CHICAGO─Artemis Singers, Article Link Here , Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, will present its Pride Concert, "Leaping Lesbians! A Celebration of Lesbian Life," at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 4, outdoors at Forest Glen Woods — Picnic Grove #1, 5420 N. Forest Glen Avenue, Chicago.

"We are so happy to kick off Pride Month by performing in person," said Katy Clusen, concert co-artistic director and Artemis Singers member. The nonprofit chorus specializes in performing music written or arranged by women.

"It is fantastic that we will be able to sing outdoors with a live audience," said Loraine Edwalds, concert co-artistic director and chorus member. "This will be our first concert in three years. During that time, even with a pandemic, we kept Artemis together, virtually. We knew as soon as we could that we'd get back together and now it's time!"

For tickets, donate online in advance at Website Link Here or donate in person at the event. For more information, email info@artemissingers.org or call (773) 764-4465. Artemis Singers is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation. Contributions are tax deductible.

In addition to a variety of all-time favorites, Artemis Singers will present at the June 4 concert the live in-person premiere of two songs:

"We Are the New Dawn" by Hilary Marsh and Karen Mooney, Artemis Singers members. A song about lesbian solidarity, "We Are the New Dawn" documents lesbians' journey from secrecy to taking their full place in society. The song is a reminder that each woman travels her own journey, and while there are plenty of challenges along the way, lesbians will stand with one another to face these.

"Sing Lesbian Love" by Artemis Singers member Allison Downing. Artemis Singers originally commissioned the choral piece for its 40th anniversary (2020), but because of the pandemic, could not perform the piece in person. Now, however, it will be presented in Artemis' 42nd year.

"The piano and cello in 'Sing Lesbian Love' are especially moving," noted Clusen. "The song is an affirmation of lesbian life.

"Performing music by women of color is an Artemis Singers priority," said Clusen. "We will present 'Say Her Name' by Alysia Lee. It is a powerful song, a call to action to resist police brutality towards black women. 'Proud' by Heather Small is a song of personal pride." Featured too are "I Might Be Crying" by Tanita Tikaram and "Sisters Take Care of Sisters" by Chicana lesbian Naomi Littlebear Morena.

A small ensemble group will sing Stevie Nicks' classic "Landslide." Of note too, Artemis Singers will perform "Leaping," a song by Sue Fink & Joellyn Grippo they've sung for more than 40 years.

"The poignant 'Oceans & Stars' by Amy Bernon speaks to people we've lost," noted Clusen. "It's also a metaphor for the chorus returning to performing in person." When the pandemic hit, Artemis Singers canceled performances and strategically shifted to Zoom to keep connected. "The key all this time was community," said Clusen. "Community helped women find us. In fact, Artemis gained new members who share our love of singing."

Midge Stocker is production manager of the June 4 "Leaping Lesbians!" concert, which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The concert location, Forest Glen Forest Preserve picnic pavilion, is north of Foster Avenue on Chicago's northwest side. The concert is accessible. Plenty of free parking is available near the picnic pavilion, and it's a 10-minute walk from the 92 CTA bus. Bring lawn chairs, beverages (not in glass containers) and snacks.

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. The chorus was inducted into the City of Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2008. Audiences have seen Artemis Singers at the Chicago History Museum, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park (Gay Games) and at numerous universities.

Artemis Singers is comprised 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 a non-audition chorus open to all women singers, regardless of experience level or music reading ability. Each singer should be able to hold a melody and be excited to sing with a lesbian-feminist chorus that performs music written or arranged by women.

Artemis Singers provides creative opportunities for women interested in all aspects of choral production: conducting, songwriting and arranging, performance lighting, choreography, audio, artistic direction, stage management and vocal instruction.

In addition to public concerts, the chorus also performs at private functions and fundraisers by invitation. Follow Artemis Singers on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.