Lesbian feminist chorus Artemis Singers’ summer concert, “Never Doubt: We Are Here,” encourages listeners to imagine and embody a better future.
“The show’s theme came out of a desire to say that we live best if we live out of love and out of community, and a sense of belonging,” said Karen Mooney, one of the show’s three co-creative directors. “We know ourselves to be part of a movement that’s lasted generations. We walk with our ancestors and bring them with us.”
Artemis Singers was founded in 1980 and specializes in performing music written or arranged by women. Its programs typically highlight historical, political and personal events common to women. The chorus is entirely self-directed, so each member has an important role in creating the group’s performances.
This past season, 13 new members joined Artemis Singers and many are starting to take on larger responsibilities in the group now that they’ve participated in a few shows, said Midge Stocker, another co-creative director and longtime chorus member. Artemis Singers will host auditions again in the fall. Anyone who can carry a tune is welcome to join.
“We’re at that point in the season where we’ve learned the music and you can just hear people’s confidence growing as folks start listening to each other in the group instead of just thinking about what they’re doing themselves,” Stocker said.
This year’s summer concert features songs that “help us to be our best,” Mooney said. The chorus will perform well-known songs, like Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” as well as music created by chorus members and other local artists.
The songs Artemis Singers will perform acknowledge the pain and fear that exist throughout the world, but the show urges listeners to find strength in community and move forward with joy and resilience.
“We want to embody that understanding that fear exists, but we’re reaching toward how we want the world to be and focusing on how we’re moving,” Mooney said. “It’s about reminding ourselves to keep our hearts open, to have fun, and remember we’re part of a stream of ancestors.”
The show is split into three parts: where we are today, how we respond and what we imagine.
During the section of the show that’s dedicated to imagination, the chorus will perform, “She is on Her Way,” by Aly Halpert and Arundhati Ro.
The song’s lyrics, “Another world’s not only possible. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing,” show that the elements of an ideal future already exist “among us today,” Mooney said.
The show’s grand finale, “Lesbian Feminist Boogie,” by Artemis Singer member Allison Downing, ushers in a dance break and reminds listeners they’re part of a community that’s bigger than oneself.
After the show, the “work of imagining” will continue at a dance where the chorus and audience can mingle, Mooney explained.
“Bringing people out into a space where we can just experience each other and embody our joy is part of imagining,” Mooney said.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC, 1445 Hinman Ave., in Evanston. Tickets cost $25 or can be purchased with a suggested donation of $10-$40. Attendees are invited to join the Artemis singers for a dance after the program.