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Singers--We are excited to be singing in Loring Park on Saturday, May 3rd at 2:00. Our portion of the day will last about 45 minutes and it will be great fun. Imagine a rehearsal in front of an audience with JD urging everyone to sing along. It is great fun and you won't want to miss it. Feel unprepared? Don't worry, we will all sing together, enjoy ourselves, and laugh a lot . . .and don't forget, it is for World Peace Day!
We are singing in the middle of Loring Park, 1382 Willow St. Park on any of the streets surrounding the park and simply walk toward the middle. You will see us. If the weather turns rainy, there is a lovely park building where we will sing. So, rain or shine, we sing for world peace on Saturday.
Please join us!
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Good morning, Singers. Hoping this email finds you all ready to do some great singing and spend time with a truly wonderful community of singers. We will be rehearsing this Saturday, April 26th, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Join us!!! It's free fun and it IS fun.
Our schedule for the remainder of this season is as follows:
April 26 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 3 Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day
May 10 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 17 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
May 31st Outdoor sing-a-long at the Capri, led by JD and Fred
June 7 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 14 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 21 Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10
June 27th Concert at Kelly Park in Apple Valley
June 28 Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00
Please read your weekly emails as things may and will change as the year progresses. Stay tuned!!
Claudia, Jan, Mimi, Susan, Jennifer, JD, Chuck, and Mike
Good morning, Singers. I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine!
We will not be rehearsing on Saturday, April 19th, but will resume on the 26th.
Our schedule for the remained of this season is as follows:
April 26 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 3 Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day
May 10 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 17 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
May 31st Outdoor sing-a-long at the Capri, led by JD and Fred
June 7 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 14 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 21 Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10
June 27th Concert at Kelly Park in Apple Valley
June 28 Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00
Please read your weekly emails as things may and will change as the year progresses. Stay tuned!!
Good morning, Singers. I hope everyone enjoyed the week off and are now anxious to sing together again.
We will be rehearsing Saturday, April 12th on the 8th floor of the Guthrie, 2:00-3:30. Grab a friend or a neighbor and join us. Just come! It's that simple and we guarantee a good time will be had by all.
Our schedule for the remained of this season is as follows:
April 12 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
April 26 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 3 Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day
May 10 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 17 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
May 31st Outdoor sing-a-long at the Capri, led by JD and Fred
June 7 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 14 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 21 Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10
June 27th Concert at Kelly Park in Apple Valley
June 28 Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00
Please read your weekly emails as things may and will change as the year progresses. Stay tuned!!
Claudia, Jan, Mimi, Susan, Jennifer, JD, Chuck, and Mike
Good morning, Singers and Happy April! It feels like an accomplishment to get to April 1st, doesn't it? We DID it!!
After a discussion with many singers, we have decided to reschedule Saturday's rehearsal so that people can attend the protest at the State Capital at noon on Saturday. https://www.mobilize.us/indivisibletwincities/event/764780/ There were many singers who are planning to attend, so we decided to acknowledge that and rehearse next Saturday,
The schedule for the rest of the 2024-25 season is as follows:
April 12 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
April 26 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 3 Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day
May 10 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 17 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
May 31st Outdoor sing-a-long at the Capri, led by JD and Fred
June 7 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 14 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 21 Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10
June 27th Concert at Kelly Park in Apple Valley
June 28 Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00
Please read your weekly emails as things may and will change as the year progresses. Stay tuned!!
Claudia, Jan, Mimi, Susan, Jennifer, JD, Chuck, and Mike
Good morning, Singers and Neighbors. After a wonderful night at the Capri, we are ready to meet again and make more music. We come together to sing, to laugh, to hug, and to leave feeling more optimistic than we did when we got there. It's an experience like no other.
Join us! Come rehearse with us today at 2:00 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. We will be working on songs we have sung before and some we have only sung a few times. Remember that we sing songs of optimism and joy and you will leave feeling better than you did when you came.
Bring a friend, a neighbor, or anyone that loves singing and could use a boost to their spirit.
Thank you!!
JD will be performing at St. Thomas University on April 6th. If you are interested, check it out at https://tommielink.stthomas.edu/event/10413711.
The song, 'Together We Stand' can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25MIXWMg_BI. It's such a great song and you may enjoy singing along with this recording by the Winans.
The schedule for the rest of the 2024-25 season is as follows:
March 29 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
April 5 Rehearsal at Involve Mn, 714 Park Avenue
April 12 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
April 26 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 3 Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day
May 10 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 17 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
May 31st Outdoor sing-a-long at the Capri, led by JD and Fred
June 7 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 14 Rehearsal at the Guthrie
June 21 Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10
June 27th Concert at Kelly Park in Apple Valley
June 28 Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00
Please read your weekly emails as things may and will change as the year progresses. Stay tuned!!
Claudia, Jan, Mimi, Susan, Jennifer, JD, Chuck, and Mike
For everyone who wants to donate to Be That Neighbor to help us keep the Singers singing, please go to https://www.givemn.org/organization/Be-That-Neighbor. Thank you!
Good morning, Singers! It's going to be a fun week for the Mill City Singers.
We will be singing at the Capri Theater at 2027 West Broadway at 7:00 tomorrow night, March 25th. Plan to arrive by 6 as parking is at a premium. Wear bright colors and plan to have a wonderful time. The Singers will be on stage first, followed by MCYC, and the concluding act will be Capri Glee.
JD will be performing at St. Thomas University on April 6th. If you are interested, check it out at https://tommielink.stthomas.edu/event/10413711.
The song, 'Together We Stand' can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25MIXWMg_BI. It's such a great song and you may enjoy singing along with this recording by the Winans.
Thank you so much for all you do. See you tomorrow at the Capri!
Claudia
For everyone who wants to donate to Be That Neighbor to help us keep the Singers singing, please go to https://www.givemn.org/organization/Be-That-Neighbor. Thank you!
Hope 612
In April of 2024, Be That Neighbor began an exciting new project. Five alumni from the Mill City Players met with Claudia Kittock for over a year to write a play that is based on their experiences growing up in Minneapolis. Three of the writers grew up in Cedar Riverside. Two of them emigrated here with their parents and one was born here. The other two writers experienced homelessness as teenagers and are now housed and employed full time. Each of them has a unique story to tell and it is these stories that comprise the script of Hope 612.
The decision was made my all of the writers to write about the most important problems faced by their community and them personally. They chose racism, fentanyl, and police abuse. As we all went through the process of writing their stories and weaving them into a narrative, it was brought up and universally agreed upon that the theme of this work had to be hope!
Every part of this play is based in the reality of their lives. Each of them has been deeply touched by racism, by fentanyl, and by police abuse. These stories are real and happening in our community. I have known these young adults for 9 years and have heard the stories many times, and each time I hear them, I am moved. When these stories morph into words of hope and they write about what they want the future to be, it is energizing and gratifying. As Miske Salad wrote, “Hope isn’t just a nice idea—it’s an obligation.”
The initial script is finished and we will be moving on to auditions on April 14 and 16. We are looking for 15-18 year olds who want to be part of this play. Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30-6:00 at Theater in the Round through mid July when we will be performing the play.
We are grateful for the anonymous donors who are funding this production as well as the grant we received from the Minnesota State Arts Board. We are grateful to Blossom Johnson for serving as our dramaturg, we are grateful to Pillsbury House Theater for helping us with summer interns, and we are grateful to every single person who has encouraged us, who has shown an interest. Most of all we are grateful for our incredible writers who gave up a year of their time to tell their stories. Thank you Anthony Anderson, Ahmad Mahad, Mahamed Salad, Miske Salad, and Sam Karpeh. Your courage, your talents, and your heart inspire me every single day.
Good morning, Singers. It is a perfect time to be part of the Mill City Singers. Our rehearsals are fun, the music is upbeat and optimistic, and you won't find a better group of people! We will be singing together on Saturday, March 22nd at 2:00 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Thank you, Guthrie for being our community partners and giving us the use of your beautiful classroom We are so very grateful!
Our performance at the Capri Theater is on March 25th. We will be singing at 7:00, and advise that you get there no later than 6:00 as parking is at a premium.
The schedule for the rest of the 2024-25 season is as follows:
March 22, 25 (Concert at Capri Theater), 29
April 5 (Rehearsal at Involve Mn, 714 Park Avenue), 12, 26
May 3 (Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day), 10, 17
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
June 7, 14, 21 (Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10), 28 (Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00)
Our season will end on June 27th with a concert at Kelley Park in Apple Valley. We do this every year and it is always great fun. There will be a potluck celebration on June 28th at the Legacy condos.
Be That Neighbor!
Good morning Singers! I hope your week is as bright as the sunshine we are enjoying.
We will be singing together on Saturday, March 15th at 2:00 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Thank you, Guthrie for being our community partners and giving us the use of your beautiful classroom We are so very grateful!
The schedule for the rest of the 2024-25 season is as follows:
March 15, 22, 25 (Concert at Capri Theater), 29
April 5 (Rehearsal at Involve Mn, 714 Park Avenue), 12, 26
May 3 (Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day), 10, 17
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
June 7, 14, 21 (Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10), 28 (Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00)
Our season will end on June 27th with a concert at Kelley Park in Apple Valley. We do this every year and it is always great fun. There will be a potluck celebration on June 28th at the Legacy condos.
Be That Neighbor!
Good morning, Singers and Neighbors. We are having so much learning new much and singing together.
Join us on Saturday, March 8th at 2:00 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. We will be working on songs we have sung before and some we have only sung a few times. Remember that we sing songs of optimism and joy and you will leave feeling better than you did when you came.
Bring a friend, a neighbor, or anyone that loves singing and could use a boost to their spirit.
Thank you!!
The schedule for the rest of the 2024-25 season is as follows:
March 8, 15, 22, 25 (Concert at Capri Theater), 29
April 5 (Rehearsal at Involve Mn, 714 Park Avenue), 12, 26
May 3 (Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day), 10, 17
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
June 7, 14, 21 (Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10), 28 (Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00)
Our season will end on June 27th with a concert at Kelley Park in Apple Valley. We do this every year and it is always great fun. There will be a potluck celebration on June 28th at the Legacy condos.
Please read your weekly emails as things may and will change as the year progresses. Stay tuned!!
Claudia, Jan, Mimi, Susan, Jennifer, JD, Chuck, and Mike
Good morning, Singers! What a wonderful rehearsal of great new music and amazing sharing from our singers. We began learning the song "Sweeping Through the City' by Shirley Caesar. You can hear her sing it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wgHUc6KZ1k
Rehearsal on Saturday, March 1st will be 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Come! Sing! Laugh! Make a new friend!!
I have included a poem created by 'our' singer, Mary Morris and Chat GPT. Enjoy!!!!
The Mill City Anthem
In the heart of the city, where the lights shine bright,
The Mill City Singers fill the air with delight
With JD Steele, we rise up strong,
Call and response—yeah, we sing the song!
He’s got the wisdom, he’s got the groove,
Liftin’ us up, makin’ us move.
Clap your hands, stomp your feet,
Feel that rhythm, feel that beat
And Fred on the keys, yeah, he holds it tight,
Playin’ that piano, keepin’ us right.
Chord by chord, like a rolling wave,
He sets the tone, yeah, he paves the way.
And Claudia—she’s runnin’ the show,
Keepin’ it smooth, makin’ it flow.
Schedules tight, she’s got that drive,
Makin’ sure we all arrive!
At the Capri, the crowd goes wild,
Singin’ hymns with that rockstar style.
JD shouts, they sing it back,
Hands in the air, no holdin’ back!
And when we hit that Twins game loud,
We take the mic, we move the crowd!
"Take Me Out," we belt it strong,
Singin’ together, all game long!
Yeah, some days, it’s tough to go,
Tired, worn, feelin’ slow.
But once we’re here, we feel that spark,
Singin’ ‘til we light the dark!
So here’s to the voices, the power, the sound,
Mill City Singers, we shake the ground!
With JD leadin’, with Fred so smooth,
We turn it up, we hit the groove!
See you on Saturday!!
Created by 'our' singer, Mary Morris and Chat GPT. Enjoy!!!!
The Mill City Anthem
In the heart of the city, where the lights shine bright,
The Mill City Singers fill the air with delight
With JD Steele, we rise up strong,
Call and response—yeah, we sing the song!
He’s got the wisdom, he’s got the groove,
Liftin’ us up, makin’ us move.
Clap your hands, stomp your feet,
Feel that rhythm, feel that beat
And Fred on the keys, yeah, he holds it tight,
Playin’ that piano, keepin’ us right.
Chord by chord, like a rolling wave,
He sets the tone, yeah, he paves the way.
And Claudia—she’s runnin’ the show,
Keepin’ it smooth, makin’ it flow.
Schedules tight, she’s got that drive,
Makin’ sure we all arrive!
At the Capri, the crowd goes wild,
Singin’ hymns with that rockstar style.
JD shouts, they sing it back,
Hands in the air, no holdin’ back!
And when we hit that Twins game loud,
We take the mic, we move the crowd!
"Take Me Out," we belt it strong,
Singin’ together, all game long!
Yeah, some days, it’s tough to go,
Tired, worn, feelin’ slow.
But once we’re here, we feel that spark,
Singin’ ‘til we light the dark!
So here’s to the voices, the power, the sound,
Mill City Singers, we shake the ground!
With JD leadin’, with Fred so smooth,
We turn it up, we hit the groove!
#BeThatNeighbor
Baby, it's cold outside! Luckily for all of us, Saturday will be much better and actually pretty perfect for singing together.
Join us on Saturday at 2:00 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. We will be learning new songs and working on songs we have sung before. Remember that we sing songs of optimism and joy and you will leave feeling better than you did when you came.
Bring a friend, a neighbor, or anyone that loves singing and could use a boost to their spirit.
See you on Saturday!!
Good morning, Singers! We had a wonderful Show and Tell last week with several people still to present. Everyone that volunteered will get a chance and we will do a few every Saturday during our regular rehearsal time. You won't want to miss it.
We are rehearsing on Saturday, February 15 at 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. There will be new songs to learn, familiar songs to sing together, and so much community to share. Bring a friend, a neighbor, and/or yourself and hustle over to the Guthrie for 90 minutes of sheer joy.
The schedule for the rest of the 2024-25 season is as follows:
February 15, 22
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 25 (Concert at Capri Theater), 29
April 5, 12, 26
May 3 (Singing in Loring Park to celebrate World Peace Day), 10, 17
May 19, Music Matters Luncheon at the Depot, 12:00-1:00
June 7, 14, 21 (Leading the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Twins game, 1:10), 28 (Potluck celebration at the Legacy condos, 2:00-4:00)
Our season will end on June 27th with a concert at Kelley Park in Apple Valley. We do this every year and it is always great fun. There will be a potluck celebration on June 28th at the Legacy condos.
See you soon!
Good morning, Singers. We have a really fun Saturday planned.
It is Show and Tell day. That is a day when JD invites all of us to share something with our community singers. Sing a song, read a poem, share a talent, etc. If you plan to do that, please contact Claudia at cjkittock@gmail.com so she can compile a list. The only limitation is that we ask you to keep it to less than 5 minutes so we can give everyone a chance to share.
JD has mentioned 'The Movement Revisited' many times. It is a project he co-wrote with Christian McBride and plans to teach us some of the music from it. You can watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCSETTeD0us
We are having such fun and hope you can join us on Saturday. Remember the people that will be performing NEED an audience and you will have a great time.
Thank you!!
Good morning, all! The Singers are BACK this Saturday, February 1st, 2:00-3:30 on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Are you interested in singing with an incredible community and spending 90 minutes having fun? Join us.
Don't forget to get your tickets to hear Fred at Chanhassen Dinner Theater of February 2nd, Baritones; Broadway to Vegas. You can get your tickets at https://chanhassendt.com/shows/baritones-101/. It will be an amazing night of Fred-ness!!!
It's going to be an incredible 2025. Stay tuned for more information every week.
Thank you for all you do to make our community. Stronger together!
Good morning, Neighbors! What a gloriously cold week here in Minnesota. If you live here, you KNOW what winter brings, and while we may complain a bit, it is part of the Minnesota Mystique!
Believe it or not, February 1st is just one week from today. Our long winter hiatus is almost over, and we can sing together again as the days get longer and warmer. Join us! Come be part of making great music with fabulous harmonies, amazing people, and an incredible director and accompanist. Listening to JD and Fred sing every week is worth every effort you make to get there.
Please let me know what you want to do for the February 8th Show and Tell. It's a fun thing we do yearly. Everyone is invited to share something with the group--a song, a poem, a hobby, or anything you want the group to know about you. We ask that you keep it to less than 5 minutes and email Claudia at cjkittock@gmail.com so she can get the list to JD.
The schedule for the rest of the 2024-25 season is as follows, and, as promised, there are already a few tweaks:
February 1, 8 (Show and Tell), 15, 22
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 25 (Concert at Capri Theater), 29
April 5, 12, 26
May 3, 10, 17
June 7, 14, 21 (Lead the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame' at the Twins), 28 will be our season ending potluck from 2-4. It's a really fun way to recap our season and start talking about next season.
Our last performance is on June 27th with a concert at Kelley Park in Apple Valley. We do this every year and it is always great fun.