Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2002)
26 . march 1. 2002 Vintage Voices supportive. “They K ith listened, and they'K ith offered so much." The fact that CampKdl pulled it off definite “O nce you start writing the words down, it becomes a different kind of power,” she says, j ly impressed Mensel. “She is such a wonderful writer,” he says. “T he choir liked this better than “Certain things began to jump out at me.” any other commission we’ve done.” In writing the six stings, she tried to glean a Vintage Voices means something to everyone key message from each of the interviews. Listen involved, but for Mensel it definitely is a laKir ing to the words of the elderly was not foreign to of love. He spent a great deal of time research Campbell, who has worked with older people in ing archives to learn more aKiut the eras dis types of music therapy for 11 years. “They may cussed. He is the one who selected each previ t be disenfranchised,” she says of the elderly, “but ously written song for the show. He is the one they have something to say.” who put everything in order. No one involved with the show wants to “We are going to take the audience on a nice give away the magical surprises that await, so emotional journey," Mensel says. “It will be pow specifics about the songs are being kept secret. erful. It will be reflective. And it will be fun." W hat Campbell did say was that some of them For Stroh, Vintage Voices has been a deeply are clearly “moving” while others are what she challenging enterprise. A commissioned show termed “happy.” costs "thousands and thousands" of dollars to “Some are very specific,” she says. “And put together. Sponsors have stepped up to help some are more of a collage of everything.” with funding, but that stress, coupled with the Tlie creative process for the show was inter show’s “groundbreaking” underlying message, rupted in a big way when Robertson was sent off to makes it that much more intense. New York City for an extended period of time after “I’m elated,” Stroh says. “I’m new to the choir, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. That meant Camp and to have a show like this is something really bell did not receive the tapes until much later than incredible. We think people are going to love it.” planned and was forced to work quickly. Those who are being saluted for the most part She admits she “went without a life" for six have no idea what to expect. They anticipate weeks in order to get the chorus parts done so music and dance and obviously are aware their the members could begin performing but says words will he shown, but they will be in for just Mensel and her partner, Karen, were extremely Continued from Page 25 Walter Cole is better known as the legendary Darcelle Walter Cole alter Cole admits when he came out of the closet after an early marriage, he did not do it quietly. In fact, he says he “leaped out” when he bought his first tavern in 1967. A n institution was about to be bom. C ole is much better know n as the one and only Darcelle, unques tionably Portlands most famous personality in the drag scene. He has been bringing h er to life for 35 years and in doing so has opened countless doors for others. Now in his 70s, C ole is pleased to be a part o f Vintage Voices. “Its a great idea, and it’s a nice honor,” he says, adding w ith a chuckle, “I guess if you live long enough you’ll eventually be honored." C ole says the sexual m inorities com m unity includes m any senior members who are viable and guess i f you have m uch to give. H e insists they deserve respect live long enough and is quick to n o te h e hits found many people show it. you'll eventually “It is a th rill to walk into a gay bar and get be honored" applause,” h e says. “T h a t is respect. T hey really do appreciate w hat we [older gay m en and lesbians] — Walter Cole have done." C ole and his partner o f 35 years, Leroy, continue to hold endless fund-raisers for different groups and rem ain active members of th e com m unity. His advice for younger gay m en and lesbians is quite simple: “M ake your life happy, and if you’re n o t, change it.” Cole knows full well how wonderful it is to do the things that make you happy. He has become a legend doing his own thing. 7 Everett Street Autoworks , Mon—Fri 8 —6pm Sat by appointment Wie have early bird drop-off 503/ 221-2411 509 N W Everett S Downtown, 97209 t ____ _ S K H K H D ick Walker is still not quite sure why he was asked to be a part of Vintage Voices. “There’s an awful lot of older gay men who have done more than I have,” he says. “But I’m glad to be of help. I think it’s important that ......... .... ¿L people recognize the seniors...and what they’ve done.” Dick Walker Walker is a retired college educator and administrator. He is one of those people who did not even come out to himself until later in life. He married. He had two daughters, one of whom was killed 18 years ago. He threw himself into his work. Walker says he finally came out in his early 50s. He was divorced at that point and already was involved with his life partner, Marc Walters. Walker has seen a great deal of change through the years, especially feelings directed toward the sexual minorities community. “It makes you feel good in the sense that who and what you are is beginning to be accepted,” he says, “but we still have a long way to go.” Walker feels like the community needs to do more to recognize its senior citizens, especially those who came out early and remained vocal even when they faced serious risks. “There were peo ple ahead of us [who] it made it easier for us,” he says. “We need to remember them .” Walker has a strong piece of advice for younger gay men and lesbians, a motto he has followed and encouraged others to follow for years. “You have to treat people with unconditional positive regard,” he says. “Just say to a person, ‘I like you, period.’ D on’t put any conditions on it.” T he F a n ta sy C reatu re S to re We can repair any car any problem minor to maijor • Same Day Service on Most Repairs • Pick Up & Delivery Dick Walker IVtHTUHLt ÏVtRtONi BRAIN J<IBN<B / / Computer Repair and Consulting Gi/ts Jrom myth and • • • • • Hardware Pet Food & Supplies Gardening Tools & Supplies Down-to-Earth Products U-Haul Trailers & Trucks Mention this ad Vor 10% discount 10920 NW St. Helens Road (503) 286-1291/Fax: (503) 286-9592 leget \d PC or Mac / New or Old ym . f Dragons - Gargoyles - Fairles Jewelry - Incense - Celtic 3106-B NB 64th Near the corner of 64th & Sandy Blvd next to It's My Pleasure 503-241-8888 Thurs 12-6 • Frt 12-6 • Sat 12-7 • Sun 12-5 i r - ■ ■ Onsite Repair Custom Built Systems Home / Office Consulting 5 0 3 .7 3 0 .5 1 8 5 Ask@BrainSci.net www. B rain S ci. net
