Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Seattle Men's Chorus

11/23/2009 at 9:00 a.m.

The Seattle Men's Chorus is celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year. The group has grown to over 300 singing members since its start in 1979, becoming the largest gay men's chorus in the world. How far have gay rights come in the Northwest in the last 30 years? How do the issues of AIDS and civil rights relate to music? What is the Seattle Men's Chorus's role nationally — or even internationally? Join us for a look at the history, the music and the singing that is the Seattle Men's Chorus.

Tomorrow on "Weekday:" State Attorney General Rob McKenna

Related Event

There are eight Men's Chorus concerts between November 28 and December 20. Six of the concerts are at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. There will also be performances in Everett and in Tacoma. Betty Buckley from Broadway's "CATS," the Film "Carrie," and TV's "Eight is Enough" will be the guest artist for the first two Benaroya Concerts on November 28 and 29. For more information call the box office at 206.388.1400, or visit SeattleMensChorus.com.

There are three Women's Chorus concerts as well. Two in Meany Hall in Seattle and one in Edmonds. Visit SeattleWomensChorus.com for details.

Guest(s)

Dennis Coleman has been the artistic director of the Seattle Men's Chorus for 28 years. He's also served on the national Board of Directors of Chorus America for six years and the international Board of Directors of GALA Choruses for two terms. He has commissioned and conducted the premieres of new music from many artists and conducted many concerts. He is also an active clinician.

Representative Jamie Pedersen is a Democrat representing the 43rd Legislative District. He's also the lower second tenor section leader in the Seattle Men's Chorus, where he has sung since 1996.

Rodger Fowler has been singing with the Seattle Men's Chorus for 30 year. He's one of three original Chorus members. He remembers the origin of the chorus, the first rehearsals back in 1979 and what it meant to be part of the original 40–some members.

Eric Lane Barnes is providing piano and Chorus leadership for this morning's "Weekday" show. He is assistant artistic director of the Seattle Men's Chorus, director of "Captain Smartypants" and co–director of "Sensible Shoes" for the Seattle Women's Chorus.

This morning's performing Chorus members: Josh Herrington, Steve Watson, David Nilsson, Paul Rosenberg, Rad Milosojlvevic, Eric Ranelletti, Jeffrey Erickson, Don Riling and Tim Clements.