Bay City Chorus

The Bay City Chorus (BCC) was founded on January 15, 1991, for the purpose of developing a professional quality singing group. The following statement, taken from the BCCs constitution, describes its mission:

“Through performances and other activities, the Chorus will provide educational, cultural, and social enrichment for its members and the audience. Bay City Chorus is open to all men and women who are respectful on the gay and lesbian lifestyle.”

The group launched with a Let's Dish potluck dinner at Za’s on February 10, 1991. The developing group began planning a recruitment drive and spring concert programming. They formalized membership responsibilities, fundraising plans, and a national affiliation with the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses.

The original Board of Directors included President Dave Wilsmann, Vice President Steve Reba Jones, Secretary Kitty Ronsman, Treasurer Brian Harder, and Members At Large Jacque Eisenbrandt, Jason Pues and Rich Rouse. James Roach assumed the role of Music Director, with accompanist Tom Hurley.

The first rehearsal was held at Union Congregational Church in Green Bay on April 7, 1991. The chorus was committed to holding rehearsals every subsequent Sunday. As their first real gig, BCC sang the song Hand in Hand at Brandy’s II anniversary. In May, they performed at the gay Memorial Day Picnic held at Baird Creek Park in Green Bay. The mini concert was abruptly shuffled indoors to avoid a sudden downpour. In June 1991, the group marched in the Milwaukee Pride Parade.

The Chorus’s very ambitious schedule included spring concerts, holiday concerts, Center Project (later ARCW) events, pride events, nursing home caroling and other pop-up shows. The group received significant attention from Bay Area media outlets.

By the end of 1996, BCC had run its course. However, the group reunited in late 1997 for one final concert.