CHICAGO─Artemis Singers, www.artemissingers.org, Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, presents "Never Doubt: We Are Here" Pride Concert & Dance, Saturday, June 8, at First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC, 1445 Hinman Ave., Evanston, Ill. The concert begins at 7 p.m., followed by the dance, which runs until 11 p.m. Both are accessible.
Artemis Singers will perform "Fast Car," by Tracy Chapman. The nonprofit chorus, now in its 44th year, specializes in performing music written or arranged by women. Increasingly relevant for 2024 is Ruth Huber's epic song, "SIGNS: Voices from the Women's March."
"This year's program encompasses songs that remind us of the good in ourselves and songs that help us to be our best," says Karen Mooney, co-creative director, Artemis Singers June 8 "Never Doubt: We are Here" Pride Concert and Dance. "It features songs to change, to grow, to renew, to include, to wrestle, and to remind."
Mooney says, "We are very proud to be performing 'Lesbian Feminist Boogie,' lyrics and music by Allison Downing, Artemis Singers member."
An election is coming. "We are already hearing how important this one will be," notes Mooney. "In a time when we are encouraged to vote out of fear, we fight back to shout, we vote out of love and our right to belong."
Mooney adds, "To sing our values into being is to affirm our vote and to celebrate what is good and real in our communities. We can vote out of joy."
Focus of the program is threefold:
1. Where we are today—challenges in the world
2. How do we respond
3. What we imagine
"Pride Month is so relevant this election year," notes Mooney. "It reminds us of where we've been; the progress we've made; and the future that rests in our hands with the vote."
Highlights include "Fired Up," by Holly Near; "Warrior," by Kim Baryluk and "Gather," by Karen Mooney. Artemis will showcase "She is on Her Way," by Aly Halpert and Arundhati Roy and "Truth," by Andrea Ramsey. In addition, the chorus will sing "Apple Tree," by Aurora Aksnes, Odd Martin Skalnes, and Magnus Skylstad.
Artemis Singers has grown from 30 members before the pandemic to now 43 members.
Ticket prices: $25 General Admission. Tickets are also available on a sliding scale suggested donation of $10 - $40. Additional donations are tax deductible. Artemis Singers is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Tickets are free for children age 12 and younger.
Metered street parking is available. Several parking garages are located four to eight blocks from the venue. Public transportation is available via the CTA Purple Line (Davis stop, 1612 Benson Avenue, Evanston, Ill.) or the Metra Rail Union Pacific-North UP-N (Davis Street stop, 901 Davis Street, Evanston, Ill.)
For more information, visit www.artemissingers.org, email info@artemissingers.org or call (773) 764-4465.
Founded in 1980, Artemis Singers has been a mainstay in lesbian feminist cultural life. The chorus takes its name from the Greek goddess Artemis, who is a symbol of independence among lesbian feminists.
Artemis Singers is composed of women with diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to effecting positive change in cultural attitudes toward women and women artists. Performances highlight historical, political and personal events common to women. Artemis Singers is committed to creating an organizational culture that actively fosters equity and inclusivity by continuing to engage in the ongoing work of dismantling racism and white supremacy. The chorus works to increase the visibility of lesbian feminists.
