The Calliope Feminist Choir sang to more than 200 people at ARTS/West's sixth annual spring concert Saturday night.
The performance featured several local musicians as well as Kiya Heartwood, a folk rock singer/songwriter and member of the South Carolina duo Wishing Chair, which has won several awards from the Just Plain Folks Music contest in addition to other honors.
Calliope sang some of Heartwood's songs and accompanied Heartwood during her performance, in addition to songs written by other artists. All of the pieces were about social justice, particularly for women, and focused on topics like domestic violence, childhood and same-sex marriage.
I think it's so incredibly thought-provoking ... they do have a social activist purpose
and they're trying to get people to think about issues facing women and the powerless said Patty Mercer of Athens, who attended the concert.
Although the songs sent serious messages, not all of them had a somber tone.
Most (of the songs) are serious but there's enough to lighten it up
said David Dabelko, an Ohio University professor of political science, who watched the performance. It's a nice change of pace.
Calliope Feminist Choir consists of 30 women, ranging in age from 20 to 72. The choir began at United Campus Ministry as an outlet for women to sing about topics that were important to them, said Gail Hecky, a member of the choir.
We were originally called just the Calliope Choir but decided to add the word 'feminist' because we felt like it identified the beliefs of the choir
said Hecky. We were afraid it would deter people because of the use of the 'F word
' but it's actually made us stronger.
As shown by the turnout, Athens residents still support this choir in its 16th year of existence.
I hope (the show) went well
said choir member Bonnie Edwards. So far people have said they liked it
and that's why we sing.
3
Culture
