Fest City Singers

When the Gay World Series selected Milwaukee for its 1985 tournament, the Fest City Singers were formed to provide local entertainment for visiting teams.

Four original members (Ron Thate, Dan Gniotczynski, Bernie Sans, and Joey Appleman) created the vision for the "Festival City Gay Chorus" (as it was originally known.)  They also provided the leadership necessary to recruit, coach, and train 15 members for the World Series performances.

By mid-1986 the group (now led by Bernie Sans) changed its name to the Fest City Singers and grew to 40 members (both male and female,) The Fest City Singers performed numerous benefit concerts, including fundraisers for Nelson Mandela, Milwaukee AIDS Project (MAP,) and BESTD Clinic.

In 1987, several members left the group to form the Cream City Chorus. 

"The Fest City Singers is a choral organization designed to promote understanding and unity within the Gay & Lesbian community of Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Through our unique form of entertainment, the cabaret, we address the challenges that we face with a purposeful eye and a song in our heart. We strive to give a voice to the men and women in our community. Join us and share in the gift of unity and music." - 1992 mission statement.

After a final performance in May 1997, the Fest City Singers disbanded for reasons unknown.