Photo: Pro Motion Entertainment
SAN DIEGO – Sunday, May 22, the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation (SDHDF) and the San Diego Women’s Chorus (SDWC) presented the benefit concert “UPRISING: Songs of Change” at the historic Balboa Theatre in Downtown San Diego. The 80-voice chorus serenaded more than 1,000 attendees with songs about empowerment and hope, and were accompanied by special guest Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Janis Ian, who performed her top hits, including “Society’s Child” and “At Seventeen.” Ian also performed one world premiere selection with the SDWC “Sing Sing Sing,” and asked the audience to join in. She finished the evening with two more numbers with the chorus, “I’m Still Standing” and “Every Woman’s Song,” which was performed on a stage for the first time that night. This concert marks the third year of collaboration between the two nonprofits to raise funds for SDHDF’s Lesbian Health Initiative and SDWC.
“Everyone was blown away by the sheer artistry of Janis Ian,” said John Brown, executive director, San Diego Human Dignity Foundation. “Her participation in this signature women’s event elevated the San Diego Women’s Chorus to a new high. Those smart enough to be in the audience were the fortunate ones.”
Throughout the evening, tears and emotions exuded from the crowd who witnessed the harmonious collaboration of SDWC and Ian onstage, raising their voices to celebrate individuals around the world who have triumphed over adversity, and those who have yet to find their own voice.
“From the music to the after party, I am thrilled with the way everything turned out,” said Kathleen Hansen, artistic director, San Diego Women’s Chorus. “The chorus members bravely delivered a heart-felt message, and Janis Ian was an incredible collaborator. Her authenticity and musicality was inspiring.”
In total, the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation and San Diego Women’s Chorus raised more than $20,000 from the concert and 100 percent of the proceeds will directly benefit the San Diego Women’s Chorus as well as the Lesbian Health Initiative at San Diego Human Dignity Foundation. According to a 2005 LBT (Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) women’s needs assessment performed by the San Diego LGBT Community Center, barriers to care and services include: having no or inadequate health insurance, having low income, living in areas where there is a shortage of culturally competent health and social service providers, and cultural beliefs about healthcare and healthcare providers that reduce utilization of available services. The report also goes on to say, “Ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to culturally competent health and social services is crucial for eliminating disparities and preventing disease. Research suggests that lesbian women often do not access clinical services and, therefore, are at increased risk of not detecting diseases that can be more easily treated in early stages, e.g. breast cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.”
