by Sharon Gittleman
FERNDALE-
Two things have kept Mark Campau singing with the Detroit Together Men's Chorus for 23 years. "The camaraderie and the joy," he said. "It helped me through a lot of troubled times. It's just a bunch of men singing together."
The bunch of men have been singing together for 25 years. The group will celebrate it's quarter century anniversary with a concert at 7:30 p.m., on June 23, at the Berkley High School auditorium, located on 2325 Catalpa.
The performance will feature some of the most-loved songs from previous concerts, said DTMC Vice President, Treasurer and Rehearsal Assistant Jim
McLaughlin. McLaughlin signed up for the group, even though his singing may not be appreciated by many critics.
"I think I sound well at 2 a.m.," he said, laughing.
Instead, he handles behind the scenes matters, from selling tickets to running the raffles. "Associate members do all the things the singing chorus members can't do because they are on stage," he said.
He joined the chorus in September 2001. "I enjoy the group," he said. "It's a good group of guys."
DTMC is another way for members of the gay community to enjoy social opportunities and to present a positive image of LGBT people to the world at large, he said.
The organization kicked off in 1982, thought up by a handful of men who got together in a Detroit bar, said Artistic Director Brian Londrow. Today, there are 35 singers in DTMC ad 23 associate members.
"We try to provide a well rounded concert that provides something for everybody," he said.
The group's trademark combination of humor and music is important, said Londrow.
"People want to come together and have a good time," he said. "We want to provide all emotions."
DTMC has performed at chorus association conventions across the U.S. and Canada, including, Montreal, Windsor, Seattle and Tampa. In 2008, they plan to head off to Miami.
"It's a lot of fun to hear choruses from all over the world from 250 to 10," he said.
DTMC has been so popular with its fans, this year, Londrow is starting up a youth choir for singers age 15-21 and a transgender music group.
"My goal is to launch these two choruses to create a healthy outlet for our community," said Londrow.
"We're also planning to launch a women's chorus and a gospel chorus in a few years."
For Campau, learning new music with his fellow singers offers a sense of accomplishment. Does he look forward to singing with DTMC for another
23 years? "God willing," he said.
For ticket information for the upcoming concert, visit
http://www.dtmc.org, or
call (248) 544-3872. Advance tickets are available
Just4Us, Chosen Books and AJ's Cafe in Ferndale for
$15. Students or seniors will pay $12 and premium
seating is $25. Tickets are also available at the door
for $18.
Music adds joy and meaning to Londrow's life
Music has threaded its way into the life of Detroit Together Men's Chorus Artistic Director Brian Londrow since he was a child.
Londrow, 45, began playing the piano when he was 7- or 8-years-old.
"I always loved it," said Londrow, who joined DTMC 12 years ago. "I picked out tunes I knew and that motivated me. I liked the accomplishment and the feeling music gave me. It gave me a sense of belonging and discovery."
He said he always wanted to use music to affect people's lives for the better.
"I had to make a choice to do a concert career or something else," said Londrow who served as the group's principal accompanist before he took up his artistic director post. "I chose the avenue I'm in because I wanted to make a difference."
Spirituality has played a role in his love for his art.
"When I was young I was drawn to black gospel. Some of it has to do with the beat and the rhythm," he said.
"I've been the minister of music at Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit for 20 years."
DTMC plays a special role in the LGBT community. "I think it's important to have a safe and wholesome place for people to come and build confidence and camaraderie and to present what we do to the community at large," he said.
