Treat yourself to rhymes and rhythms combined in unique and exhilarating ways! The Women Gather presents music composed by gifted women that stimulates, soothes, entertains and inspires.

The power-packed program includes:

“Iraqi Peace Song,” an exquisite Iraqi lullaby sung in Arabic, accompanied by dumbek and cello

“Women Should Be A Priority,” a poignant rap highlighting the actions and achievements of women, by Nitanju Bolade Casel and Aisha Kahlil

“Yemaya Asesu,” a traditional Afro-Cuban chant from the Santeria religion that celebrates the feminine Orisha representing creation

“The Peace of Wild Things,” a lush setting of Wendell Berry’s poem, by Joan Szymko

“This Land is Your Land/Pastures of Plenty,” a feisty medley by Lila Downs based on two of Woody Guthrie’s most enduring works

These songs and others by Holly Near, Cris Williamson, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Carol Maillard, and Amy Dixon-Kollar imagine a world in which collective struggle and love lead to positive change and closer community ties.

Come, enjoy, reflect and respond to the soul-nurturing sound of MUSE! Buy tickets here

One of the recent works commissioned by MUSE, “Keep Yo’ Lamps,” is now available from Mark Foster Publishing/Shawnee Press. The piece is based on a spiritual calling American slaves to freedom, and was adapted and arranged by Rosephanye Powell for MUSE’s 12th New Spirituals Project in 2008

Tuesday, October 27, 6:45 pm
She Screams Without Sound – Candlelight Vigil Against Domestic Violence and Abuse
Hamilton County Courthouse steps
1000 Main St., Cincinnati

2009 will be MUSE’s 22nd year to sing at this domestic violence awareness event. More information here

Thursday, October 29, 5:30-8:30 pm [MUSE sings at 6:30]
Over-the-Rhine Community Housing Dinner Fund Raiser
Music Hall Ballroom
1241 Elm St., Cincinnati

Catherine Roma is the honorary co-chair. More at 513.381.1171

Tuesday, November 10, 7 pm [MUSE sings first]
The Music Goes On
A concert in honor of Peaslee Neighborhood Center
The School for Creative and Performing Arts Auditorium
1310 Sycamore St., Cincinnati

Celebrating Peaslee’s 25 years of service to the Over-The-Rhine Community, the concert features, along with MUSE: African Drum Call, The Over-the-Rhine Steel Drum Reunion Band, The Keyboard Club, Miami University’s Morpheus Chamber Ensemble, Brazil Band, Peaslee Performers, and others. More at 513.621.5514.

Monday, November 23, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Max and Erma's Restaurant
2631 Edmondson Rd., Norwood
Rookwood Commons

20% of everything you spend all day goes to support MUSE! Both carryout orders and inside dining are included. You must have a flyer with you when you place your food or drink order. Flyers are available from MUSE members or Click Here for coupon.

Saturday, December 5, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Ten Thousand Villages
2011 Madison Rd., O'Bryonville

MUSE receives 15% of all sales. Just mention MUSE when
making your purchase.

"...I was totally blown away by the fabulous performances we were able to see. The other choirs performing were Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, Columbus Women’s Chorus and the North Coast Men’s Chorus. We saw a performance of “Thriller” with choreography that had me smiling and singing all the way back to Cincinnati! It is always fun to listen to men’s voices raised in song. Being in the audience and understanding how much we hope to reach others through our music unites us in a very special way...

“...One of the best aspects of these “run-outs” is being able to gather with other choir members and share stories and laughter during the breaks before performing. The group of us who stayed in the dressing room to review some of our music and relax together had a wonderful time. My cheeks hurt from all the hilarity!...

“...When it was time to take the stage, it was thrilling! This was a lovely venue, with an inviting auditorium and top quality organizers. While all of our audiences are fantastic, it is very special to sing at a GALA event. Every choir supports the efforts of the other, singing along if appropriate, clapping to the beat, and sending encouragement with applause at the end...”

Claudia Harsh (A1) added these notes:

“...Our choir presented the most complicated and diverse repertoire, and we were the most diverse group (MUSE is gay and straight, with all sizes, shapes, colors and ages)...

“There is no doubt that the choral community sees MUSE as a shining star amongst them. We had a standing ovation as we walked off the stage. And that included every last person.”

GALA Choruses, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3), not-for-profit organization serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) choral movement. The mission of GALA is to support GLBT choruses as we change our world through song. GALA serves choruses that range in size from five to over 250 singers. Member choruses are located throughout North America, Europe and Australia. It was formed in 1982.

Heather Murphy is a novel reader and writer who is learning to play guitar. She met some Muses at a community choral event, recording a YouTube video during the 2008 presidential election. She was “impressed with MUSE’s skill and general awesomeness” and thought the group sounded like fun. For her debut performance, Heather wore a beautiful silk necktie found at Salem’s in Tri-County Mall.

Laketa O'Bannon-Powers loves going to the movies and appeared as Stacey in the film Airborn. She was prompted to audition by a Facebook announcement and familiar faces on the MUSE web site. Laketa always brings an apple and her huge purse to rehearsals, and found her first piece of MUSEwear at Target.