SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Women’s Chorus (SDWC) has announce that tickets are now on sale for its spring concert, Still We Rise,to be held May 4 and 5 at the University Christian Church in Hillcrest. With special guests Black Storytellers of San Diego (BSSD), Still We Rise will offer a glimpse at women’s legacy through story and song. SDWC is thrilled to be working once again with BSSD, a dynamic group of women who promote storytelling and oral tradition through education and entertainment. (SDWC and BSSD shared the stage in 2005 for Women Rising).
“With this concert, we will borrow from the black community’s rich tradition of using the tools of music and storytelling to raise social awareness,” says SDWC president Carin Scheinin. “Still We Rise will illustrate and illuminate how, despite formidable barriers, women continue their climb to equality, harnessing the power of community to persevere through life’s difficulties.”
“Our previous collaboration with SDWC back in 2005 was a standout experience for us,” says Dr. Annjennette McFarlin, president of Black Storytellers of San Diego. “This upcoming performance will again be a unique coming together through literature and music. It is about sharing our experiences and emotions and that’s what sisterhood is all about.”
Attendees of the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by Women’s Empowerment International at the Jacobs Center March 10 were treated to a preview of the pieces that will be performed by both SDWC and BSSD at Still We Rise, including Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” and Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise.” Known for its inspirational, thoughtful, entertaining and moving repertoire, SDWC will perform songs that speak to the universal themes of struggle, triumph, hope and love including “What About Love?” from the musical The Color Purple, the African-American gospel “Keep Yo’ Lamps,” and an homage to poet and LGBT-activist Audre Lorde with “She Who Makes Her Meaning Clear (Gamba Adisa).” BSSD’s pieces will include “Alabama Centennial,” a piece Dr. McFarlin describes as a “provocative message that spans all time.”
As part of its mission to inspire social action, SDWC will be supporting a number of organizations working to make a difference in the world. Pazzaz, Inc, a San Diego-based non-profit providing year-round targeted academic and enrichment programs to enlighten the lives of children and their families, will be hosting an informational table at both performances. International Crisis Aid will be selling unique bracelets to raise money to fund its efforts to assist victims of human trafficking. Concert attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for a Mama’s Kitchen food drive.
Pre-sale tickets for Still We Rise are $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors/military/children (3-17). Children under 3 will be admitted for free, but may be required to sit on an adult’s lap. Ticket prices at the door will be $20 and $15, as available. Tickets are available for purchase at sdwc.org, through SDWC members and at WorldBeat Cultural Center and United Records and Sound. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4 and 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Both concerts will be held at United Christian Church located at 3900 Cleveland Ave.
About the San Diego Women’s Chorus
The San Diego Women’s Chorus is a non-auditioned, lesbian-identified community chorus that welcomes all women who love to sing. For more than 25 years, SDWC has been creating quality music and fostering a place for women to share their voices through song. The chorus has grown from a group of women who gathered in members’ homes in 1987, to a talented and diverse chorus of over 75 women who are dedicated to the chorus’ mission to encourage women’s creativity, celebrate diversity, and inspire social action.
For more information about the San Diego Women’s Chorus, please visit sdwc.org , email info@sdwc.org or call 619-291-3366.
