Blog
Good morning, singers! With 3 more rehearsals before we sing at the Capri Theater (March 31st), JD will say we are ready and just need to keep tightening our songs up. SO, come for the tightening and stay for the fun.
We will be rehearsing on the 8th floor of the Guthrie on March 14th, 2:00-3:30. Just come. It is really that easy!
Special dates on our schedule, include rehearsals:
-March 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 20
Performances scheduled include;
March 31--Capri Theater, 7:00
May 2nd--Back steps of the Guthrie, weather permitting, 2:00-3:30
May 9th--Loring Park, 2:00-3:00
June 13th--Target Field, 1:00, leading the singing of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'
And don't forget the community Iftar on March 12th at 6:30 at the Brian Coyle Center. It's a wonderful meal and a perfect time to be with our neighbors.
Thank you!!
It's March and we can't wait to sing our way through March with as much fun as we can. Join us on Saturday, March 7, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Come sing with us!
JD is teaching us some wonderful new songs, and helping us remember and rehearse a number of old new songs!! Being together brings joy and our sound gets better and better. Here are the lyrics for 'A Time for Us".
A time for us, some day there'll be
When chains are torn by courage born of a love that's free
A time when dreams so long denied
Can flourish as we unveil the love we now must hide
A time for us, at last to see
A life worthwhile for you and me
And with our love, through tears and thorns
We will endure as we pass surely through every storm
A time for us, some day there'll be a new world
A world of shining hope for you and me
For you and me
And with our love, through tears and thorns
We will endure as we pass surely through every storm
A time for us, some day there'll be a new world
A world of shining hope for you and me
A world of shining hope for you and me
The tentative schedule for the remainder of the 2025-26 season:
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 20
Performances scheduled include;
March 31--Capri Theater, 7:00
May 2nd--Back steps of the Guthrie, weather permitting, 2:00-3:30
May 9th--Loring Park, 2:00-3:00
June 13th--Target Field, 1:00, leading the singing of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'
And don't forget the community Iftar on March 12th at 6:30 at the Brian Coyle Center. It's a wonderful meal and a perfect time to be with our neighbors.
So much to be thankful for. Thank you for all you do.
Good morning, all! Congratulations to JD on being named the Minnesota Music Educators educator of the year. We ALL know what a wonderful teacher he is and are thrilled he is being recognized.
We will be rehearsing on Saturday, February 28, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Come sing with us! JD is teaching us some wonderful new songs, and helping us remember and rehearse a number of old new songs!! Being together brings joy and our sound gets better and better. Here are the lyrics for 'A Time for Us".
A time for us, some day there'll be
When chains are torn by courage born of a love that's free
A time when dreams so long denied
Can flourish as we unveil the love we now must hide
A time for us, at last to see
A life worthwhile for you and me
And with our love, through tears and thorns
We will endure as we pass surely through every storm
A time for us, some day there'll be a new world
A world of shining hope for you and me
For you and me
And with our love, through tears and thorns
We will endure as we pass surely through every storm
A time for us, some day there'll be a new world
A world of shining hope for you and me
A world of shining hope for you and me
The tentative schedule for the remainder of the 2025-26 season:
-February 28
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 20
Performances scheduled include;
March 31--Capri Theater, 7:00
May 2nd--Back steps of the Guthrie, weather permitting, 2:00-3:30
May 9th--Loring Park, 2:00-3:00
June 13th--Target Field, 1:00, leading the singing of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'
And don't forget the community Iftar on March 12th at 6:30 at the Brian Coyle Center. It's a wonderful mean and a perfect time to be with our neighbors.
So much to be thankful for. Thank you for all you do.
We are having a wonderful time singing together. JD is teaching us some wonderful new songs, and helping us remember and rehearse a number of old new songs!! Being together brings joy and our sound gets better and better. Here are the lyrics for 'A Time for Us".
A time for us, some day there'll be
When chains are torn by courage born of a love that's free
A time when dreams so long denied
Can flourish as we unveil the love we now must hide
A time for us, at last to see
A life worthwhile for you and me
And with our love, through tears and thorns
We will endure as we pass surely through every storm
A time for us, some day there'll be a new world
A world of shining hope for you and me
For you and me
And with our love, through tears and thorns
We will endure as we pass surely through every storm
A time for us, some day there'll be a new world
A world of shining hope for you and me
A world of shining hope for you and me
Join us on Saturday, February 21st, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. You will be so glad you came.
The tentative schedule for the remainder of the 2025-26 season:
-February 21, 28
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 20
Performances scheduled include;
March 31--Capri Theater, 7:00
May 2nd--Back steps of the Guthrie, weather permitting, 2:00-3:30
May 9th--Loring Park, 2:00-3:00
June 13th--Target Field, 1:00, leading the singing of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'
Good morning, all! We had a great rehearsal last week, learning the George Duke song, We can Change the World. The lyrics are as follows;
Verse:
*Gather round let’s talk a minute, what I have to say is quite simple
But it's very hard to do, what have we got to lose?
*There are problems everywhere, see the people just don't care
Enough to make a change, that keep em playing the same old game.
*USA to Africa, Mexico to Indonesia
Imagine what we could be, if we opened up our eyes to see.
*Can't we all just get along, seems we don't know right from wrong no,
I see it everywhere, we need to wake up and learn to share.
Chorus:
It's only a dream, impossible as it seems
If we put aside our differences, and hold back our fears
Wash away the prejudice, and wipe away the tears
It's only a dream, but in my heart I've seen
If we put our heads together, respect each other's needs
Standing strong when things get tough
We'd change the world
We can change the world
Verse:
*Hurting hearts need helping hands, together we can change this land
In a world that needs to know, in a world that needs to learn and grow.
*From the errors of the past, if we could only make love last
Then the problems of this world, wouldn't be left to our boys and girls.
*On the land and in the seas, even in the air we breathe
Pollution everywhere, environment in true despair.
*Money, power, lies and greed, in the times ever seen
We don't have to to accept it, I know there's a way to fix it.
Chorus:
Come on stand up, shoulder to shoulder, stand together,
Let our voices be heard
Singing in harmony, let our voices speak as one,
Singing of hope and peace, come on and stand up,
Speaking the words of truth to power, we can fill the need
Come on rise up, putting our hearts and minds together,
for the world to see.
Chorus:End
It's only a dream, impossible as it seems
If we put aside our differences, respect each other's needs
standing strong when things get tough, we'd change the world
It's only a dream
But we could change the world
We can change the world
We can change the world
We can change the world
We can change the world
Please join us on Saturday, February 14, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. It promises to be another wonderful gathering of community, singing and laughing together. You won't want to miss it.
The tentative schedule for the remainder of the 2025-26 season:
-February 14, 21, 28
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 13, 20
Performances scheduled include;
March 31--Capri Theater, 7:00
May 2nd--Back steps of the Guthrie, weather permitting, 2:00-3:30
May 9th--Loring Park, 2:00-3:00
Thank you for all you do for this community. We ARE changing our part of the world!
Coach Mustafa Mahamed is the newest member of the board at Be That Neighbor. He has asked us to share this message.
Hello, I’m reaching out regarding an urgent situation at the Cedar-Riverside E Building, where an overnight flood impacted nearly 200 residential units. Dirty water entered many homes, causing significant damage to personal belongings, furniture, clothing, and essential household items. This has been especially difficult for elderly and disabled residents, many of whom lost items they rely on daily.
At this time, we are requesting monetary donations to help families replace items that were ruined and cover immediate recovery needs. Financial support allows us to respond quickly and ensure funds go directly toward the most urgent priorities for affected residents.
All donations will be used to help residents recover what was lost and regain stability. Any amount makes a difference and goes a long way in supporting our neighbors during this difficult time. If you are able to contribute or would like more information on how to donate, please go to https://gofund.me/5cade087e
Thank you for standing with the Cedar-Riverside community and supporting families when they need it most.
With gratitude,
Coach Mustafa
The best antidote for a difficult start to 2026 is to join us INSIDE on Saturday, February 7th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. We are learning new/old songs, beautifully arranged by JD and Fred. As we learn together, the very essence of singing together helps. We lean on each other for words, for notes, and get to experience the beauty of each voice together. It is guaranteed to leave you feeling better and empowered to face whatever comes our way. If ever there was a time for community, it is now. Together we are stronger!
Rehearsal schedule for the remainder of the 2025-26 season:
-February 7, 14, 21, 28
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 13, 20
Remember to read your emails as there are always surprises along the way. You can also check us out at www.bethatneighbor.org on the blog and at https://www.facebook.com/BeThatNeighbor. Please like our Facebook page.
Thank you for all you do.
Good morning, Singers. A large group of us gathered last Saturday to rehearse at the Guthrie, and found that being together, singing together, laughing, and hugging felt very healing. It truly did make things better for 90 minutes and we are so grateful to all of you who were part of just being together.
We will be rehearsing on Saturday, January 31, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. It is a perfect day to sing with us and feel free to bring friends and neighbors who want to feel that comfort of sharing music together.
Rehearsal schedule for the remainder of the 2025-26 season:
-January 31
-February 7, 14, 21, 28
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 2, 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 13, 20
Remember to read your emails as there are always surprises along the way. You can also check us out at www.bethatneighbor.org on the blog and at https://www.facebook.com/BeThatNeighbor. Please like our Facebook page.
Hope to sing with all of you soon!
One of the great joys of doing the work we do is being able to witness how community works. A longtime singer in the Mill City Singers contacted me on Monday, asking if we could use some blankets. Penzeys Spices was giving some away. When I told her we could, she contacted them. The next day I got an email asking if we could use 288 blankets, and they would deliver them. On Wednesday, just in time for the cold snap, they delivered to our local food shelf. Within the first 20 minutes, 36 of them were claimed. THIS is a wonderful story of neighbor helping neighbor and doing the right thing . . .be THAT neighbor.
We are so grateful!
Baby, it's going to be cold outside!! The best antidote is to join us INSIDE on Saturday, January 24th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. We will spend 90 minutes singing songs of joy and optimism. That means we will sing wrong notes and words, AND right notes and words along with plenty of laughter and community. It is guaranteed to leave you feeling better and empowered to face whatever comes our way. If ever there was a time for community, it is now. Together we are stronger!
Rehearsal schedule for the remainder of the 2025-26 season:
-January 24, 31
-February 7, 14, 21, 28
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 13, 20
Remember to read your emails as there are always surprises along the way. You can also check us out at www.bethatneighbor.org on the blog and at https://www.facebook.com/BeThatNeighbor. Please like our Facebook page.
Thank you for all you do.
Good morning, singers. Missing singing together? Me too! One week from today we are back from our winter hiatus and will be rehearsing on Saturday, January 24th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Missing the giggles and hugs? Me too! Music and giggles are guaranteed, hugs are optional!
Our rehearsals happen over 30 Saturdays/year, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. JD and Fred teach us songs of joy and optimism and you WILL leave feeling better than you did when you came. Oh, AND we may dance from time to time!!
There are no fees and no auditions, just music and joy.
Join us and bring your friends. You will be so glad you did.
Rehearsal Schedule
-January 24, 31
-February 7, 14, 21, 28
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 13, 20
See you all soon!
We are planning our new year of singing together and working together to build a stronger and healthier community. Can singing do that for you? It certainly can, and it can't be easier than it is.
We rehearse 30 Saturdays/year, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. JD and Fred will teach us songs of joy and optimism and you WILL leave feeling better than you did when you came. Oh, AND we may dance from time to time!!
There are no fees and no auditions, just music and joy.
Join us and bring your friends. You will be so glad you did.
Rehearsal Schedule
-January 24, 31
-February 7, 14, 21, 28
-March 7, 14, 21, 28
-April 11, 18, 25
-May 9, 16, 30
-June 6, 13, 20
See you all soon!
hat a wonderful celebration! Thank you to all of you for great fundraiser/party.
To each and every singer . . .you are the best! Together we make really beautiful and joyful music and we are so grateful. We will come back together on January 24th at 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Liked what you heard? Mark your calendars and join us.
To the Sallie Steele Birdsong Scholarship singers . . .WOW!!!! The future is bright and hopeful because you sing your music. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
To James WIlliams (JW) and the cast of Hope 612 . . . . you moved us. We heard your words, we heard your names, and we felt the story you told us. Following this project over the next few years will be exciting.
To each and every donor . . . .thanks is too small. I meet with so many people who work in nonprofits and they are struggling to stay alive. We struggle too, BUT after 10 years, our 'secret sauce' is YOU. Be That Neighbor has become what we hoped it would, a community of people coming together to be THAT neighbor. You are and we are so grateful.
Happy holidays to all.
Chuck, JD, Jennifer, Jan, Susan, Mimi, and Claudia
Good morning! It's here. Tomorrow we will be hosting our first ever holiday celebration at MacPhail School for Music at 501 2nd St South. The concert is at 4:00-5:30 and will feature the Mill City Singers, the cast of Hope 612, and recipients of the Sallie Steele Birdsong scholarship. There will also be a surprise guest, Billy Steele (oops, I spoiled the surprise)! We will be singing songs of joy and optimism and you don't want to miss this.
Singers, please plan to be at MacPhail by 2:30 for a soundcheck. Meet in Antonello Hall.
Tis the Season is our annual fundraiser and we need your help selling tickets. Everything Be That Neighbor does is free to participants, and yet there are significant costs associated with each program. The more tickets we can sell, the more it helps us do what we love to do. Our board is an all volunteer board. We started all the programs, manage them, and fundraise to be able to hire the very best professionals we can find to lead every program. Tickets are on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-with-be-that-neighbor-tickets-1848865389149?aff=oddtdtcreator. Spread the word. Tickets are still available!
Join us, we are anxious to 'show off' our programs and sing together as a community. Thank you for all you do!
Hello to all!! We are just a few days from our fundraiser, Tis the Season on December 20th at 4:00-5:30 at MacPhail. Tickets are available at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-with-be-that-neighbor-tickets-1848865389149?aff=oddtdtcreator
There are 2 songs we will be singing that you can rehearse at home. Love Never Fails at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEXdpmnyPJM&list=RDBEXdpmnyPJM&start_radio=1
and
Joy at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MwKaVbfd5E&list=RD5MwKaVbfd5E&start_radio=1
It's going to be a fabulous evening and SO much fun!!! Choir members, see you at MacPhail at 2:30 on the 20th for the soundcheck.
Claudia
All the programs supported by Be That Neighbor are free to participants. That is part of our mission and we are proud of that mission. The all volunteer board of Be That Neighbor spends much of their energies to raise money to offer these 'free' programs.
Once a year we have a fundraiser to help with our mission. This year's is at Antonello Hall in MacPhail Center for Music on December 20 at 4:00. You can buy tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-with-be-that-neighbor-tickets-1848865389149?aff=oddtdtcreator.
The concert will feature the Mill City Singers, recipients of the Sallie Steele Birdsong Scholarship, and a reading by the cast of Hope 612. Bring everyone. You won't be disappointed and you will be helping to sustain so many community programs.
Tis the Season!! We are having great fun rehearsing for our concert on December 20th. Join us on Saturday, December 6th and 13th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. The songs we are singing are gorgeous and great fun. Don't worry if you don't know them well yet. You WILL with 2 more rehearsals.
Join us!
All the programs supported by Be That Neighbor are free to participants. That is part of our mission and we are proud of that mission. The all volunteer board of Be That Neighbor spends much of their energies to raise money to offer these 'free' programs.
Once a year we have a fundraiser to help with our mission. This year's is at Antonello Hall in MacPhail Center for Music on December 20 at 4:00. You can buy tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-with-be-that-neighbor-tickets-1848865389149?aff=oddtdtcreator.
The concert will feature the Mill City Singers, recipients of the Sallie Steele Birdsong Scholarship, and a reading by the cast of Hope 612. Bring everyone. You won't be disappointed and you will be helping to sustain so many community programs.
Thank you for all you do!
#BeThatNeighbor
As we prepare to spend time with family and friends to remember how thankful we are, please know that everyone at Be That Neighbor is thankful to you. We are thankful for your support, for your participation, for your willingness to be part of this community.
It's a perfect week to remind your friends and family that we will be performing on December 20th at MacPhail Center for Music. This is our fundraiser for the season. The concert begins at 4:00 and will feature the Mill City Singers, recipients of the Sallie Steele Birdsong scholarship, and the cast of Hope 612. We will be singing songs of the season and songs of joy and optimism. You won't want to miss it!
Tickets are tax deductible and can be purchased at HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/2PJK6T53
Susan, Jan, Mimi, Chuck, JD, Jennifer, and Claudia
Good morning, Singers! Come rehearse with us on Saturday, November 22nd at 2:00 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. We are learning new songs that will be featured at on our concert on December 20th. 'Love Never Fails' by Fred Hammond is an amazing song, and if you learn best by repetition as JD reminds us, you can rehearse by singing along at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgtXy7SIRrM...We hope to sing with all of you on Saturday. You will be glad you came!!The rehearsal schedule for the rest of 2025 is November 22December 6December 13December 20---concert at MacPhail (tickets on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/.../tis-the-season-with-be...)It's going to be a wonderful end of an exciting year. 2026 will bring many new adventures.Thank you for all you do!