CHICAGO ─ To celebrate Pride Month, Artemis Singers, Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, will present a concert and dance spotlighting the music of 20th century girl groups Saturday, June 2.
Artemis Singers will perform "Boogie Woogie Bugle Gal," "One Fine Day," "Lollipop," " ( S ) he's So Fine," "The Loco-Motion" and other hits which helped crack the pop music industry glass ceiling.
Open to the public, the "Girls' Night Out" Artemis Singers' Concert and Pride Dance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Broadway United Methodist Church, 3338 N. Broadway, Chicago.
Tickets in advance are a suggested donation of $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and younger. At the door, tickets are a suggested donation of $20 for adults and $10 for children. The ticket price includes admission to both events. Visit www.artemissingers.org to purchase tickets online. Tickets may be purchased by mail with a check payable to Artemis Singers, P.O. Box 578296, Chicago, IL 60657.
The concert features songs by artists ranging from the Andrew Sisters to the Wailin' Jennys; from the Chordettes to Little Eva; and from the Chiffons to The Roches. The program includes the Righteous Mothers' "Boring Meeting" and the Indigo Girls' "Closer to Fine" hits.
"We will be celebrating the songs and the women who made them popular," said Katy Clusen, artistic director. "Performing this music is an excellent way to start Pride Month."
The dance immediately follows the performance. Spinning the tunes for the dance is Artemis Singers' Jacqueline Boyd, who regularly DJs at clubs around Chicago.
Clusen said, "The concert's upbeat music will lead us into our dance and the opportunity to join our loyal audience on the dance floor."
In the mid-20th century, music offered few outlets for women. Industry gatekeepers kept tight control over recording contracts. Opportunities would be quite limited for decades until the Internet, social media and mobile devices leveled the playing field. Some girl groups, however, broke through with hits that are memorable to this day.
Artemis Singers specializes in performing music written or arranged by women. The chorus takes its name from the Greek goddess Artemis, who is a symbol of independence among lesbian feminists.
Founded in 1980, Artemis Singers has been a mainstay in lesbian feminist cultural life. The chorus is comprised of women with diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to effecting positive change in cultural attitudes toward women and women artists.
Audiences have seen Artemis Singers at the Chicago History Museum, Skokie Theatre, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park ( Gay Games ) , at Women & Children First bookstore and at numerous universities. Performances highlight historical, political and personal events common to women.
Artemis Singers' first CD commemorates its 25th anniversary. The chorus was inducted into the City of Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2008.
Artemis membership is open to all women singers. The group provides creative opportunities for women interested in choral production: song writing and arranging, choreography, performance lighting, audio, stage management, artistic direction and vocal instruction.
Lori A. Harmon is production coordinator of the June 2 "Girl Group Harmonies: Artemis Singers' Concert and Pride Dance."
Broadway United Methodist Church is located on the corner of Broadway and Buckingham in Chicago's East Lakeview. The concert and dance are both accessible.
Email info@artemissingers.org to request June 2 tickets be held at the door. For more information, call Artemis Singers at ( 773 ) 764-4465.
Artemis Singers is on Facebook.