Een Bezoek Aan Den Haag

Yes, we may be in-between seasons at the moment but that doesn't mean the Pinkies are hibernating. No, this Friday is 'You're A Vision (in Pink)' the basses' social down at the Two Brewers, followed by some singing of the more formal variety for the launch of LGBT History Month at Islington Council on the 2nd of February. And then - phew! - the summer season begins in earnest on the 21st of February.

Summer already has a number of events lined up, but one to look out for, especially if you are Dutch, is our performance in Den Haag on the 18th of April. It is at the theatre De Regentes, kindly hosted by the ever amazing Mannenkoorts (although it also sounds like the LGBT choirs in Amsterdam are also doing a bit of hosting). The venue itself is a converted swimming pool, and if that doesn't 'w(h)et' your appetite, then come along and hear us sing!

You're A Vision (In Pink)

I opened my inbox today to find a new poster waiting for me, courtesy of Anthony B and designed by the ever talented Nathalina. Yes, even if you can't make it to our winter concert, then all is not lost - you can still enjoy some Pinkie lovin' and come along to our Eurovision party. This time it's organized by the basses and will be at the Two Brewers' Pub in Clapham on Friday the 29th of January 2010. More details as I get it!

Wear Your Best Hat!

As part of the Pink Singers' year each of the sections organize a social event for the other sections. This year it is the tenors' turn to kick off, and we are organizing a virtual horse race. not sure what this means? Me too, but details will be forthcoming. In the mean time keep the 4th of December free and take a peek at the poster for the event. The big difference this year is that we are hoping to get London's other LGBTQ choirs to come along and join in the fun!

A Proper Welcome To the Newbies!

What a wonderful time I had at the Pinkies newbies welcome party last night! We are now into week 6 of the winter season, and the new Pinkies are started to get bedded in. It is hard to socialize in rehearsal because everyone is concentrating on learning the music, and if you don't go to the pub afterwards then you don't really get much of a chance to chat. That's why the newbies' party was born: it is an opportunity for the oldies to get to know the new Pinkies better. What a friendly bunch we are! Besides, with karaoke, beer and Pink Singers, you can pretty much be guaranteed a fun evening!

And loads of the newbies picked up the courage to get on stage to perform. Kudos to Ryan, Jerome, Paul and Al for picking up the microphone and really going for it. Wonder why none of the new girls got up on stage though...

Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

The title of this post is a rhetorical question, a song by Rod Stewart, and, most importantly, the name of the Pinkies' social organized by the altos. In the last couple of years the Pinkies' socials have become one of the highlights of the season, usually revolving around a lot of singing. As the choir gets bigger, it is also a great chance to get to know people in other sections as well.

The altos social was no different, but whoever came up with last night's theme deserves an award. I mean, who would have thought a village fête, replete with game stalls and home-cooked food the W.I. would be proud of, would meld so well with karaoke at the downstairs bar of the Black Cap? I had a blast!

To be honest, I nearly didn't make it. Stepping out the front door at work at about a quarter past eight I was greeted with a drenching rain, and I very nearly cycled home. Then I reminded myself how much fun the last few events have been and made the trek up to Camden. Yes, I was soaked by the time I got there, but the party was in full swing when I arrived. I got myself a beer from behind the bar, picked up some of Rachel's mum's flapjacks (so good I ended up buying three!), and a bottle of Claire A's jam. She's been slaving over the stove for the last few days, so you just know it is going to be good!

After that I decided to play a few games like pin-the-member - very much like pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, but with an alternate appendage - and a knock-the-dildo-off-the-perch. Jo C was in her special carnie outfit, and despite having launched about a dozen balls at the dildo it refused to tip over. I was convinced it was stuck down to the stool with blu-tack, until Amy proudly showed me the food hamper she had won. Hmmm. I could say something about her in depth knowledge of such toys, but that would just be rude.

The highlight of the evening, of course, was the karaoke. And it was a chance for members of the choir to strut their stuff. Everyone had a chance. Stand outs for me were Mark and Rachel's Copacabana which, with its five minute instrumental, turned into a conga line around the bar, and Nathalina's rock-chick version of The Winner Takes It All. Even Mladen got on stage! I was really glad to see some of the relative newbies take to the stage as well, with Daniel singing and Lou performing Freedom to a boogieing crowd. This Pink Insider even got on stage with the marvellous Gill P to perform My Baby Just Cares For Me. I think this is actually the first time I have ever gone up to stage to karaoke, so a big thanks to Gill for egging me on!

In the end it was a fabulous evening and I had a really great time. The money raised goes to helping the Pink Singers on their overseas trips, and we have a number coming up including one to Paris in just a few weeks for AIDS awareness, and one to Malta in the summer for their Pride. Thanks altos, and thanks to those of you who came along to support!

Sinderfella

I don't tend to write reviews of shows I've seen, but feel I have to for a panto I saw last night called Sinderfella. It is currently showing at the Above The Stag theatre in Victoria, and well worth the trip and price of admission. First of all, a big thank you to Anthony B for sorting out some kind of deal with them in which the Pinkies support them, and they support us in return. And I happen to think it is wonderful that we have these small cabaret type places which support gay-themed theatre.

Anyway, Sinderfella tells the age-old story of a lovely drag queen played by Bette Rinse who wants to go to the Prince's ball(s), but who is constantly thwarted by her ugly step sisters. Along the way there are a footman, a fiary godmother and a rather random camp Russian to deal with. It is very rude/ lewd, so avoid it if you are prudish. And be prepared for audience participation as along the way there is a lot of singing and dancing in your seat.

I went with a couple of friends who, shall we say, were all the merrier for a few hours in the pub previously. The cast handled their enthusiasm with consummate professionalism, and I have to say that our boistrous row (which also included Michael Da and Daniele) actually helped lift the performance. How often can you find five people who know all the lyrics to It's Raining Men, Dancing Queen, Hero (the Mariah Carey version) and Be Our Guest, and who are willing to sing it at maximum volume?

All in all not a panto for the faint-hearted, but oh so much fun if you are willing to get into the spirit of things. A must at this time of the year!

The Super-anos

Well, I was working late on Tuesday, but instead of my usual commute home followed by crashing out on the sofa, I decided to test my brain cell a little by going to the Pinkies quiz night at the Black Cap. It was expertly organized by the sopranos, and MCed expertly by Emelda, who mixed her dry wit with some of the fairly ludicrous questions to great acclaim.

Of course I arrived late, but by the time I got there it was already fairly busy. I was roped into Mel's team with Sally Ann, Liang, Philip R and a bunch of Mel's friends. They were actaully rather good, and despite my tardiness I think I acquitted my self nicely with my encyclopaedic knowledge of Star Wars, Star Trek and Nintendo video games. Er... perhaps I shouldn't be too proud of that! In the end my team actually won, oh novelty! Of course Gill P's team of just three people were neck and neck with us all the way, and probably should have won if it weren't for the fact that my team was nearly three times their numbers!

It was also great to see most of the Pink Singers out on a school night. I am presuming that most people either have a relaxed dress policy at work, or they had a chance to go home to get changed, because there were quite a number of people dressed in nothing but T-shirts and shorts in the hot weather. I love the summer, people look so much sexier and our choir is blessed with quite a few photogenic members. I'll name names if pressed!

The quiz itself was followed by the mandatory karaoke session. I love singing, and I love karaoke, but when it comes to performing on a stage in front of people I just chicken out. Thankfully there were people like the amazing Keri who took up the challenge. I already know Keri has an amazing voice - at least year's choir weekend away she dazzled us all with her range and repertoire - but it didn't stop me being impressed hearing her sing Bjork's It's So Quiet. Liang ang a song just before I left, but the sweetest moment of the night must have been when the Pink Singers got up behind Gwen, a more mature regular at the karaoke night, to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Fun was had by all - I can't wait until the altos' event!

Stretch Your Brain And Vocal Cords Tonight

Just a quick note to say that if you are free this evening, the sopranos are organizing a quiz at the Black Cap from 7pm onwards. Come on down, bring your friends, and meet the Pinkies in their natural setting (the pub!) This is naturally followed by the glories of karaoke - hope to see you there!

Details here.

An Alternative Pink Christmas Party

The Pink Singers don't ordinarily have a formal Christmas Party, but this year, thanks to Mike's involvement with the Royal Vauxhall tavern, we are thinking of heading down there for food, a bit of a drink and a boogie. The night actually sounds really cool - there is some good music, live acts and at the end of the evening, a chance to jam together. Bring your own instruments!

The details:

Diversion
8pm Friday 14th December 2007
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern
372 Kenington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY
£6 to Pink Singers

See you there!

Band Of Bears Debut

Ritchie's "amply formed choir", Band of Bears, is performing at the BearHug Christmas event this Sunday. Should be a good show, Ritchie, one of the resting basses, has a really warm voice. I don't fit into the bear demographic, but have to say that of all the gay communities, I think they are the most fun. I'm sure a posse will get together after rehearsal on Sunday to troop down there.

The deets:

Doors open 5pm, 'on stage' at around 8pm.
Hot Festive food will be provided.
Door Entry for non-members is £3.
Bromptons, 294 Old Brompton Road, Earls Court.
Earls Court Tube (exhibition exit).

Blowout Band Night!

The wait was worth it! I was really looking forward to the Blowout Band Night, cunningly organized by the altos and tenors as a social-slash-fundraiser, not only because it was one of those events where all the Pinkies get together for an evening of singing and drinking (and since we have just a fortnight to go before the concert, heaven knows we need it!), but also because this was a great chance to see four very different bands in action.

It kicked off with Nelson Romeu and the charismatic Jackie belting out several rock numbers. You could not have wished for a more energetic start! Then it was time for a switch of pace and sound with the acoustic Thankyou Driver and Cilla's magical guitar. Everyone knows I am a fan of Paleday, so I am not going to gush too much - but when they came on we took to the dance floor. This was also the debut performance of Eurotramp and If I Lived On The Moon. The night ended with the cabaret stylings of Something Fishy. Eliza Mars and Lara Montage - we love you!

Nelson Romeu


Thankyou Driver


Paleday


Something Fishy


All the bands are linked in the Pinkie Friends listings on the right, so check them out. More pics are available in My Pink Bits too!

Man, I'm Knackered!

Whew! Just got back from the basses' event South Side Story which was a treasure hunt along the South Bank. Thankfully, despite rather inclement weather in the last week, the sun decided to make a welcome appearance, and it was actually quite warm. We had a very civilized start at 11.30 a.m., met in the gardens of Southwark Cathedral and set off with a bang.

I will say that our first clue was relatively easy, but after we had spent the first hour getting to clue five (of thirteen) the busy week leading up to this event took its toll. So when a very friendly tea shop beckoned Simon, Ben, Liang, Julia and I took the chance to have a leisurely lunch. Thereafter Julia and Ben had other things to do, so our numbers were decimated, and with a full tummy and the warm sunshine, my brain had started to shut down!

The clues were progressively cryptic and while there were some lovely paths which I had not taken before, we had to drop several of the answers. Unfortunately, I didn't get to chat with Pinkies on other teams either apart from Emelda and Hester in the crypt at St. Paul's, and Andrew F on the phone. By the time we reached Oxo tower, all I wanted to do was go home have a cup of tea and a biscuit. Three hours in, we did ran into a couple of the teams outside St. Thomas' hospital, and I'm afraid my resolve just cracked and I threw in the towel. What a wuss!

Did get back for a well-deserved pint of Samuel Smith wheat beer at my local, the Yorkie Grey. A great big thanks to the basses though, for arranging an energetic afternoon out. I'm pooped!

Willy Willy Gweat Tweasure Hunt!

Well, if you aren't aware the the bass social is on Saturday, and we are meeting at 11.30am in front of Southwark Cathedral on the side facing Borough Market, which planet have you been on? In my absence one of the other Pink Insiders has posted several reminders.

After the success of last year's Big Pink Hunt it looks like the basses have decided to take the quest south of the river. Where it ends is anyone's guess. I'm a little too tired for double entendres, although several are immediately suggesting themselves!

See you there.

Summer Concert 2007: Tickets On Sale!

My first post since coming back on line is a shameless plug for three Pink Singers events. You have already heard about entering a posse for the base event, but check out the official deets and poster on the next event page of the website.

Betcha didn't know about the Blow Out Bands Night though. Tickets just a fiver for some of the Pinkies best friends in performance. Saturday 2nd June, and you get to boogie with Nelson Romeu, Paleday, Something Fishy and Thankyou Driver. I will be there!

Finally, and this is the biggest news of all, tickets to the Pinkies summer concert are on sale now! If you buy your ticket via Paypal you could even win a bottle (terms and conditions apply of course...)