There are many great options this weekend in G-Sync that point to clever and just downright fun ways to celebrate the holidays.
But one has proven to be a powerful event that can change people’s perspectives through its diverse programming and scope of storytelling.
When the 45 members of the West Michigan Gay Men’s Chorus takes the stage at the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, it will be on the occasion of their 5th anniversary, also offering a chance for them to reflect on the advances they have made.
“Our new show, "It’s a Colorful World," will be a bit of a departure from our last few performances,” says RT Williams, artistic director of the WMGMC. “This time, we will be presenting a collection of favorite holiday tunes as well as a few new numbers that are lesser known.”
And while guest vocalist Diane Penning will join the boys for two extended sets in this new production that began rehearsals in September, it is the stirring dramatic portrayal of the song "Am I Welcome Here?" that is sure to bring the house down. "Am I Welcome Here?" tells the story of a gay man who wonders if the childhood church he is passing would let him enter on Christmas Eve.
“We have witnessed members of our chorus invite co-workers or friends who may have never met a gay person and watched people’s stereotypes melt away,” says Williams. “In fact, one elderly man who had not spoken with his son since they had a falling out immediately raced out of the show at the curtain and called his son to repair his relationship.”
The event will feature a $5 raffle where the winning ticket will take home 50 bottles of wine. This performance is dedicated to the memory of Gerry Crane (my former dormmate) who was a Byron Center music instructor as well as the last conductor of the West Michigan Gay & Lesbian Community Chorus. Mr. Crane passed away in 1997.
Admission: $15
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