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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 18, 2001)
may IS. 2001 » | n t MKI43 MUSIC ▼ A few good men M r . M an ' s C leaning Zen Center 2539 SE Madison Portland. Oregon 97214 503-239-4846 Fax. 503-239-5217 E-mail: Staff@Dharma-Rain.Org Southern Oregon gay men band together In song and pride by © PfUm* S u * © www. Dharma-Rain Org O riana G reen Dharma Rain Zen Center is a Soto Zen Temple for Lay practice, bringing people together to build community and wisdom through practice. DRZC offers retreats, classes, intro ductory workshops, and sesshins. The Zendo space is shared with groups in the Vipassana, Tibetan, & Zen traditions, creating Commercial Residential a unique atmosphere and oppor tunities for learning about Budd hism and its daily application. 503 - 892-8227 Kyogen and Gyokuko Cartson, resident teachers. mrmanscleanmg@aol.«om T h e R ogu e V alley G a y M e n ’s C h o ru s k n ow s w h at to do w ith a drunken sailor magine that you’re a gay man living in one of the redneckier parts o f Oregon, perhaps a few toes still safely in the closet, but you’re hun gry for camaraderie. Imagine that the Oregon Citizens Alliance has established strongholds throughout your area and that anti-gay ballot measures are an easy sell in your southern Ore gon town. Now imagine that you summon your nerve and join a small group o f gay men who are determined to sing in public— as the Rogue Val ley Gay M en’s Chorus. Gulp. In the Rose City, the 100-plus members of the Portland G ay M en’s Chorus are celebrated and invited to perform in C ity Hall, so it’s easy for us to forget that such a welcoming atm os phere does not extend into the far hills and val leys. Certainly not as far as Ashland, Medford, Talent, Phoenix, G old Hill, Central Point and G rants Pass— all hometowns o f Rogue Valley G ay M en’s Chorus singers. Since 1995, a small but determined group of guys has been rehearsing once a week; five orig inal members continue with the chorus, which now numbers 15. (They’ll resort to anything to recruit singers— one flier lists the phone num bers o f “the cutest members o f our group” !) Director Charles Freisen says his goal is “to have the group grow, to reach out to gay men and involve them in a positive activity.” For some more perspective, consider that the chorus “is the only out group in the Rogue Valley.” Thankfully, Freisen says they “haven’t encountered direct hostility, but we’re sensitive where we perform.” “ In Ashland we’re pretty much out,” he adds, noting that the creative community and Southern Oregon University make for a more tolerant environment. “ But in other towns in this area it’s difficult for gay men to be out.” Freisen moved to Ashland from Southern California six years ago but is quick to point out that he simply was returning to his native state. He has worked with the chorus for three years and has been involved with choral and church music all his life. As the group has increased in size, it has expanded its performances from short programs at A ID S benefits and churches to a broader audi ence; for the past two years it has done a holiday program at the Cadillac Cafe in Medford. The chorus also has sung at the annual Daedalus fund raiser presented by Oregon Shakespeare Festival, at the Lambda Community Center Association awards ceremony and Pink Weekend celebration, and for civic organizations in the Rogue Valley. I Now it is preparing its first full concert May 20 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Ashland. This is where Freisen also works as music director and where the choir rehearses. Reflecting popular sup port, the concert already is sold out, so the best you could hope for is standing room in the back. Chorus member Charles Quince says: “We don’t consider this show our most important event. We’re more proud that, later on the same night of the show, we’re singing at the annual A ID S vigil.” T h e concert program contains an eclectic mix o f love songs, show tunes, some Beach Boys and even a sea chantey, “W hat Shall We D o with the Drunken SailoiT’ “We do some campy numbers, but not too many,” Freisen explains. “ I’m trying to intro duce classical literature into the programs and music composed by gay composers for gay cho ruses. Our limitations are that we have to sing music appropriate for a small chorus.” Also on the program are “Heart I Will Remember Him,” a song in memory of those who have died of AIDS, plus songs of the ’50s and ’60s as well as chorus favorites “When You Believe,” “The Rhythm of Life” and “A Celtic Blessing.” Freisen will be accompanied by pianist Jodi French and two special guests artists: french horn player Jodi Schm idt and mezzo-soprano Renee Merrigan. With tongue firmly in cheek, the singers like to call themselves “Oregon’s other gay m en’s chorus.” Although there is a great size disparity, both choruses have much the same purposes: affirming diversity, promoting com munity through music, service and outreach. Because o f their isolation from other queer groups and activities, the singers especially emphasize outreach. “We’re going to Yreka, Calif., to sing for [Parents, Families and Friends o f Lesbians and Gays] and the gay community there on June 3,” Freisen notes. Quince adds: “O n June 8 we’re singing in the somewhat less accepting town of Grants Pass at a meeting o f the gay and lesbian com munity there.... Every little step builds a com munity for all o f us.” J H The R ogue V alley G ay M en ’ s C horus will per form twice M ay 20 in Ashland: in concert 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 N. Second S t., and dur ing the 18th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization 7 p.m. at the bandshell m Litha Park. To join call Charles Freisen at 5 4 1 -535-7233. Ilame al 503-223-5907
