CLEVELAND, Ohio—It may look like a typical garage sale, but it certainly doesn’t sound like one.
- Windsong, Cleveland's Feminist Chorus gives women a voice through music. They sing songs by, for, and about women
- The chorus has over 40 members, ranging in age from 18 to 81.
- Windsong will be holding their 40th anniversary concert the weekend of November 15
Windsong, Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus, gathered on Saturday to sing and bring in the sales at their annual “Treasure Fest” — an event held to raise money for the non-profit, which is a group of women who make beautiful music, while promoting feminism and social justice.
“Together, women particularly, can change the world, and that’s what we believe in and we love singing together and hearing the harmony,” said Ellen Catlin, founding member of Windsong.
The group formed as the Cleveland Women’s Chorus in the 1970’s, and was later transformed into Windsong, Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus.
“Feminism is about equality for all and when there are people who aren’t equal, it’s okay to call it out and be extra supportive,” said Kelly Camlin, Windsong co-president.
The chorus now has over 40 members, ranging in age from 18 to 81.
Windsong Co-President Kelly Camlin joined in 2008 and says they have seen a surge in membership as women’s rights and issues surrounding equality have taken center stage.
“We are having more and more members who join us and immediately they are like, oh my gosh, I have found a home, a singing home and a place to be.” Camlin says.
Windsong members say the chorus gives women a voice through music. They sing songs by, for, and about women.
“I think we were always about women but now, we are about changing the world and singing our truth through the music that we sing together,” said CJ Smith, Windsong member.
Treasure Fest organizer Pam Bitner says she’s not a singer, but somehow she found her voice when she joined Windsong 3 years ago.
“I’m not a singer but I have more fun, and I tell you, anybody can join the choir and really feel welcomed, really feel encouraged to find their voice and to sing and I just, I love the community… it’s a community of women who support each other and are there for each other.” Bitner said.
“The word feminist is just not about women, because when women are raised, the whole world is raised,” said Catlin.
Windsong will be holding their 40th anniversary concert the weekend of November 15. Find more information at their website.