Breaking the bounds of the status quo, Artemis Singers, www.artemissingers.org, Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, will perform songs about rebellion June 11 and June 18 in its Pride concert/dance, "Voices of Joyful Rebellion."
"Music that denounces racism, the objectification of women and religious fundamentalism will be featured," said Artemis Singers concert artistic director Tina Beacock. "Songs that decry war and senseless bloodshed are highlighted. These songs evoke elements of the fever for social justice in the feminist community."
In fact, noted Beacock, the concert title is taken from the song "Goddesses' Rage," by Chicago composer Paula Walowitz, whose lyrics proclaim "We are resisting the newest dark age."
The nonprofit Artemis Singers will present "Voices of Joyful Rebellion" on Chicago's north side and south side:
˘ 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Broadway United Methodist Church, 3338 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657 Concert and dance are accessible.
˘ 7 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at First Unitarian Church, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, IL 60637. Concert and dance are accessible. Artemis Singers is cosponsoring the Hyde Park concert with Affinity Community Services, www.affinity95.org . Affinity is a social justice organization that works with and on behalf of Black LGBTQ communities, queer youth and allies to identify emergent needs, create safe spaces and develop leaders. It also bridges communities through collective analysis and action for social justice, freedom and human rights.
The dance with live DJ immediately follows each concert. The 30-member Artemis Singers specializes in performing music written or arranged by women. The chorus provides opportunities for lesbians to be visible, expressing sometimes-radical political perspectives, which is timely in the highly-charged Presidential campaign.
The "Voices of Joyful Rebellion" program includes "Arise," a feminist song for peace, from Mother's Day 1870, with words by Julia Ward Howe and music by The Righteous Mothers.
Holly Near's song "I Ain't Afraid" gives voice to what many people fear—-"what you do in the name of your god." Bernice Johnson Reagon's "I'm Gon' Stand," decries racism, injustice and exploitation.
Environmental justice will be addressed with "Compost," a song about giving the earth "a little break." Artemis Singers will perform a traditional South African freedom song, "Asikatali."
The program also features the song "Listen," by Reverend Karen Mooney, composer and Artemis Singers member.
To purchase tickets online, visit artemisrebellakeview.bpt.me/ for the north side venue and artemisrebelhydepark.bpt.me/ for the south side venue. Tickets are a suggested donation of $15 in advance and $20 at the door for adults. Tickets for seniors age 65 and older and for children age 12 and younger are a suggested donation of $10. The ticket price includes admission to both concert and dance. Tickets may be purchased by mail with a check payable to Artemis Singers, P.O. Box 578296, Chicago, IL 60657. Tickets also are available from any Artemis Singers chorus member.
For concert information or to request "Voices of Joyful Rebellion" tickets be held at the door, email info@artemissingers.org or call 773-764-4465.
Skokie's Stephanie Larenas and Chicago's Laurie Lee Moses are the piano accompanists.
The June 11 venue, Broadway United Methodist Church, is located on the corner of Broadway and Buckingham in Chicago's East Lakeview. Several pay parking lots are within a few blocks of the church. Check Artemis Singers' website for parking information.
Street parking is available at the June 18 Hyde Park event.
Artemis Singers is a 501( c )3 not for profit organization. Inducted into the City of Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2008, Artemis Singers has been a mainstay in lesbian feminist cultural life. Artemis Singers performed at Illinois' Marriage Equality signing ceremony, Nov. 20, 2013, and the March on Springfield ( Illinois ) for Marriage Equality rally Oct. 22, 2013.
As a self-directed chorus, Artemis Singers holds song selection meetings where chorus members determine which songs will be part of a given concert. Artemis membership is open to all women singers. The chorus also provides creative opportunities for women interested in aspects of choral production: musical accompaniment, choral directing, songwriting and arranging, choreography, audio, performance lighting, artistic direction and stage management.
Artemis Singers is on Facebook and Twitter.
