Luminescence, our choir of adult singers, starts its regular season in September. On the 9th we will sing at the Solano Stroll, and from the 16th on, the choir will joyfully offer music in Sunday services. We welcome new members. There is no audition needed. Come try out a session any Thursday night at 7:30 in the sanctuary. Try it; you might like it

Ola Gjeilo, the young Norwegian-American composer whose “Luminous NIght of the Soul” was the focus of a Music Sunday two years ago, will be back this year. We will sing his beautiful new work “Sacris Solemniis” with words by our own Deborah Schmidt in October. December holds the beloved Sing-along Messiah; February brings the happy, light-hearted romance of Love Songs & Chocolate; and that towering master Ludwig von Beethoven brings together UU choirs and orchestra in March. And, in conjunction with the People of Color Caucus, we will sing part of Dave Brubeck’s inspiring work on reconciliation, “The Gates of Justice” with jazz trio.

Donna Davis is holding auditions for The Great American Song Book: show tunes and popular songs of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s including George Gershwin and Cole Porter are still being sung by today’s entertainers. We are hoping to see some new faces and hear new voices in this, the Fall show for Theatre of the Blue Moon. Auditions are September 16, 1–4 pm and September 17, 7–9 pm in the Sanctuary; performances are October 12, 14, 19 and 20. To schedule an audition, please call Lynne Cahoon, ‪510-526-5638, after September 1. Be prepared to sing, memorized and a cappella, one of these three songs:  “You Made Me Love You,” “You Took Advantage of Me,” “I Cried for You.” (You may ask for a starting note.)

Yours in harmony,
Bryan