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The dream of
a gay chorus in Jacksonville began to unfold in February 1994 following an
inspirational performance at Riverside House by the Orlando Gay Chorus. After
a series of contacts and advertisements in the gay community the first
organizational meeting of the Jacksonville Gay Chorus was held by five
Jacksonville area residents on March 17, 1994. Though they were each from
varying backgrounds, they shared a common vision: To establish a chorus that
would represent the gay, bisexual, and lesbian community in Jacksonville.
Less than two months later, on May 1st, a reception was held to introduce prospective members and supporters to the Jacksonville Gay Chorus (JGC). Over 40 people attended the event. About six weeks later, on June 18th, the JGC gave its first performance at a potluck dinner for P-FLAG (Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). That December the JGC performed its first full length concert at Riverside House. 1996 was an eventful year of growth for the chorus. The JGC welcomed to its stage Manner-Minne, the gay chorus of Berlin, Germany. In July, the JGC made its debut before gay and lesbian choruses from around the world at the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses Festival V, in Tampa. The chorus also successfully made the transition to a fully mixed chorus, combining male's and female's voices. In addition, the JGC became the first openly lesbian and gay organization in Jacksonville to join the Cultural Council and the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the yearly scheduled Spring and Holiday concerts, the JGC has performed for such events as BrAIDS ArtReach, the annual Pride Festival, a variety of PWACJ(People With AIDS Coalition of JAcksonville)-hosted events, the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) Society's Art and Musical Festival, World AIDS Day activities, and Repeated engagements at the Jacksonville Landing. |
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Last Updated:
January 21, 2000 |
