Out Loud Chorus honored during 25th anniversary event at Towsley Auditorium
Ann Arbor – Out Loud Chorus (OLC) kicked off their 25th anniversary season at Towsley Auditorium on Jan. 17 & 18, 2020 with accolades and commendations from numerous government officials.
Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor presented OLC Vice President Cinda Hocking with a Proclamation naming January 17, 2020, as Out Loud Chorus Day. In this proclamation, OLC is recognized for their contribution as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer chorus and the wonderful music experiences it has provided to the Ann Arbor and surrounding areas.
That evening, State Senator Jeff Irwin also presented a State of Michigan Special Tribute signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, State Sen. Irwin and State Reps. Donna Lasinski, Yousef Rabhi, Ronnie D. Peterson and Rebekah Warren. This Tribute called out OLC’s dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive space for all who love to sing as well as the choir’s mission to reduce bigotry and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
“It is a great honor to receive government recognition and commendation. We are so grateful and impressed that these leaders took the time and effort to understand, support and share in our mission,” said Hocking.
State Senator Jeff Irwin & Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor at “Legendary” on Jan. 17, 2020. Photo by Tim Howley
On Jan. 18, Out Loud Chorus was honored in a State of Michigan Tribute presented by State. Rep. Yousef Rabhi. Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Morgan presented additional accolades from Senator Gary Peters and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Congresswoman Dingell entered a letter into the Congressional Record honoring OLC as “an indispensable asset to our diverse and vibrant community.”
Sen. Peters letter welcomed the audience to the concert and called out “Artistic Director Darin DeWeese for dedicating his time, talent, and hard work to ensure the success and endurance of the group.”
“It is truly an honor to serve at the helm of an organization that not only creates an affirming space for members of our community to gather and make music,” stated DeWeese, “but also an organization that plays an active role in supporting and giving back to our brothers and sisters of the wider LGBTQ+ community!”
OLC President Annie Withers said, “It is such an honor and privilege to be recognized for doing what most of us just love doing: singing and making good music with friends. That we are also able to be a place in community that seeks to be inclusive, welcoming and affirming to those in the LGBTQ+ and our allies is a testament to our success in our goal to decreasing discrimination through education.”
Out Loud Chorus is a non-auditioned, LGBTQ+ community chorus in Washtenaw County founded in 1995 comprised of more than 80 members. OLC is sponsored in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact us at 734.265.0740 or outloudchorus@gmail.com.
MAIN PHOTO: State Rep. Yousef Rabhi & Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Morgan presenting to OLC Vice President Cinda Hocking at “Legendary” on Jan. 18, 2020. Photo by Tim Howley
Out Loud Chorus with Director Darin DeWeese, Accompanist Nicholas Roehler, Mayor Taylor and Sen. Irwin. Photo by Tim Howley
