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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2000)
-L 2000 » Your fresh flower professionals A song of good cheer JACKSON'S FLOW ERS P o r t l a n d G a y M e n ’s C h o r u s g e ts i n t o t h e h o l i d a y s p i r i t 3804 N. E. San dy Blvd. P ortland, OR 97232 (503) 282-0657 • 1 (800) 303-0657 P A H A www.JacksonsFlowers.com Mov^Hearts™ T he Portland Gay Men’s Chorus has a special surprise for us as it opens its 21st season. Its pop ular and talentecfartis- tic director, Bob Mensel, is on sabbatical and tem porarily has passed the baton to an extraordi nary local talent, Ray Elliott. “When I was looking to replace myself for my sabbati cal, Ray was really the only choice that came to mind,” he muses. “This is because there are so many different things a guest conductor needs to do to be successful. Ray completely fit the bill.” Elliott— a tall, handsome man from Portland with an impressive list of cre dentials, a resonant baritone voice and an infectious enthusiasm for music—seems more than able to handle the task. An active arranger of choral music, his past work has res onated with singers and audiences alike. Although he is a busy man these days, the upcoming holiday concert remains center stage in his thoughts. “My schedule’s pretty crazy,” Elliott admits, shuffling files of music sheets and notes in a thin briefcase. “I’m directing four different cho ruses at the same time.” In addition to serving as guest director for Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Elliott directs of the noted Satori Men’s Chorus and the Port land State University Community Chorus. He also recently formed and directs Confluence, a new gay and lesbian chorus out of Salem. He has a degree in music from Portland State Uni versity and has sung with many local groups including the David York Ensemble and the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. But beyond his academic and musical cre dentials lies a lifetime’s affirmation that music is a saving influence. “After I graduated from high school, I became very depressed,” Elliott recalls. “Then a friend invited me into the chorus, and the cho rus brought music back into my life.” Elliott’s eyes bum with a hazel fire as he speaks of the power music holds over him. “Now, music is a big part of my life. Without it, I’d go postal.” When approached by Mensel about filling in for him while on sabbatical, Elliott leapt at the chance. “It’s always been one of my dreams to direct a gay chorus,” he smiles. “It is just pure joy to be conducting a group of such fine men.” The chorus is the fourth-oldest gay-identi fied chorus in the United States and now boasts about 100 voices— quite a distinction for Portland music, gay or straight. It performs four major concerts during its season and many out reach performances. “Lately, we’ve been doing more outreach programs because of Measure 9," Elliott points out. The chorus worked overtime making appearances at rallies and fund-raisers across the state to help defeat the anti-gay measure. Many who know PGM C’s music, either as P o r t la n d ' s ONLY I ndependent • N oncommercial L istener -S ponsored ( ommunitt R adio S tation O tt' w d u e t* go -7 FH P ortland « 92.7 ( oluhha G ome « 100.7 W illahette valley 'S participants or as audience members, know how unique the chorus is. Comparing a gay men’s chorus to a straight or mixed group, Elliott says: “It’s a very differ ent type of focus. The mem bers have a common bond. That makes it eas ier to make music together.” Locally, PGMC has sung alongside other groups such as the Portland Lesbian Choir, Bridges and Satori. But as a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, it also has worked with gay and lesbian music groups from around the world. Next year’s pride con cert in June, “Men with Attitude,” will feature the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, and PGMC will go to Colorado to sing with that group in a kind of exchange program. Elliott began working on the “Holiday Spir it!" concert in early August, collaborating with Mensel to choose a selection of music both within PGMC tradition and uniquely flavored with Elliott’s directorial style. “Ray has designed a wonderful holiday concert that will be a real treat for everyone,” Mensel says. Elliott adds: “This year’s concert is a mix of different types of holiday music. The chorus has a tradition of singing from the heart, and this concert will be no exception.” The concert will feature music reflecting the traditions of Thanksgiving, Winter Sol stice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the new year. It includes traditional songs and con temporary renditions, including the PGMC classic "Winter for Awhile” by local composer Kate Campbell. The concert is a great place to take a date or your family. Kids particularly enjoy the always-popular singalong. “Anyone will be able to come to the con cert and find something they like,” Elliott says. When asked what his favorite piece of the con cert is, he grimaces the way most artists do. “It’s so hard to choose one over the others,” he resists. “There is a piece called ‘Yuletide Fires.’ It’s one of those lush, heart-tugging, mel low a cappella songs. “But I also like the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from Soulful Messiah. It’s a lot of fun. " i n H oliday S pirit ! plays 8 p.m . Dec. 16 and 2 p . m . Dec. 17 at Reed College’s Kaul Auditori um, 3203 S . E . Woodstock Blvd. Tickets are $12- $ 2 0 from Fastixx. GLENN W illiams unites poetry, prose, plays, periodica and pom in Portland. • New purchase • 100% equity loans • Pre-qualification by phone or fax • Refinance/cash out • Pre-approved loans • Residential, commercial & investment property • Appointm ents at your convenience Office 503 . 297.9900 Evenings / Weekends 503 . 780.1561 Toll Free 1 . 877 . 826.9900 Email colleenw@mtgadvocates.com www.mtgadvocates.com -I’m available when you are! " J ColIeen Weed J J A m o rtgage fwwA A d vocates 9900 S.W . Wilshire Street • Portland, Oregon 97225 First Congregational United Church of Christ 1126 SW PARK AVENUE 228-7219 Celebrate Christmas Eve 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship A service for the young at heart. All children are invited to be actors in the retelling of the Christmas Story. 10:00 p.m. Concert 10:30 p.m. Candlelight Service A traditional evening service of carols, anthems, scripture and sermon. Rev. Patricia Ross preaching. An open, affirming church where everyone is welcome — incluiling straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and tramgerufer people. K a th erin e * s B o d y P ie r c in g S a lo n
