Not your grandfather's digital performance

This is not your grandfather’s virtual choral concert on Zoom!  Like so many arts organizations, the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus was just days away from its spring concert in March when the global coronavirus pandemic and quarantine hit. In fact, we were to perform a program celebrating our 40 year history with our new artistic director John Atorino.  

But this is not PGMC’s first pandemic, and we persevered!  After two months of Zoom rehearsals and our singers learning new skills as recording artists, PGMC’s first ever digital performance of “Under Pressure” debuted last Saturday, on the very day that we otherwise would have performed our Pride concert.  Check out this amazing performance, unlike any other you’ve seen this quarantine.  

And if you’re so moved, please consider a financial gift to help the Chorus.  Like so many arts organizations, we’re hoping to “bridge the gap” financially until we can do live performances for our community once again.  In celebration of PGMC’s 40th anniversary, I’m asking folks to make a financial gift to PGMC.  Please give whatever you can.  No gift is too big or small.  You'll help support the important work PGMC does to "honor and uplift our community and affirm the worth of all people.”  

Happy Pride month, everyone! 🏳️‍🌈

A Letter from the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus

Proud to join my fellow Portland Gay Men’s Chorus leaders in this letter of support at this particular time.

Rules of engagement: Kate Bingaman-Burt at TEDxPortland

Kate Bingaman-Burt is a professor of graphic design at Portland State University and has a studio space in Portland called Outlet. In her 2013 TEDxPortland talk, she explores harnessing the power of accumulation and consumption through a system of rules to structure creative chaos. Commit to being a vigilant "Art Soldier" - keep making, keep moving.

The Most Wonderful Season

Hi, ho, ho! Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, the best way to kick off the holiday season is with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus "The Most Wonderful Season” concerts, Friday - Sunday, December 6-8 at the Newmark Theatre in Portland and Saturday, December 14 at the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics in Vancouver, Washington. Doesn't this image of fellow chorus member Thom Whittmore give you the holiday feels already? Join us and get your cheer on!

PDXTalks 2019 at PSU

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to introduce four amazing speakers at PDXTalks, Portland State University’s TEDx style evening of talks as part of the Portland State of Mind, a festival of knowledge and culture we hold on campus each fall. Watch each speech and learn more about their visions for the future.

Jeff Schnabel, director of PSU's School of Architecture, thinks we'd better start designing cities for their increasingly 24 hour, 7 day a week futures.

Blake Turner, a junior mechanical engineering student , sees a future where cars will burn clean hydrogen.

French hornist and College of the Arts junior Santiago Valenzuela wants to show you how classical music can be accessible.

Laura Nissen, professor in the School of Social Work, sees the future coming at us fast but also worries how little we all seem to be ready for it.