Windsong @ Archwood Church 1/14 Many local folks are unaware of the existence of Windsong–Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus. Their loss. Windsong isn’t large, but it is sincere and well-intentioned, and for a non-audition chorus (they happily accept whoever wants to sing with them) it is surprisingly good. Under the crisp direction of their Artistic Director Karen Weaver, the 22 women sing with heart and soul, not to mention excellent diction and intonation.

On Saturday evening, the chorus presented its Winter Concert to a full house at Archwood Church. Their voices soared throughout the spacious sanctuary in tribute to Voices of Freedom, Voices of Truth honoring those women of courage who preceded them. Some of the women are well-known: Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Barbara Jordan and Mother Ann, founder of the Shaker movement in the US. Others need to be. One such is Laura Hershey, a disability rights activist, who wrote the poem that became You Get Proud by Practicing—words of wisdom that apply to everyone, everywhere.

Afi-Odelia Scruggs was the guest artist, accompanying herself on the piano to open the second half of the program in the spiritual. This little light of mine. The gifted pianist announced the piece as a ‘soft’ spiritual, and indeed, it had almost a bluesy sound. Later in the evening, she gave us a rousing gospel rendition of Bad Water, proving herself to be a belter with a slightly sassy, swinging approach. Her enthusiasm soon had everyone joyfully clapping in rhythm.

Although some of the songs were performed a cappella, on occasion piano accompaniment was provided by Karin Tooley. All of the songs were interpreted in sign language by Dawn Barbey. Argerie Vasilakes served as emcee when needed.

The music consisted of spirituals or other folk music, an occasional show tune, the tribute songs, and the final, rousing closer: It Don’t Mean a Thing (if it ain’t got that swing) of Duke Ellington. Joining the chorus here as they had earlier for two or three other numbers were percussionist Andrew Pongracz and David Weaver on electric bass and keyboards.

At the conclusion of the concert, floral bouquets were presented to the conductor, pianist, soloist, interpreter and emcee. After that, an encore was demanded and provided: another go round of It Don’t Mean a Thing. A reception in the church basement featuring coffee and cookies for everyone ended the evening.

Their spring concert, scheduled for May 20 at 7:30 pm is called The Importance of Being Ernestine. For more information about the chorus, or to buy tickets, call (216) 921-7328 or visit their web-site: http://www.geocities.com/windsongchorus

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz hidden-email:negfjevgre@nqrycuvn.arg? (:divend:)