression on him!

But what, exactly, did I say? Honestly I didn’t remember…
- I probably mentioned how cool it has been to cultivate diverse gay friendships at someplace other than a gay bar.

- Hopefully I discussed how exciting it is to be a part of the artistry, and the message, that embodies such a chorus. And how the pride and appreciation from friends and family following performances are rewards that I will cherish forever.

- It’s possible that I touched on how my own sense of pride, self worth, and accomplishment has been encouraged and enhanced through participating in this unique organization.

- I may have even revealed how volunteering for the chorus’ fund-raising, marketing, and leadership endeavors had unexpectedly also taught me how to tell anyone in the world that I’m gay, without it sounding like an apology.

- And if I was being especially long-winded, I should have pointed out how just the presence of an institution like the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, within our Central Ohio community, enriches currents of tolerance, understanding, acceptance and unity. And, how the effect of these gentle currents, with time, has the power to transform social landscapes in enlightened, meaningful, and enduring ways.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
~ Maya Angelou

Who knows what I actually said back in that focus group three years ago. For that matter, I suspect that most people who’ve heard the chorus recently would have a hard time remembering any of the songs performed. But, they will remember how beautiful or moving or entertaining the experience was to them. And, my fellow chorus member certainly remembers how the things I said three years ago reverberated with him.

Yeah, so that’s it then – that’s why I sing! To use music and lyrics that audiences won’t remember, to convey feelings they’ll never forget.

To Whom It May Concern,

Please accept this meager donation.  My son, who is 25, just “came out” about a year ago. Although, I had always suspected, it is a joy to see him being his true self! I must admit, I was shocked for about a minute, Ha!, and thought of all the ramifications, such as religious, bullying, etc.  Then, my heart and mind realized he is still the wonderful son I have always known. I couldn’t ask for a more caring, helpful and loving man. I applaud your organization that gives a sense of family so all men can share their joys and tribulations he might face. I believe it is “nature” because who would really choose such a lifestyle filled with hate and judgement!?! I am proud of my son and only with for him blessings and happiness in his life. I have rambled enough but wanted you to know the heart of one mom. May God bless each and everyone of you as you share your gift of music and songs to others!!

Sincerely,

Sarah Cline

P.S.  Loved, Loved, Loved, Cher!!

My brother, sister and I grew up playing piano through high school as my mother kept alive the family tradition that her mother had instilled in her. Through the trials and tribulations of teenage love and heartache, I started putting pen to paper and singing original lyrics to reflect the feelings I was experiencing in life. That continued on in college and beyond as I started to realize while I had a passion for songwriting, I lacked mastery of my own voice and an instrument.

Fast forward to 2012. I had committed myself to “Project Trece” – 13 actions/goals this year that will lead me to making 2013 the best year of my life (thirteen is my lucky number, and I speak Spanish). Two of those goals were to significantly impact the LGBT equality movement as a straight ally, and advance my skill set on my journey to become a singer-songwriter. In late December, Bruce Reedy, a long-time local friend of mine, and I got together for a bite to eat in the Short North. We caught up on each other’s lives, and I shared with him my goals, my passion for music, and that I was thinking about joining a the Harmony Project chorus to work on my voice.

Bruce told me he worked with the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus on the audio/visual side, and asked if I had thought about joining them. I had heard of the group previously, but it was not actively on my radar. When I responded that I didn’t think that I was “qualified” to be eligible, he let me know they had an open charter, and have had straight men and even a woman before. And there it was: a chance to get more involved in the LGBT community, learn about a proud part of our Columbus culture, and train my voice with some experienced singers – it seemed like a win-win all around. I had my audition with Artistic Director Tim Sarsany, and could follow the sheet music changes and beats well enough for him to give me a chance. And as it turns out – I was a Baritone 2 – I’d made it!

This winter we had a retreat on a snowy Saturday, Jan. 21st, up in the Dublin area. I was only a couple weeks new, and still didn’t know if this was going to be the right fit for me, but many of the guys had warmly reached out encouraging me to attend, so in the spirit of “going hard or going home,” I headed up. Membership lead Jason Guthrie opened the floor that afternoon for members to get up and share how they joined the group and some of their experiences. I had met a lot of new faces by that point, but only knew a dozen or so names, and had even fewer deeper conversations with other chorus members. While some learned that I heard about it from Bruce’s recommendation, those that hadn’t may have likely assumed that I was gay as well. While considering if I was going to get up and share my story, I leaned over and asked Mark Lankford who had seemed a very genuine, trustworthy person, if I should mention my sexual orientation as part of my story – and he thought it was indeed an important piece.

My heartbeat went through the roof, as questions swirled through my mind. How were the guys going to take it? Would they accept me for who I was? Would they feel like I had deceived them? I have rarely, if ever in my life, been more scared and nervous to share and tell the truth to a group of relative strangers. Somehow I mustered up the strength to get up, put myself out there, and let the chips fall where they may. I managed to get through it, was true to myself, honest with the guys, and everyone was amazingly supportive. During and after the later breaks, guys came up to me, thanking me for opening up and welcoming me again as part of their brotherhood. That weekend I made the decision to commit to be part of a truly special group of guys.

Before joining, I was not aware of the amazing talent, voices, direction and reputation that this amazing group had already earned across the country. I didn’t realize how many extraordinary people I would meet, new friends I would make, nor the tight bonds that would come from working together on these concerts. Having now successfully completed my first concert, Home and Country (a perfect initiation thanks to my intense love for this great town as part of our Bicentennial), and working towards our Cher and Cher Alike summer performance, I can say from experience these guys put in very professional work and long hours finely tuning their craft to spread the awareness and message of their mission: Voices Raised, Lives Changed.

As I look back at the retreat, and the moment I opened up to the group, I realize that I “came out of the closet” as a straight man in a gay chorus. I don’t pretend to consider my leap of faith there to be anywhere near the courage it takes for the LGBT community to share their true self with friends, family and co-workers, but it may just be the closest experience I’ll have in my life. It has given me so much more respect for the LGBT community and perspective on what they have had to and continue to deal with in their lives.

As I’ve come into my own in life, people have often wondered if I was gay, whether because of my colorful personality, extreme openness or reputation for pushing physical boundaries between close friends and sporting teammates. Even more so recently, due to my increased equality advocacy efforts, new and old acquaintances ask my best friends and family if there’s some hidden secret about my sexual orientation – as if there had to be “something else” about me to motivate me to get so actively involved with this civil rights equality issue.

Thanks to the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, I’m learning about more than just singing, I’m learning how important it is to raise our voices, loudly and proudly. And I’m realizing first-hand just how song can change the lives of singers, and seeing how those singers are then able to go out and change their world. The connections I’ve made here have reminded me to return to and rededicated myself to my goals this year. So on two of those thirteen points, be on the lookout for the allies group STR8NOUT (“Straight and Out – of the Supporter’s Closet”) coming soon locally, and for songs like “My Columbus,” “Take Me Back,” and “My O-hi…” to showcase a straight voice honed from a gay chorus – a fitting combination to celebrate all of our pride in this great town, in this great state.

This group has led by example treating me as an equal, with the same rights and opportunities as any other member, regardless of my sexual orientation. The CGMC has already changed my life for the better, and I’m bound and determined to pay it forward and work towards creating a better world for them and future generations as well.

When we sing together, we win together … so SING-SING guys – it’s a WIN-WIN

• Alive & unEdited: Chet Ridenour
• Super Chet-ero – Sorry guys, he’s straight (March 2012 Outlook Magazine Article)
• Chet Ridenour (@ChetRidenour) on Twitter
• Chet Ridenour on Facebook
• STR8NOUT (“Straight and Out – of the Supporter’s Closet”)
• Chet’s Website

One of the best things about participating is that you support the efforts of CGMC to ensure fulfillment of our mission, “Voices Raised, Lives Changed!” when you give. All you have to do is bid! From great electronics gear to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this is the place to get in on all the auction action!

Go to www.biddingforgood.com/cgmc to begin bidding and bidding often.

CGMC’s Illuminati to sing at Shabbat Services.

COLUMBUS, January 10, 2012 — At Shabbat Services on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 8:00 pm,
Temple Beth Shalom will feature the Illuminati, a select ensemble of the Columbus’s Gay Men’s
Chorus (CGMC), to present music of the spirit. Enthused Rabbi Howard L. Apothaker, “We are so
thrilled to be the first Jewish congregation in Columbus to be privileged to welcome the Iluminati to
share their music with us.”

Illumanati Coodinator, David Tyhosky remarks that the purpose of the group’s participation in the
service is to “help broaden the message of love and inclusion [and] spread our vision and mission of
‘Voices Raised. Lives Changed.’”

Notes TBS Cantorial Soloist, Gail Rose, “The singers challenge congregations through the power of
music to reexamine the misconceptions they may have about Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transsexual
(GLBT) people and faith.” She adds that that Temple Beth Shalom, “as a welcoming and diverse
congregation, has a variety of affinity groups, including a GLBT group, ‘Twice Blessed Souls.’”

Formed in 1990, the parent CGMC has partnered with other organizations such as: CAPA, Opera
Columbus, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, the Welsh Hills Symphony Orchestra, The Columbus
Children’s Choir, Ballet Met, and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. The Illuminati ensemble has
performed sacred music in various religious spaces throughout central Ohio and is expanding its
repertoire as it works within the religious communities of central Ohio.

During the social hour after the service, the Illuminati will perform additional musical selections. “We
are proud,” says TBS co-president, Miriam Siegfried, to partner with CGMC in this musical service
and invite the community to attend.”

For more information, contact Gail Rose, 614-855-4882 or grose@tbsohio.org.

Formed in 1990, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus maintains the vision of its founding members to foster
increased recognition, understanding, and acceptance of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons. CGMC is a non-auditioned chorus open to all people regardless of vocal talent, musical abilities, race, gender, religion, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation or economic means. The members of CGMC are equally dedicated to performing vocal music of the highest quality for its audiences and to maintaining an atmosphere of camaraderie, support and respect for its diverse members. During each performance and public appearance, they seek to live their mission of “Voices Raised, Lives Changed.”

CGMC thanks its sponsors for making this season possible: Season supporters: The Columbus Foundation,
Greater Columbus Arts Council, Formation Studio, Level Dining Lounge, New York Life, Nth Degree, Ohio Arts
Council, SDG Security. Media partners: CD 102.5, Cue Magazine, Outlook Columbus, Time Warner Cable,
and WBNS-10TV.

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is holding auditions for its “Home and Country” concert.

COLUMBUS, December 19, 2011 — The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus believes in opening minds and hearts through the power of music. We fully embrace the opportunity to be LGBT ambassadors to the central Ohio community and to live our mission of “Voices Raised, Lives Changed.”

CGMC presents artistic and entertaining programs that continue to receive critical acclaim. We have recently partnered with other arts organizations such as the Columbus Children’s Choir, Columbus Jazz Arts Group, and Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra. Our “Home and Country” concert is a partnership with the OSU Men’s Glee Club and will celebrate the 200th Birthday of Columbus with songs related to Columbus and Ohio. Also included will be a special medley of Big-10 fight songs, as well as songs by American composers and songs that represent American themes.

Voice placement auditions are held during the first two rehearsals of each concert cycle. For our Home and Country concert, auditions will be held on Monday, January 2, 2012 (please arrive at 6:00 pm) and Sunday, January 8, 2012 (please arrive at 5:30 pm) at the Ohio Theatre/Galbreath Pavilion, Room 1.

Home and Country – collaboration with the OSU Men’s Glee Club
When: Friday, February 24 at 8pm and Sunday, February 26 at 3pm
Where: The Lincoln Theatre

Please contact CGMC (cgmc@cgmc.com) or visit our website at www.cgmc.com for more information about CGMC and its season.

CGMC season:

Home and Country – collaboration with the OSU Men’s Glee Club
When: Friday, February 24 at 8pm and Sunday, February 26 at 3pm
Where: The Lincoln Theatre
Tickets: Ticket price: $30

Vox in Full Swing
When: Friday and Saturday, April 20 & 21, 2012 – 8pm
Where: Van Fleet Theatre at Columbus Performing Arts Center
Tickets: Ticket price: $20

CGMC’s 6th Annual Forte Award and Benefit
When: Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 6pm
Where: Columbus Museum of Art
Tickets: $100

Illuminati Spring Concert
When: Sunday, May 20, 2012
Where: St John’s Episcopal Church – Worthington
Tickets: Free

Cher and Cher Alike
When: Friday, June 22 & 23, 2012 at 8pm
Where: Lincoln Theatre
Tickets: Ticket price: $30

Formed in 1990, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus maintains the vision of its founding members to foster increased recognition, understanding, and acceptance of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons. CGMC is a non-auditioned chorus open to all people regardless of vocal talent, musical abilities, race, gender, religion, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation or economic means. The members of CGMC are equally dedicated to performing vocal music of the highest quality for its audiences and to maintaining an atmosphere of camaraderie, support and respect for its diverse members. During each performance and public appearance, they seek to live their vision of “Voices Raised, Lives Changed.”

CGMC thanks its sponsors for making this season possible: Season supporters: The Columbus Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Formation Studio, Level Dining Lounge, New York Life, Nth Degree, Ohio Arts Council, SDG Security. Media partners for Joy and season: CD 102.5, Cue Magazine, Outlook Columbus, Time Warner Cable, and WBNS-10TV.
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