February 25, 2006
Program Notes
Just back from our February 19 performance at Carnegie Hall in NYC, Windy City Performing Arts brings a taste of the Great White Way to Chicago to sing the music of Broadway on the Bailiwick Repertory Mainstage! Broadway Regards! shines the spotlight on all three WCPA ensembles… and especially our very own Windy City Slickers, as we share our favorite show tunes – from contemporary to classic. Relive your favorite musical memories and catch up on some showstoppers you’ve missed hearing!
• WINDY CITY GAY CHORUS •
Founded in October, 1979, Windy City Gay Chorus is the oldest Gay chorus in Illinois and the Midwest, and one of the first gay choruses organized in the country. WCGC is a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA). WCGC’s first performance was in December of 1979, at the “Don We Now” holiday concert at Stages Music Hall. Windy City Gay Chorus has performed in cities throughout the country, and has been lauded by the Illinois House of Representatives, the mayors of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Denver, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago mayors Richard M. Daley and the late Harold Washington. The chorus believes in reaching out to support Chicago’s GLBT community and the community at-large by participating in events that bring enjoyment and pride to audiences and members alike.
• UNISON •
The seed for Unison: Windy City Lesbian and Gay Singers was planted in 1992 when the women’s ensemble MUSE, from Cincinnati, came to Chicago for a joint concert with Windy City Gay Chorus. The groups developed a strong affection for each other, which led to the idea of creating a mixed chorus of men and women. Unison made its concert debut at “Don We Now XIV” later that year, and sang its inaugural concert in April 1993 with recording artists Cris Williamson and Tret Fure as guests. Since that beginning, Unison has established itself as a musically adept addition to the Windy City Performing Arts family. Unison has become known throughout the Chicago area as a premier women’s and men’s performing arts ensemble that represents and values diversity in the communities they serve.
• WINDY CITY SLICKERS •
The Windy City Slickers made their debut in 1981 as the small men’s ensemble of Windy City Gay Chorus. Through the years, they have come into their own and become known throughout the country as Chicago’s very own pop/doo-wop/a capella gay men’s ensemble. The Windy City Slickers are comprised of members of Windy City Gay Chorus and Unison: Windy City Lesbian and Gay Singers, as well as members of the LGBT community at large.
Windy City Performing Arts 