Blog
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!
Good morning, Singers! I hope everyone is enjoying their week and planning to rehearse with us on Saturday, November 15th 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&list=RDYgtXy7SIRrM&start_radio=1
We hope to sing with all of you on Saturday. You will be glad you came!!
Rehearsal Saturday, November 8th!!
Here we are, preparing for our 1st every holiday concert. We are learning classics, arranged by JD and Fred and having a wonderful time. Join us and make sure your friends and neighbors know about our concert on December 20th. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-with-be-that-neighbor-tickets-1848865389149?aff=oddtdtcreator.
The food drive for our neighbors in the Cedar Riverside community is off to an incredible start. We have donated almost 600 pounds of food and the need continues. Please bring your donation to choir rehearsal and it will be transported to the Brian Coyle food shelf. We all do better then we all do better!
The schedule for the rest of 2025 is:
November 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20 (Holiday concert and fundraiser for Be That Neighbor, 4:00)
Thank you for all you do!!
Good morning, Singers! It is a busy week and I hope all of you are ready for some fun, some singing, and some help for our neighbors.
BTN is asking you to bring donations of food on Saturday to help our neighbors in Cedar Riverside. SNAP benefits which helps feed 1 of every 8 Americans and provides on average $186 monthly for food resources will likely not arrive on Saturday. They need our help right now. Trips to the food shelf at Brian Coyle have doubled this week, anticipating not getting help from the SNAP program.
Please donate shelf stable items like flour, sugar, noodles, lentils, canned goods, vegetable oil, olive oil, cereal, canned tuna, canned chicken, etc. Please put them in the boxes in the front lobby. Claudia will transport them to the Brian Coyle Center. If you are a snow bird, and looking to clear out food while you are gone, this is perfect!
We will be rehearsing on Saturday, November 1st, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. The focus right now is preparing for our holiday concert on December 20th. JD and Fred are creating really gorgeous arrangements of some holiday classics. You won't want to miss a minute. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-with-be-that-neighbor-tickets-1848865389149?aff=oddtdtcreator
You are also invited to Coffee with Claudia on November 3rd at 9:30 at Mother Dough on 2nd and Park. We at Be That Neighbor believe there is far more happening that is good, that is working, and that is building a better community. The relentless drumbeat of all types of media serve to distract us and convince us there is no hope. We disagree.
We believe we need more conversation, time to come together and share what is happening that builds our neighborhood and that brings joy. There is wisdom here. People are our best resource and we want to tap into that and present a venue where we can come together to talk with each other.
Claudia Kittock is co-founder and Executive Director of Be That Neighbor. She has connections throughout our amazing city and will lead a discussion about the good things happening in our city.
On the first Monday of each month, we will sponsor “Coffee with Claudia” meeting at different coffee shops throughout our community. There will be no discussion of politics, no discussion of the problems we face, rather we are asking people to come to talk about and listen to our neighbors tell us what is working. Why do this? It’s too easy to forget that neighbors still look out for each other, that small efforts matter, and that joy is part of community life.
See you on Saturday, and hopefully, Monday!
Mill City Singers
Ten years ago, on October 24th, the Mill City Singers had the first rehearsal. It was at First Covenant Church and 29 people came. We KNEW something special had happened, and even though we had only contracted for 8 rehearsals, it was clear we had to find a way to do more.
A group of friends decided to form a nonprofit that eventually was known as Be That Neighbor. Our first goal was to find a way to keep the singers singing, so we started fundraising. Led by Ken Searl, we found a way to pay the expenses so that people who wanted to sing with us were not charged and that remains true today. If you want to sing with us, there are no fees, no auditions, and no requirements. You just have to come.
Along the way, the Guthrie offered us a space to rehearse and we started singing at events at Westminster Presbyterian, the Ordway, Orchestra Hall, the Capri, Waterworks Park, Powderhorn Park, and many other places. We sing because we love singing and being part of this community is healing. Music matters and so does the community that comes from that.
We are so grateful to everyone who has reached a hand out to help us over the years. MacPhail, the Guthrie, Theater in the Round, and every single donor and there have been hundreds. Every donation touches our hearts and keeps us singing and that matters!
What will the next 10 years bring? Oh, we can't wait to find out. Come and rehearse with us at the Guthrie today, October 25th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Find out about the magic that happens. We promise you will leave feeling better than you did when you came!
A photographer from MacPhail will be at rehearsal today, taking photos to publicize us and our upcoming concerts. Please dress accordingly.
We will begin rehearsing for our concert on December 20th which is a fundraiser for Be That Neighbor. Tickets are available and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-with-be-that-neighbor-tickets-1848865389149?aff=oddtdtcreator
The schedule for the 2025-26 season is as follows;
October 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20 (at Antonello Hall at MacPhail)
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 30
June 6, 13, 20
Thank you!!!
Join us tomorrow, October 21st at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway! We are the guests of the Capri for a concert featuring us, the MacPhail Community Youth Choir (MCYC), and the Capri Glee.
The concert begins with us, so JD is asking you be there by 5:30 for a sound check. Our set consists of;
What's Going On https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-kA3UtBj4M&list=RDH-kA3UtBj4M&start_radio=1
Together We Stand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25MIXWMg_BI&list=RD25MIXWMg_BI&start_radio=1
Joy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25MIXWMg_BI&list=RD25MIXWMg_BI&start_radio=1
Come and join the fun! You won't want to miss a minute.
See you there.
Saturday will be a perfect day to sing together with our incredible community of singers. Join us on October 18th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. We have begun learning holiday songs for our concert on December 20th, as well as the songs we will be singing at the Capri on Tuesday, the 21st. A photographer from MacPhail will be at rehearsal on Saturday, taking photos to publicize us and our upcoming concerts. Please dress accordingly.
As you remember, we will be performing at the Capri on October 21st at 7:00, as guests of Capri Glee. It's enormously fun. Please wear fall colors and be at the Capri by 5:30 for a sound check. I have also been asked to remind everyone that is a 'no fragrance' event. If you have not reserved tickets for friends and family for the concert at the Capri, do so now at https://www.simpletix.com/e/capri-glee-choir-in-concert-tickets-237574.
Please remind your friends and family that on December 20th, 4:00 at MacPhail, we will be the featured choir for the "Tis the Season' fundraiser for Be That Neighbor! Two great events to look forward to
The schedule for the 2025-26 season is as follows;
October 8, 21st at Capri Theater, and 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20 (at Antonello Hall at MacPhail)
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 30
June 6, 13, 20
Thank you!
Mark Twain said it best, and we certainly do laugh together. When you add in amazing music, it makes for an incredible 90 minutes. We will be rehearsing on Saturday, October 11th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Join us!
A photographer from MacPhail will be there on the 11th, taking photos to publicize us and the upcoming concerts. Please dress accordingly. As you remember, we will be performing at the Capri on October 21st at 7:00, as guests of Capri Glee. It's enormously fun. On December 20th, 4:00 at MacPhail, we will be the featured choir for the "Tis the Season' fundraiser for Be That Neighbor! Two great events to look forward to.
If you have not reserved tickets for friends and family for the concert at the Capri, do so now at https://www.simpletix.com/e/capri-glee-choir-in-concert-tickets-237574.
The schedule for the 2025-26 season is as follows;
October 4, 11, 18, 21st at Capri Theater, and 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 30
June 6, 13, 20
Thank you!
Mill City Singers
Here is a challenge for all of you. Listen to Joy! by Ben Rector at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MwKaVbfd5E, and see if you can keep from smiling and feeling better. Bet you can't! It is infectious when you listen to it and even more so when we get to sing it!
Join us on Saturday, October 4th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. We are having SO much fun and you will want to be part of it. It's simple, come! No auditions and no fees, just show up.
The schedule for the 2025-26 season is as follows;
October 4, 11, 18, 21st at Capri Theater, and 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 20
June 6, 13, 20
We are so grateful to be able to sing together about joy and optimism. You will leave feeling better than you did when you arrived.
Hope to see you Saturday!
Mill City Singers
If you haven't been able to get to a rehearsal yet, you are missing great fun and really uplifting music. Last week JD started teaching us Fred Hammonds, 'Love Never Fails' a message we can all use. You can sing along and practice at https://youtu.be/BEXdpmnyPJM?si=72BbxgXQrwF_soxA.
We will be rehearsing on Saturday, September 27th at 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Rehearsals are open to all and the more, the merrier. Join us!
The schedule for the 2025-26 season is as follows;September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 21st at Capri Theater, and 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 20
June 6, 13, 20
We are so grateful to be able to sing together about joy and optimism. You will leave feeling better than you did when you arrived.
Hope to see you Saturday!
The Mill City Singers returned to rehearsals last Saturday and the fun was everywhere. There was great music, so much laughter, and our incredible community. I am betting you left feeling better than you did when you arrived.
The only thing better than a Mill City Singers rehearsal is another one! Join us on Saturday, September 20th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Just come!
The 2025-26 season will be filled with rehearsals, performances, and the chance to participate in many exciting community events. There are no auditions and no fees. Just come! Can't make every rehearsal, very few of us can. Any time you can come is a plus for all of us.
Mark your calendars now!
September 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 21 (Concert at the Capri) and 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20 (Holiday concert and fundraiser for Be That Neighbor, 4:00)
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 20
June 6, 13, 20
The Mill City Singers are back and the fun is about to begin again! For those of you who are new, buckle up! There will be great music, so much laughter, and an incredible community. You WILL leave feeling better than you did when you arrived.
The 2025-26 season will be filled with rehearsals, performances, and the chance to participate in many exciting community events. There are no auditions and no fees. Just come! Can't make every rehearsal, very few of us can. Any time you can come is a plus for all of us.
Mark your calendars now!
September 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 21 (Concert at the Capri) and 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 20
June 6, 13, 20
Nietzche said, "Without music, life would be a mistake."
Join us!!
It's difficult to believe that Saturday ends our summer session, but that is the reality. We will be meeting in Gold Medal Park at 9 a.m. one last time in 2025 and plan to return in 2026. The forecast is for a high of 76 and partly sunny. Can't beat that.
Join us!
FINALLY . . .a great weather forecast for Saturday, 70 degrees, sunny, and a 0% chance of rain. It is about time!! Please join us on Saturday, August 23rd at 9 am in Gold Medal Park for a wonderful hour of yoga together. There are only 2 sessions left, so join us while the sun is shining!!
The Mill City Singers are starting again soon, and the 2025-26 season looks better than ever, and that is saying a lot! We rehearse 30 Saturdays, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie (thank you, Guthrie!!). It's as simple as you can imagine to be part of this incredible group . . . .show up! There are no auditions and no fees, just fantastic music and a wonderful group of singers. The schedule for the season is as follows:
September 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 16 (concert at MacPhail), 21 (concert at the Capri), 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20
January 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 20
June 6, 13, 20
Please read weekly emails as schedules do change due to unforeseen circumstances. You can also check on the schedule at www.bethatneighbor.org and https://www.facebook.com/BeThatNeighbor. Please 'like' us on Facebook.
We are so grateful for everything you do to make Be That Neighbor special.
JD, Jan, Susan, Chuck, Jennifer, Mimi, and Claudia
Good morning, neighbors! We have many wonderful events to share with you.
Saturday, August 16th at 9 a.m. we will hosting Yoga in Gold Medal Park. Bring a mat, a bottle of water, and a friend. It would be difficult to find a more beautiful setting or a better community. You will want to be part of it.
At 11 a.m. on the 16th, we will be hosting a short concert by 2 of the recipients of the Sallie Steele Birdsong scholarship. Cameron Foster and Genet Gessert will be singing in Gold Medal Park and you won't want to miss these talented young people. Bring a chair or a blanket and be ready to be dazzled. We are so proud of these 2 young people and are anxious to share their talents with you.
On Sunday, August 17th, Cedar Riverside is hosting Open Streets from 11-5 pm. It IS the best party in town and a really short walk! Grab a friend and neighbor and go.
We have finalized the rehearsal schedule for the 2025-26 season of the Mill City Singers. As always, there will be additions and subtractions, so make sure you are reading your emails. The schedule will also be posted on https://www.facebook.com/BeThatNeighbor/ and on https://www.bethatneighbor.org.
Mill City Singer Rehearsal Schedule for the rest of 2025
September 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 16 (concert at MacPhail), and 25
November 1, 8, 15
December 6, 13, 20
We are so grateful to each and every one of you that make Be That Neighbor the vibrant organization it is. As Paul Wellstone said, 'We all do better when we all do better.'
Thank you---Jan, Susan, Mimi, Chuck, JD, Claudia, and Jennifer