April 19, 1980
It’s hard to believe that the Windy City Gay Chorus has just had its
six month anniversary. The chorus made its debut with the band on December 16th 1979 at the “Don We Now…” concert at Stages Music Hall to a wildly enthusiastic audience.
Since that time, interest within the community has grown and the chorus has increased its numbers to 75. Representing all facets of society from accountant to puppeteer, diecaster to attorney, the members of the Windy City Gay Chorus have joined together to further their expressed love of music. While some members have had formal music training, many have come to the group with only the desire to sing and be a part of this positive expression of Gay Pride.
History: Toddlin’ Town Performing Arts
TODDLIN’ TOWN PERFORMING ARTS, INC. Originally organized as Windy City Cultural and Performing Arts, Inc., Toddlin’ Town is the parent organization for the Chicago Gay Pride Band and the Windy City Gay Chorus. Toddlin’ Town functions in an exclusively charitable, civic and educational role for the benefit of the gay community as well as the community at large.In our short history the two musical groups have performed at several community functions including the band’s first performance at the 1979 Gay Pride Parade, Draggocious, Chuck Renslow’s White Party and the holiday concert “Don We Now” in which the Windy City Gay Chorus made its sensational debut.
In March of this year Toddlin’ Town incorporated, appointing board members who are Claudia Krysiak, Gordon Chiola, Russ Keith, Jerry Cohen, Nick Kelly, also elected President of the Corporation; Joel Carothers, Vice President; Don Heering, Secretary; and Gary Lee, Treasurer. Marvin J. Carlton and Richard Garrin, Musical Directors of the band and chorus, respectively, are ex-officio members of the board.
Toddlin’ Town is unequivocally committed to the future of our community. Listed below are some of the future plans we wish to share with you and they include performances by the band and/or chorus: A possible midwest tour in the summer, Lagooner’s Volleyball Weekend, Metamorphosis and Gay Pride Week as well as concerts in late summer and early fall (to be announced). The band will perform at MCC church, 7:00 pm service, Sunday, April 27th. The chorus will perform at MCC church, Sunday, June 22nd.
On an ongoing and long-range basis we want to have a continued and growing impact on our community, presenting ourselves as an organization that encourages your active participation in that growth.
Thank you for joining us this evening and we look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Windy City Performing Arts 