CHICAGO─Artemis Singers, www.artemissingers.org, Chicago’s lesbian feminist chorus, will present “All About Love” concert, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Bronzeville at VanderCook College of Music, Great Hall, 3125 S. Federal St., Chicago, Ill. The building is wheelchair accessible. A free parking lot is nearby.
“It's a celebration of love in all its forms, named after feminist author bell hooks' book of the same title,” said concert artistic director Paige Bosler. The 53-member nonprofit chorus specializes in performing music written or arranged by women.
Cellist and “All About Love” production manager, Amber Bunnag, came up with the idea for this concert. “We will have love songs, breakup songs, friendship songs, sapphic songs, and more,” said Bunnag. “The chorus is showcasing lesbian songwriters of all generations.”
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On the program is a small group performance of Chappell Roan’s “Red Wine Supernova,” a piece about infatuation and lesbian “situationships.” Roan, an out lesbian who writes explicitly lesbian songs, is currently one of the biggest pop stars in the world. She is nominated for six 2025 Grammys.
The song “We've Got Some Time Still,” by Artemis member Ab Lag, is about the importance of friendship as a support system in difficult times and how love between friends is just as vital as any other love. Bosler said, “We are presenting the world premiere of our choral arrangement of ‘We’ve Got Some Time Still.’ The original song is on Lag’s 2024 album, ‘Ameliorate.’”
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Chorus member Allison Downing’s “Sing Lesbian Love,” is an affirmation of lesbian life. “The song is not just about love, but explicitly lesbian love and sex,” said Bunnag. “It is a romantic waltz, like Fun Home’s ‘Changing My Major.’ Lesbians deserve ¾ time romance.”
The concert date, Feb. 1, is the first day of Black History Month, and Artemis will feature songs by Black women in music. Artemis will perform "Seven Day Kiss" from the poem by June Jordan and composed by the late Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, songleader, civil rights activist in 1960s Georgia, co-founder of The Freedom Singers and founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Dr. Reagon, whose body of work showcases how music and activism intertwine, died in July 2024.
Artemis will sing “Real Love” by Dr. Reagon’s daughter, Toshi Reagon, who is greatly influenced by her parents' activist work. Additionally, Artemis will perform Joan Armatrading’s song, “Love and Affection,” arranged for chorus by former Artemis member Luanne Adamus.
Concert artwork is by new Artemis member Elise Patterson. “The 15 members who joined Artemis this fall bring a whole new generation to the chorus,” noted Bosler, who is a recent addition herself, along with Bunnag.
Founded in 1980, Artemis Singers has been a mainstay in lesbian feminist cultural life. “What’s so unique is that it’s a self-directed chorus,” said Bosler. “There is no ‘director’ who decides what the chorus will sing. Instead, song choice originates with the members. Any chorus member can propose a song for the chorus to consider. It goes through a music selection process, where members vote. That’s how the concert program is developed. All along the way, input comes from members.”
“We are so excited to perform in Bronzeville,” said Bunnag.
Tickets on sale here: https://events.humanitix.com/all-about-love-artemis-singers-in-concert. Ticket prices: $25 General Admission. Tickets are also available on a sliding scale suggested donation of $12 - $50. Additional donations are tax deductible. Artemis Singers is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Tickets are free for children age 12 and younger.
In addition to the venue’s free parking lot, public transportation is available via the CTA Red Line 35th Sox station (142 W. 35th St., Chicago) or CTA Green line 35th-Bronzeville-IIT station (16 E. 35th St., Chicago).
For more information, visit www.artemissingers.org, email info@artemissingers.org or call (773) 764-4465.
The chorus takes its name from the Greek goddess Artemis, who is a symbol of independence among lesbian feminists.
Artemis Singers is comprised of singers with diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to effecting positive change in cultural attitudes toward women and women artists. Performances highlight historical, political and personal events common to women. Artemis Singers is committed to creating an organizational culture that actively fosters equity and inclusivity by continuing to engage in the ongoing work of dismantling racism and white supremacy. The chorus works to increase the visibility of lesbian feminists.
