To mark their 20th anniversary, the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus scheduled three concerts, the last of which is Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo. No preview of the song list has been provided, though one song will certainly be performed. According to Artistic Director Dr. Robert Strauss, the chorus has sung "How Can I Keep from Singing" at every concert and rehearsal since their formation.
The group's first rehearsal was scheduled for September 11, 2001, the day of a terrorist attack on the United States which saw airplanes fly into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. That first gathering, Strauss said, was obviously filled with emotion and confusion, but before departing for the night, the chorus sang "How Can I Keep from Singing" as a symbol of resolve and commitment. Twenty years later, the song holds special meaning for all involved.
