PRISM Hits The Road

Our Mission

PRISM is a volunteer, non-profit, performing arts organization whose mission is to provide an inclusive and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies We achieve this by fostering a creative space through music, building community, and promoting equity through performance and outreach.

Our Vision

PRISM envisions a community where LGBTQIA+ individuals are valued, protected and celebrated We will achieve this through the production of quality and entertaining performances where all people are empowered to live their lives authentically. PRISM seeks to impact the local and national community by enriching lives through community service, philanthropy, and scholarship

Our Values

Inclusivity | Creativity | Community

Equity | Excellence | Philanthropy

We Need Your Feedback

Audience feedback fuels growth and inspires change. In the vibrant world of art your feedback is an invaluable tool that not only measures the success of a performance but also guides future endeavors and aids us in securing grants Please take a few minutes following the performance to complete our survey.

A Message from the Artistic Director

Good Evening & Welcome!

PRISM is elated to see each and every one of you with us tonight and is proud to present this wonderful production: PRISM Hits The Road

My name is Darin DeWeese and I am proud to serve, in my seventh season, as the Artistic Director of PRISM. Many of tonight’s performers you will recognize from performances past and we would like to extend a very special welcome to our newest members in their debut performance with PRISM this evening. From dancers, to production team, to instrumentalists, to singers; this ensemble has worked incredibly hard to bring this show together and we can’t wait to share that hard work with you all tonight!

Summer of 2024 will mark a new journey and milestone for PRISM as we prepare to travel to Minneapolis in July to perform at the GALA Festival. GALA is our parent organization and encompasses all of the queer choruses from around the world. Alongside many other wonderful choruses, this will be PRISM’s first performance on a national stage and it is expected that around 8,000 other chorus members and directors from around the world will attend for this five day festival.

As this is the first time PRISM will travel to perform, it was only natural that 2024 became the year that PRISM Hits The Road! Tonight, from East to West, PRISM will take you on musical journey across our nation hitting many stops along the way. From New York, to Chicago, to the South, to the West coast – buckle up and come alongside PRISM our once in a lifetime musical road trip. And don’t worry – we’ll be sure to end things right back where we all belong – HOME.

When PRISM was founded in fall of 2016, we never could have imagined that just seven years later PRISM would be one of Metro Detroit’s most prominent LGBTQIA+ organizations. It is our privilege, not only perform great music together, but to support our broader local and regional LGBTQIA+ community through our mission and outreach. Tonight, we are proud to walk alongside our community partner for this show: The Ruth Ellis Foundation. This organization is not only doing amazing work in our community but works tirelessly to support the most marginalized members of our community through services, housing, and belonging. It is PRISM’s honor to walk hand in hand with this organization as they put in the hard work our community needs the most. We hope that you will be inspired to be outrageously generous with your support this evening through our raffles, basket prizes, and donations. The support from PRISM’s fans will continue to impact our community in a most profound way.

And Away We Go!

Darin DeWeese Artistic Director

Board of Directors

Board Members At Large

A Message from the Chairman of the Board

Thank you to our patrons and members for continuing to be a crucial part of PRISM’s mission. Over the last year we have grown not only our membership, but our community give back through outreach and fundraising. PRISM has evolved through great leadership and outstanding member support.

My hope is to continue supporting PRISM and for us to propel ourselves to be one of Michigan’s elite not for profit community choruses. I want to personally thank our artistic director, Darin for his continued support and embodiment of our mission.

I would also like to thank our board of directors, section leaders, committee members, donors, sponsors and everyone in between Please know that every dollar donated, or hour given does not go unrecognized. I am grateful. A special thank you to my Husband John for a llowing me to continue to spend countless hours away from home and supporting the cause I love

Shane Dunbar Chairman of the Board of Directors

Shane Dunbar Chairman

Gerald Ashby, Jr. Vice-Chairman

Daniel Toole Treasurer

Jantz Black Secretary

Laurie Geralds Governance

Scott Felkey Community Outreach

Bill LeAnnais Programming

John Joanette Fund Development

Darin DeWeese

Artistic Director

Artistic Staff

A Michigan native, Darin grew up in historic Marshall, Michigan where he was involved with music from an early age. With an immense love for choral music, Darin followed his passion for singing to Michigan State University where he completed his Bachelor of Music Education in 2010. Following his time at MSU Darin served as the Director of Vocal Music at Tecumseh High School where he taught for seven years. During his time in Tecumseh, his choirs performed both locally and regionally, receiving numerous awards including being selected to perform at the prestigious Michigan Youth Arts Festival in 2017. Following his time in Tecumseh, Darin served as the Artistic Director of the Out Loud Chorus in Ann Arbor, Michigan from 2019-2021.

As a singer, Darin has performed at major venues in the United States and abroad including Carnegie Hall, The Detroit Opera House, the American Choral Directors Association National Convention in Miami, and has performed contracts with Celebrity Cruises. Darin currently sings on staff at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills and recently served in residence at Exeter Cathedral and the University of Exeter, England in 2019.

An Adrian based multi-instrumentalist, music director, and arranger who is thrilled to be working with PRISM. Originally from Detroit, Dave studied music at Adrian College and has a second home over the past 20 years at Croswell Opera House in Adrian while being involved with nearly 150 musical theatre productions. Dave has worked with Darin for many years dating back to serving together at Tecumseh High School for 5 years. Dave currently serves as the Director of Music for his Adrian based Lutheran Church and lives with his wife of 26 years, Brooke.

The PRISM

Dave Rains

Principal Accompanist

Generously Supported By: The Harold & Iris T. Abel Family Foundation

Dave Rains

Joe Deller

Sarah Langford

Zack Rubin

Angela Penrose

Mark Tarabusi

Lewis Middleton

Rory Powell

Andrew Neer

Tom Allport

Andrew Toering

Rocco Popielarski

Mike Morrison

Jonathan Peters

Trumpet 1

Trumpet 2

Trombone 1

Guitar

Bass

Drum Set

Synthesizer

Artistic Staff

Zoe VanSlooten Choreographer

A dancer from childhood, Zoe danced with Dance Dimensions in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she first had the opportunity to assistant teach and fell in love with sharing the art form with students. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2016 to pursue her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from the University of Michigan, during which time she began choreographing for and performing in musical theatre productions across Metro Detroit. Post graduation Zoe relocated to Royal Oak, Michigan.

When she is not dancing, Zoe works as an Account Manager for a technology company and enjoys singing, reading and practicing calligraphy.

MEN OF STEP

Generously Supported By: MC Personnel LLC

Benjamin Andre

Renzo Arnold

Patrick Ballnik

Stephen Bell

Kenneth Blair

Jared Bugbee

Micah Cooper

Jason Mapile

Jakub Monforton

Bradley Smith

Jeffrey Cash | Dance Captain

DANCING DADDIES

Jim Contos

Irby Cox

Joel Eifert

Ken Ehart

Scott Felkey

Brad Foucher

Michael Fitzpatrick

Randy Gilchrist

Graham Lockett

Joe Nadeau

Jerome Pettus

CHORUS

Tenor 1

Renzo Arnold

Patrick Ballnik

Robert Beckley

Kenneth Blair

Ben Brown

JG Bryant

Jared Bugbee*

Michael Champagne

Jim Contos

Arthur Durkee

Randy Gilchrist

Blake Gronlund

Levi Hall

Paul Jonte-Crane

Alex Joslin

Jake McClory*

Josh Mendelson

Steph Newman

Michael Oberstadt

Katya Powder

Robert Savel

Leon Wilborn

Jacob Wilkes

Ean Williams

Tenor 2

Jantz Black

Nicholas Blanzy

Evan Bushman

Ryan Cochran

Jacob Cooper

Luke DeVantier

Shane Dunbar

Joel Eifert

Jason Eklund

Brad Foucher

Jeff Foust

August Gorman

Bill Ketchum

James P Leija

Graham Lockett

Jason Mapile

Jacob Martinez

Joey Noce

Gary Olkowski

Jerome Pettus

Brendon Pollard*

Anthony Russell

Josh Simpson

Joel Sobieray*

Robert Wilson

Josh Zimmerman

Baritone

Gabe Abel

Benjamin Andre

Jonatan Ascarruz-Asencios

Gerald Ashby, Jr

Tyler Barron

Richard Breaks

John Bruning

Jeffrey Cash

Justin Cheong

Adam Cooley

Micah Cooper

Irby Cox

Aaron Denk

Darrell Dennis, II

Scott Felkey

Michael Fitzpatrick

Jonathan Gibson*

Charles B Hardwick

Jon Hoffman

Paul Kesman

J. Jacob Krause

Stephen Lyons

Brandon McIntyre

Mark Ortwine

James Proctor

Danny Reeves*

Bradley Smith

Richard Smith

Matthew Solomon

Brad Tata

Mathew Thompson

Daniel Toole

Tenor 1

Robert Beckley

Jared Bugbee

Michael Champagne

Jake McClory

Katya Powder

Leon Wilborn

Ean Williams

Scott Watson Bass

MEN OF NOTE

Tenor 2

Ben Brown

Jeff Foust

August Gorman

Bill Ketchum

James P Leija

Joel Sobieray

Baritone

Tyler Barron

Aaron Denk

Jonathan Gibson

J Jacob Krause

Matt Solomon

Brad Tata

Mathew Thompson

*Denotes Section Leader

Jim Alger-Hortelano

Brenden Bell

Stephen Bell

Adam Bernard

Lawrence Budzinski

Trey Cudlip

Anthony Edwards

Kenneth R. Ehart

John Joanette*

Paul Johnson*

Jared Korotney

Bill LeAnnais

Mark D. Messersmith

Jakub Monforton

Sylvester Nadar

Eric Nikkila

Daniel Santos

Ivan Slaughter

Allen Stock

Bass

Stephen Bell

Paul Johnson

Jared Korotney

Bill LeAnnais

Mark Messersmith

Acknowledgements & Recognitions

Special Thanks to our FY24 Donors and Sponsors:

Corporate Sponsors

Visionary Sponsors [$7,500+]

MC Personnel LLC

The Harold and Iris T. Abel Foundation

Macomb Center of the Performing Arts

Pioneer Sponsors [$5,000+]

Nelco Supply Co

Advocate Sponsors [$2,500+]

Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church

Ally Sponsors [$1,000+]

Corktown Health

If

Red [$1,250+]

Renzo Arnold

The Dunbar Family

Orange [$1,000+]

John Joanette

Yellow[$750+]

Graham Lockett

Green [$500+]

John Allen

Charles Loney

Blue [$250+]

Scott Dewey

Dana Stonerook

Individual Donors

Purple [$100+]

Andrew Bearden

Debra Brown

Carole Curkey

Josh Curie

James Contos

Barbara Davis

Brian Drumm

Scott Griffin

George Horattas

Vijay Iyer

Greg Kershner

Charles Loney

David Monforton

John Moroun

Diane Pape

Peggy Redoute

Jonathan Schwartz

Jan Silverman

Raymond Sisung

Jeannie E Shepard

Robert & Jan VerMeulen

Wanda Watzel

Sandra and Robert Zielinski

Associates Therapy

Sands Babrer Shop

ITF

Acknowledgements & Recognitions

Christopher Ankney

Chris Azzopardi

Ryan Balsan

Richard & Catherine Ballnik

Shane Bearden

Adam Bernard

Mary Beth Leija

Robert Bolyard

Steve Brengman

Timothy Bryant

Dr. Mary Clark

Jacob Cooper

Dayna Curtis

Jennifer Cruz

Eric Davignon

Carol & Dwen Doggett

Shane Dunbar

Anthony Edwards

Barbara Edmondson

Ron Elkus

Stephen Elmore

Katie Else

Michelle Fairnola

Jeff Foust

David Garcia

Jonathan Gibson

Edward Goode

Charles Hardwick

Lara Heritage

Amy Hess

Melissa Hill

Kandy Houser

Jon Hoffman

Randall Gave

Cory J Guscio

Leigh-A Karpinskas

Aric Knuth

Abby Korotney

Ally Koss

Honorable Mentions

Lorraine Kraker

Alan & Fran Krause

Jeffrey Krause & Express Employment Professionals

Jimmy Laski

Emily Lane

William LeAnnais

Elisabeth LeAnnais

Jonathan Leduc

James Leyerle

Diane Lush

Meaghan M Fahey

Allan MacArthur

Shannon Maguire

Barbara Mark

Charles Peck

Jonathan Pollock

Marvin Puwal

Andrew R Modell

John Moroun

Sydney Richards

Marianne Rinker

Alison Rivett

David Roose

Brad S Foucher

Anna Sampson

Richard Smith

Mia Sohn

Matthew Solomon

Aidan Sova

Laura Speiran

Kelly Szpara

Michael Tran

Rachel Weber

Lowell Weiss

Linda Willemsen

Brian Whipple

Kristin Williams

Dolores Zakrzewski

Joshua Zimmerman

PRISM would like to recognize the generosity and efforts of those who have spent enormous amounts of time, talent and treasure to make this performance possible. We recognize the dedication of each chorus member, specifically the months spent practicing and preparing. We thank every member of the organization that work behind the scenes with a unified focus to bring you tonight’s performance.

If we failed to acknowledge anyone we sincerely apologize and ask for you to notify us at info@PRISM-Chorus.org

Overture

Good Morning Baltimore

PRISM Hits The Road

PRISM Orchestra

Men of Step

Brad Tata Soloist

Board of Directors Welcome

Shane Dunbar, Chairman of the Board

Arr. David Maddux

Hairspray

Arr. Richard Cook

New York Medley

Barry Manilow

Arr. David Maddux

Jon Gibson | Bill LeAnnais| Ben Brown | Jim Leija Soloists

The B-52's

Roam

Chicago

Travelin’ Through

Men of Note

August Gorman & Jeff Foust Soloists

Arr. Tim Sarsany

Sufjan Stevens

Arr. David Maddux

Dolly Parton

Arr. Greg Gilpin

The Trolley Song

Dancing Daddies

Richard Breaks Soloist

Scholarship & Fundraising Presentation

Bradley Smith & Josh Zimmerman

Judy Garland

Arr. Tim Sarsany

Village People

Go West

Arr. Steve Milloy

Life is a Highway

PRISM Hits The Road

Men of Step

Matt Solomon & Michael Champagne Soloists

Walking in Memphis

Kansas City

Heads Carolina, Tails California

California Dreamin’

Men of Note

Raffles & Prizes

Gerald Ashby Jr. & Bill LeAnnais

Rascal Flatts Arr. Alan Billingsley

Viva Las Vegas

Katya Powder & Jake McClory Soloists

Marc Cohn Arr. Tim Sarsany

Rodgers & Hammerstein Arr. Tim Sarsany

Jo Dee Messina Arr. David Maddux

The Mamas & The Papas Arr. Pakk Hui

Robert Beckley Soloist

Board of Directors Acknowledgments

Jantz Black, Secretary

Men of Step

Spirit of PRISM Presentation

Joel Sobieray

Home

Jared Bugbee Soloist

Elvis Presley Arr. Tim Sarsany

Diana Ross Arr. Tim Sarsany

The George Jonte-Crane Excellence in Music Scholarship

Axel DiCarlantonio 2024 Scholarship Recipient

It is with great pleasure and admiration that we announce Axel as the distinguished recipient of this year's esteemed George Jonte-Crane Excellence in Music Scholarship.

In his remarkable essay, Axel not only showcased an exceptional grasp of PRISM's mission but also delved deep into its essence, intertwining personal anecdotes with profound insights. His words painted a vivid picture of his unwavering connection to the arts, illustrating how it permeates every aspect of his life and community.

Axel's essay resonated with authenticity and passion, weaving together a narrative of profound personal evolution ignited by the transformative power of the arts. His aspirations gleam brightly through the pages, revealing a fervent desire to not only excel in his artistic pursuits but also to utilize them as catalysts for positive change within his community.

It is clear that Axel's journey is not merely one of self-discovery but also of profound purpose, as he articulates his vision to harness the formidable force of art to uplift and inspire others.

Congratulations, Axel, on this well-deserved recognition of your talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the transformative power of art. Your future endeavors promise to be nothing short of extraordinary, and we eagerly anticipate the profound impact you will continue to make in the world through your artistry and passion. We wish you luck this fall as you begin pursuing a degree in Music Education at Oakland University.

Essay Excerpts:

"I discovered at a young age that music is a language that everyone can understand, but only few can truly speak."

“As a trans man who deeply identifies with what music can mean, I intend to use the scholarship to not only further my music education, but hope it will allow me to be an advocate for others wanting to pursue their creative talents in the future.”

George had several true passions, both professionally and in his personal life. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in piano performance at the University of Texas. He held music ministry positions at many houses of worship in both the Christian and Jewish communities. He was also actively engaged in sharing his talents with the metro-Detroit community by teaching, accompanying, and performing with local students from various community organizations.

George was also active in the LGBTQIA+ community and proudly served as bass section leader in PRISM. His love for music was accompanied by his love for helping others and assisting churches in the United Methodist faith to further their understanding and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community. George was well known in the community for working nationwide at various conferences, and for encouraging the acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in his work. This scholarship supports students who embody his legacy and PRISM’s mission.

REACH MICHIGANDERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

5M+ POST LIKES

194K+ FOLLOWER REACH

ENDLESS CONTENT OPPS

Michael A. Mitchell, Artistic Director

Save the Dates for Upcoming Detroit Concert Choir Events

Saturday, October 26 38th Seasoning Opening Concert

The Hawk in Farmington Hills

Sunday, December 22

Monday, August 19 Auditions

Home for Christmas with the DCC Macomb Center for the Performing Arts www.detroitconcertchoir.org

Your LOCAL Source for a WORLD of Supplies

CHEMICALS

• All Purpose Cleaners

• Disinfectants

• Metal Cleansers/Polishers

• Oven/Grill Cleaners

• Industrial Cleaners

• Specialty Cleaners

• Concrete Cleaners

• Wood Surface Care

• Glass Cleaners

• Laundry Products, Dish Cleaning

• Restroom Products

• Floor Cleaners/Prep Products

• Floor Strippers

• Floor Finish

• Tile & Grout Cleaners & Sealers

• Dilution Controls Chemicals & Dispensers/Portion Control

• Bleach

• Toilet Bowl & Drain Cleaners

• Carpet Care

• Environmentally Friendly Products

HAND CLEANERS & SANITIZERS

• Bulk

• Foaming Soaps – Free Dispensers

• Industrial Grade

BATH TISSUE & PAPER TOWELS

• Regular Rolls

• Jumbo Rolls

• Facial Tissue

• Multifold Towels

• C-Fold Towels

• Single Fold Towels

• Dispenser Roll Towels

• Kitchen Roll Towels

• Center Pull Towels

• Dispensers for Paper Products

LED LIGHTING LAMPS & FIXTURES

• Request a building analysis and Lighting Proposal

SANITARY MAINTENANCE

• Cleaning Carts

• Mopping Equipment

• Wet Mops & Handles

• Dust Mops, Frames & Handles

• Floor Finish Applicators

• Brooms & Handles

• Dust Pans

• Brushes

• Dusters & Cleaning Tools

• Floor Squeegees & Handles

• Window Cleaning Equipment

• Restroom Accessories

• Odor Control - Air Fresheners

• Scrapers & Shovels

• Floor/Hand Pads, Cleaning Bonnets

• Sponges

• Bottle, Triggers, Pumps, Sprayers

• Cloth Rags/Wipers

• Steel Wool

• Floor Matting

• Absorbent Products

• Signs

• Trash Cans

PACKAGING PRODUCTS

• Box Sealing Tape

• Packaging/Masking Tapes

• Tape Dispensers

• Gummed Tape & Dispensers

• Stretch Film - Machine Grade / Hand Held

• Banding/StrappingPlastic Banding / Steel Strapping

• Corrugated Boxes

• Kraft Roll Paper

• Peanuts/Loose Fill

• Paper Bags

• Butcher Paper

• Corrugated Paper Rolls

• Packing List Envelopes

WASTE SYSTEMS

• Utility Containers

• Indoor/Outdoor Containers

• Recycling Containers

SAFETY PRODUCTS

• Gloves

• Leather, Cotton, Canvas & String Knit

• Powdered/Powder FreeNitrile, Latex Rubber, Neoprene, PVC, Vinyl

PROTECTIVE APPAREL

• Coveralls, Pants, Rainwear, Chemical Resistant Suits, Aprons, Sleeves

• Head/Hair Coverings

• Beard Guards

• Shoe/Boot Covers

OTHER SAFETY PRODUCTS

• Hearing Protection

• Eye Protection

• Eye Wash Products

• First Aid Supplies

• Ice Melters

• Absorbents

• Warning Signs

KITCHEN & BREAK ROOM

• Paper Plates, Napkins

• Takeout Containers

• Cups, foam/plastic

• Cutlery

• Dishwashing Detergents

• Coffee, Sugar,Creamer, Tea, etc

FLOOR CARE EQUIPMENT

• Vacuums, Parts & Repairs

• Squeegee Vacuums & Fans / Blowers

• Scrubbers & Auto Scrubbers

• Floor Brushes & Cleaning Pads