Artemis Singers presents "Loves Lost, Loves Found" concert Feb. 6 & 7, 2015
Artemis Singers ( www.artemissingers.org ), Chicago's Lesbian Feminist Chorus, will present "Loves Lost, Loves Found," a concert of songs about love in all its complexity, at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, and at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Ethical Humanist Society, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, Ill. ( south of Howard St., west of Skokie Blvd. ).
"This concert features emotionally evocative songs on the various facets and forms of love, and the journeys these loves take us on," said Mary Rapp, co-production manager for the February performances. The 35-member Artemis Singers specializes in music written or arranged by women. The nonprofit chorus will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2015.
"The 'Loves Lost, Loves Found' program is a rich mix that everyone can relate to, from intensely passionate romantic love, to the deep love for a family member, to the heartbreak when a love is lost," said Joy Culver, concert co-artistic director. "And it is so timely in advance of Valentine's Day."
Artemis Singers will perform Adele's "Rumour Has It," Smokey Robinson's "My Girl," and women's music legend Cris Williamson's "Lullabye" and "Shooting Star."
Highlights include "Wanting Memories," a song that Dr. Ysaye Barnwell dedicated to her father. Barnwell was a member of the African-American a cappella group, Sweet Honey in the Rock 1979 — 2013. Also on the program is "Seven Day Kiss," by Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon and poet June Jordan.
"Emily Remembers" is a poignant piece about taking care of and treasuring a best friend with Alzheimer's disease.
Artemis Singers will premier "There is Hope," an uplifting song about dreams, wonder and love, written by chorus member Lynda Elimon. Musician and composer Elimon will direct the piece, too.
"Heaven Unfolding" is a lyrical piece that affirms the myriad places and ways to find heaven here on Earth. Music is by Andrea Ramsey; words by Charles Anthony Silvestri.
Rapp, a relatively new ( 2013 ) member of Artemis Singers, said she is glad she joined the chorus. "It's been a great experience," said Rapp. "Artemis Singers provides a community of feminist women who love to sing and many social opportunities to make wonderful new friends. The power of making music with these amazing women cannot be overstated."
Skokie's Stephanie Larenas and Chicago's Laurie Lee Moses are the piano accompanists. Holly James is co-production manager for the February concerts.
Visit artemisloves.brownpapertickets.com to purchase tickets online. Tickets for "Loves Lost, Loves Found" 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.
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. Beginning Dec. 1, 2014, tickets will be available at Women & Children First bookstore, 5233 N. Clark St., Chicago.
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. The chorus performed at Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's historic Marriage Equality signing ceremony November 20, 2013.
Artemis membership is open to all women singers. As part of its educational mission as a 501( c )3 not-for-profit organization, the chorus also provides creative opportunities for women interested in learning aspects of choral production: musical accompaniment, vocal instruction, songwriting and arranging, choral directing, choreography, audio, performance lighting, artistic direction and stage management.
For concert information, email info@artemissingers.org or call 773-764-4465.
The concert venue, near Oakton Community College, is one-half mile north of the Touhy Avenue I-94 ( Edens Expressway ) exit. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Ethical Humanist Society or on the street. The building is accessible. The concert will take place in the auditorium.
Artemis Singers is on Facebook and Twitter.
