Miami in July???

The first time I ever heard of GALA and its festival, I was singing in another chorus. That season (Fall 2000) I was a new member, and I remember being regaled with tales of the chorus's adventures. Our music director took some of the words fellow chorus members had written about the GALA experience and set them to music. It sounded shimmer-y, full of hope and magical. What was this fantastical GALA, I wondered.

Fast forward to 2004, and the first season of Voices Rising. The gals were all excited to go to Montreal and sing with "Another Octave", a chorus we had just had a concert with. I couldn't go along at that time, because I had just started a new job and had no vacation time (or money).

Now here we are in 2008, and VR prepares to join the GLBT masses in song. At first I decided that I once again could not go. After all, Miami in July?! Last summer I was in Shanghai, in July, at roughly the same latitude as northern Florida. I remember sweating my butt off even though I wasn't engaging in any sweat-inducing activities.

After constant drum-beating and many speeches, my wall of resistance was finally breached. I think what finally did it was hearing one member remind us that this festival only happened once every four years. She also spoke of her personal experiences at GALA, and how moving and wonderful it all was.

So here I am, preparing to go to Florida. In July. All my non-chorus friends think I'm crazy.

Emily, S2

Emily is an 'old one', a founding member of Voices Rising. This will be her second summer in a row joining a chorus in singing in a hot climate. After GALA, she will be going to NYC to see the Yankees and Mets play, each in the last year at their current stadia. Booyah!