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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2002)
24 Tjnarch. L2QÛ2 Vintage Voices Portland Gay Men's Chorus salutes seniors by Tom Stevenson • Photos by Marty Davis f you ask them, most will tell you they quite different is taking place. “This project is on are just common folks. In most cases, the threshold,” says Tony Stroh, PGMC execu they have led quiet lives. They were tive director. ‘Tt is some educators and business owners, mem thing that can really have an impact.” bers of the military Both he and and public employees. Mensel say Through the years they there never has found themselves living in been a show just about every comer of quite like this the country. Now, as they one. Those who reach the golden years of lives are the their lives, they are all a focal point of part of Portland’s sexual Vintage Voices minorities community. Dick Walker, If you listen closely to Vi r g i n i a their words, you can visu “Gibby” Clarke, alize periods of triumph. Walter Cole You will hear about (aka Darcclle), moments of pain and fear. Irv Ewen, Eve Most of all, you will hear a Tony Stroh lyn Hall, Mary story of finally coming to Beth Brindley and Hank peace with oneself. These stories will come roaring to life as Stack—are honored and the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus presents the awed by the attention. “It is a wonderful thing,” world premiere of Vintage Voices , a one-of-a- Ewen says. “I’m kind salute to seniors. The mul honored. And timedia program will explode "It's about this is something in a whirlwind of dance, song, honoring that is going to video and more featuring the honor all of works of local artists including our elders. those in the gay composer Kate Campbell, It will have its and lesbian com videographer Brian Robertson, munities who are choreographer Paul Scardina serious moments, older.” and accompanist Michael Everyone Barnes. The entire show is but it is going involved in the being created and performed to be filled creation of the show insists it is under the direction of PGMC designed not to deliver a political artistic director Bob Mensel. with fun. It is message or otherwise make a Vintage Voices is part of the major statement. It is designed very visual... yearlong “Season of Voices” simply to honor those whose ftxit- series, which has included very vibrant." steps have created a path for Voices of Pride in August, Holi~ younger people in the sexual day Voices in December and minorities community. Classical Voices in February. The season will conclude with the Voices of “It is not meant to be a Pulitzer Prize-winning expository,” Mensel says. “It’s Pride show June 12. All of the concerts have touched a strong about honoring our elders. It will have its serious part of the collective gay and lesbian voice, but moments, hut it is going to be filled with fun. It for those involved in Vintage Voices something is very visual...very vibrant.” I In many regards, the show will be a salute that looks at all parts of the “vintage” com- munity members’ lives. It will cover multiple decades: the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s and even into the ’50s. Vintage Voices will mix well-known Virginia "Gibby" Clarke — — Bob Mensel • Designs and Construction waterfalls and fountains sprinkler systems j retaining walls stone, brick or 1 concrete patios 20625 cedar fencing *| •c low voltage fighting r Maintenance residential and commercial Call today for a free qualification over the phone First Time Buyers ♦ FHA/VA Loans Self-Employed ♦ Complicated Borrowers Bankruptcies & Foreclosures • Credit Problems S W. 6 5 T H AVE • T U A L A T IN . O R E G O N 9 7 0 6 2 Investment Properties • Pre-approvals 100% Financing Programs “ W /re n u)e learned the landlord Was selling /?y W Q nr o 503 638-6212 CCB* 6701 irginia “Gibby” Clarke might be 82, but she can teach some strong lessons about love to a whole lot of people. She made it through an early failed marriage. She made it through a rela tionship with a woman who broke her heart. And she is still able to take a chance and fall in love again. “For the first time in a long time I am very, very content,” Clarke says. Her life story is an intriguing one. She served in the U.S. Army during World War II. She married and had three children (who are totally sup portive of their mother). Clarke notes she really didn’t understand the feelings she was hav ing until much later. "Somebody finally explained it to me,” she says. Virginia “Gibby” “I had no idea. People just didn’t talk about Clarke, those things.” who served in Clarke admits she is extremely happy about the U.S. Army Vintage Voices but has no idea what to expect. during World She is, however, incredibly proud to be involved. War II, “I’m glad to be a part of it,” she says. “I’m has rediscovered glad that someone has taken an interest in the true love older people.” Clarke says she would encourage young gay men and lesbians to live with integrity and above all else to be kind. “You also need to have open and honest communication with your partner," she says. Clarke is still highly active and is having the time of her life with her special new partner. She would not have it any other way. www.lmoregon@aol.com Christine Hall our house, we called Christine in a panic. Being Mortgage Broker self employed, we thought it might be impossible President's Club to buy, but Christine came to the rescue. 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